Short Term Care Ward
All is quiet here, save for the occasional moan alerting a nurse more pain medication is needed. Impeccably clean, the ward stretches for quite a ways from the door. The nurses' desk, always manned, is tucked to one side inside the door, facing the corridor. Opposite that is the large cabinet holding medicine and supplies. Half a dozen beds line each side of the ward, separated by temporary partitions.
Obvious exits:
Out
Clara comes in from the medical bay.
Clara has arrived.
Clara pushes through the swining doors, humming quietly to herself and looking generally please with life as she heads towards one bed in particular, lab coat edges fluttering behind her.
Tara and Greer are working on a puzzle together. Not that Tara seems very enthusiastic about it- puzzles were never her thing, but she's trying. Looking up, her expression turns to one of faint relief. "Hey there, lady. Well, don't you look chipper today."
Clara leans on the railing at the foot of the bed, quirking her brows slightly and shrugging with an affable smile. "Good dinner last night," she admits, then winks at Greer. "How's my cutest patient doing today? Ready to get set free again?"
Free? Greer perks up at that. "So I don't have to wear pajamas anymore? I'm doing fine! Really and truly!" Tara chuckles, leaning back in her chair. "She really is, Clara, far as I can tell. It's not just overeagerness talking there, eh, kiddo?" She reaches out to ruffle the blonde hair.
Clara circles around the bed, unhitching the scanner from her holster and clicking it on to run it along the girl's head, unable to keep from grinning in the face of such enthusiasm. "I don't see why you shouldn't be, hmm? You've been making fantastic progress, and phyically you're as good as new. Better than new, in fact. No more pajamas. Do you want your clothes back?"
Greer goes to clamber off of the bed. "Yes, please! It'd look really silly if I walk through the hallways in my nightgown." Is that a quickly-stifled guffaw from Tara?
"You'd be surprised what people wander down the hallways of the Complex in, my dear," Clara notes with a quiet laugh, heading over to unlock a closet and disappear inside for a moment. She returns then with Greer's clothing to offer it over, obviously cleaned and smelling happy. "There you are, there you go. You can go change right in there," she offers, gesturing at one of the necessaries.
Greer doesn't waste any time scooting into the nearest one. Tara watches her go, then grins apologetically up at you. "Despite our best efforts, I'm afraid she was starting to get a little bored."
Clara shakes her head slightly with a warm smile, already starting to shut down some of the bed's monitors. "I'm not surprised in the slightest. She's a brilliant child, and needs real mental stimulation." She smiles over sympathetically. "How about you? Holding up all right?"
Tara mhmms, noting wryly, "I still haven't worked up my nerve to tackle Lieutenant Mayes for bigger quarters. Greer... says she wants to stay here." The pilot seems vastly amused.
Clara glances up with definite interest at that from unplugging one monitor, then settling to a seat on the edge of the bed. "She does? Tara, that's splendid! Or...is it? How do feel about that? Has she met G'ben yet?"
Tara grins. "Oh, I think it'll be a very interesting challenge. G'ben was older and all, y'know? And nope, they haven't met. What's kinda funny is that her first reaction upon me asking her if she wanted to stay was to ask if she could visit -here- a lot."
"Here...Medbay?" Clara looks rather truly nonplussed at that, plucking absently at her lab coat. "I...that's certainly no -problem-," she assures rapidly, then has to grin. "Not a problem at all. She's a delightful child. Besides, I'd still like to see her for weekly counseling sessions for a time."
Tara's mouth quirks in amusement. "She wants to be a -doctor-. Doctors, after all, keep ice cream in their office. Hence the desire to get her hands on every bit of medical information she can." A nod is given to the latter statement. "She's... starting to think about the things she'd done."
Clara shakes her head with a rather pleased, if somewhat sheepish laugh. "We'll see. There's a fair bit more to doctoring than keeping ice cream in my office and wearing a spiffy coat." She glances up at that, sobering. "I thought she might," she replies softly. "Is she having nightmares?"
Tara shakes her head. "If she is, she won't tell me. But she's woken up seven times between the last two nights."
Clara nods solemnly, considering this. "I'm not surprised at all. Things that would be unthinkable to most humans, she's done, and now she understands why most humans can't do them. She's going to hurt, she's going to feel guilt. I'll help her, certainly, though." There's a pause. "If she has problems, outside of when she's visiting here, please call me? I'll come right away unless I'm with another patient."
Tara chuckles a little. "If she lets me, I will. She's very... proud."
Clara nods thoughtfully, then glances at the time and offers a reassuring smile. "She knows I'm here to help her. Just remind her of that. And you two feel free to head home whenever you like? I've got an appointment just now, but I'll check on you both later."
Tara nods, getting to her feet to gather books and disks and puzzles together. "Thank you, Clara, for everything." She offers the items over. "Greer said she wanted other kids in here to be able to enjoy these."
Clara accepts the books and puzzles with a somewhat wistful smile. "I'd normally say for her to keep them, but this is a good step for her. Give her my thanks, Tara. And goodnight to the two of you," she adds, then turns to head out.
Clara heads out the swinging doors into the Medical Bay.
Clara has left.
A little bit later...
You head towards the Security Central.
Security Central
Unlike most of the rest of the complex, the security offices are designed for ease of use rather than aesthetics. Wood paneled walls and marble floors are not to be found here. Brushed steel and plate flooring take their place. The acoustics in this room are designed to muffle sound, so despite the metal flooring and the constant coming and going of security personnel, the area does not quite achieve a cacophonous state. A large bank of monitors takes up the bulk of the east wall. On each is displayed video from various security cameras as well as information garnered from customs and immigration. It is from here that security can keep an eye on most everything that happens in the Complex. There are always at least two uniformed guards on duty with nothing to do except watch the monitors. A broad desk is located near the entrance, with an officer present to handle queries.
