Daily Logs 9-18-14

I. Host!Jalen serenades Gyles, much to the latter's dismay
II. Roca and Host!Vekal complain about how their counterparts betrayed Cardassia
III. Leslie talks to Zef about her breakup



I.
Gyles: *Sneaking down the corridor, looking out for any Host!Crew. Sneaks into a doorway to the Port Lounge*
[As the door opens, several air cannons go off, shooting rose pedals at Gyles and filling the room with them]
Host!Jalen: *standing in the middle of the room, outstretches his hand* Welcome!
Host!Jalen: *pulls a rose from a conveniently placed pocket in his jacket* I was about to have dinner... would you like to join me? *half-opened eyes, complete with eyedrops because why the hell not*
Gyles: *por que???* Mr. Hol, what is this?
Host!Jalen: This... this is our night. *slowly walks towards Gyles with his hand still out* Come. I've made dinner for too.
Gyles: *backing away slowly like :I* Mr. Hol, what are you doing??? Did you rig holoemitters in this room?
Host!Jalen: *drops the whole "dreamy" thing and adopts a confused/concerned look* ...You're from the other place, aren't you?
Gyles: Yes. May I ask what this was about?
Host!Jalen: *oh, they'll probably be gone soon enough anyway* Then... *resumes previous expression* Let me show you the way of my people. *speaks standard /much/ better than Prime!Jalen*
Gyles: Eh... Excuse me, but may I ask why you're doing this? *backs up even more, to the point in which he's against the wall* *>:I*
Host!Jalen: I do it to /all/ my... clients.
Gyles: I'm sorry... *slides off to the side* But your /what/ now? Please tell me that they don't have you doing that in your universe...
Host!Jalen: But... they /do/. *not walking forward anymore, to avoid getting a harassment suit filed against him*
Gyles: They... eh... *disbelievingly* I swear, it's like you people are begging me to hate you.
Host!Jalen: But... I'd love to reverse that hate, if you'd just let me. *gay or a good actor? It's not really clear...*
Gyles: Ookay... Did your symbiont get a bump on the head or something? Look, don't get me wrong, I'm sure you're fine with what you're doing... *does that even make sense?* But the thing is, this version I'm seeing here, your universe, your Starfleet, It's just so... repulsive to me. Do you understand?
Host!Jalen: *a bit taken aback by that, and visibly so* I... *he's actually starting to anger me now...* *loss for words*
Gyles: Oh my gods, look, our universes were never meant to meet, I think they should have stayed that way... And I can kind of see that you agree. *he thinks*
Host!Jalen: *shakes his head* I enjoy this... this universe crossing. *wipes the fake tears out of his eyes so Gyles doesn't think he's crying* I just don't enjoy /you/. ...Your attitude. You're entirely too close-minded about this. *small smile*
Gyles: I sense I have offended, I apologize.
Host!Jalen: *wow, thanks* *nods* I do too. That being said... I'd /hate/ to waste all this food. *just to mess with him* Won't you join me?
Gyles: um...Fine... But don't put any more moves on me... *really has no idea what to do here*
Host!Jalen: I would... not even /dream/ of doing that to you. *gets down on his knees and offers the rose to him. As if by command, the cannons fire another volley of rose petals and the room's sound system plays some violin music*
Gyles: *ignoring the rose petals* Are you sure? *The signs are all around you man...*
Host!Jalen: Of course I'm not. Think about it, we were /meant/ for each other. Come, let's have dinner. *violin music continues~* *the pedals stay floating. They seem to be holographic*
Gyles: *flatly* I disagree. I think if we were then we wouldn't be from different universes. * You're doing it again*
Host!Jalen: But that's exactly it. *dramatically looks down with his eyes closed* Forbidden love... *presses a hidden button, and sad music starts playing* Our relationship can never exist, no matter how hard we try... we're bound to be separated... life is just cruel that way. *humorless snort* It's funny, don't you think?
Gyles: *:I* No. I do not.
Host!Jalen: *chuckles* You're a tough one, aren't you? *shakes his head* You shouldn't listen to them. Listen to your /heart/! I can hear it right /now/! *music swells* It's talking, pleading, /screaming/! And it says... you love me. *sweet music*
Gyles: Can you /not/??? I distinctly remember you saying that you wouldn't put any more moves like that!
Host!Jalen: *wow, he hasn't left yet* That was before... before I felt my love for you. *MUSIC SWELLS*
Gyles: Oh!
Gyles: My god!
Host!Jalen: jumps up* You feel it too! *looks overjoyed, holding the rose out to him. The music is (still) swelling, and the cannons fire off another volley of rose petals* I knew you would feel it sooner or later.
Gyles: No! Just no!
Host!Jalen: *closes his eyes, adopts a somewhat sad expression* *tragic music* You... you poor man. Growing up around all those... /others/. They'd tell you that this is taboo. But... that's exactly why we're meant for each other. You know that.
Gyles: *confuzzled* Wha...? What taboo?
Host!Jalen: *walks a bit closer* I mean... /us/. *swelling, sweet music*
Gyles: It's not a taboo, I just don't like /you/, your /starfleet/ and your whole /universe/! *backs up straight out of the room* Good day Sir!
