Daily Logs 4-15-14

I. Leslie escorts Zef to Engineering so nobody eats him. Terrifying him is her exclusive right.
II. Another Cardassian boards the ship—Roca. Webb trusts her about as far as he can throw her, and sends out a shipwide announcement about her return
III. Rorin learns it’s better not to glomp Webb
IV. Molly mysteriously discontinues her session with T’Pah
V. Molly assesses Gyles’ threat levels…
VI. Kyle tries to make friends with Webb



I.
Leslie: *stalking majestically down the hallway, side by side with Lion, acting like she owns the place (which she does) and keeping an eye out for any invaders*
Zef: *hurries through a Jefferies Tube together with his guinea pig, Zef crawling behind the small animal until they reach a hatch where they're supposed to leave their tunnel...* *both stop, Zef opens the hatch carefully, so guinea pig can stick out his head suspiciously, not yet sure what they should best do next*
Leslie: *sees the hatch open ahead in the hallway and goes into Stealth Mode, crouching and walking more slowly as she approaches*
Zef: *the guinea pig sniffs and listens, but doesn't spot any danger (there are huge animals almost everywhere on Legacy and as long as they're not out to get them, it's all good and maybe it didn't notice Leslie and Lion just yet); anyway, Zef picks up his guinea pig and climbs out of the hatch and closes it afterwards, turning his back to the hallway for the moment*
Leslie: *speeds up to Zef while he's not paying attention, acting, for all intents and purposes, like she's going to pounce at him, Lion walking along normally behind her because he is Above Such Things*
Zef: *after closing the hatch Zef wants to walk on to continue their way, turns his back on Leslie... but when the guinea pig starts getting edgy he halts and glances around once more...?!*
Leslie: *fuck it* *freezes a moment and then gets as close to Zef as she thinks she can before he'll definitely notice and then lets out a loud noise that could pass as a roar*
Zef: *startles terribly and freezes instantly, staring in her direction, as well as guinea pig O_O;*
Leslie: *griiiins and looks immensely pleased with herself* Hi.
Zef: *still in shock he does what's the best thing to do: tries to crawl back inside the Jefferies Tube, but of course the hatch is closed now (since /he/ closed it...), so he bumps awkwardly against it before he can even start to fumble it open*
Leslie: *what* *relaxes her stance so she's standing normally and therefore obviously less of a threat* Whoa, hey, Zefram. You okay?
Zef: *can't fumble the hatch open, is too nervous and didn't /seriously/ try it by using his brain, just instinct driven, so he comes to the conclusion that no, he can't open the hatch, no way it's closed forever* Y-y-yeaah, of course?! *turns, back against the wall* Oh. Leslie! *surprised*
Leslie: Hi. Did that scare you more than it should have?
Zef: I-I'm a bit... nervous lately. Edgy. *nodnodnod* So... yeah, I guess. *frowns* But... well, erm, you roared at me? *because that's kinda odd, while moving alongside walls behind a guinea pig isn't, but almost everyone's acting strange lately so...*
Leslie: *nods* Yeah, that was me. Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you that much. *apologetic*
Zef: *breathes deeply, calming down, it's all good, everything's fine* It's okay. I erm... I'm calm now. *almost* But y'know today there was this guy in Engineering and I'm sure he tried to eat me... *I'm not so sure, though XD*
Leslie: Oh. Well, I won't eat you. I'm not hungry right now.
Zef: *looks down at the guinea pig for a second or two, mumbles* Oh, erm... I don't know? *looks up* Are you joking or should we better be on our way if you get hungry? *slightly skeptical, but the slight smile is honest and he doesn't yet continue to worry*
Leslie: Mostly joking. I like my meat cooked.
Zef: *nods slowly* All right. Well... I don't really think you'd eat me, because then I can't come to sickbay anymore when you're bored. *brief slight grin, almost at ease (for Zef)*
Leslie: Oh, /true/. I wouldn't want to lose my favorite patient! What would I do without you to injure yourself? *Lion decides standing here is pointless, so sits instead and Leslie leans against his head*
Zef: *eyes Lion suspiciously when he sits down, but relaxes when it's nothing dangerous* Hey, I didn't injure myself for weeks. Three. Erm, okay about two. *frowns* Would... you walk us to Engineering or do you have to go elsewhere? *so they can talk on the way and since the hatch won't open anyway...*
Leslie: I could do that, sure. First time I've ever had to escort somebody. *grin*
Zef: *slight grin* Cool. Well, not that I get an escort every day, but I guess... *mumbles, because his is a public hallway but it's not for everyone* I feel safer now.
Leslie: It's because I'm so big and frightening. *only half-joking* *kinda thinks she /is/ big and scary*
Zef: *another slight grin, nods* Yeah, true. You can chase them all off. *half-joking, but also half-convinced that Lion-Leslie /is/ more of a threat; feels smaller than he is*
Leslie: I'll roar at them. That seemed to work pretty well with you. *Lion gets up and starts stalking down the hall and she follows, headed towards Engineering*
Zef: *follows them, walking alongside the wall* Yeah, probably. Though some might roar back...
