~F~ The Sentinel #2

[lucymalta]

So.... How is Ehliena going to cope with a fictional character coming to life? Not well I'm afraid...

Well - how would you cope.....?

Enjoy

Lucy

Ehliena relaxed in her chair, flexing her neck and back muscles trying to relieve the slight ache and stiffness that usually occurred after a couple of hours of appointments. Feeling her throat a little dry, she stood up and walked to the replicator, initially requesting water, but changing her mind to orange juice, wanting something with a little more flavour.

Sitting back down she sighed, the Enterprise was returning to its standard mission of exploration and had left Earth orbit only three days ago, but it seemed as if years had passed in her mind. Checking the chronometer on the wall, she noticed that she had about 20 minutes before her next appointment and decided to move to the couch and relax her body even more, though her mind was completely the opposite, recalling the events of the last few days.

She had been so stunned at the Sentinel’s transformation that she had at first been unable to say anything beyond a welcoming comment. Shortly after, both she had Beverley had been called to a minor incident involving some of the children at the school – to which she had attended with some relief.

A few evenings before, she had been in 10 Forward, talking quietly to Guinan, Geordi and Worf when Will Riker had joined them and begun to tease her about the Sentinel’s new persona. “So, it seems that your very own historical mentor has decided to join us Ehliena. Are you looking forward to working with him?”

After a comment that Will had made about whether the Sentinel had also adopted Lieutenant Caine’s character as well has his physical attributes, Ehliena had almost exploded and responded with a sharp verbal attack on how the Sentinel should be allowed to build its own character without any influence from others.

She had then stormed out of 10 forward, back to her own quarters, refusing to speak to any of her confused friends about the subject. Since then, she had kept her distance from the Sentinel, being polite when they met, but nothing more.

Hearing the door chimes, she sighed – her next appointment was early. “Enter.”

“Ehliena, may I speak with you? I know you have an appointment soon, I won’t keep you long.”

Guinan walked slowly into the room, carefully observing Ehliena’s reaction to her presence as the young empath moved to a sitting position. “Of course Guinan, how can I help?”

“Actually I was wondering how I could help you.”

Ehliena was confused, “Help me? Why? I’m fine.”

Guinan smiled, “Well you have several of your friends confused, including me, about what happened in 10 forward the other night…”

Ehliena gave an exasperated sigh, “Oh – its nothing, Will just caught me in an off moment – I’m fine, seriously…”

“So why are you avoiding Ambassador Caine?”

“Who? Oh, you mean the Sentinel.” Ehliena became a little quiet, recalling the information that had been circulated around the crew, the Sentinel had been granted full Ambassadorial status on board the ship. “I’m not avoiding it – I have my duties and it has a very full schedule, working with Geordi in Engineering and with Data to learn more about us and us to learn about its people.”

“Ehliena…” Guinan spoke softly, “No-one refers to… him… by his past role anymore. We have all accepted his new identity – why can’t you…?”

Ehliena dropped her head, “I guess it just gave me a bit of a fright Guinan – I wasn’t exactly prepared for the change – though it seems that you and Will already knew…” Her voice became a little bitter. “You could have told me.”

Guinan shook her head, “He asked us not to, though I see now that maybe that was a mistake. He is a little surprised though, he feels that you are one of his closest friends on the Enterprise and cannot understand why you are pushing him away.”

Ehliena sighed, “I don’t mean to do it Guinan… It’s just…” She paused for a moment, “I just need to get used to the idea of a fictional character running around on board as a real live person. I’ll be ok in a day or two.”

Hearing the door chimes, Guinan got up to leave, allowing Ehliena to carry on with her work, knowing that the young empath would rectify the situation soon. However, she also sensed that Ehliena was not giving her the complete truth.