Host!Jalen: *music changes back to tragic* I'll... never forget you... my love...*rose petals shrivel up and darken*



II.
Roca: *enters the Lina Sophia’s mess hall, which is right now showing all signs of belonging to the more comfortable Host!Lina Sophia, wearing a long dark blue Cardassian dress and complicated civilian hairdo* *has spent the last few days rather keeping to herself (as far as possible, with about twice as many people on board as usual), but is now attempting to have dinner in public, because why not?*
Host Vekal: *has considered reverting to pants after the Incident With The Other Webb, but decided against it and breezes into the mess hall in a long, dark/dull purple dress and her usual simple hair, but Roca's appearance is unmistakeable so she heads over with a friendly smile* |What a lovely dress. May I join you, Glinn Roca?|
Roca: *has just made out a table and put her dishes down, but didn’t sit down yet* *stares at Vekal, or rather, unmistakably Host Vekal, obviously hesitant for a moment* If you must. *sits down*
Host Vekal: *switches to Standard immediately, though her voice retains enough of an accent to be noticed* Thank you. I see you've already replicated a meal, but is there anything I can get for you as long as I'm going to the replicator anyway?
Roca: *taking food and drinks from you? Well, not if I can help it* No, thank you. *watches her closely and blinks slowly, somewhat taut, which only makes her calmer and more perceptive for details, not quite sure whether to give in to the urge to just chat normally or be repellent*
Host Vekal: I'll only be a minute then. *inclines her head respectfully but just slightly, appropriate to someone of her age acknowledging someone of Roca's age, and heads off to replicate herself something yummy*
Roca: *has one minute to consider her next steps and eases up, deciding not to jib at Host Vekal’s company, but doesn’t wait for her to return to start eating, either, even though her manners tell her to and it really feels strange to be that rude*
Host Vekal: *returns with sem'hal stew and a glass of (repli)kanar on a tray* *gives Roca an amused look and settles down* Don't you have manners in your universe, Glinn Roca?
Roca: *grins humourlessly* We do. *continues eating* Otherwise this would have been more difficult.
Host Vekal: What, being rude? I suppose it does make sense that it would be harder to be rude without strict guidelines on what rudeness is. *takes a spoonful of stew, but then pauses with it partway to her mouth, tilting her head* Of course, I don't want your food to get cold on my account, but really, have I done something to offend you?
Roca: *blinks slowly and only just keeps herself from giving her a /look/* Try betraying Cardassia as a reason.
Host Vekal: *just... sits there for a minute, frozen* /What/? *does not compute*
Roca: *finds that interesting* Well. Did you not defect the Cardassian military to join Starfleet? *it /is/ an odd decision to trade the military for a host job, but… Is she missing something?*
Host Vekal: *sets her spoon down* No. No, some members of the Detapa Council thought it would be good politics to send someone to join Starfleet and play the host. My father volunteered me.
Roca: *is now the one who does not compute for a few seconds* Oh. *is that even true?* *and does it matter even if she falls for it? It’s not /her/ Cardassia, anyway* I didn’t know. *small smile, posture, even if it changes only slightly, becomes obviously more inviting*
Host Vekal: *scoffs quietly* Apparently. *holds the offended expression for a second, and then breaks down and grins* Shall we start again?
Roca: *sits it out, then nods* If you can forgive me. *good-natured smile, would survive it if she didn’t. Most likely*
Host Vekal: Of course. *smiles* My name is Vekal. It's nice to meet you.
Roca: *low, amused snort* It’s nice to meet you, too. I haven’t met another Cardassian in months.
Host Vekal: You poor thing. *genuinely sympathetic, but slightly sarcastic because surely Roca chose to be here, right?*
Roca: *hey!* It is hard, at times. *but shrugs* Before we found out we got merged I tried to call my old ship. It /was/ a surprise to have myself at the other end.
Host Vekal: More for her than for you, I imagine. The poor woman.
Roca: /She/ isn’t the one stuck on a Federation vessel.
Host Vekal: Stuck? *pause* You were assigned here? *And then you have the audacity to assume that /I/ betrayed Cardassia by being here? But there's no way that question can lead to a charming and pleasant conversation, so she doesn't ask it.*
Roca: *well what do you think made your counter-part end up here?* Yes. After a combined mission between my ship and Starfleet. Which, I suppose, did not happen in your Universe due to the different nature of Starfleet.
Host Vekal: *shakes her head* If it did, I'm sure it didn't happen the same way. I've heard rumours.
Roca: *tilts head* So? *go on*
Host Vekal: *smiles* So nothing. Apparently your mission was quite violent, and we've never been on a violent mission.
Roca: I thought so. And without Starfleet’s interference it apparently ended better for me, too. *jokingly, but with a tad sourness*
Host Vekal: *chuckles* Here is where my host training would have me tear up a little bit and look at you in heartfelt sympathy like this -- *tilts her head and looks at Roca as if she were both the most troubled and interesting person in the universe and Host Vekal would like nothing better than to spend time with her and cheer her up* -- *smiles* -- but I don't think you'd fall for it. *with a more genuinely sympathetic expression* I /am/ sorry that you have to live here.