Leslie: There's not many larger than Fluffy. I think we'll manage.
Zef: Yeah. *slight smile, nods, convinced because he trust her anyway* Well, how have you been doing lately? With everyone acting weird...
Leslie: I've been doing /great/. Terminator Two keeps the annoying people away, my confidence is up, and I have a giant cat that follows me around! What could be better? *glances at him* What about you?
Zef: Weeeell, I've been thinking, spent a lot of time in my quarters. Also the world seems... bigger? *glances around* But I like the animal I got. *slight shrug* I mean it's small and weak... but it's quite fast and I think seeing /how/ small it is and how big everyone else, well, it's not as anxious as it seems. But it startles easily. *brief amused grin* So do I.
Leslie: Really? *innocently* I hadn't noticed.
Zef: Ohhh, good. I thought was too obvious. *of course he knows it was*
Leslie: Your secret's safe with me.
Zef: Thanks. Otherwise I'd become easy prey... *glances around, just in case! Meanwhile the guinea pig is at ease, huddled against Zef* … unless I find another hatch.
Leslie: ...You've been hiding in those, haven't you?
Zef: Working. I've been working. *pause* And... walking around. I can't just use the middle of the hallway. *such insanity!*
Leslie: Oh, of course not. Because you don't have a scary escort like me!
Zef: I'm still not using the middle of the hallway... Do you think I should try? *eyes her*
Leslie: Not if you're uncomfortable doing it, no. That's the dumbest thing you could do.
Zef: *nodnodnod* … yeaaah, probably not. Well, but sometimes I have to. Or cross a room. *frowns* Mhh, maybe I've become kinda weird, too...
Leslie: Maybe just a bit. *nods* Did something happen to make you more timid?
Zef: I don't know. *shrugs* Well, I... have a lot on my mind. Erm, things which bother me but, y'know I can't just change them or... *quiet while someone passes by too close for his taste* … or I don't really know that to make of them.
Leslie: Is it stuff like earlier, or is it just small things?
Zef: *headshake* Stuff like earlier. You... know most of it already, I think. *quiet sigh* But at least we're not cut off or in some other serious danger. That's probably /something/.
Leslie: *nods* Yeah, that helps. Have you...*looks like she's going to say something else and then stops, going quiet instead*
Zef: … *glances at her* Have I? *patiently*
Leslie: *shakes her head* Never mind.
Zef: Erm... okay... *mumbles* You sure?
Leslie: *nods* It was a toss-up between two questions and I don't want to ask either of them. *she /should/ but psh like that ever sways her actions*
Zef: Oh... okay. *nods slowly* But I'm sure I wouldn't mind either of them, if that matters.
Leslie: *frowns* Is it bad or is it just there? *compromise*
Zef: *pause, thinking* ... it? The... stuff?
Leslie: *nods* Yeah.
Zef: Mhhh... *breathes deeply, pondering* It's bad. But... but well, this sounds probably really really stupid, but being with him here... is kinda good. *meaning his spirit guinea pig*  Y'know, it's just an animal... but ah, I don't know. *awkward* I'll live. I want to.
Leslie: I think I know what you mean. And that's good. *pause* You'll um. *looks at him* You'll tell me if something changes, right?
Zef: *looks at her* Mhmm, yeah okay. *honest answer* I hope it doesn't... it's scary.
Leslie: *agrees* It really is. *satisfied with his answer turns her gaze back to the hallway in front of them*
Zef: *very slight smile, mumbles* Thanks. For caring. *looks straight on, walking alongside the wall*
Leslie: Zefram, what kind of friend would I be if I didn't?
Zef: Well, felt still right to say it.
Leslie: I know. *They show up at Engineering?*
Zef: *yes, they do* All right, thanks for the escort. I'll see you, okay?
Leslie: *nods* Okay. Take care, Zef. Talk to you later. *stands there and waits for him to go in because what kind of escort is she if she just /leaves/?*
Zef: *nods, waves and moves along the wall towards his console, trying to work without getting startled or eaten*
Leslie: *heads off once he's inside, probably to hunt other people and scare the bejeezus out of /them/ >.>*



II.
Around 1500 hours this day, Roca’s shuttle docked in the shuttle bay. She was greeted by two security guards who escorted her to her quarters to drop off her belongings and, while the shuttle returns to Cardassian space, is further escorted to a conference room to meet with Captain Webb. Now the escort and Roca are standing in front of it, one of them chiming.
Webb: *seated at the head of the table in the meeting room, orders the door open when it chimes and thanks the two Security officers, letting them leave which would leave him and Roca alone for their meeting*
Roca: *steps in* Captain Webb. I must say, I am a bit confused. Did you expect me to get lost on my way here? *or what /else/ was the escort for*
Webb: *leaning back in his chair, looks fairly relaxed* Of course I couldn't assume that you committed my ship's layout to memory. Consider it a courtesy. Please, sit.