Three arched doors lead from this area. One to the brig, one to private offices, and the third to the elevator lobby.
Contents:
Niko
Tally Board
Obvious exits:
Chief's Office Brig Elevator Lounge
Greer arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Greer has arrived.
Niko sets aside the com headset, and makes the start of a rude gesture towards it, abbreviated when he catches Anya watching him with a raised brow. "Well, they're -annoying-," he mumbles. He starts up the paperwork, then pauses at the newcomers. "Valentine, hello there." He can't help but grin at the child as well. She's too cute, after all.
Tara grins, glancing toward the girl as she leans on the reception desk. "Hey there, Niko. Er, Commander, I guess it should be when you're on duty, neh? Got a few minutes for me to fall at your feet and beg?"
Greer is an explorer. Magellan reborn. She tries to duck around the desk to look around, gazing around her with large curious eyes.
Niko lifts his shoulders in a brief smile. "Hey, 'Niko' works, too. It's not like I actually stand on formality. Formality would kick me if I did that. She's bigger than I am." He watches the kid for a moment, but doesn't impede any intrepid exploration, instead turning back to you. "How can I help you? I just had somebody beg, but it's been a while since I had a good grovel." Yes, he's kidding.
Tara snickers quietly, gesturing toward the kiddo, who's found her way to a desk. A desk with drawers. Oooh neat! "Ah, Lieutenant Mayes was kind enough to assign me some single-person type quarters when I got back. Can't be living in the Underground, y'know. But now that Greer's going to be staying, I'm going to be needing something a little bigger... Greer, don't. That's impolite unless you get paid to snoop."
Niko rummages in a drawer of his own and comes up with a chocolate bar, which is offered towards Greer. He doesn't have kids. He sees nothing wrong with chocolate bribery. "Larger quarters, okay," he says amiably. "That's easy enough." He snags a keyboard and starts to peck at the keys.
Niko does so one-handed, of course. The other hand has the choklit.
Greer glances over her shoulder, and doesn't -quite- pounce on the chocolate. She takes it very politely, offering a "Thank you, Mister Niko." before scurrying a few feet away to unwrap it. "Smooth, Niko," Tara snickers. "Very smooth." She does give him a look of gratitude. "I do appreciate that. Sleeping on the floor's a pain. Oh... Greer, this is Commander Casymed. Or Mr. Casymed, as the case may be." Commander's a bit of a mouthful. She adds, a bit quieter, "Niko, my daughter, Greer."
Niko offers a half-salute towards the child, "Pleased to meet you, Greer. We'll have you set up in just a--" There's a pause. "Daughter, huh?" Yes, it took that long to register. "Well, there's something new. Kids are wonderful."
Tara turns a lovely shade of crimson. "Yes, my daughter." Then her expression turns amused. "Surprised? And yes, I do think she's wonderful. But then I'm a little biased." And doesn't seem a whit embarrassed about -that-. Greer gives a wave, nodding to Niko, though her mouth is too full to answer. She eats very neatly, hands and face remaining remarkably clean.
"Just a bit surprised, yes," Niko replies, gaze going back to the terminal screen, though he's got a crooked little smile. "Okay, room. You're going to be in H9, same floor. Not too far from where you are now, matter of fact."
Tara nods, smiling her thanks. "I appreciate that. Makes moving that much easier." She glances toward Greer before lowering her voice slightly. "Er, Niko, you wouldn't happen to know how I could get her, um, official? I doubt she shows up in any records. I know she's not in mine."
Niko's brows lift slowly. "None at all?" he queries slowly. "Uh. Well, was she born on an Alliance world?"
Tara mhmms. "Scully's Planet. But the doctor was... less than reputable, shall we say? We were all hiding out at the time."
Niko considers that for a moment, brows furrowed in thought. "I know there are provisions for people born on non-Alliance worlds, but I'm not sure about those who were."
Tara grins wryly, surreptitiously watching Greer, who balls up the candy wrapping and tosses it neatly into the nearest disposal, then hops onto a chair, spinning it around in delight. "Yeah, I'm good at coming up with unique problems."
Niko watches as well, with one of those smiles suitable for grownups who like kids watching a cute kid. "Well, I can do some poking around and see if I can come up with something. There are loopholes and such sometimes, if not something that's actually helpful."
Tara grins, both at the words and the reaction to Greer. "I do appreciate that. Personally, I don't mind having her a relative unknown- I do have enemies- but unregistered kids have a hard time getting into school, y'know?" Catching the smile, Greer beams. Grownups are so cute when they get like that.
Niko returns the smile, but manages to stop that gesture towards the drawer with the chocolate bars. Her cuteness... is making me weak! "Figured it'd be something like school," he agrees. With a thoughtful look, he queries, "How'd G'ben end up in school? Was he in the records?"
"Who's G'ben?" Greer pipes up curiously. Tara grimaces faintly at her question. "I'll tell you later, hon." She smiles proudly though as she turns back to Niko. "Oh, sure. He was a local kid- a bit of footprint comparison and they tracked down his identity. That was way back when I got custody. Then Clara and, I think, the Chief vouched for him after I was gone, and got him into the school with the diplomats' kids."
Niko nods once more, expression thoughtful. "Okay, do you have anything official at all for her? Medical records--immunizations? Any form of religious records? Those sorts of things would help."
Tara glances toward Medbay, then gestures in that direction. "Clara's got all her medical records. Heck, she's -made- half of 'em. And- I doubt this one's a surprise- I've never been the religious type. And I really should get Greer a real passport one of these days."