Roca: *looks a little repelled by Host Vekal’s first expression, but not in an actually insulted way, more like she doesn’t really get how anyone could like to be looked at like that by someone they just met* Yes, that is a little bit over the top. But, ah. I think your host training is customised to humans and other Federation species.
Host Vekal: *chuckles* Oh yes. And most people we meet understand that it's our job to be, as you say, "over the top". We're expected to be expressive and effusive.
Roca: But not unbelievably so, I would think.
Host Vekal: Mm! As I said, it's expected. There's a degree of suspension of disbelief involved in what we do. I suppose the extent of that suspension depends on the individual.
Roca: Of course. *humourless smile* And I had an advantage, or disadvantage, however you prefer to put it: You warned me of the illusion.
Host Vekal: Well. *grins* I /hope/ that someone who rises to the rank of Glinn in the Cardassian military isn't /that/ gullible.
Roca: I appreciate the faith you put in me, but, ah, I thought we were talking about willing suspension of disbelief.
Host Vekal: Oh yes, but even that has limits.
Roca: Let’s call it a disadvantage, then?
Host Vekal: *exceedingly formal* As you wish, Glinn Roca.
Roca: Well, telling me didn’t make it easier to believe, did it? *^^*
Host Vekal: Clearly, a grave tactical error on my part. *still has a "formal" posture but a grin is creeping onto her face and into her voice*
Roca: *shakes her head with a slight grin, considering to take off her UT* I didn’t say that. I don’t think you ever wanted me to buy it.
Host Vekal: *clicks her tongue* But I've undermined my believability as a host! *gives Roca "the look" again* Your faith in us must be shattered!
Roca: *chuckles* I take back everything I said: /Now/ you’re over the top.
Host Vekal: *chuckles, too* I suppose I am.
Roca: *reaches for her pocket to put out the UT, then puts her hands back at the table* |Your dress is lovely as well.|
Host Vekal: *yay!* |Thank you. My sister recommended the pattern to me.|
Roca: |Your sister has good taste.|  
Host Vekal: |Don't remind me. She likes to brag.|
Roca: *chuckles again* |Then don’t tell her I said that.|
Host Vekal: |Believe me, I don't plan to. You should hear her on my calls home, though. "You're wearing /that/? That's last season's fashion! You need to upgrade your wardrobe, immediately!"|
Roca: *amused snort* |I’m sure your alien guests are terribly insulted by Cardassian’s last season’s  fashion.| *has no idea how fashionable her own dress is… or worse, if she’d want Vekal’s sister to let her know*
Host Vekal: *scoffs* |As if they'd know the difference. As if /I'd/ know the difference! But I prefer not to be lectured, so I update my wardrobe every few months.|
Roca: |And still she finds things to complain about, doesn’t she?| *siblings. And fashionistas* *grins* |Perhaps I should be grateful to have only brothers.|
Host Vekal: |Mmm.| *mock-annoyed* |My brothers think it's funny to mock me about letting my sister choose my clothing.| *pause* |Well, it /is/ funny, I will admit that.|
Roca: *shrugs* |Brothers like to mock you, that’s how it is. But I can mock them back: I’m a Glinn.| *^^*
Host Vekal: *tilts her head, smiling* |What do your brothers do, then?|
Roca: |They are civilians. The oldest is working at some ministry, another one tries to live from writing…| *and is in his second marriage which wasn’t going well the last time I checked, another one is unemployed and the second oldest goes from one job to the next. Yeah, I don’t want to go there…*
Host Vekal: *nods* |My older brothers work at a ministry as well.| *and the younger one is an alcoholic and probably going to get thrown out of the military...* |They like to brag.|
Roca: *mine don’t have much to brag about* |Yet none of them is on a political mission for Cardassia.|
Host Vekal: *laughs* |Oh I /hope/ not! That would be a disaster.|
Roca: *grins* |I have met two of your counterpart’s older brothers. They both had genuinely interesting personalities.|
Host Vekal: |That they do! My brothers certainly know how to make an impression if it suits them, though I don't know if I'd call it a /good/ one. What are yours like?| *eats stew, to allow Roca to answer and to keep her food from going cold*
Roca: |Hm.| *picks at her food while talking* |I haven’t met them in a very long time. I am considerably younger and grew up with them leaving home one after another. But I remember them both taking great care of me and not knowing what to do with me when they were still around.| *small smirk, now eats what she picked up with her fork earlier*
Host Vekal: |Why, did you bully them?| *the sibling-teasing kind of bullying, not the mean-spirited kind*
Roca: *laughs* |Most likely. Children are the meanest kind of people, don’t you think? They are the most outspoken, after all. And least articulated, especially in the nasty first few years after birth.|
Host Vekal: |I suppose it depends. My family put a lot of emphasis on what you would call "proper bearing" when I was a child. We were all expected to behave properly, and most of the time we did...| *sly grin* |When Mother was watching, anyway.|
Roca: *grins back* |I was going to say…|
Host Vekal: |Well, there is being a proper daughter, and there is being an automaton.|