Roca: *snorts and sits down* I assure you that I have. I’ve been on your ship often enough to find my way around.
Webb: Forgive me for not assuming and instead providing you a polite welcome aboard.
Roca: *looks at him, shifting weight a bit uncomfortably in an attempt to relax* You are forgiven. Now, why am I here?
Webb: We have some rules to go over. But first, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Roca: Will I be free to go wherever I want in my quarters, or will I rely on your polite escort to find the way to my bathroom door?
Webb: You of course will be free to roam about the non-restricted areas of the ship, but as you know and are accustomed to, there will be constant surveillance of your actions. Your quarters, however, are free of any such surveillance. Here in the Federation we /do/ believe in privacy.
Roca: *tilts head* How kind of you. *and utterly unbelievable* Which areas of the ship are restricted. *humourless, small grin* Or non-restricted, if that’s a smaller list.
Webb: You will find that list on a PADD in your quarters. If you are found in any of the highly restricted areas you will be asked to leave. If it happens again, there will be following action. *pauses* You must understand that in the eyes of most of my crew, you are an enemy soldier. It will take some time and convincing for them to think otherwise. I'm sure you can be patient enough to work with the situation.
Roca: *slight shrug* I won’t have much of a choice. And I am sure I can count on your  unrestricted support. *leans forward a bit* Or can’t I?
Webb: I'll be honest with you, Glinn Roca. *says the word "glinn" like it has a bad taste* I don't trust you. Yes, I greatly appreciate your rescue of my officers. But, I don't know you. I don't know your intention. I don't like this /entire/ situation. But, I am willing to approach it with an open mind and the thought that you will, over time, earn my trust and my respect. You must understand that I, along with most of my crew, have had primarily bad experiences with your people in the past. I in fact hope that your presence can begin to shift those perceptions. But it will take time. In that time, you will have my support initially as a Captain with an ambassador who he does in fact not trust, not yet. *making calm eye contact throughout this whole speech* I trust you will not take that as a personal insult, and instead as the challenge that lies before you.
Roca: *keeps the eye-contact firmly, but with no intention to challenge him* *sits back somewhere half through his speech* I understand. *briefly looks away, then makes eye-contact again* I hope you understand that this feeling /is/ mutual, to some extent. I have been asked to surrender my weapon, and as you see *shows her empty hands for a second* that I have done. Now I am on the mercy of your undoubtedly fine officers that see nothing but an enemy soldier in me. How am I supposed to react to that?
Webb: I can promise you that no one on this ship will harm you unless you pose a threat to them first. You have my word. If you experience any hostility you cannot overcome yourself, or danger to your person, report it immediately and all those involved will be punished. Your safety here in regards to my officers is guaranteed.
Roca: That is reassuring. *but we will see how true it is* *has probably already made out whatever object in the ready room she could use as a weapon… just in case* Is there anything else?
Webb: I trust you understand the outlines of authority in regards to your position here?
Roca: *nods* I am supposed to obey your orders as the Captain.
Webb: I can also promise you that I will not abuse that authority in your case. As for the rest of the crew, they hold no authority over you unless you are found in restricted areas, or viewed as a threat, or if we are in an emergency situation. You are essentially a civilian aboard my ship.
Roca: *curls her lips, although just a slight bit, over the word ‘civilian’* Understood.
Webb: If you consider yourself mistreated or authority misused in any situation, you can bring it to me. If you are not comfortable speaking to me on the matter, I would like you to choose another officer as a confidant.
Roca: I would not know of anyone more fitting, Captain.
Webb: In the future if you find someone you wish to fill that position, feel free to let me know. Now. The matter of Commander Vekal. *waits to see how Roca responds at the name*
Roca: *snorts briefly* What’s the matter with Commander Vekal?
Webb: I am aware your relationship with her is not the most amiable.
Roca: Ah, yes. I will be honest with you, too, Captain. I don’t like her very much. But I was not sent here to assassinate her, and if /anything/ happened to her, we both know who’d be the first suspect. Now, if I risked my assignment for an act of personal vendetta, that would make me not better than her.  
Webb: I would not presume that you would. *pauses* Tell me, what /is/ your assignment, exactly? The only information I have from /my/ superiors is that you are here to act as an ambassador. Surely your superiors had specific instructions for you as well.
Roca: My superiors want peace with the Federation. I don’t know why they thought /I/ was the one bringing it to you. Probably because I saved these officers of yours while /you/ decided to blow us all away. But for all I know, I /am/ here to act as an ambassador of peace between our nations.
Webb: *accepts the jab without a flicker of response* Then I expect your attitude towards my officers to be one of peace and acceptance. /All/ my officers, including Commander Vekal. I want no conflict between you two, is that clear?