"But could you do that without having her in the official records?" There's a pause from Niko. "Without, er, going through certain channels down a couple flights of stairs." He's -trying- to be oblique about any references to the Underground. Might not work. "Medical records would help, though, especially earlier ones, from before she got here."
Tara chuckles, understanding completely. "Exactly. I can't. Which is another reason I gotta get her registered. Oh, the passport she's got now will get her on and off planet, but it won't stand up to -that- much scrutiny. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry." She gestures toward Medbay again. "Give Clara a yell? She could probably jet the info over."
Niko shakes his head. "Might as well wait and see whether it'd be useful or not, first, and that would involve some poking around in the library." Reticence to contact Clara? You betcha.
Tara's eyebrows rise, and she misses the sight of one of the SecOffs glancing toward Niko as he lets Greer play with his handcuffs. "Ah, we don't need to go to that much trouble, certainly. Hmmmm." She shakes her head sheepishly. "I did my best for the last six years to keep her unknown, and now it's turning around to bite me."
Niko lifts his shoulders in a brief shrug. "It's no trouble, really--well, no, that's a lie. Not -much- trouble, anyway. I don't know quite enough legalese to go poking around some of the more involved stuff, but I could take a lookover some of the basics, at least." See? Isn't he helpful? If only he'd get his hair cut regularly.
Tara stifles a look of surprise, starting to grin. "I... that'd be extremely nice of you, Niko."
"I'm a nice guy," Niko says, with a boyish grin. "Ask anybody. They'll tell you." Tim suggests innocently, "Ask his wife."
Tara glances toward Tim, arching an eyebrow in amusement. "Perhaps I'll get the opportunity to do just that sometime." She nods to Niko. "Oh, I've known that for a while. I believe you were designated 'too nice' at one point. But this is above and beyond the call of... Ah. The knight in shining armor. Yes."
Niko gestures briefly towards Greer, looking a little sheepish. "She's cute. I can't resist cute things. If Ela and I get around to having a kid, I hope he or she turns out to be ugly, or I'll end up doing whatever the kid wants." He grins. He's joking. Mostly. Maybe. "I ditched the armor, though," he adds absently. "Too heavy. Rollerskating in armor is just not possible."
Tara snickers. "It's different, when they're your own. The cuteness factor is offset by temper tantrums, the terrible twos, and waking up every two hours every night for six months straight. You two oughta get around to that, you know. Never know what might happen." Her mouth quirks in amusement. "But at least you wouldn't break when you fell down."
"I've ditched falling down, too," Niko replies, with a grin. "I've seen some pretty disturbing temper tantrums, though--my nephew is a master at kicking and screaming and turning a really -frightening- shade of red." With a bit of a shrug, he adds, "We will, probably, eventually. Just has to be the right time, once Ela gets a promotion or two."
Greer looks innocent, and just exudes cuteness. It's a Pavlov thing- somebody looks
at her, the cuteness rays start. Even when she's handcuffing the nice blushing NPC SecOff to his chair, giggling. Tara doesn't seem to notice- she's snickering too hard. "It's all an act, I promise you. He'll grow out of it someday." She pauses, noting, "Diplomats don't get promotions too often."
Niko's brows incline at the handcuffing. Too bad Kathlyn isn't here. She'd have all -kinds- of comments. "I know," he replies. He manages not to shrug, but the suggestion of the gesture is there. "Still should probably happen before we have any kids, though."
Yep, the ex-convict's kid likes playing cops and robbers, and today she's the 'cop'. She starts reading the SecOff his rights. Tara's blissfully oblivious. "Maybe, Niko," she says gently. "Ah, it'll happen someday, probably when you're least expecting it."
Niko is somewhat less than oblivious to the handcuffing, but is obviously entertained. Good thing Greer's cute. "Can't open the brig for you, kiddo," he calls, with a grin. "Sorry." Turning back to you, he adds, "Maybe. We'll see. Busy as we both are, it's probably a good thing we don't have kids, anyway."
Greer glances over her shoulder with a gleeful grin. "That's okay. He can't get out of the handcuffs, can he? The prisoner is secure." Tara glances toward her daughter just as the child holds up the poor SecOff's keys. The look of surprise on his face is comical. "Greer!" Tara's trying really hard not to laugh. "Might want to let him loose. He's probably got work to do." Snickering, she turns back to Niko. "You do have a point there, admittedly, though with the profusion of nannies around here that may or may not be a minor point."
Niko wrinkles his nose just a bit at the mention of nannies. "I'm sure they're wonderful people, really, but I'd rather rear my own kid myself. Well, my hypothetical kid."
Tara nods approvingly. "It really -is- satisfying, Niko," she smiles. "I'd just hate to see you and Mrs. Casymed putting it off til it's too late." Greer's still giggling as she searches out the correct key- "No, the blue... yes, that one," the SecOff is very helpful, and sighs in relief as he's released. Greer hands over the keys, smiling cutely.
Niko shakes his head. "Plenty of time for that, though," he says amiably, rummaging in said desk drawer for some more chocolate. The kid's too cute. He offers it to Greer, saying, with a grin, "Maybe we should recruit you, huh? Bet you'd make a good SecOff."
"Uh uh." Greer cheerfully bounds over to accept the chocolate. "I'm going to be a doctor, like Doctor Clara. But maybe I can do both?"
"Oh great," Tara mutters, amused. "I can see it now- arrested by my own kid."
Niko asides to Tara, "It'd be good incentive for staying on the right side of the law, though, eh? Arresting a family member is hard. You wouldn't want to do that to her, would you?" He grins at Greer, then, albeit with just a hint of wryness.