[Dr. Anna McBreadle]

im sat in my college library grinning like a cheshire cat, trying to keep quiet. not easy whilst reading this chapter!
i have to admit, i think i'd find it hard to cope with. i wouldn't know what to do or say to him! i'd be a blubbering idiot! (nothing new there then) i know i wouldn't be able to concentrate, i wonder why that could be?? like ehliena, i would have needed a heads up before the transformation, my simple mind wouldn't be able to process it all!
great chap lucy!
luv
sam
x

[margaret1234]

Another brilliant chapter.....I am really beginning to enjoy this story now........but, knowing Lucy why did I imagine that Elhiena would accept this situation easy. So do we have another situation where we will take sides....... I know where mine will be because he has already shown good traits. So now Horatio has the full title of Ambassador so that is at least good news.

Margaret

[sanne]

Good chap, Lucy. So Ehliena has a little bit of trouble accepting The Sentinel in it's new form....well so would I, especially if I found out that some friends knew what form he would adapt, but refused to inform me about it. Do think it's sad for The Sentinel, though....he so explicit asked for her friendship if he would stay aboard......and she so explicit said she would be his friend......and now she's not really acting like one.......

Sandra

[lucymalta]

Do you think she's doing it on purpose though?

Lucy

[NV Oracle]

Well, on the one hand I can't say I really blame Ehliena. I mean, how would you feel if a character that you knew was a fictional character, even if the man himself were real, was walking the Enterprise in the 24th Century? I can see why that would throw her for a loop. However, she did tell him that she would be his friend, no matter what. Guinan thought the young woman wasn't telling her something. Could that mean that the young woman has more than just friendly feelings for our new Ambassador?

Me thinks the Counsilor doth protest too much.

Great chapter, Lucy. Can't wait to see where you take it next.

Your friend
NV Oracle

[lucymalta]

Seeing as I may not be able to post tomorrow, you can have another chap today....

Enjoy...

Lucy


Chapter 13

“So?”

Guinan looked at the concerned look on Will’s face and smiled, “We should have told her as I said – the situation has completely thrown her, but she’ll be ok. Now I’ve confronted her with the circumstances – she’ll deal with it. By the way – she never told Horatio about ‘Lieutenant Caine’… He pulled it from her mind.”

“Oh hell… How does she feel about that? She hates any kind of invasion of privacy – and that would count as one…”

Guinan smiled, “Actually, she’s accepted it quite well – probably because Horatio doesn’t know what the rules are about telepathic contact. However she seems a little annoyed with you.”

The two of them were in the turbo lift, Will had asked for Guinan’s help sensing somehow that Ehliena was more than a little angry with him. Being with Deanna had made him realize that it would be best if he did not antagonize her cousin any further. Betazed women controlled their emotions well – but Ehliena was more sensitive than most and could get very defensive and upset.

“That I’m not surprised about, she realised I knew that the Sentinel was going to change into Horatio Caine… But I get the feeling there’s something you’re not telling me.”

“She’s hiding something.”

Will sighed, realizing that his long running private joke about her attraction to a certain red-headed Lieutenant with Ehliena had backfired, he said nothing to Guinan knowing that he would have some explaining to do. Ehliena’s reaction confirmed something he had thought for a while, but now there was a real-life Horatio Caine running around, he was more concerned than amused. As the turbo lift stopped at the bridge, he thanked Guinan for her help and returned to his station.

&&

Ehliena was making her way to the bridge a few days later when a soft voice caught her attention and she sensed the deep green aura that she associated with the Sentinel. She took a deep breath and paused, smiling as she turned to speak to the ambassador.

“Ambassador, good morning, how are you?”

The red-head returned the smile, “A lot better now that I can finally speak to you.”

Ehliena began to blush slightly at the compliment, “I’m sorry if it seems I’ve been avoiding you, it’s just…”

“No, I should be the one that is sorry; I had no idea that my choice of identity would upset you so much. If I had realized, I would have chosen something else…”

Ehliena shook her head, “No, its ok, really, it was just a bit of a shock seeing a fictional character from the past come to life before my very eyes. I didn’t know quite what to do… Though I will need to adjust my thinking slightly.”

The Ambassador chuckled, “Not much call for a side-arm and police badge on the Enterprise – though I daresay I could ask Lt Worf for some training in the security branch.”

Ehliena raised her eyebrows a little amused by the comment, noting that he had picked up a little on Will’s sense of humour. “I heard you were working with Geordi and Data – now Worf too?”