Roca: I want no conflict with her, either. *that’s even partially true, after all Vekal has done to Jecett* In fact, I would be more than happy if she left me alone.
Webb: Knowing her, however, she will persistently seek contact with you. If you'd like, I can enact a no-communication policy between you two. *she'll hate me for it but w/e*
Roca: *lopsided sneer* That sounds tempting. But. *sighs* What would it say about me as an ambassador if I didn’t give all of your officers the same chance? Maybe I will come back to it.
Webb: A wise choice. The option remains if you wish to take me up on it in the future. I do, of course, expect you to treat her with the same respect and deference you would for any other of my officers.
Roca: Of course. *sounding a bit peeved*
Webb: Excellent. Now, I know as a soldier in your own military you are accustomed to being involved in emergency situations. But as a civilian aboard my vessel, understand your place during emergency situations will be only to stay out of the way and obey any orders given you. This may change in the future, but I have no guarantee of that.
Roca: It will change. *smug grin* I have the experience, after all. *isn’t too sure about ever earning enough trust, though, so it is more a reminder*
Webb: *oh great this one does smug grins too now I have /two/ of them* That remains under my judgement, I believe. It will do you good to remember that fact.
Roca: I know that I can be of /help/ if we’re in danger. And I do not like the idea to be confined to my quarters while your fight decides over the fate of us all. But it will be as you command, of course.
Webb: I'm fully aware that you consider yourself capable of help, but until trust is earned, you will not be involved in dangerous situations. You may not like the idea of being confined to quarters, but that's where an ambassador goes during emergencies, and that is what you are.
Roca: Yes, sir. *a bit confused, because she knows what an order is. Was she too defiant?*
Webb: *looks satisfied with that answer* Good. You're dismissed, unless you have any other questions. *touches his PADD and sends off the message he had already written as an announcement to the crew of Roca's presence, her limitations, her role, and her intentions*
Loris: *great. Another one*
Roca: No other question. Good day, sir. *gets up and approaches the door, surprised to find the security escort is really gone*
Webb: *watches her go, and then after a few minutes picks up his PADD and goes back to the Ready Room* *and yes, the Security escort really is gone, they're not even lurking anywhere*
Roca: *returns to her quarters to read the messages, settle down and unpack, and when she’s done, sits down in a chair and leans back* *calls up the Standard alphabet on her PADD and has the computer reading it aloud*



III.
Webb: *on his way to the Bridge after meeting with Roca, unsuspecting, his panther slinking along at his side*
Rorin: *the poor souls working on the bridge have to face Rorin's overly friendly betazoid inner self this week: either they shove him away or they get greeted cheerfully, quite often even hugged (sorry, guys)* *is done with today's bridge shift, enters the turbo lift and is headed to the opposite direction, basically approaching Webb; S'arren walking by his side*
Webb: *moves to the side of the hallway when he sees someone oncoming to make room for them to pass, rather lost in his own thoughts*
Rorin: *leaves the turbolift, spots Webb soon after and starts smiling, hurrying towards him* Ahh, Captain! I haven't seen you all day! *jumps at him in an attempt to glomp him, because omg he hasn't seen the pack leader /all day long/!* *S'arren barks excitedly*
Webb: *unprepared for a glomp and staggers when it hits with a small "oof" sound, reaching out to push away whatever hit him* *meanwhile the panther, in response to the attack, leaps forward and takes an open-clawed swipe at S'arren with a yowl*
Rorin: *tries to hold on to Webb and wrap his arms around him, not even thinking about ending the hug just yet, it's just the beginning ^^*
S'arren: *didn't expect the attack – why would he? They're merely greeting the leader of the pack and-- Anyway, S'arren doesn't back off fast enough, all he can do is turn his head and the panther's claws hit him at the side of his face and neck... which makes him yelp, as well as Rorin and they both stumble backwards in pain and shock*
Webb: *moves backwards when Rorin lets go of him, having about been ready to inflict some damage as well* *takes a glance at the wounds and comms Medical immediately to let them know there's been an injury and to expect Rorin shortly* *addresses Rorin sharply* Do you require a medical beamout?
Rorin: *recovers from his shock while Webb comms medical: touches his hurting face and neck carefully, also worried about S'arren and utterly confused about the situation! Kneels down next to his whining sheepdog and pets his back soothingly* No-- *looks up* Did I do anything wrong, Sir? *a rare question, because it confesses failure /and/ cluelessness all in one*
Webb: *recovering his cool* Then I suggest you make your way to medical. *the panther has slunk around behind him and is watching steadily*
Rorin: *gets up slowly, staggers a bit, but stays on his feet, one hand pressed on the neck wound* Will do. Don't you like hugs? *soooo confused and rejected* Did I cross borders?
Webb: *coldly* I do not like hugs. Kindly don't touch me again, let along hurl your entire body at me without warning. Do you require an escort to make it to Sickbay?
