Log date: Late June 1994 Log intro: Having had a pep talk from Tamber al-Acorrin to encourage her to approach Kevlan and ask him what he meant by comparing flying a sled to dancing, Bernadette Marshall heads to the Hangar, hoping to run into the objection of her affections.... ---------- Bernadette descends from the catwalk. Bernadette heads towards the simulators, glancing about the hangar on her way. Corbin waves to the recruit as she passes through. Kevlan emerges from cargo storage, his cutter slung over his shoulder. Bernadette grins and waves to Corbin, remarking she's going to try the simulators yet again. Bernadette turns as she catches movement from her peripheral vision and sees Kevlan. She grins and waves. "Hi, Kevlan." Kevlan smiles a little, and comes over. "'Lo there, Berni... " He tilts his head a little, and asks earnestly, "You feelin' better?" Bernadette smiles and nods. "Much, thank you. I was hoping I'd run into you eventually." She bubbles excitedly, "I managed to safely land the simulator at the Guild Complex coordinates in bad weather!" She grins broadly. Bernadette beams up at Kevlan. Kevlan's smile broadens a little. "That's real fine, hon, Ah knew you could do it." Bernadette continues smiling. "Next I just need to master evil and hopefully I'll be prepared for the test." Bernadette says "Oh...I wanted to ask you..." Bernadette looks a little puzzled at something she's remembered. "What did you mean when you said flying a sled on Ballybran was like dancing?" Kevlan gives you an assured nod, and says forthrightly, "You'll do okay, hon...hmm? Oh... " He gives a little laugh, and looks slightly embarrassed. "Aw, well, it was jes' somethin' that popped into mah head, at the time... ain't sure Ah c'n explain it too well... " Bernadette smiles. "Try. I'd like to know how you came up with the analogy." Bernadette adds, "Please?" Kevlan shifts a little, awkwardly, but he smiles. "Well... " He hums a little, and then does something of a little step in time. "It's like... if you're dancin'... you always have to be on th' lookout f'r what your partner's doin', you know?" Bernadette watches and shrugs, smiling sheepishly. "I haven't really ever danced with a partner before.." Kevlan halts, and then smiles crookedly at you. "An', well... like in dancin', there's a feelin', this rush in your head, when you're flyin' a sled." Bernadette grins as she thinks of an old song. Bernadette sings in a soft, alto, forgoing her usual soprano. Dance with me...I want to be your partner Can't you see? The music is just starting Night is calling, and I am falling...Dance with me. Bernadette smiles again, a faint blush to her cheeks as she shrugs. Bernadette says "Just part of an old song that I used to hear a lot back on Chanuuk..." Kevlan smiles a little, and nods down at you. "That's purty." Bernadette shrugs. Bernadette says "Well, like I said, I only heard it, really. Never actually did it." Kevlan considers, and blushes a bit. "Ain't sure that made sense... Ah mean, what I said?" He looks at you questioningly. Bernadette says "Well, I guess it made sense...but..but I guess you have to know how to dance first to really get the comparison." Kevlan grins a little, suddenly. "Ah... Ah could show you...?" Bernadette turns red at the thought, but says "Well..okay." She giggles. "I'll try not to step on your toes." Kevlan smiles, and steps a little closer to you, holding out his lean workworn hands. "C'mere now, lessee... " Bernadette grins slightly embarassed and step closer toward Kevlan, placing her own callused hands in his. Kevlan's left hand feels a little odd; the two last fingers are softer than the rest, and a slightly different color. But his grip is strong and firm, and he tells you earnestly. "Now, lookee here... we'll go slow, you look down at mah feet, an' do what Ah do... " A few of the hangar techs, watching from a distance, exchange sudden wry grins. Bernadette glances at the hangar techs and bites her lip, looking embarrassed. She looks down at Kevlan's feet and nods. Kevlan leads you around in a few simple steps, humming, and then interrupting himself to tell you encouragingly, "Jes' kinda gotta feel th' rhythm, whether you're dancin', or flyin'... " One hangar tech, watching from behind a sled, grins and pokes another, muttering, "Galahad's got rhythm enough to go around, hey?" Bernadette nods, clinging to Kevlan's hands and mirroring the slow steps