Roca: |There is also being an infant when your brothers are teenagers.|
Host Vekal: |Was that your situation? Your poor brothers.|
Roca: *nods* |Mhm. They had a rough time.|
Host Vekal: |I can imagine. Babies are so /delicate/.|
Roca: |They managed not to drop me, so I’d say they did very well.|
Host Vekal: *chuckles* |It's such a valid concern, though. Really! My brothers didn't have any idea how to hold my younger sister as a baby; they were afraid of crushing her or, yes, dropping her.|
Roca: *mock-concerned* |I sincerely hope they did not.|
Host Vekal: *nods her agreement, grinning* |They did threaten to, if our parents tried to leave the baby with them for too long. I was never sure if it was because they were teenagers or because they were boys. Most likely it was both.|
Roca: *grins* |My guess is it was because they were afraid of too much responsibility.|
Host Vekal: |I wouldn't use the word /afraid/ where they can hear, but you're probably right.|
Roca: *chuckle* |I will keep that in mind. I wouldn’t want to cross righteous brothers.|
Host Vekal: |To be honest, Glinn Roca, since you're a soldier I'd be more worried about my brothers hurting themselves to prove their so-called bravery.|
Roca: *snorts a laugh* |I will keep /that/ in mind, too. /Especially/ as a soldier I’m responsible for the safety of my fellow Cardassian citizens.|
Host Vekal: *grins* |Your conscientiousness is a credit to your profession.|
Roca: *grins back* |You’re flattering me. But, ah, I hope the military on your side doesn’t give you any reason to complain about their conscientiousness altogether.|
Host Vekal: |Oh no. Obviously without having known yours, I can't compare the two, but I can't imagine our military being much more thorough in what they do.|
Roca: |I’m pleased to hear that.| *whatever it means* |I imagine our two Universes may not be that different after all.|
Host Vekal: |Besides the nature of Starfleet, you mean?|
Roca: *nods* |Besides the nature, or perhaps only the approach, of Starfleet.|
Host Vekal: *smiles* |Well, that would be a nice idea.|
Roca: |Isn’t it the idea to preserve peace both organizations strive for?|
Host Vekal: |That's what I understand it from Starfleet's mission statement.|
Roca: *chuckles* |Only from the mission statement?|  
Host Vekal: |Where else? I haven't discussed Starfleet's ideals with anyone from your universe except for you.|
Roca: |Not even with your counterpart?| *surprised*
Host Vekal: |No. Should I have?|
Roca: |Well.| *humourless smile* |Why wouldn’t you?|
Host Vekal: |Ah. As a good host, I shouldn't answer that question.|
Roca: *snorts in amusement and takes a sip* |Maybe not. But, ah, I won’t tell her.|
Host Vekal: *smiles* |It's not only that. If I gossip about her, how do /you/ know I won't gossip about you?|
Roca: *spreads the fingers of her left hand* |Ah. It is simple, I don’t /care/ if you gossip about me.|
Host Vekal: *smiles* |Still! Let's just say it makes me a little bit uncomfortable to be around someone who looks so much like me while being so different.|
Roca: *nods* |Hm. I fully understand. It was very strange to talk to myself, and that only at the end of a comm link.|
Host Vekal: |Believe me, it's even stranger in person.|
Roca: *smiles* |I do. And I wonder how much I already differ from the woman I’ve talked to.| *assuming they were the same person to begin with, but for the sake of the thought she just does*
Host Vekal: |How different can you be? You weren't with Starfleet for long, right?| *otherwise she'd speak the language*
Roca: *snorts* |For too long for my taste. A lot of strange things happen to these people, and I’m not sure it affects me in the right way.|
Host Vekal: |What makes you say that?| *because it's better to ask outright than spend the next twenty minutes dancing around*
Roca: *puts her fingertips together over the table and thereby forms a pyramid with her palms* |Mainly two incidents. One had us forget who and where we were for the duration of two weeks. I was unaware, until then, that I /was/ able to form /any/ form of allegiance with these people. Now the other one is a bit more delicate, and also troubling: I was told that they encountered an alternate future timeline in which I decided to fight for their cause instead of seeing my mission’s end with the fall of Starfleet.| *presses her fingertips a slight bit closer together* |Of course, now that I know of it, I can make sure that it won’t happen. But I wonder what made me think it was a good idea in the first place.| *hopefully orders from Cardassia…*
Host Vekal: |You didn't have the opportunity to ask?|
Roca: *shakes her head* |Nobody I rely on provided a sufficient answer, and alas I wasn’t there to ask myself in person.|
Host Vekal: |Strange. I can see why it would trouble you, too.|
Roca: *nods* |I can see myself not telling anyone but me, too, but the uncertainty still remains.|
Host Vekal: |Again, all I can say is that I can understand.| *How do you think I feel?* |But I think it must have been the better option.|
Roca: |My future counterpart certainly thought so. She gave her life for said option.|
Host Vekal: *grimaces* |That certainly shows... dedication.| *To Starfleet.*
Roca: *defeated sigh* |I know.| *or poor judgment* |…Or poor judgment.| *folds her hands*