Rorin: *shakes his head carefully, because he /is/ a bit dizzy and this hurts, but he can manage; the obvious rejection of all his cozy kindness is worse ._.* I understand. I don't need an escort, thanks, I'll manage. *sadly* *S'arren makes low whiny dog noises*
Webb: *low sigh* Though as the party responsible I suppose I am required to accompany you. Let's go. *turns towards Sickbay and glances back to see if he's being followed*
Rorin: *follows! Perhaps the Pack Leader doesn't hate him, all the cold feelings!* Ohhh, but please don't feel bad. I must apologize for my stormy hug. It wasn't appropriate.
Webb: You're damn right it wasn't appropriate. And for that matter, it's not appropriate for anyone on this ship. *though wouldn't he give good money to see Rorin glomp Vekal* Restrain yourself.
Rorin: *disappointed* Very well. It's a quite old issue. *pained apologetic smile* But some people like my hugs, though. *while S'arren is slogging along*
Webb: Then try asking before you leap. You most likely will avoid further injury that way. *still coldly*
Rorin: *grimaces, both in pain and discomfort* It's an emotional act. But yes, of course. *one hand pressed on the neck wound, touches his face carefully with the other*
Webb: I apologize for the injury. You startled me. *walking slowly enough so that Rorin can keep up with no problem, and keeping an eye on him*
Rorin: *aw, so thoughtful!* I didn't want that. See, if S'arren reflects my inside, apparently I'm still more fluffy than I thought. *pained awkward smile* Can you imagine that people said they want to strangle me during my first assignment?
Webb: You can contemplate on the complexities of what it means after you're healed. *they arrive in Sickbay just a few steps later, and Webb steps back to let Cindy hurry Rorin to a biobed for a scan* Rorin: Oh, I think some found me annoyingly outgoing. *^^”* *sits on the biobed, this time too injured to think of glomping the New Person, so Cindy is lucky (or not, if she likes hugs) and Rorin lets her work* *S'arren lies down next to the biodbed*
Cindy: *works quickly to heal up both Rorin and S'arren, only taking a few minutes before proclaiming them free to go*
Webb: *waits near the exit of Sickbay*
Rorin: *holds still and takes a look in a mirror before he's ready to leave sickbay – the injury was /in his face/ after all* *heads for the exit, S'arren following him*
Webb: *falls into step behind Rorin, feeling like he should apologize again*
Rorin: *walks on, slow pace, small smile, a bit more cheerful again* Is there anything else, Sir? Would you really like to hear the awkward stories of Starbase One?
Webb: I would not, but I did want to make sure there are no hard feelings over this incident. *since I eternally forget Rorin is a telepath, Webb's feelings have gone from surprise, to anger, to remorse, and now to calm*
Rorin: Aw... very well, no stories. And no hard feelings, no. I was too stormy.
Webb: *has no clue what stormy is, and isn't going to ask* Excellent. And I'm sure there's someone on the Bridge who would love your stories. *picks a victim* T'Pah, perhaps? Or Commander Vekal?
Rorin: Heh, perhaps. Though I wouldn't likely tell my stories on the bridge anyway.
Webb: Your restraint is admirable. *dryly* Good day. *heads the opposite way down the hallway to go take a shower because he was glomped by a man*
Rorin: *by a pansexual man, Webb~* *smiles* Have a good day, Sir! *pets S'arren and continues his way*
Lise: *finds through her spidey senses that Rorin ended up in sickbay and goes to charge and glomp him and roll around on the floor with him in some kind of loving tussle*
Rorin: *all the hugs ^^*



IV.
T’Pah: *waits for Molly in front of the holodeck, dressed in her usual wide, light coloured Vulcan ceremonial clothes*
Molly: *shows up, but isn't dressed in her usual clothing that she wears for their meetings* *stops in front of T'pah and nods in greeting* Hey.
T’Pah: *looks her over, nods as a greeting, but comes straight to the point* Is something wrong?
Molly: Thank you for all the time you've spent with me doing this, but I'd like to discontinue our meetings.
T’Pah: *blinks in confusion, then lifts an eyebrow* If that is your wish… However, may I ask what lead you to this decision?
Molly: I don't feel that I need them anymore, and I don't want to take up any more of your time.
T’Pah: I see. *not entirely convinced, has rather expected her to say it’s not very helpful, but it’s still Molly’s decision*
Molly: But I did want to thank you for everything you've done for me, and all the time you've invested. It's helped a lot.
T’Pah: *nods slowly* I am pleased to hear that. Since Vulcan meditation is a technique meant for Vulcans primarily, and even for us it takes years to learn, I was always content with how far we have come.
Molly: Well, it's mostly just the parts about breathing and remembering to breathe, but yeah. Thanks. For everything. *shifts on her feet* If I ever want to resume, would that be possible?
T’Pah: *nods* Of course.