"Doctor Clara's a very good doctor, yes. If anybody could be both, I'll bet you could."
Tara's nose wrinkles, but she answers smoothly enough. "You're right, I wouldn't."
"Of course I can," Greer notes around a mouthful of chocolate. "You have to be smart to be a doctor, and everybody says I am. Pity they don't have an apprenticeship program here."
Niko leans lightly against the side of his desk. "Definitely a pity," he agrees amiably to the child, after casting a sidelong grin towards Tara. "Clara'd be a fun person to apprentice with, that's for sure."
Greer nods enthusiastically. "She keeps -ice cream- in her office. Chocolate. And she answers questions, and lets me play with machines." Tara's torn between pride and laughter, and it shows.
"Oooh, ice cream." Niko is not patronizing. He's definitely interested. "Why didn't she tell -me- that? Huh. I'll have to ask, next time I'm over in medbay."
Tara grins, teasing, "Ah, so now I know what to bribe you with." She winks. Greer tilts her head thoughtfully, taking the question seriously. "Maybe cause you're not a cute little girl?"
Niko shakes his head at Tara, looking amused. "Nah, I'm not bribeable for ice cream. Other stuff, though, yeah. I just like ice cream." He does manage not to laugh at Greer's response. "Y'know," he replies thoughtfully, "I'll bet you're right. I'm most definitely not a cute little girl."
Tara's mouth quirks. "That's right, perk my curiosity." Greer nods mournfully, looking up at him. "It's okay. You're okay anyhow." Just not ice cream-able.
Niko offers Tara an innocent look. "Ela's brownies," he supplies. "They're amazing, 'specially right out of the oven. Mmm." Greer gets an amiable grin and half a bow. He's been hanging around with Riley too much. "Glad you think so, kiddo. That's some consolation."
Tara grins. "One more reason to meet the woman then, if they're that good." Greer peers at him for a moment, then imitates the gesture. "Good! You shouldn't be sad just cause you're not cute." Give her a decade and ask her about that opinion again.
"They really -are- that good," Niko assures Tara. At Greer's words, his grin all but splits his face. "Do me a favor, kiddo? Can I get you to tell Doctor Clara that I'm not cute, sometime? I'd really appreciate it."
Greer considers this, then nods. "That's a fair trade for chocolate, yes. Why?"
Niko leans closer, as if he's about to confide in the child. "She said I'm cute," he stagewhispers. "But we know better, right?"
Greer nods, her eyes widening. "But she's a grownup girl. She's -supposed- to think you're cute."
Niko's formidable brows raise just a bit. "But I'm not," he replies equably. "Little girls are cute, but men aren't allowed to be. It's in the rules."
Tara has to look away, her shoulders shaking in silent laughter. "I'll bet Elasia does not agree with that." Comprehension comes over Greer's face. "I thought grownups didn't -have- rules."
Niko casts a rather amused look towards Tara. "Ela's biased." Turning back to the kidlet, he shakes his head solemnly. "Matter of fact, I've got more rules now than I did when I was your age. Lots more."
Greer shudders. "How do you keep track of them all?" "She'd -better- be biased, Niko."
Niko admits to Greer, with a vaguely sheepish look, "It was really tough at first, but you get used to it eventually." Tara gets a quiet snicker. "Well, yes. But she still is."
Tara snickers, amused at the sheepish Nick. "You poor thing. I bet you wouldn't want to be a kid...?" At the same time, Greer says, "I bet you'd rather be a kid again, then, wouldn't you?"
Oh, dear. How to answer this one? Got to keep everybody happy. "Well," Niko says, "There are advantages to both. And it's not like I -can- be a kid again, after all." Maybe Ela's diplomacy has rubbed off on him? Maybe?
Greer giggles at her mother. "Yeah. It does not work that way usually. Except you act kidlike." Tara's eyebrows rise at that comment.
Niko's eyebrows rise as well. "Did they tell you about the disc gun?" he stagewhispers, gesturing to the rest of the SecOffs. "Because if that's it, I have to tell you that my brother started it. I'm just defending myself."
Greer's eyes widen. "Disc gun? What disc gun?" She giggles. "You have a very naughty brother then. Nooooo, you got chocolate. Lots of it. That's a kid thing."
Niko does a very foolhardy thing, and removes said gun from the desk, offering it butt-first to the kidlet. "This disc gun." He casts an amused look towards the office where Riley may or may not be, for all he knows, then nods. "Very naughty brother, yes. But he's fun, and he doesn't torture me very much."
"Oh dear," is Tara's soft amused murmur. Like any kid, Greer reaches for the toy eagerly, eyes lighting up. She aims it carefully at the opposite wall, but doesn't fire. "Do these things ri... rico... bounce?"
Niko's communit crackles to life and says "Niko... I... let... dear, I've... it's going to remain... annual physical."... so... I..." in Elasia's voice.
"Ricochet," Niko supplies. "No, I don't--ack!" That would be an altogether distressed sound, and his reaction to the words from his comm. "Uh. I don't think so. Could you ladies excuse me a moment?"
Niko says "Uh, hi, Ela. Uh. What?" Yeah, he's a little surprised. "I think that's kind of an extreme reaction. You haven't even heard my side of the story, after all." into his communit.
Niko's communit crackles to life and says "... don't... -efficent-.... way you can't... cuteness... at..." in Riley's voice.
Tara nods, looking vastly amused as she drifts a few steps away to watch Greer cheer and fire madly at the wall.
Niko's communit crackles to life and says "... I... see... extreme.... way you... weild... rays..." in Elasia's voice.