Host Vekal: |It could also have been under orders. You and I would both go where we're told, even at the cost of our lives... right?|
Roca: *nods sincerely* |I do hope it was something like that. At the rate that crew runs into weird phenomena, it is pretty likely that the other me was mentally altered or not very much like me to begin with.| *but I don’t /know/ that for sure* *also surveys Host Vekal briefly for the mention of “you and I”* |You know your counterpart’s story, then?|
Host Vekal: |Besides what you've said about betrayal? No. But even if I did, I don't gossip, remember? Of course you do.|
Roca: |Maybe you /should/ ask for her reasoning. After all, you get the chance.|
Host Vekal: |Why should I?|
Roca: |In case you have to explain yourself. Or just want to know for sure what makes you different.|
Host Vekal: *nods* |I might.| *Or not.* |Have you asked?|
Roca: |Yes.| *not Vekal, though, but she didn’t ask for that detail*
Host Vekal: *smiles* |Of course you have. A soldier needs to stay informed.|
Roca: *smiles humourlessly* |What would you have replied if my answer was “No”?|
Host Vekal: *smiles more humorously* |That you should, although it sounds remarkably self-serving for me to say so.|
Roca: *rubs her still folded hands*|And why is that?|
Host Vekal: *dismissive handwave* |A play on words, Glinn Roca. It serves my /other/ self. You'll have to forgive me; I'm not sure how pronouns like that work when alternate dimensions are concerned.|
Roca: |Ah. You think I’d sympathise with her reasoning if I only understood it?|
Host Vekal: |Without knowing what it is, I can't say, but /I'm/ enjoying your company so I imagine she would too.|
Roca: *oh?* *looks at her a little surprised* |She doesn’t have your diplomatic skills, so /I/ couldn’t say.| *but if it’s true, her strategy of avoiding Vekal works out and doesn’t /only/ lead to Roca feeling more isolated*
Host Vekal: *smiles* |You flatter me.|
Roca: |Deservedly.| *^^* *resumes eating*
Host Vekal: *tilts her head, then smiles happily and eats some more too, and then the conversation drifts into other channels until both Cardies are full and part ways amicably*



III.
Leslie: *finds Zef via the Creeper Computer and chimes at his door*
Zef: *in his quarters, the door is locked as usual and he's lying on the couch... as usual, kinda, and lost in thoughts as quite often lately* *sits up* Come i--! … Computer, unlock the door. *gets up while the computer does its job* Okay, come in. *and be someone I like or get lost okay? o_o*
Leslie: *opens the door and steps in* Okay, I'm in. Are we relocking the door and which side of the door should I be on?
Zef: *slight relieved smile* You can stay. It's just locked because, I don't know, minimizes the risk for awkward situations. *wearing uniform pants and shirt, but no jacket or shoes*
Leslie: Like in case someone thinks it's their quarters, or free quarters at least? *wearing civvies (hastily changed after work)* *heads over to a place of sitting, and claims it as her own*
Zef: *there's a couch and a chair at the desk, heads back for the couch and sits down* Uff. Well, like in case the First Officer comes in and you think it's someone else and you say “shit” because you're surprised or y'know, like when I'm curled up in a corner or something like that. I'd have to get rid of witnesses...
Leslie: *couch, definitely couch* By killing them?
Zef: I guess? Maybe I'd have to go that far. *nodnod*
Leslie: I never realized you could be that violent.
Zef: Would be a first time. I never did that to a humanoid before.
Leslie: *shrugs* There's a first time for everything.
Zef: Yeah, right. Some day it might happen, but I'm trying to stall it, so I lock the door.
Leslie: How very courteous of you.
Zef: Yeah, it /seems/ rude but I'm truly caring.
Leslie: *nods* Yes, I can see that now.
Zef: Cool. *nodnod* Erm. Want to drink anything? I kinda want to, so I guess I'll have to go to the replicator. *the tragedy*
Leslie: Sure, I wouldn't mind something. Want me to get it?
Zef: You'd do that for me? I mean, I can manage, buut...
Leslie: Sure, I can do that for you. You've done it for me in the past. *stands* What do you want?
Zef: Ermmm... *sudden decisions!* Orange juice. No, wait. Erm. No, okay, orange juice.
Leslie: *goes to the replicator and starts dialing in for her drink* Orange juice? Is it orange juice? Or no, wait. Orange juice. Yeah?
Zef: *coughs* Well, who'd have thought that deciding for a drink includes making a decision... I changed my mind. Orange juice, okay? That'd be good. *nodnod* There, I can make quick decisions.
Leslie: So. Orange juice rather than orange juice. Got it. *nods, picks up her drink and then dials in for his*
Zef: Yeah, that. *slight brief grin, settles back on the couch*
Leslie: *grins and gets his drink and then comes back, handing it to him before sitting down with her own (hot chocolate with whiskey)* There. Orange juice.
Zef: Thanks. *takes his juice* Glad you made it back safely.
Leslie: Yes, it was a perilous journey fraught with hardships. *sips her drink* You didn't get hurt today.
Zef: No, not today, but it's gonna happen soon. The whole ship keeps changing and it doesn't stop when I'm on shift, so it has to go wrong at some point. *pretty sure o_o* Did you miss me in Sickbay?