Molly: *looks a little relieved* Okay. Great. *pauses* How have you been? *never really asked her how she was after the whole Vulcan Rage Smaaaaaaash! incident*
T’Pah: *is probably, if possible, even a bit stiffer than usual* *still carries the stickbug on her shoulder, somehow halfways disguised with and under her wide clothes* I am in good health. Apparently aside from the recent brain altering effects medical has found in one of our crewmembers. Since I find it important to keep track of any anomalies within my brain functions, I had myself checked this morning. Sickbay assured me, however, that my mesiofrontal cortex *the Vulcan emotion-control brain area* was not affected.
Molly: *infodump o_o;* Um, okay. That's... good? *thinks back over the information* Yes. That's good. I understand if you don't want to talk about it, I just wanted to ask how you were. And apologize.
T’Pah: *blinks* If I did not want to talk about what, specifically? *scratches her head, a gesture she usually doesn’t do often*
Molly: *observes the head-scratching with some puzzlement* Oh, sorry. I was referring to the final mission... in Terrence's head? *carefully* *during this whole conversation, the bunny has been asleep tucked into the bigger pocket of Molly's hoodie*
T’Pah: *takes her arm down stiffly and focuses on Molly* I understand. I assume that the effect the snake-bites had on me affected my mental balance in a way which resembled the loss of control over my emotions and actions.
Molly: Do you have any sort of... *doesn't know how to phrase this* ..because of me...? *has in fact, deliberately tied her hair into a low bun and tucked every curl away securely for this conversation*
T’Pah: *blinks, then realises, and her eyes widen a bit* Because the viral queen in Terrence’s head appeared as you?  
Molly: *nods twice, posture stiffening a bit and one hand disappearing into her pocket to feel the warm fuzzy of the sleeping rabbit*
T’Pah: *shakes her head one time* It did not appear to me in this conversation, therefore the logical answer to your question seems to be “No”. I additionally do not believe that I will come across difficulties to differentiate between you and a mental image in Terrence’s head.
Molly: Okay. I just wanted to make sure. Thanks.
T’Pah: Is that why your hair is tied back for our appointment? *with slight curiosity*
Molly: *flushes slightly* Ah...yes. I wasn't sure if it would bother you.
T’Pah: Would you mind putting it down. For a test.
Molly: *flash of alarm in her expression* What? Are you sure?
T’Pah: *lifts an eyebrow, finding that flash of alarm surprisingly distinct* If you would rather not, you are free to keep it the way it is, of course.
Molly: No I- I just don't want to trigger anything.
T’Pah: I am fairly positive that won’t be the case. *short pause* Otherwise I would not have suggested it.
Molly: *hesitates, but reaches up to undo her bun, letting the curls spring free around her face*
T’Pah: *looks at Molly’s hair in concentration for a few seconds, then focuses back on her* I do not experience any considerable changes in my mental state. Consequentially I find it save to conclude that I am not triggered by the sight of your hair.
Molly: *momentarily struck that this is a really silly situation* That's.. good. Yes. Just wanted to make sure, so thank you.
T’Pah: *nods* I thank you for your trust. *is aware that it is a strange situation. But many situations including sentient beings are, in her opinion*
Molly: *tucks her hair behind her ears* Anyway, I'm going to get going, but thanks again for all the time you've given me for these sessions. I'll see you around.
T’Pah: If you ever want to resume them, please don’t hesitate to let me know. *with one hand behind her back while the other one is slightly gesturing*
Molly: I will. *watching her gestures with some curiosity, but doesn't ask* Bye. *turns and heads down the hallway*
T’Pah: *nods* Good bye, have a nice evening. *turns around and leaves in the other direction, one arm still behind her back and seemingly folded, while the other one is at her side*



V.
Gyles: *In a corridor working on an open panel, slightly jittery?* *suddenly drops an isolinear flow regulator*
Molly: *put the bunny down to let it hop in front of her as the two of them move down the hallway, both of them jump when they take a corner and Gyles drops something*
Gyles: *noticing the sudden moment of surprise* S-so sorry Sir, I got-I got- *voice trails* Distracted....
Molly: *picks up the bunny who is preparing a mad charge against this new enemy and stuffs it in her pocket gently* I don't think we've met.
Gyles: *Getting up* N-no, I don't think we have. *The raven seems to be eyeing the pocket that contains the rabbit*
Molly: *gives the raven the evil eye and places a protective hand over the pocket with the bunny* I'm Lieutenant Commander McAdams. You're... Gyles? *knew there was a new crewmember aboard but hadn't taken time to hunt him down yet with all that's going on*
Gyles: *nodnod* *Glances around* N-nice day so far hmm?
Molly: You seem nervous, is everything okay? *doesn't approach him any further, leaving about five feet between them*
Gyles: *shakes head as if dismissing a thought* I'm so sorry, I do that. *That's what you get when you read your own psych report!* I just haven't been the same since Medical made their discovery.