“I want to work with each of the sections – learning as much as I can about your people Ehliena and those within the Federation, then I can see where my abilities can be best put to use. The Captain feels that I would be a great diplomat – Data a great teacher – Geordi an Engineer…”

Ehliena gave him a sympathetic smile, “and what do you think?”

The Ambassador sighed, “I don’t know yet, but I do know that I have a lot of new friends that care for my future… That is taking a little getting used to. I find I need some time to myself.”

The empath nodded, “I know what you mean, I need to escape to the tranquillity of the holodeck from time to time too… There is something to be said for spending sometime alone. For someone like you who was alone for such a long time… This must be a little overpowering.”

“Occasionally – I certainly don’t think I would have been able to cope if I had stayed on Earth with the rest of my people.” The Ambassador paused, “Ehliena, you said that you would be my friend – will you help me?”

Ehliena became concerned, “Of course – what’s wrong?”

The red-head smiled, “Nothing serious, but I still haven’t found a suitable program on the holodeck that will help me to relax and I feel uncomfortable with people calling me Ambassador all the time. I think maybe accepting that role was a slight mistake.”

The empath chuckled, “Well it does define who you are, but as for people using it, give them time to get to know you better and then ask them to call you by name as you build up a friendship with them. I think you’ll find that the title of Ambassador will soon disappear.”

As the turbo lift opened on the Engineering deck the Ambassador paused for a moment, “Then will you use my first name Ehliena? I count you as one of my closest friends…”

Swallowing a little Ehliena nodded, “If it is what you wish, then I will… Horatio.”

The returning smile that followed Ehliena’s words made her blush slightly once more, as the doors on the lift closed behind him she took a deep breath and leant against the wall, this was not going to be easy, thank goodness her cousin would be back to resume her tour of duty within the next couple of weeks.

[margaret1234]

Thank you for posting early Lucy. And a very nice chapter at that......all seems to be sorting itself out in that Guinan and Will realise that perhaps Ehliena shoud have been told about Horatio before hand...they do seem to care about her. But, whatever, she seems to be starting to handle the situation fairly well now but how could she not when the man asks her so nicely to be her friend and thinks she is his closest friend on the Enterprise and wants her to call him Horatio. He is such a sweety.

The fact that Elhiena did not tell the Sentinel about Lt. Caine and the fact he actually pulled it from her mind is what obviously disturbed her so much

Guinan and Will seem to think Elhiena is hiding something.......wonder what that can be.

Margaret

[Dr. Anna McBreadle]

that was such a sweet chapter! i liked it very much!
so ehliena is starting to get used to horatio being around on the enterpirze, thats a start anyway! my mind would be all over the place still thinking 'oh my god, horatio is here!' i'd wouldn't be able to calm down! but then thats just me!
nice chap again lucy!
luv
sam
x

[sanne]

Nice chap.....wonder what Guinan and Will think she's hiding.......Don't think I would be able to refuse such a nice request from H.... ;D ;D

Sandra

[Dr. Anna McBreadle]

Mar 14, 2009 21:30:13 GMT -10 sanne said:

Don't think I would be able to refuse such a nice request from H.... ;D ;D

Sandra

is there anything that you wouldn't refuse from H??? ;D
luv
sam
x

[sanne]

Been thinking about that........NO....can't think of anything I would/could refuse H.........

Sandra

[Dr. Anna McBreadle]

i am laughing soooo hard right now!! ;D ;D ;D
i know you too well sandra!
luv
sam
x

[gonsy]

Great chapters Lucy! I understand Ehliena! I think she has deep feelings for Horatio, he is her fantasy and now she's afraid of losing control of herself. Waiting for next to come!

Gonsy

[lucymalta]

Well I just got in - a bittersweet day for me, my horse got slightly injured jumping (pulled muscle - so don't panic) BUT my juniors went well... Maybe I'm getting too old for competing... Stef jumped clear for the first time... Johnathan came third in his class - only his 3rd show... Red came 2nd in a higher class... and Sarah (after getting eliminated 3 weeks ago) put in a lot of hard work and came 1st!

So, why am I telling you this...? Coz I'm in a good mood - and you can have another chap.....