Leslie: So much.
Zef: So much, you even came here.
Leslie: *nods* Yes, as you can see, I needed your company.
Zef: It's all yours. And I don't even share quarters with anyone. *because I was lucky for once, eat this, Bad Luck, eat this!*
Leslie: Very nice. I don't have to fight anyone.
Zef: No, I guess not. No blood shall be spilled today. *sips juice*
Leslie: And that's a good day, I guess. A bloodless day.
Zef: Well, a bloodless day sounds like a good day to me, or at least like a day that could have been worse.
Leslie: Probably could have been worse, I guess. *shrugs* I still like a little blood so long as it isn't my own.
Zef: Mine. Maybe mine? I mean, I'd rather keep it, but we both know it won't be like that on the long run. Or maybe someone chimes after all.
Leslie: Ohhh maybe it'll be someone else. I don't like it when it's yours either.
Zef: *slight brief grin* Yeah, I'm trying my best to keep it for myself. *his blood he means* Anyway, I had not yet decided about any big plans for today, but staying here on the couch was one option I considered, so that works for me.
Leslie: That's a good plan. And it worked out with my plan, so it's even better.
Zef: Right, good timing. *sips some juice and pulls his legs on the couch, settling down even more comfortably*
Leslie: Yes, definitely. It's a skill that my people have honed for thousands of years. *^^*
Zef: Okay. *slight brief grin* That explains it. *nodnodnod* Also, I still spend a lot of time here when I don't want to go out and that still happens a lot, so like today.
Leslie: Yeah, I figured. That's why I wasn't surprised when the computer sent me here.
Zef: Oh, so you asked he all-knowing computer? It was no good guess? And you're not psychic, obviously.
Leslie: No, I think the second universe is interfering with my psychic abilities. *shakes her head* I've had to learn to live as you mere mortals do.
Zef: Oh. So... how's it going? I mean, must be weird for someone like you.
Leslie: I'm so lost and confused, Zefram. *@_@* How do you normal people cope?
Zef: It's hard, really. I'm sorry, but... did you think I'm like me for no reason? *dramatic sigh*
Leslie: Oh, yes, I'm sorry. I just thought you'd be used to it. How insensitive of me.
Zef: It's... it's okay, I'm okay. It's just all about making good guesses and acting like you know what you're doing.
Leslie: Ohhhh. *nodnod* Okay. I'm on the right track, then.
Zef: *nodnod* Yeah, right. You're doing great. I'd believe you.
Leslie: Thanks, that's so comforting.
Zef: Oh anytime, you're welcome. I mean, I know how hard it is, not that anyone buys my faked competence. *slight grin, sips juice*
Leslie: Well, they /must/, you still have a job don't you?
Zef: *coughs, but manages to swallow down his juice* *amused* … yeah, I guess. I know how to deceive the people in charge, they're far enough away from all the mess I make.
Leslie: So you must be competent in something then, hm?
Zef: Or not important enough to get noticed. Either way, that's how us normal people do it, I guess. But you should get your powers back sometime, anyway.
Leslie: Presumably when we're out of this place and back on the Legacy. I think that's how it works, at least.
Zef: For a while, yeah. Until the Legacy flies into this sort of thing again.
Leslie: Shhhhhhh. Shhhhhhhhhhh. Shhhhhhhhhhhh.
Zef: *slight grin* *makes a small motion with his flat hand as if it was flying, miming the Legacy and then draws his index finger from the left to the right across his neck like slitting his throat* *he's twenty-six... maybe*
Leslie: *stares at him* *quietly* Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Let me dreaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam.
Zef: *keeps grinning* Well, but I do?
Leslie: You just stepped on my dream. *pouts* Slit its throat. I may cry.
Zef: You wanted some blood that isn't either mine or yours, so...? But now it's wrong.
Leslie: To restore my power, Zefram! All for a good cause, really.
Zef: So power is more important than blood? *raises a brow, amused*
Leslie: *nodnod* Yes. Definitely. Absolutely. Without question.
Zef: Ohhh-okay, I see. But I let you dream. Maybe it just wasn't a good dream, but that's barely /my/ fault. *innocent*
Leslie: Yes, don't judge my dreams. That's very unfair. I'm so hurt that you would.
Zef: I'd never judge your dreams. They're your own. Everyone's dreams should be their own. *nodnod*
Leslie: Wow, you're so tolerant. What a good guy. Why don't you have more friends?
Zef: I have noooo idea. *shrugs* Maybe most people just don't befriend me when I don't really talk to them, but it's only a guess, really.
Leslie: Wow, that's really shallow of them.
Zef: They heard too many of my thoughts about them. Y'know, months ago. *slight quick grin*
Leslie: And they had the audacity to keep that in mind when approaching you. *shakes her head*
Zef: Yeahh, looks like it. And some just can't forget. If you made no new enemies at that time, tell me how.
Leslie: Oh, it's because I love everybody, didn't you know?
Zef: Ohhhh, yeah I almost forgot. Only sometimes you want everyone to go away, but that's just because you love them so much, yeah?