he's demonstrating. The second hangar tech behind the sled winks at his companion, running off unobtrusively to fetch a couple of Sorters from the sorting bay. The newcomers slip over as unobtrusively as possible, so that the two Singers don't spot them. "What's going -" "Oh, hee! It's Galahad... " Those and other whispers are merrily exchanged. Kevlan seems to relax into the motions, and he seems more at ease, somehow, than you have ever seen him. He picks up the tempo a little, swinging you occasionally in small circles, and humming again... Bernadette concentrates on following Kevlan's lead, and not stepping on his toes. She lets out a small "eep!" as Kevlan swings her around and she loses her balance a bit. Bernadette increases her grip on Kevlan's hands. Kevlan smiles, and tells you, "Jes' relax... " He hums, and then begins to sing in time with his steps... Ah wan' a barefoot ballad, yes, a barefoot ballad, Won't you play for me a down-home country song 'Cause when Ah kick my shoes off an' Ah kick mah blues off With a barefoot ballad you jes' cain't go wrong... Kevlan laughs huskily, and says, "Pa used t' sing me that when Ah was four... you gettin' th' idea, honey?" By the sleds, one of the sorters calls cheerfully, "C'mon, Galahad, sing her something with real rhythm in it...!" Bernadette smiles and nods hesitantly, still staring at Kevlan's feet. Kevlan glances up startledly, and then sheepishly grins, blushing a little. But, with a forthrightness unusual for the young Singer, he smiles - and the two Sorters suddenly begin harmonizing on a cheerful melody line... Kevlan comes in on a husky tone, singing: Never found no four-leaf clover To bring good luck to me No rabbit's foot, no lucky star No magic wishing tree! Bernadette jerks her head up as the Sorters start harmonizing and looks at Kevlan as he sings, and in so doing, loses her concentration and steps promptly on Kevlan's right foot. Bernadette looks dismayed and utters a small "Oh!" And pulls her foot back, looking up apologetically at Kevlan. Kevlan suddenly laughs, and nudges you gently with his knee, just off his boot. Evidently undaunted, the Sorters continue merrily, singing backup while Kevlan goes on... But Ah got lucky (I got lucky) Yes, Ah got lucky (lucky when) When Ah found you, oh oh oh oh... Bernadette drops her head and stares at their feet again, pulling on Kevlan's hands whenever she makes a mistake and needs to correct her balance. Something, a subtle kind of change, seems to come over Kevlan as he sings. His eyes brighten, and his voice takes on a confidence rarely heard when he speaks; he sways a little, too, swiveling back and forth in movements that encourage you to follow his lead. Got no rainbow round my shoulder No horseshoe on my door Bernadette grimaces as she tries to mimick Kevlan without tipping over. But I got you to hold me tight And who could ask for more? One of the hangar techs yells merrily, "Relax, recruit, and just flow with it!" Oh Ah got lucky (I got lucky) Bernadette blushes embarassedly as she's instructed by the hangar tech and attempts to relax. Yes Ah got lucky (lucky when) When Ah found you! (When... I... found... you... ) Kevlan smiles down at you, and for once, his expression is open and encouraging. Bernadette is busily staring at their feet still. Kevlan reaches over, and nudges your chin, encouraging you to look up at him. Ah always walk around With all mah fingers crossed Ah'm afraid the love Ah found Just might get lost Bernadette blinks and looks up at Kevlan, flushed, as she tries not to step on any toes without looking down. Kevlan sings to you earnestly, So won't you tell me that you love me Hurry up and name the day And then Ah'll know that mah good luck Is really here to stay! Bernadette blinks and stares up at Kevlan, mesmerized, eyes sparkling, and she visibly relaxes and moves in rhythm with Kevlan without thinking. Oh Ah got lucky (I got lucky) Yes Ah got lucky (Lucky when) When Ah found you (I found you)! Kevlan sings on, much to the delight of the observers, and the voices of the Sorters provide a strong, rich harmony underneath his baritone. Bernadette steps easily along with Kevlan, still keeping eye contact and smiling softly. Kevlan swings through the bridge once more; his tall lean frame is surprisingly supple of movement, and the hangar techs call out delighted cries of encouragement. "Yeah! Shake those legs, Singer!" There are ripples