Redirecting Energy

[tasha_yar]

It's been a few days since she was twelve. And Lucy thinks this place is boring.

The reports have been made and filed. Most of the reunions she sought out have happen. The most memorable one was pure chaos. Maybe she should have expected that?

No, you really don't expect to be twelve twice. Especially not while in the quarters of you best friend. Who got displaced between his bridge shift ending and entering his quarters. Who now has a daughter. Who collapsed in your arms earlier in the day.

Strength enough to bend par-steel, but likely held back by the Laws of Robotics, and she felt helpless.

Yar has always had a duty to the helpless. Even more than that, she's a sweet kid.

The buzzer to Lal's quarters chimes.

Comments

[tasha_yar]

"Just keep it somewhere close to your heart. So it's there if you need it."

who knows what the future holds for her if she's talking to a ghost of the ancient past right now?

There's a grimace in response to Lal's question. "Bad. Better." she waves it off. "I'll be fine, I think. I'll let Dr. Crusher know."

Lal may or may not notice she didn't say, "go to Sickbay."

"Can I ask how long you have been activated for? I mean both times."

[usescontractions]

"Two weeks, the first time." The only time Lal uses precise measurements is when she wants to annoy her father. Or when precision is required, for some reason.

"This time, nearly three years, including the time I've been here."

[tasha_yar]

"For about a year, right?"

About the amount of time she was before her death.

"Anything interesting about being stuck in the past?"

[usescontractions]

"Several things. The divergence of the timeline is very interesting. Up until Q began to displace people, there was an 83.4% probability that this timeline was the past that I am familiar with. A friend and I have compiled a list of divergences in an attempt to better understand alternate timelines and realities." She isn't sure it helped a whole lot, but it was an interesting endeavor. And it leads her to her next point.

"I have also met..." She pauses, color rushing to her cheeks. Damn her father's change in ability. Of all the human traits, why couldn't he have left blushing out? "Several interesting people."

[tasha_yar]

If someone would have told Natasha Yar she was wearing a look she apparently stole from Beverly Crusher, she would never have believed you. Her thoughts on children mirrors Jean-Luc's - only without the dislike or uncomfortableness. They are just not her department unless it means defending them from some nightmare or another.

"Don't worry, Lal," she says, with a smile pulled so wide she can feel her cheeks ache. "I already knew you were likely capable of something like that."

And there's just a hint of her own blush there before she adds. "Keep talking."

[usescontractions]

"It's silly. Peter and I are friends. I taught him to use the holodeck and He had a very intriguing life before he came here. He is something called a Star-Lord. He has his own ship, and he saved an entire planet from someone he called a 'whack-job'."

Ugh, she's sounding weird, isn't she? She shrugs, attempting to appear completely casual about it. "He is spontaneous, and fun."

[tasha_yar]

"And you're trillions of calculation per second - and three." Gotta remind herself of that one.

"But..Star-Lord?" She rolls her eyes. "Sounds like he has some growing up to do!" The smile is still there though.

[usescontractions]

"It seemed like an important title where he is from." She responds thoughtfully. She had been somewhat impressed by it, anyway.

[tasha_yar]

"I'm sure it is," she comments dryly while making a note to just...check the file. It won't hurt, right?

"But not everyone tells the truth, or even the whole truth." She exhales slowly and the fringe of her bangs sways back and forth. "And some people, on some things, don't even know how."

[usescontractions]

"I know. I would still like him even if he were not a Star-Lord. Same with Alex, he is my other friend. His story is interesting as well, and my father-- The father just before my current one--" The father situation is a little confusing when you think about it. But also not the focus. "Confirmed that Alex's story about his life up until the Enterprise is likely true, considering how he was found."

[tasha_yar]

...

...

...

"Alex the insane magic guy?!"

Lal. About your taste in men...

[usescontractions]

"Magic guy? He did not mention any magic." She's going to scan her past conversations, just to be sure.

[tasha_yar]

"Okay, there is AN Alex who apparently talks to version of himself, including some kind of -" Tasha puts her hand to her head. "Let's try, 'has a raven.'"

[usescontractions]

Frowning, she shakes her head. "No. I don't think he does."

[tasha_yar]

She flops a bit with relief. "Oh, thank goodness!" She shakes her head.

"There's...a lot of people on board to keep track of. Sorry."

[usescontractions]

"I think you might like him. He is a very resourceful person. He has already mastered a great deal when it comes to current technology."

[tasha_yar]

She takes a breath in. "Looking forward to meeting him." She is. Tasha's even willing to give him the benefit of Lal's good judgement.

That's when she starts questioning her own. Why am I this protective of her anyway? She's gnawing on her lip. Distantly, she wonders if Jean-Luc gets this way about Wesley.

Finally, she settles on a reason - dead, simple one. Lal - at this stage of her life - just...simply needs protecting. No other motives involved.

As that realization settles, a small smile plays across her lips.

[usescontractions]

Is it time to walk and talk now? Maybe. Lal is just going to try to casually guide them to the door.

"I will be sure to introduce you. Have you met anyone new yet?"