Niko says "But... but -Ela-. I have a very good reason for not wanting to do it. Really. Clara's not doing hers, she hasn't done one in -ages-." into his communit.
Niko takes a moment from his comm, still looking rather distressed, to rummage for another cartridge of foam discs. That gets him an annoyed look from one of the other SecOffs.
Somewhere, in the distance, Julie cackles.
Niko's communit crackles to life and announces "... she... off... There's a... shouldn't... the... there." in Elasia's voice.
Niko says "Clara'd never jump off a building." And Niko would, of course. He probably already has. "Come on, Ela, just let me in when I come upstairs?" Yes, he's trying to see if cuteness rays will work over the comm. "Please?" into his communit.
Niko's communit crackles to life and says "... way. Not... the exam. MmmmMMMMMmmmm," Yes, she's... disturbing... sauce... well with..." in Elasia's voice.
"Wheeee!" That would be Greer's comment upon obtaining more ammo. She's having a ball. But Niko's comment earns him a faintly concerned look from Tara. She does decide, however, not to ask about 'sauce'.
Niko takes a deep breath, and regards his comm unit for a long moment, then snags his keyboard, typing in some sort of query. As the machine churns, he reaches for the comm-unit again.
Niko says "All right, that's just cruel. But if that's the way you want it..." into his communit.
Niko's communit crackles to life and says "... exam,..." in Elasia's voice.
Niko says "And no you, too. Yeah. You said that." into his communit.
Niko's communit crackles to life and announces "... because I... I worry... and... have to... firm... get..." in Elasia's voice.
Niko says "Yeah, but Clara's being -more- self-destructive. It's been a long time for her. Too bad you can't threaten -her- with no brownies. As soon as she gets hers done, I'll do mine. Not before then. Sorry, Ela. I love you, but I can't back down on this." into his communit.
Niko's communit crackles to life and says "... I..." in Elasia's voice.
Greer, seeing that the foam discs do no harm, starts aiming at each SecOff in turn.
Niko stares at the comm for a moment or two, then shakes his head, jaw setting for a moment. "I didn't mean it like that," he mumbles. He eyes his chrono, then gets to his feet. "Quitting time," he says, with a wry little smile. "If there's nothing else I can do for you ladies, I'll be on my way."
Tara uh ohs softly. "Go, shoo, you've got better things to do, from the sounds of it, than hanging around here chatting with us. Greer, give the gun back." Which the child does immediately, beaming at poor Niko. "Thank you very much for letting me play with your toys!" Nodding approvingly, Tara gives him an encouraging smile. "Good luck.'
Niko takes a moment to collect the spent ammo. Tucking away the gun, he shakes his head. "Yeah, got to find somewhere else to stay tonight." See, when Ela mentioned his pride, she was right. He's just not going to admit that.
Tara arches an eyebrow in surprise. "I'd offer to let you sleep on my floor, but I daresay she wouldn't take any more kindly to that."
Niko shakes his head. "Probably not," he says dryly. "I'll call Kaycen. Kayce'll help." He closes the drawer and starts for the exit, trying not to look bummed and not really succeeding. "Thanks for the offer, though.
Tara nods, reaching her hand toward her daughter, who slips over to take it in her own. "Sure, Niko. Anytime."
Niko lifts a hand as he heads for the exit. Even the cute small child is not enough to lift his mood. Ela's got his roller skates hostage, too, so he can't even go break himself in revenge. Aww. Poor butterscotch duck.
Niko heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Niko has left.
***** Various travelspam deleted. We resume at Greer's POV...*****
Greer has arrived.
You head towards the Research Library.
Research Library
With thick brown carpeting that seems to absorb all sound, the library is a haven of quiet compared to some of the more chaotic locations in the complex. What can be seen of the walls are tan in color, but the vast majority of two walls are covered with shelves and cabinets and cases, with data of all types inside. One corner of the room is partitioned off, plasglass walls enclosing the area with terminals available for public use at all times. Another section holds datareaders for the discs held in the cabinets. Actual paper books are carefully shelved, with screens to protect the documents from light and air. Small tables and cubbies provide places to read or take notes.
(OOC note: To set your room doing, try 'I'm <doing>'.)
A collection of terminals is located here that allows access to '+info'.
Obvious Exits:
Elevator Lounge
Greer> Clara arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Greer> Clara has arrived.
Greer> G'ben had -nothing- on Greer as far as eagerness goes. The girl is in the children's section, with a pile of books on anatomy and 'how the body works' type stuff on her lap.
Greer> Clara's communit crackles to life and blares "Clara,... Oh,... sounds... know..." in Niko's voice.
Greer> Clara gets just inside the library doors and has just enough time to cast a rather fond smile at the child with all the books, then blinks at her comm. "What the...?"
Greer> Clara says "Niko? What's wrong? Are you all right? Did you break something?" into her communit.
Greer> Greer glances up, and smiles when she sees who it is. She giggles. "Mr. Niko wasn't broken ten minutes ago. What's a doghouse?"
Greer> Clara's communit crackles to life and announces "Uh, physically,... if... come... decisions about..." in Niko's voice.
Greer> Clara flashes a grin at Greer, shrugging amiably and looking slightly worried. "He's not broken, nope. And a doghouse is a small shelter for domestic caninees," she explains.
Greer> Clara says "Decision? Niko, I never changed my mind about it. I repeat...what's wrong?" Yes, she does sound terribly worried." into her communit.
Greer> Clara's communit crackles to life and blares "... think... should... the... Clara."... long moment, then... Ela... for mine,... she... wouldn't let... come... done. Then I... I... said... stupid, and it's... a... any... She's... with..." in Niko's voice.
