I am in SUCH a good mood... Sarah and Jonathan both went really well in the competition today, so I'm gonna let you celebrate with me - and give you another chap....
Lucy
Chapter 36
“Come in”
Will stepped slowly into Ehliena’s quarters, making sure that she had plenty of time to adjust to his presence. Several people had noticed that Ehliena had withdrawn into herself over the last couple of days and were becoming worried about her. Fortunately, none of them had known about the pulse echo originating in her room, though the grapevine had alerted many to the fact that Horatio had been the cause of the original pulse – though thankfully no-one had quite worked out why… yet.
Will needed to find out the cause of the echo and was not looking forward to the discussion that was about to occur. He spotted her sitting quietly on her couch, book resting in her lap, feet tucked up underneath her.
“Hello Will, is there something I can do for you?”
Joining her on the couch the Cdr smiled softly, “Maybe, I’m not sure, but Data and Geordi have encountered a slight problem and I offered to come and talk to you about it.” Seeing that he had aroused Ehliena’s curiosity he continued. “They still can’t work out how the echo from the energy pulse the other night originated in your room.”
Ehliena remained silent, she alone knew the reason for the echo – and was not about to divulge that secret to anyone – not even her First Officer. Will raised his eyebrow, making her realise that he was waiting for an answer.
“I’m sorry Will, I really have no idea. Have Data and Geordi managed to work out where the original pulse came from, maybe then they can find out how the two are related.”
The Cdr frowned, knowing from her tone of voice that Ehliena was hiding something, but deciding to leave it for now. He was sure something would come out sooner or later. Telling her that the engineering officer and second officer were still working on the problem he excused himself and returned to his duties.
Ehliena sighed, no longer interested in her book. Standing up, she moved to a free space in her quarters and started going through some Makbara exercises. After a few minutes her decision was made, no-one must know what had happened, for Horatio’s sake.
&&
Horatio returned to his quarters, his mind turning over rapidly. The news that an echo had occurred in Ehliena’s quarters had surprised him – and he was now worried. What had happened? There was only one person on board who might have an answer besides Ehliena herself. After a quick shower he changed into casual clothes and headed for 10 forward.
Guinan smiled as her ‘cousin’ walked in, she had heard the rumours flying around the ship and resolved to tackle Horatio about them straight away, knowing that the Ambassador would certainly become embarrassed by some of the things that were being said.
“So Horatio, what can I get you… The usual, or something a little more… enlightening…”
He chuckled softly, “Thanks Guinan, at least you’re not too afraid to say something, everyone else seems to be.”
She laughed, “Only because of your position, believe me, if you were just an ordinary crew member, you’d really be on the receiving end. You’ll still get a few comments directed at you in the future though, especially when all the fuss has died down.”
Horatio sighed, “This is a part of my Symehk self that I never expected to have to explain, but I can sense that most people are a little embarrassed by the situation.”
Guinan gave a sympathetic smile, “Horatio, generally what happens behind closed doors, stays behind closed doors – and people respect that privacy. Your little light display the other night told everyone on board what you were up to…”
The Ambassador blushed, “It wasn’t my intention – I didn’t even realise it would happen. It didn’t on Risa.”
“But would you like everyone to know the next time?”
Horatio shook his head, “On Symehk it was a natural occurrence – not every time a pairing renewed themselves, but here… I have come to value my personal time. I would like to keep it that way.” He hesitated slightly, “There is still one problem.”
“Oh?”
“Ehliena. Apparently there was an echo of the pulse in her quarters. That has never happened before – and I have checked with Manager Mandela just to be sure.”
Guinan was surprised, she had not known about the echo, but her mind was now quickly searching for answers. In the meantime, she needed more information, “Have any of the other Symehk experienced energy pulses?”
Horatio nodded, “Several, but none of the magnitude that happened here – and none with an echo.” Guinan tried to conceal her mirth, but he spotted it and sighed, “I guess I’d better be ready for the jokes when they come.”
The bartender chuckled, “I’m afraid so, but try not to react – it’ll only increase the amount of jokes flying around. Now, why do you suppose an echo occurred?”
Horatio shrugged his shoulders, “I really don’t know, I originally thought it might be because of Ehliena’s empathy, but there are several of her compatriots working with my people on Earth and they never experienced a thing.” He hesitated for a moment, “Due you think it might be related to what we did after the Romulan incident?”
Guinan became thoughtful, “You know you might have a point, for a while you were watching her so carefully…” She paused, “Horatio, if you decide to talk to Ehliena yourself, be very very careful. She might take it the wrong way - you know how sensitive she can be - especially if she realises you can read her negative emotions...”
The red-head frowned slightly, understanding Guinan’s caution, thanking her for the drink and chat, he made his way back to his quarters to think.