"Where did she come from?  I've never seen any one like her before.  But then again, until recently, I haven't gotten out much", Janice asked me as she looked S'dira over, then speaking to the woman, "honey, you look like something the cat dragged in that the dog couldn't drag out."   Again turning her attention to me, Janice spoke, "so, what's the story here and what would you like me to do for you, Aria?"

After giving Janice a quick explanation of what had happened and what I had read about S'dira in the bulletin, I said to her, "any way, that's all I have so far.  I need to return and help get the cargo secured before we jump.  Would you do me a favor and take care our guest until I get back?"  Speaking once more to the frightened woman, hopefully in a reassuring tone, "S'dira, this is Janice.  She's a good person and will not hurt you, I ask that you please stay with her... we'll talk again later."

"Be happy to take care of our new arrival, Aria," Janice replied, "don't worry about a thing.  Now, go take care of business.  First thing we need to do is get this poor girl something to eat, looks like she hasn't had a decent meal in weeks.  Afterwards, we'll see about getting her cleaned up and in some new clothes."  Speaking to S'dira, Janice said to the woman,  "have a seat, S'dira, you're among friends now... try to relax while I fix you something."   Turning her attention back to me, added with a smile, "Oh, and do me a favor, Aria... don't tell anybody about the chicken, I want it to be a surprise."

As I was leaving the galley, I quipped over my shoulder, "sure thing.  Thanks Janice, you're a doll." 

Turning her head for a moment from the meal she was preparing, Janice responded with a small laugh and a smile, "I know... now, go on and do what you need to do.  I got it from here."

A little bit later as Janice set the plate of food and something to drink in front of S'dira, she said, "There you go honey, it's not much, but it'll do for now."  For a few minutes, S'dira sat there, staring at the food in front of her, making no attempt to eat.  "What's the matter, S'dira," Janice asked as she knelt beside the woman, "can't you eat this?  Is it something that will hurt you if you do?"

With head still bowed, gazing at the plate before her, she replied, "it's fine and will fill my nutritional needs very well, thank you.  May I have permission to eat, ma'am?  You won't take it away from me, will you?  I promise I'll be good and not cause any more problems if you don't, I swear."

With S'dira's words tugging at her heart, Janice stifled a tear and softly cooed, "you don't need my or anybody else's permission to eat, S'dira.  No one will take anything away from you here. And you're not a problem, so please eat.  After you're finished, we're going to get you out of those filthy clothes and cleaned up."  Then gently rubbing the woman's back, Janice continued, "sweetheart, you're among friends here, everything's OK."

After S'dira had finished her meal, Janice lead the still frightened woman to the showers.  The warm water flowing over her body felt wonderful and she lost track of time.  Suddenly realizing how long she had been there, a wave of panic overcame her.  Turning to Janice, who was sitting on the bench close by, she said, "I'm sorry I'm taking too long, I'll stop now.  Please forgive me... the water felt so good and I forgot about the time."

Responding to the worried woman, Janice once again said in a soothing voice, "take all the time you want, dear.  There's no hurry, besides, you were enjoying it and that's what is most important.  You can stop any time you are ready.

When S'dira had finished a bit later, Janice gave her some large, soft towels to dry herself and a fluffy robe to wear.  Sitting on the bench with S'dira, Janice spoke, "S'dira, Aria told me what she had read about you in the bulletin the Feds sent out... from what I understand, they were studying you to learn more about your people."  With a sigh, Janice continued, "by the way you're acting, appears they weren't very kind to you.  Sweetheart, please don't judge the whole human race by the deeds of a few."  Then taking S'dira's hand in hers, Janice said,  "if I could only know what you've been through, see it through your eyes... then I would be able to understand you better."

"That is possible," S'dira replied as she placed her fingertips to Janice's temple.

Instantly, flashes of S'dira's memories from the time of her capture until her escape, began to flood Janice's mind.  As the images passed, all Janice could do was watch the horror unfold as tears began rolling from her eyes.  With choking sobs, Janice cried out, "no... oh my God, no!  They didn't... ... ... oh God, they did!  Bastards... damned filthy bastards... ... ..."

To be continued...

++++++++++++++++

Not sure what's going on?  Well give this link a click: A Little Introduction Is In Order and hopefully it will clear things up for you.
Thanks for dropping in!