Leslie: Yes. My love for them is so much that I can't stand it and I might destroy them, it is so strong.
Zef: So I can still be near you, because you don't like me so much?
Leslie: Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Yes. Probably.
Zef: Ohh, okay. *frowns* Okay. Understandable. Just keep disliking me, so I don't have to get up from the couch and you don't destroy me.
Leslie: Okay. *nods* I'll keep disliking you. If that's what you want.
Zef: Yeah, please. *looks at his juice* I had work today and I don't really want to get up... but I don't want to be destroyed either, so... yeah, so we wouldn't have to change our plans.
Leslie: Well...lucky for you I don't want to get up either, so if I decided to love you, then you're not in immediate danger.
Zef: Okay, good. I mean, my quarters are kind of a safe place. I'd hate to give that up.
Leslie: No worries. They'll stay safe, I promise.
Zef: Good. *breathes deeply, relieved* Seems like I'm really lucky this time, anyway. Not even /I/ can deny that... *is now talking about not having to share his quarters, his mind switched topics, obviously*
Leslie: Wow. You /are/ lucky. No fair. *sips drink*
Zef: Is she still alive?
Leslie: Barely. *makes a face* *and in this case she's referring to herself but Zef doesn't need to know that*
Zef: Well... erm, that sucks. *looks at his drink, sips juice and takes that time to think* Well, I mean, I spend a lot of time here but I guess I could stay elsewhere for a while if you need some time for yourself, I guess that wouldn't be a problem, really. And we usually don't always have the same shifts.
Leslie: *o_o* You. Are the sweetest. *stretches out her arms and does stroking motions at his face* *there must be more whiskey in that drink than I thought* The nicest. How could anyone not want to be your friend.
Zef: *slight smile* Because it comes along with bearing my thousand issues, maybe?
Leslie: Ahhhh yes, maybe. That explains it. The cowards. *shakes her head sadly*
Zef: Yeah. Though they don't understand because I don't explain.
Leslie: Still their fault.
Zef: You'd have to share me with all of them, if there were even more people who can stand my issues. Or get rid of them, but there'd be many...
Leslie: I can get rid of them. I'm powerful. And selfish.
Zef: Then there'd be blood? But not just some.
Leslie: LOTS. Lots of blood. But not yours and not mine so it's all good.
Zef: *slight brief grin* I might not want to you kill so many people because of me.
Leslie: No? *sigh* Okay. They can live. They just can't be your friend. That's okay with you, right?
Zef: Yeah, in most cases. *nodnod* Let them live and keep the ship running.
Leslie: Oh, okay. I can do that. *nodnod* Sure.
Zef: Okay, good. So I won't find any corpses of people who can stand me?
Leslie: *well...* Probably not.
Zef: I need some place to go if you want to have my quarters for a while. I mean, I can probably live in the Jefferies Tubes again, or maybe in Sickbay. That went pretty well last time.
Leslie: *shakes her head* I can manage for awhile. I don't want to eject you from your sanctuary.
Zef: But it would be okay, really.
Leslie: I'll let you know if I need it? Not if it means kicking you out.
Zef: Sure, just let know and you can come here when I'm at work, if you want, I don't mind.
Leslie: Did I mention you're the sweetest?
Zef: Yeahh, but it's no big deal, really. *in this case* *slight brief grin* I mean, I like compliments. But... if there was another Zefram from that universe, I think I'd maybe want to kill him. I got along with my older self, but he was very different from what I'd be like if I worked on that other Lina Sophia. *o_O*
Leslie: *snorts* Yeah. Friendly Leslie is a bit harder to deal with. She's so....perky.
Zef: I was about to ask what she's like. So... is she more like an extrovert, y'know, socializing and all that?
Leslie: /Yes/. *groan* It's the /last/ thing I need right now. But fortunately it also means she's out a lot.
Zef: Ohh, yeah, I guess that's the good part...? Mhh, I think I wouldn't really get along with an extrovert, self-confident version of mine.
Leslie: That would be funny /I/ think. *grins at him* *also scoots closer she wants a hug*
Zef: All right, if he ever shows up and tries to claim my quarters, I'll make you deal with him. Either you convince him to leave me alone or you glare him down. *understands, leans forward to put his drink on the table and turns towards her*
Leslie: I'll do that. Make friends with him and then convince him to bother you forever. *grins more* *puts her drink on the table, too, then leans against him and hugs him*
Zef: No, don't you dare..! *hugs her*
Leslie: Okay. Maybe I won't. Because I'm nice.
Zef: So I don't have to come up with a revenge plan, okay.
Leslie: Noooo definitely not. How could you revenge against me anyway? I'm so nice?
Zef: If you convince my confident self to stay and bother me...!
Leslie: Which I'd neeeeever do.
Zef: Nooo, never. *slight grin* Not like you just threatened me to do it. I'm surely mistaken, yeah?
Leslie: *nods* Yeah. Your ears were deceiving you.
Zef: I should go to Sickbay sometime soon...
Leslie: You should. I get lonely.
Zef: I wouldn't want that. Would it be okay if I wasn't hurt?
Leslie: Has it been okay in the past? I'd say it's still okay.