of amused laughter. Kevlan repeats the last verse, with the Sorters finishing off a triumphant "ahh, aaaahh, ah!" as he swings you to an abrupt and well-timed halt. Bernadette stops with Kevlan and keeps looking up at him, smiling, and a little bit breathless from the exertions. Applause and cheers ring out around the hangar, and Kevlan, blushing now but grinning lopsidedly, looks down at you. "Uh... did, uh, that help?" Bernadette smiles, a flash of her teeth showing through her lips before she says, "It helped." She still holds on to Kevlan's hands as she continues to look up at him, her head tilted slightly back. Kevlan smiles a little down at you, seeming suddenly shy again. Bernadette seems almost in a bit of a trance as she smiles up at Kevlan, but she blinks with a small start and looks about, blushing a bit again, before looking at Kevlan again. "Thank you for the demonstration. I'm sure it will help," she smiles again, still lightly holding his hands. Kevlan grins sheepishly as the techs nearby call out a few last encouraging comments before Corbin - his gruff tone perhaps belied by the amused glint in his eye - hurries them all back to work. Then, the young Singer looks down at you with his guileless gaze, and tells you in utmost earnestness, "Flyin's easier, if you jes' kinda relax into it like when you're dancin'." Bernadette grins again. "Well, there isn't anyone singing to me in a sled, but I can see how the comparison can be made." Kevlan laughs and shrugs. "Aw, well, Ah sing a lot in mah sled, get a little crazy in th' quiet otherwise... maybe that'd he'p you... you need to practice s'more, hon?" Bernadette says "Which? Flying or dancing?" Bernadette smiles. Kevlan ducks his gaze shyly, but grins. "Flyin'. Ah ain't gonna test you on dancin'." Bernadette chuckles. "Yes, actually I do need to practice flying more." Kevlan nods earnestly, and you realize that you were still holding his hands only when he reaches one up to re-steady the cutter on his shoulder. "You'll do okay!" Sean emerges from the ready room with purpose. Sean smiles as he enters nodding at the recruit and the singer. "Hi, folks." Bernadette smiles at Kevlan and pulls her hands away. "Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.." Bernadette turns and smiles at her fellow recruit. "Hi, Sean." You say "Glad t' he'p out. Study hard now!" Sean looks from Bernadette to Kevlan. Bernadette grins and Kevlan and nods. "See you guys later," she says as she heads to the simulators. Sean hmms. "That was where I was heading actually." Kevlan waves a little sheepishly to Bernadette. Sean smiles at Kevlan. "So, Galahad, how ya doing?" Bernadette escapes the wind that whistles through the hangar to the simulator area. You say "Aw, well, Ah'm okay, Ah guess..." Sean looks at Kevlan. "You look a little worn. trying to juggle too much, again?" Kevlan grins, and for some reason, looks amused. "Naw, Ah was jes' showin' Berni about how flyin's like dancin'." Sean smiles and tilts his head at Kevlan, one eyebrow raising. "Oh, really? Hope I didn't interrupt anything." Kevlan says with utmost earnestness, "Ah sung her a song, to he'p show her about dancin'. She says it he'ped." He seems satisfied with this result. Sean smiles. "Maybe she's helping too, Kev." Kevlan blinks, and asks blankly, "He'pin' what?" Sean smiles and slaps Kevlan on the shoulder. "Life, Kevlan, Life." Sean smiles and looks at Kevlan. "You're very much different from the rest of the Siingers, Kevlan. Don't lose that. Its a refreshing change. I gotta go get some practice in. See you later, maybe?" dn't interrupt anything." Sean smiles and turns toward the simulators. Kevlan smiles, but still looks vaguely confused. He nods brightly, then, and says, "Okay, you study hard too!" Sean waves behind him. "Of course." Sean escapes the wind that whistles through the hangar to the simulator area. [Meanwhile, Bernadette goes to the recruit lounge to relax a bit, with other company...] Bernadette smiles and waves. Kilanjth smiles, "Hello, Berni. What's up?" Bernadette grins. "Hi, Kila. Not too much. Just been practicing in the simulators and such." You sense: Your knees feel wobbly for no apparent reason. Kilanjth smiles and nods. "Always fun in those. Challenging though." Bernadette grins and swoons a bit, grabbing a chair to keep herself steady. She frowns. "That's odd." Kilanjth frowns, "Um, Berni, sit down." She gets up to help