Greer> Greer looks faintly puzzled as she puts together various overheard phrases. "Oh! He's staying with a dog. That'd be fun."
Greer> Clara says "Oh, dear...Niko, I -swear- I didn't tell her," Clara immediately promises, sounding extremely sincere and concerned. "Niko...oh, dear. Would you like me to talk to her? It's not a joke, and I'm not having a physical, but...anything else I can do to help, I'll do in a heartbeat. Whatever did you say? Or should I not ask?" into her communit.
Greer> Clara's communit crackles to life and blares "... having... Clara?"... him personally... to... big... so yourself,... Or... you..." in Niko's voice.
Greer> Clara glances up from her comm at the comment, having to grin through her extreme concern. "Something like that, dear. At least I hope Pen can stay with him tonight."
Greer> "Pen?" Greer looks up curiously, and spots another promising-looking book out of the corner of her eye,and reaches for it.
Greer> Clara says "*pause* I have my reasons, Niko. I haven't had a physical in eight years, just random patching up when I needed it. Why won't -you- have a physical? Are you really this stubborn, Niko? Please...just let me check you over so you can go home." into her communit.
Greer> Clara finishes her transmission and nods absently at the child, moving to sit in a chair nearby. "Mm-hmm. He's one of the security officers, but he looks and acts -just- like a normal dog," she notes with a wink, then drops her voice to a whisper. "He really is a dog, but no one tells him that."
Greer> Clara's communit crackles to life and announces "... He says... "If... eight... she'd let... come... now... if... annual. If... not... to... a... it's not... to... a difference... well stick..." in Niko's voice.
Greer> Greer glances up, eyes widen, and she grins. "Neat!" Then it's back to the book again.
Greer> Clara says "Niko...I'm sorry." And she really does sound horribly contrite. "I really truly am sorry, but I can't change my mind on this. There's nothing to worry about, I'm a -doctor-. I'd know if I needed help. You wouldn't!" She pauses a beat. "Is she really that angry?" into her communit.
Greer> Clara's communit crackles to life and blares "... medical... in your... so... get it." Yes, Niko's... little snide,... sent me all..." in Niko's voice.
Greer> Clara says "Mystically...?" There's a long, quiet moment, then in a somewhat more neutral tone, "I don't know what you said to her, Niko, but if you were this pleasant, well. I won't say I understand, but I sympathize a little more. Perhaps we should discuss this when you're a bit calmer?" into her communit.
Greer> Clara's communit crackles to life and blares "..." in Niko's voice.
Greer> Clara stares at the comm for a long moment, then closes her eyes and all but wilts before inhaling a deep breath and steeling her nerve again. "Idiotic men," she mutters, shaking her head.
Greer> Greer nods firmly, not looking up from the book. "Mama says they're all like that."
Greer> Clara heads over to ruffle the girl's hair lightly with a wistful sigh. "Sometimes, darling, sometimes," she admits, voice slightly choked. Could it be the doctor is trying not to cry? Naaah. Tough infantry women never do that. "What're you reading?"
Greer> Greer blinks, and closes the book. "Gray's Anatomy. It's very complicated," she admits. "What's wrong?"
Greer> Clara's eyes widen at the title, which accidently lets one bit of moisture slip out of one eye. She snatches up a hand to wipe at it quickly and crouches down to peer at the book. "It's a terribly complicated book, dear. Maybe you'd like to try something a little more...suitable? I was seventeen before I tried Gray's," she adds, then grins sadly. "Nothing much...just...grownup problems."
Greer> Greer sets the tome aside, reaching toward your hand. "I'm sorry. You'll be okay, won't you? I don't want you to cry." Nodding reluctantly, she gestures toward the other books, those meant for children. "These got prettier pictures."
Greer> Clara's eyes widen as her hand is taken, the biological clock sent hammering anew. "I'll be fine, yes," she assures, swallowing rapidly and blinking a few times before offering a wan smile. "I won't cry, I promise. I tend not to." She peers at the other books and nods, brightening just a hint to gesture at one. "That one there, 'The Mystery of Sentient Anatomy'? That's a good one. Technical, but easy to read."
Greer> Greer pulls the indicated book from the pile, setting in on top. "That's the one I'll read first then. Technical isn't bad. Dry is. And that's what that is." She gestures toward Gray's, then looks up at you again uncertainly. "Maybe you should. Mama says crying can be good. I just don't want you to be -sad-, I meant."
Greer> "Gray's is -boring-," Clara notes with a hint of amused asperity, then fights back a single sniffle, shaking her head with a rueful laugh. "Everyone is sad once in a while, darling. Some of us just prefer not to cry if there's other people about."
Greer> Greer nods her agreement with that. "It's embarrassing. You need chocolate," she pronounces. "Chocolate always makes me feel better. Does Ad... Amd... Dadmiral Addison have any more fudge?"
Greer> "Admiral, hon, Admiral," Clara pronounces with a quiet laugh, glancing up at the ceiling. "He has cupcakes, actually, in the refrigerator at home. But...I don't know that I should go talk to him right now. He'd..." She bites off that thought, looking vastly hurt for a moment before the expression is gone rapidly enough to make it's existance uncertain. "Where's your mother, dear?"
Greer> "Ad-miral," Greer repeats carefully, nodding to herself. "He'd what?" Yes, she's getting better, but she's not quite to the point of detecting hurt in a grownup yet. "Oh, she's setting up her stuff in our new place. Mr. Niko got 'em for us."
Greer> Clara gets a slightly odd look on her face before replacing it with a warm smile. "How sweet of Niko. He really is a wonderful person, you know."
