Karissa had enjoyed the day she had
spent with Captain Evans. As long as she wasn't acting as a counselor, he didn't
have a problem with her. And as far as she was concerned that was fine! It was
usually easier to talk to a friend anyway, and that's where she decided to begin.
So far, they were off to a good start. They had spent two sessions in the holodeck.
They had grabbed lunch and all the while they talked. Nothing of real importance,
but all good things started at the bottom and had to be worked upon.
It was getting close to dinner time for her, as she wandered around the station.
Though she had already spent several hours with Ryan she decided it couldn't
hurt to invite him to dinner. After all, she didn't exactly know anyone else
on the station. So basically, this time was more for herself, so she wouldn't
have to be alone. And she had sensed that a friendship was in the beginning
stages of forming between them, so why not foster it further, she smiled to
herself.
She was just at Ryan's door, when suddenly it opened. There was Ryan standing there, holding a bag of his belongings. The look on his face was one of being resigned to something that was less than appealing. She didn't need to be a telepath to realize something was wrong. As his eyes spotted her, they filled with surprise, but he didn't say a word.
"I was just coming to see you," she said. "I thought you might like to grab a bite to eat . . ." She shook her head. "Ryan, what happened?"
He sighed with frustration, "I am being sent back to Earth for a Psychiatric Evaluation," he said. "I am on my way to report to the USS Kohlinar."
Confusion went into her dark eyes. "Why?" she asked.
He shook his head. "Apparently my drunken state kept me from Commanding the Ronin when needed . . ."
She had a sense that there was more to it than just that, but she wasn't going to push it. "Well, do you still have time?"
"I was told to report there immediately," he replied.
"Surely you must have time to join me for a drink . . .? It can be Altair water," she said, smiling softly.
Realizing that even if he reported to the Kohlinar at that moment, they still would not be leaving for several hours, so he decided to take her up on that offer. "Very well, then," he replied. "Lead the way . . ."
They found a quiet pub and took a seat in a corner where they could talk without interuption. Though she knew that he wasn't telling her everything that was going on, it was enough that he was talking to her at all. She hoped, that in some way it was helping him. She just wished there was more she could do. He seemed very defeated.
"You know, the evaluation won't be that bad," she said.
"And how do you know?" he asked.
"Because I've gone through one," she laughed. "When I was at the Academy, I told my Psyche Intructor that I wanted to go through it, so that I would have a better understanding of what my future patients would go through. And she agreed! Of course, I think part of that was curiosity on her part. Since no one knows exactly what I am, I am sure she thought she was doing something fantastic! And though it did take some time, all in all, it wasn't that difficult and can let you in on things about yourself, if you're ready to listen. The only time you'd have trouble is if you really had something wrong with you . . . "
She could sense that her words weren't helping. She sighed and gently put her hand on top of his. "There's nothing wrong with you, Ryan, that some time to heal won't cure . . . So don't worry about the psyche eval. You'll do just fine!"
Their eyes met for a moment.
"And what if I don't?" he asked, half joking.
"Then you tell them to call me and I'll set them straight!" she winked.
He laughed. She knew that he would see the humor in that. After all, they had only known each other for a day!
"Well, madam counselor, it seems that the hour is late," he said, standing up, "And though I don't want to, I need to take my leave."
"I know," she replied.
Suddenly, he took her hand, "Thanks for the drink. I'm only sorry that we won't be serving together after all . . ."
She smiled softly. "I wouldn't give up on that possibility just yet," she said, "But Ryan, if there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to let me know . . . That's what friends are for, right?" she asked, with a smirk.
"Right," he replied, smiling back. As he walked away, he said, "Perhaps I'll keep in touch."
"Do that!" she replied.
She watched as he left the pub and sighed. Somehow, she knew he'd be back. She didn't know how she knew, but she knew . . .
Looking around, she felt suddenly alone. The Ronin was gone. Now Captain Evans was gone . . . She was without ship, without crewmates . . . What was she going to do now? Taking another sip of her drink, she stood up and stretched with the grace of a cat. Maybe she would just go back to her temporary quarters and read a book. With that, she downed the rest of her drink and left.