Molly: You mean about the animals? *keeping an eye on the raven*
Gyles: *nod* I can only think of what would happen after a while. *internal shudder* It doesn't help that I'm starting to use my own mental defense mechanisms less.
Molly: I'm sure Sciences and Medical will figure out a way to sever the link before too long. And what do you mean, your own mental defense mechanisms?
Gyles: *waves hand nervously* I managed to get my hands on my psych report that Starfleet compiled. Apparently I built up a series of mental defense mechanisms from my childhood or something.
Molly: *why are you telling me this we just met are you one of those people that dumps all your problems on anyone and everyone please don't be one of those people* *manages a smile* Well, there's no one here that will take advantage of you losing them for a short amount of time, don't worry.
Gyles: *nods* Thanks, sorry to suddenly burden you with this
Molly: Are you going to be okay? Maybe you should go back to your quarters to get some rest. It doesn't look like you should be working.
Gyles: *What! No! Must complete job!* I should be fine, I'm not normally like this. *Raven gives a squawk of agreement and ruffles his feathers*
Molly: *sighs and inwardly facepalms* Even if you're not normally like this, you're like this /now/, which is why you shouldn't be working and resting instead. Engineering is a delicate job, there's a lot that can go wrong if you're not concentrating properly.
Gyles: *oops, messed up in front of a superior* *takes moment to calm down* I /think/... I will be fine...
Molly: I don't think that's good enough. I think you should finish your shift early.
Gyles: *takes a moment to consider and the Gyles-side wins* No, you're probably right, I think I'll finish here and then turn in.
Molly: You won't mind if I stay while you finish, do you? *doesn't really trust this guy, not with what she's seen so far*
Gyles: *shakes head* No, not at all.
Molly: Your bird isn't going to hurt my rabbit, right? *still holding her hand over the pocket*
Gyles: *To raven* You're not going to hurt the rabbit right, Quint? *the raven tilts it's head and a flinch temporarily flashes across Gyles' face* *Turnd to Molly* No, he wont.
Molly: *saw the flinch* What was that? Your face? Did something hurt?
Gyles: Oh, it's nothing, mental pressure, happens every time and Medical says that it should be harmless as long as it's not prolonged.
Molly: Well, make sure to get it checked out if it keeps happening.
Gyles: *nodding and picking up the dropped tool* I'll be sure to *makes a few tweaks on the panel*
Molly: *leans against the wall to watch him quietly, assessing him for threat level like she does with all males*
Gyles: *makes a few more adjustments and then takes a few readings with the tricorder. The haunted look never quite left his eyes* Okay... I think that just about does it. *Puts panel back in place and stands up*
Molly: You look upset about something. *not sure she wants to get into this, but figures she should at least say something*
Gyles: Just the thought of my mind no longer being, well, /mine/.
Molly: *wryly* Better get used it if you're on this ship.
Gyles: *nods* I guess so. You're right.
Molly: Don't sweat it. Everything will turn out okay. If you need anything we've got plenty of counselors on board, and any of your superior officers will give help as well.
Gyles: *It's good to know there are people ready to help* Thank you Sir, n-now I think I had better leave you to your duties. It was good to meet you. *picks up tool kit and starts walking down the corridor waving goodbye the best he can*
Molly: Bye. *threat level unknown, Gyles is placed on "further watch" list*



VI.
Webb:  *being moody in the lounge with coffee, panther curled up at his side*
Kyle:  *Saunters in the lounge, bobbing his head ever so slightly with his Macaw resting on his shoulder* *Spots Webb and tilts his head to the side quickly and back* Evenin' Captain!
Webb:  *=__= please no* *icily* Doyle. *the tone says "come over and risk your death*
Kyle:  *OH he sounds just like Jackson!* Mind if I join ya, sir?
Webb:  Yes, I do, actually.
Kyle:  Okay, well have a nice evenin' then. *Heads to the replicators and grabs a drink with a bowl of assorted nuts (for him and the bird) and then makes his way to a separate table because he respects the Captain's need for personal space*
Webb:  *must... build... rapport... among.. crew...* *sips his coffee for a few more minutes to gird himself and then speaks again* Interesting bird you have there.
Kyle: *Turns his head, the rest of his body following* *Grins tilting his head towards the bird* He /is/ an interestin' bird. *Sort of sways*
Macaw:  Thank you, thank you. *Bobs it's own head twice as it says it's thank you's*
Webb:  *raises his eyebrow at the bird* Ah. It talks. Now there are two of you.
Kyle:  Ya don't sound too pleased, Captain. *The Macaw gives a short bird like cackle*
Webb:  You're a very talkative person, Doyle.
Kyle:  Only to those who want to talk. *Lol except for Jackson, Jackson's opinion doesn't matter to kyle*
Webb:  Not from what I've seen, but if you insist.
Macaw:  * squawks and flaps it's wings a bit* That's what he /likes/ to think.
Webb:  Tell me, how much /does/ it talk?