Greer> Greer nods agreeably. "He's nice. He let me play with his gun. Oh! I'm supposed to tell you he's not cute."
Greer> Clara blinks slowly at that, then dissolves into laughter that's half choked. "Oh, no...oh, nonono. He -is- cute, though. Niko's one of the most devastatingly cute men I know. He was -fibbing-."
Greer> Greer blinks. "He is?" She seems fairly dubious, fairly sure he's nowhere near her level of cuteness. "I thought Security Officers aren't allowed to fib. Isn't that against the grownup rules?"
Greer> "Sort of?" Clara decides with a quiet laugh, shaking her head slowly. "Part of being a grown up is knowing what little fibs are okay, and what aren't. But until you're a grown up, it's always best to be honest."
Greer> Greer nods slowly, absorbing that. "Okay... But he says he's not cute. Men aren't supposed to be cute." And at this age, she agrees with that. Again, give her a decade or so.
Greer> "Mmmm, maybe he's handsome?" Clara suggests thoughtfully, a wistful shadow crossing her face again. "He's a very dear friend though..." she adds, dropping her gaze to her knees to drown out the distress in her voice. No good being upset in front of a child.
Greer> Greer nods slowly, her eyes widening. "Handsome is acceptable. Doctor Clara..." She seems a bit puzzled, uncertain of what to do, and gives your hand a squeeze. "Mister Niko is making you sad?" Uh oh. Niko's doomed.
Greer> "Yes dear?" Clara responds, taking a deep breath before smiling back up again. As adept as she is at concealing her emotions, this one time is failing her a bit. She must be tired. "Mr. Niko and I are having a...disagreement," she explains. "We'll work it out probably tomorrow. He's really a very nice man."
Greer> Greer uh huhs. "But what happens until tomorrow?"
Greer> Clara rubs at one eye absently before blinking at the child, taken aback. "Until tomorrow? Well...I suppose I'll need to go home sometime tonight..."
Greer> Greer nods firmly, reaching to pat your hand with her free one. "Exactly. You're going to have to get those cupcakes sometime." She tilts her head slightly. "Ad-miral Addison is nice too, isn't he?"
Greer> Clara nods absently at that, still trying to keep her composure. Of course, the question -does- bring a softly over-adoring smile to her lips as her eyes go distant. "The Admiral is very, very nice, yes. Very professional, but very nice."
Greer> "Professional?" Greer shrugs after a moment's thought. "Then he'll let you have cupcakes, right?"
Greer> Clara is likely remembering a time when Riley was rather the opposite of professional given her softening, almost lazy smile that snaps back to a prim but warm nod. "I imagine he would, yes. I suppose I could go ask..."
Greer> Greer nods firmly, looking only a little wistful over the notion of cupcakes, and chocolate cupcakes at that. "Yes! Chocolate, and your... lifemate?... all in the same place. That's a good thing, isn't it?"
Greer> Clara nods slowly, giving you a rather bemused smile before squeezing your hand slightly. "You really are a wonderfully kind little girl, Greer. Thank you for helping me feel better."
Greer> Greer beams. "Turnabout's fair play!"
Greer> >>OOC: Greer says "Er, meaning, Clara operated to make her feel better- she's returning the favor."
Greer> Clara's lips quirk slightly as she reaches her free hand up to smooth down a stray curl of your hair, shaking her head slightly. "I'm a doctor, dear. My whole life is making people feel better." FOr some reason, that adds another brief troubled look to her face.
Greer> "Uh huh." Greer grins, though it fades somewhat at the troubled look. "Don't you like making people feel better?"
You head towards the Research Library.
Research Library
With thick brown carpeting that seems to absorb all sound, the library is a haven of quiet compared to some of the more chaotic locations in the complex. What can be seen of the walls are tan in color, but the vast majority of two walls are covered with shelves and cabinets and cases, with data of all types inside. One corner of the room is partitioned off, plasglass walls enclosing the area with terminals available for public use at all times. Another section holds datareaders for the discs held in the cabinets. Actual paper books are carefully shelved, with screens to protect the documents from light and air. Small tables and cubbies provide places to read or take notes.
(OOC note: To set your room doing, try 'I'm <doing>'.)
Contents:
Tara, standing by the door.
Clara, standing by the door.
Obvious Exits:
Elevator Lounge
"Don't I...?" Clara's eyes widen with a quietly astonished laugh. "Oh, Greer, hon, I -love- making people feel better. When you smiled for the first time after surgery, my whole day lit up."
"Mine too." Tara comes up behind the pair, smiling. Greer bounces to her feet, spilling books everywhere. "It's all set up? I got a bed of my own now?" Her mother nods, mouth quirking. "And a bedroom too, all your own."
Clara glances up at Tara as Greer bounces up and offers a smile of rapidly regained composure, only the faint redness at her eyes giving any sign of distress. "That's splendid, both of you. Congratulations!"
Tara is sharp-eyed- pilots have to be. Her eyes narrow, though her voice remains even. "I'll admit, it's a lot roomier by comparison, even if it isn't the Ritz. Once everything's not in a pile in the living room floor, I'll invite ya by for a look-see." Greer meeps softly, and goes about gathering books. "Did you get that blanket I liked?" Snickering, Tara nods. "Yeah. I still think purple dinosaurs are evil though."
"The Ritz is up on the fourth floor where you'd have disturbing neighbors," Clara notes with a grin, shaking her head just a little too rapidly. "Purple dinosaurs?" The doctor's rapid to hide her sudden horror. "Blue puppies are good too," she notes cautiously.