Enjoy

Lucy

Chap 14

“What do you mean, you’re not coming back?” Will Riker’s voice betrayed his slight annoyance at the news he had just received from Counsellor Deanna Troi as she unpacked the few clothes she had with her.

“Will, I didn’t say I wasn’t coming back, I said that I wouldn’t be back yet… There is a distinction you know.”

The commander pulled a face, “Does the Captain know?”

Deanna turned her eyes heavenward and walked over to the man she also knew as imzadi. “Yes, I told him a few minutes ago. Will, it’s only for a year and six months, and I’d be a fool to pass up this chance at the academy. You always told me that I should grab whatever opportunities came my way.”

“Now, tell me what has been going on – I know about the Symehk, I got the full story from my mother, and was able to meet Historian Martin Luther King… The whole sequence of events is fascinating.”

Will chuckled softly, “I think you’d better meet our resident Symehk, Horatio, he’s certainly got your cousin in a twist.”

Deanna gave him an amused look, “Oh? Has he chosen an attractive look for himself?”

Will roared with laughter, “Come on – everyone will be in 10 Forward, you can see for yourself.”

Seeing the glint in his eye, Deanna sighed, “Oh Will, you haven’t been teasing her again have you. One day you’ll really upset her – she’s so sensitive she’ll go crying off to her room – and then what will you do?”

“Your cousin has toughened up Deanna – which is what she needed as you well know, but I have to admit – I’ll be interested how she deals with this situation now that she’s staying with us.”

Chuckling at the curious look on Deanna’s face he refused to say anymore, but led her out of the room, their destination, 10 Forward.

&&

Ehliena sighed, she had just heard that Deanna would not be returning to the Enterprise and had mixed feelings about the situation. The two of them were catching up – mainly on business, Deanna wanting to know how her cousin was getting on with ‘her’ clients. From what she had heard, Ehliena’s sensitivity had helped a great many people and all on board respected and admired her cousin’s work.

“So… Has the Captain been working you hard?”

Ehliena chuckled, “Not too much, though it did get a little hectic with the Symehk on board. That was an interesting couple of weeks.”

Deanna smiled, “So I heard from Mother, so, what’s the Symehk Ambassador like? I can’t wait to meet him.” She was surprised to see Ehliena blush and glanced at her curiously before smiling, “Ah… He’s made an impression I see.”

Ehliena’s face dropped, “Deanna please, don’t… I get enough hassle from Will.”

Deanna was puzzled and was about to push for a little more from her cousin when the look on Ehliena’s face changed, becoming wary, almost guarded. The next moment, Geordi, Data and a third man walked into the bar. A man she vaguely recognized.

“Is that the Ambassador?”

Ehliena nodded, afraid to say anything. After joining Will at the bar, who was getting drinks, the men walked across the room to the girls. After exchanging greetings with her old friends, Will introduced Deanna to the Ambassador.

“Pleased to meet you Counsellor, would you mind if I called you Deanna? I don’t want to get my Troi’s confused, especially now I’ve met three of you”

Deanna chuckled, “Of course not, we are all friends here, please, take a seat.” After a few moments, she realized that Ehliena had become a little quiet, joining in the conversation, but not as much as she expected. Looking closely at the Ambassador’s features, she suddenly remembered why he looked so familiar and realized why her cousin was feeling uncomfortable.

Deanna disliked sending telepathic messages when she was part of a group, but this was certainly an exception. Ehliena – is he who I think he is? The look on her cousin’s face answered that question and she felt sorry for the younger counsellor. Look, we’ll talk later ok? Just try and get a bit more involved in the conversation – the others will notice.

Surprised that her cousin did not answer her apart from the slightest of nods, Deanna returned her attention to the table, for a moment she joined in the conversation before she realized that the Ambassador had a soft smile on his face and was watching her intently. As he caught her attention, Horatio’s eyes flicked towards Ehliena and nodded slightly.

For the rest of the evening the group laughed and joked together, Ehliena coming out of her shell a little more. However, Deanna could not get the exchange with Horatio out of her mind and knew that the next day she would need some answers to several very puzzling questions.