Kyle:  Less than you're Panther, I gander! *grins and takes a nut and bites it with his front teeth*
Webb:  You're right, since he doesn't say anything at all. *pause* To anyone else, anyway.
Kyle:  Doesn't sound like the sociable type!
Macaw:  Or looks like it! *Said more to Kyle*
Webb:  Well, he takes after me, you know.
Panther: *raises its head and shows the macaw its teeth*
Kyle:  Well you're talking to me now, so tha' counts for somethin'.
Macaw:  *Climbs to the top of Kyle head and spreads out it's wings with it's beak open*
Webb:  I'm building rapport amongst the crew.Somehow I've garnered the reputation as an unfriendly individual. *gives the panther a sharp look, who growls and puts its head back down to nap*
Kyle:  Why because you don't like talkin'? *Sorta walks a tad closer to Webb's table, putting a nut in his teeth before properly eating it with his mouth closed*
Webb:  Because I don't like people. *dryly*
Kyle:  Well there's you're problem! You can still dislike people, just don't show it! *Because clearly that is so easy*
Webb:  Try it, and get back to me.
Macaw:  How can he when he feels the opposite about people? *Tilts it's head, like extremely tilts it's head in that freaky crazy way you see birds do*
Webb:  Oh, I'm sure there's someone you dislike, eh Doyle?
Kyle:  *Throws a nut into the air for the Macaw to catch* Clearly you haven't seen me at a rugby match back in Ireland! *grins*
Webb:  What an utterly inane statement. Of course I haven't.
Macaw:  *Squawks to Kyle* Reword it for the Captain! Reword it for the Captain!
Webb:  *waits, slightly amused yet annoyed*
Kyle:  I hate plenty of people when I'm watching a large Rugby match!
Macaw:  Stupid players from the other team! Or from our team! Or the fans of the other team!
Webb:  Yes, that much was obvious. Unfortunately that is not helpful to your current advice.
Kyle:  Tha's because it's different at a rugby match! Everyone's already yellin' and screamin'. I was just sayin' try not to look like you hate people, make you're face a bit more pleasant if you want the crew to not think you're unfriendly!
Webb:  *unamused* I'm not in the business of making my face more pleasant. I'm in the business of running a ship.
Webb:  *also excuse u my face is very pleasant the ladies love it*
Webb:  *except the obvious lesbians*
Kyle:  Well then I don't think ya are gonna make people think you are friendlier with tha' attitude.
Webb:  If it interferes with my work, then that's how it must be.
Kyle:  Well it's a good thin' tha' some people will still talk to you even if ya *air quotes* "don't look friendly".
Webb:  You're a saint.
Macaw:  *Squawks* Hardly! *cackles and hops off of Kyle's head and flies around the lounge, hovering here and there until it finally lands on a table*
Webb:  *ducks if it gets near his head* Good to hear your parrot speaks some truth.
Kyle:  I think he shows my deep truthful side. *grins and then breaks into a cackle oddly similar to that his bird just gave*
Webb:  Hey bird, come here. Tell me all your secrets.
Kyle:  Do you really want him talkin' to ya about /all/ his secrets?
Webb:  I adore other people's secrets. *blackmail aw yiss*
Kyle:  You won't be gettin' any quiet time For a solid 10 hours...
Macaw:  Because secrets involve stories, which involve minor details, and supplemental information hardly relevant to the stories. *Opens it's beak as if it's is making a 8D face*
Webb:  Maybe /you/ can't leave the bird, but I in fact, can.
Kyle:  So it honestly is a hopeless cause for you to get ANY of my secrets from this bird.
Macaw:  Best security!
Webb:  Oh I'm sure it can share /one/ without taking up too much of my time. Go on, bird.
Macaw:  *Flies near Webb* BACK IN THE DAY.... Kyle's great-great-great-great- grandfather lived a hard and laborious life in Ireland, farming potatoes. *The bird is BS'ing he has no idea about Kyle's EXTREME geneology*
Webb:  *stands* Well, this is somehow far more useless than I could have ever anticipated. *heads for the recycler*
Kyle:  *Grins and holds out his arns to the sides in a gesture of "I told ya so"*
Macaw:  *mimics Kyle*
Webb:  See where my optimism gets me? *dumps the coffee and heads for the door, the panther stares at the bird and licks its chops*
Macaw:  *Lol getting away from that* *flies back to Kyle's head* Well you technically just spoke to a bird, not me. So you had optimism in animals.
Macaw:  *Lol getting away from that* *flies back to Kyle's head*
Kyle:  Well you technically just spoke to a bird, not me. So you had optimism in animals.
Webb:  Ah, but I was taking your advice on being more friendly. Seems your advice was both useless /and/ unwarranted. *gestures to the panther and they both leave*
Kyle:  Bein' friendly doesn't always have to have a benefit for the other person, Captain! *Sorta says as he leaves* *And he goes to his own table and shares the nuts with the bird*