"Puppies come in blue?" Greer seems to like that idea. "Oh! Mama, you know what Doctor Clara told me? There's a -dog- Security Officer." Now, Tara's gotta pause to censor her response to her daughter's remark, simply inquiring, "A dog?" with a curious look for the doctor. "Hmmm. You're probably right. Diplomats." She shudders.
"Puppies come in blue, at least from one of the children's shows I know of," Clara assures with a fond smile, then glances up at Clara with a wry grin that plainly says she's knows precisely what that censored response was. "There is indeed. Lieutenant Commander Pen Quinn. He's a sweet pup."
Tara's eyebrows arch. "Now," she grins, "I'm definitely curious about that one. It'd be awfully embarrassing to be arrested by a dog."
Greer has to check this out. She scampers off to the vid archives.
Clara watches the child leave, then exhales a quiet sigh and leans back against the wall, eyes closing for a moment. "She's the most amazingly adorable child, Tara. You' really are a fortunate mother."
Tara nods, smiling a little as she contemplates you. "Thank you," she says quietly. "I have... become more aware of that." She too glances after Greer briefly, and lowers her voice. "You okay? You look like you've had a lousy day."
Clara ducks her head slightly, then rubs at her face with both hands, nodding slightly. "You could say that. I'm in a bit of a ... dispute with several of the men under my care, and I'm afraid a dear friend and I are at odds at the moment."
Tara glances over her shoulder in the vague direction of Medbay. "Not... the Chief?"
Clara glances upwards at the ceiling, really at the third floor, then nods slowly. "He's being stubborn, but he's not who I'm at odds with. I just...I can't do what they want me to do, but if I don't, they won't, and now there's people angry..." This all floods out in a worried tide of words.
Tara attempts to follow that statement, and mutters something about needing charts. "Okaaayyy." She lowers herself into a handy chair. "I think I know you well enough by now to say with certainty you'd fulfill your duties to the best of your ability. And refrain from doing that which would... be unethical, let's say." She too glances upwards. "People do get angry, Clara. But that won't last, if he's really your friend."
Clara shakes her head, shoulders drooping slightly as she utters a dark sigh. "He's at odd with his wife because of me," she murmurs, obviously terribly distressed. Oh, now how's that to start the rumors flying?
After Greer gets done babbling to her mother later? Possibly more than enough. ;) Tara's eyebrows rise in surprise. "Soooo he's mad at you because whatever you did got his wife mad at -him-?"
Clara nods slowly, leaning back against the wall with an exhales gust of sigh, obviously deeply saddened by all this. "Exactly. I never even spoke with her...well, not -recently-. I don't know how she found out, but she did, and she much be furious."
Tara hmmms. "That certainly is a pickle," she agrees. "Maybe if you went and talked to her?"
Clara ducks her head and looks away guiltily, then shakes her head once slowly. "I don't think that would help. This is as much my fault as it is his fault," she notes with soft distress.
Tara whews. "A twisted pickle," she amends. "I take it you see no way of fixing it?"
Clara considers this a moment, then shakes her head slowly, biting at her lip slightly. "I could get slapped with so many gigs for breaking regs, it wouldn't be silly. Even fraternization would be considered."
Tara blinks! Then her eyes widen. "Oh... my. Clara... I... I can't believe it."
Clara sighs and nods slowly, almost despondant. "I know, I know, it's reprehensible. This is what I get for letting my feelings come in the way of duty. But...he's just such a nice person."
Tara groans softly. "Oh, you definitely gotta get this straightened out." Her eyes widen again. "-This- is what the Chief's being stubborn about? And you're -surprised-?"
Clara nods slowly, exhaling a heavy sigh, then blinking. "Of course, I'm surprised. For the past two years, he's grumbled, but went along with it anyway. Goodness, last year we were able to take care of it at home on the bed."
>>OOC: Clara snickers. Yay vague pronouns. ;)
>>OOC: Tara is just dying laughing here...
>>OOC: Clara blinks innocently. ;)
Tara's jaw drops. "I never realized he was so... understanding."
Clara tilts her head, but nods thoughtfully. "He really is, sometimes. But that was just more convenient for him, so I could do all the work."
Okay, at this point, Tara's just downright flabberghasted. She's stunned, and shocked, and a whole bunch of other things, and certainly can't get any more so. Probably. She does, however, almost fall off her chair at that one. "Funny, I never pictured him quite that way."
Clara shrugs slightly, not looking dismayed at all, but terribly chagringed in the face of all that shock, which she's taking as even more sign that she's a bad person. "I can't see why not. Lots of men are more willing to relax on their home ground. It's a territorial thing, I think."
Tara shakes her head slowly. "Well. I'm certainly not in any position to judge y'all. But, well, I can only make suggestions. Like not doing anymore what it is you did?"
Clara takes her turn to be flabbergasted. "But...I -have- to! It's what I do, and if I don't...." She sighs faintly, rubbing at her face. "I just wish Niko'd -let- me again. He's never complained before," she adds, obvioulsy tired to let that name slip. "Ah, well. I suppose if nothing else, I should snag sleep." She starts to climb to her feet, then pauses. "Tara? Thanks for listening to me ramble."
Tara does fall off her chair this time, but recovers quickly, perching on the floor. She meant to do that. Really. "Niko." She clears her throat. "Well, he did say he'd gotten rid of the armor." She nods, looking up at you with a weak smile. "Hey, anytime. What're..." She pauses, then nods firmly. "What're friends for?"
Clara is exhausted enough not to realize that you hadn't meant to sit on the floor, instead rising and smiling down sleepily. "Exactly. Sleep well, Tara," she offers, then heads out and presumably upstairs to her bed.
Clara heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