her. Bernadette nods and sits down. You say "Maybe I didn't get enough to eat today." Kilanjth looks closely at Bernadette, then shakes her head, "You look bad..." Bernadette puts a hand to her face. "Really?" Kilanjth says "How long did you practice in the simulators?" Bernadette shrugs. "A couple of hour maybe?" You sense: You have *no* reason to suddenly be this tired. Lifting your arms has become next to impossible, and talking's an effort. Kilanjth nods, "Might be just too much practice and heat. But you might want to have a medic look at you. Never know when it will hit..." Bernadette groans a bit a slumps in her chair. "Ohhhh...." Kilanjth blinks, "Yes, we'd better get a medic up here!" Bernadette tries to lift a hand to ward off a medic, but is unable to. Kilanjth puts down her wrist unit after using it, then helps restrain and comfort Bernadette. "Just hang in there, the medics are on the way." Ruth walks in from the lift area to check on the recent `catch'. Ruth has arrived. Reef moves away, giving the medic room. Bernadette blinks rapidly and tries to mov again. Kilanjth whispers to Bernadette, "Just hold still and relax." Bernadette croaks out, fearfully, "K...Kev..lan..." Bernadette groans at Kilanjth in response. Your neck feels stiff, and trying to turn your head sends a stab of pain through your spine. Bernadette cries out in pain. Kilanjth holds Bernadette lightly, brushing the side of her cheek lightly, waiting for the medics to get to her. Ruth moves quietly to Bernadette's side. "Easy. Don't try to move. You'll be all right." She looks up. "Will somebody please help me get her downstairs?" Kilanjth nods, "I will." Reef says "I can." Bernadette tries to turn her head toward Ruth and cries out again, squeezing her eyes shut. Kilanjth looks around for the gurney, "How do you want me to help? Ruth nods to Reef quickly. "Thanks. Be gentle, she's locking up. Jolting her will hurt pretty badly." Turning back to Bernadette, she strokes her hair very gently. "Don't try to move. It'll be okay." Bernadette makes a small whining noise in the back of her throat, tears starting to squeeze out of her shut eyes. Ruth adds to Kilanjth, "Just follow us. Anyone reassuring around her will be a help for now. That damned gurney's out of commission again, I'm going to have to ask Reef to carry her." No entry for '@remit'. Kilanjth nods, "OK." She steps back and out of the way, mumbling a few words of reassurance to Bernadette first. Bernadette moans helplessly again, opening her eyes and using them to look around wildly. Bernadette swivels pain-filled eyes toward Kilanjth. Kilanjth says softly, "You'll be ok, Berni. Just relax and try to ignore the pain." Bernadette tries to nod, makes an anguished sound, and closes her eyes, lying still. [ Berni is picked up by Reef at this time, so she can't see what's going on out in the recruit lounge ] [ And is subsequently placed on a gurney ] Kilanjth stays back, but near and trying to keep in Bernadette's view. Morgan pushes the gurney out of the room. Reef says "I think she's gone unconscious," Kilanjth nods, "Guess she's in their hands now." Ruth follows the gurney closely, keeping an eye on Bernadette. [ They arrive at the infirmary ] Morgan nods, "Better get her comfortable." Morgan peers at a small gadget attached to her collar. Morgan smiles, "You can handle it from here." Ruth shrugs. "As comfortable as it's possible to make her when she's like this..." She very carefully arranges a blanket around Bernadette and gives her a hypodermic full of muscle relaxant, but the latter doesn't help very much. "I'd better not move her; she's stiffened up badly." She nods. "I've got it. Thanks, Morgan." Morgan nods, "Right, see you later." Morgan waves. Morgan leaves the room. Ruth goes home. Patient Room 4 The oversized medibed makes this small cubicle look even smaller. The walls reflect the light back softly to avoid stressing newly adapted eyes. A green and yellow checked stripe winds around the room. A monitor over the bed continuously provides information on the patient to the medical staff. Within easy reach of the bed is a help button that can be used to summon medical assistance. A marble-patterned cabinet on the wall holds various medical equipment and supplies that might be needed during a recruit's adaptation. The monitor in this room is on. Bernadette is checked into this room. Contents: Gurney Obvious exits: Out [End log...]