Zef: *slight grin* Well, since we both don't want me to bleed...
Leslie: Then it looks like it's okay. See?
Zef: Yeah. Okay, it's settled.
Leslie: Simple. *sighs* Can I talk? Do you mind if I talk?
Zef: If. *gets it* Oh. No, not at all. You can talk.
Leslie: Okay. *sighs again* I miss Erik; not in the want him back way but in the sense that my room's kinda empty without him and the other Leslie makes it worse in there. *makes a face* And I'm not sorry we broke up; it was actually a good thing but I still feel /bad/, you know? Like, a major part of my life for the past two years or so is probably now completely gone and it's weird and I don't know. I just feel kind of dull and it wasn't how I expected to feel.
Zef: *listens to her, trying to take it in* *nods slightly* Well... how did you expect to feel instead?
Leslie: *shrugs with one shoulder* I don't know...relieved I guess? Maybe more upset than I anticipated? Last time I was a /mess/ for /weeks/, and this time I was kind of hoping it would happen so maybe I thought I wouldn't react at all.
Zef: Mh, from what I know it's just weird. Feelings, I mean. I rarely feel how I think I would.
Leslie: I don't like it.
Zef: Yeah, me neither. Being dull sucks, but... probably it stops at some point.
Leslie: I think it does but right now it sucks.
Zef: *nodnod* Do you... feel bad for being dull? And not more sad? And stuff?
Leslie: Kindof? I just feel bad that I'm not experiencing any /other/ emotions, and rather just experiencing /no/ emotion. It's not nice.
Zef: Would be so much easier if we could decide on how we want to feel...
Leslie: Yes! I'll ask for that in my next life. Rather than psychic powers, fat load of good they're doing me.
Zef: Ohhh, yeah I'd like that too. So much less chaos to sort out, I guess. Though... I also guess you don't have to feel bad for however you feel, but look who's talking.
Leslie: *grins* Hi pot, I'm kettle. Nice to meet you.
Zef: *coughs* Yeahhh, I know. It's still true, I think, though I don't manage.
Leslie: So now I don't manage either? Great.
Zef: I didn't mean to say that.
Leslie: But you did and look how hurt I am.
Zef: I said /I/ don't manage...
Leslie: Zefram, Zefram. Shhh. Look at the hurt. Look at it. See my tears. *there are no tears*
Zef: *quiet for a few seconds* Oh. Yeah, I see them and I'm sorry for the harm that I've done with my crappy wordings. It keeps happening.
Leslie: You are forgiven. I am a gracious friend.
Zef: You are. You know, it's one of the issues that you get to bear from being my friend. *nodnod* *true story, though*
Leslie: I'm so honored by that. *places a hand over chest* Truly touched.
Zef: And again you can wonder why I haven't more friends, when it's so easy and tempting.
Leslie: Truly, it's the eighth wonder of the world.
Zef: *nodnod* But... did I say something wrong?
Leslie: *blink* No, why?
Zef: *shrugs* Just making sure.
Leslie: You seemed concerned that you did.
Zef: Probably because I talked about doing something that I can't even do myself, I don't know.
Leslie: Oh. You wouldn't be the first.
Zef: Yeah, no, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't, but that doesn't make it any better.
Leslie: *pats his arm* It's okay though. You didn't say anything wrong.
Zef: Okay. *relieved* So...? *not finding anything to say, but he should, but can't o__o*
Leslie: So? What?
Zef: Well, anything I can do? My personal issue here kinda interrupted you, I think.
Leslie: No. That was it.
Zef: Oh. *pause* I mean. *brief awkward grin, headshake* Okay, that's good, I mean it's not, but I'm glad that you told me because it means that you sorted some of it out, although it feels crappy now. *@.@* I think...
Leslie: It means I just needed to say it. Molly's been asking if I'm okay or if I want to hang out, and I feel bad that I'm not upset about it because I think that's what she's expecting. I'm weirdly /fine/.
Zef: Mhmm, okay, I know that, really. Do you think she'd... I don't know, mind? Like, if you're fine now it wasn't so important anyway?
Leslie: I don't know. I don't think she would but then I re-think and get paranoid.
Zef: So you didn't hang out yet. I know it's hypocrite for me to say, but feelings are, well *clueless shrug* weird? So nothing to be blamed for. Or blame oneself for. But I get it. It sucks.
Leslie: Yeah. So I'm just confused at the moment. Which is why I came to see you.
Zef: Because... seeing /me/ helps against confusion?
Leslie: *grins* Seeing you is calming. ...Except when you're bleeding.
Zef: Well... *slight grin* Okay, I don't find /that/ calming either.
Leslie: I didn't think you would.
Zef: Glad I'm good for /something/, though I never knew that seeing me is calming.
Leslie: Well, now you do. You're a pretty comforting individual at times.
Zef: *slight smile, kinda likes hearing that* Well, you can stay, if you want. I won't go anywhere before tomorrow. Then I have to. *work o_o*
Leslie: *relieved look* Can I really? *How'd you know I didn't want to leave*
Zef: *nodnod* Sure, I don't mind.
Leslie: Thanks. You're the best. *smile* *and then she spent the night on his couch*