A/N Ah, Warriorcreed. What would I do without your insight and input? I so look forward to it. (Not that I don't welcome others as well ) As usual you are very perceptive.
These characters will forever belong to Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady.
Penny watched as she saw Leonard and the others arrive for their normal Tuesday visit. It had been three weeks since the girls' night and Penny had come to face the fact she had been acting in a deeply dangerous fashion.
Her realization had started when she had remembered she needed to do something with the communicator. It caused her to face up to whom she was and what she was supposed to be doing.
She realized how she was compromising her mission. She had become way too involved. She decided that she needed to regain her focus.
The first thing she needed to do was put aside any thoughts of what there could be between her and Leonard. She needed to separate herself emotionally from him and all the others.
She also needed to get decide what she could do to follow up on her search for what happened to her predecessor.
If she did spend less time with Leonard and Sheldon, she would have to spend extra time monitoring what was happening in science.
For the next month Penny moved forward with her decision. She spent less and less time with Leonard and Sheldon making up all sorts of excuses. She was saddened to see how Leonard was disappointed and hurt but stayed with her plan.
The further she thought about how to proceed with checking out unidentified bodies, she realized that she would have to pose herself as a friend of Randall Smith. She faced the fact that if they did find him and he died by foul means, the authorities would want to know how she knew him. It was possible they would dig into her past.
Her research had revealed a government database called NamUs that contained information on characteristics of the bodies. She decided she would wait for the Ship to arrive in a few months and use its technology to scan that database.
As the time had passed, Penny was beginning to question her decision. The idea that her job would be a challenge had passed. She also discovered she missed Sheldon and Leonard. Quite frankly, she was bored and feeling a little lonely.
It was then she remembered how she had thought of possible one-night stands. She decided to pursue looking into that. For some time, the girls at work at been asking her to go out and party with them. She decided to take them up on their offer. She quickly discovered she should have been more cautious and done some research before committing herself.
So, the next Saturday, she found herself dressed in a sexy dress and driving to a local dance club. She did so with a great deal of trepidation. She had done research how humans danced in these clubs, and it was completely different from anything she had ever done.
Even worse, she found that the music was just shattering noise to her.
She had forced herself to listen to it and practice dancing.
Unfortunately, it did little to increase her confidence, and her aversion to the music just grew.
She thought of canceling but decided she needed to at least try it. She smiled to herself, she had twenty years to learn to like it.
After she had let the valet park her car, she entered the club and was immediately met by a cacophony of noise.
Fighting the urge to turn around and leave, she spotted the girls and headed for them. When she sat down, she was relieved when the music quieted.
Bernadette spoke first, "Wow, Penny, you look great. I'm really glad you decided to join us."
"Hi, guys, I am glad I accepted."
Bernadette went on, "We know you don't drink so we have told the waitress to bring you water."
As Penny thanked them, men started to gather around the table. It was apparent that the other girls knew them and introduced Penny to them. For her part, Penny was not paying a great deal of attention to them but pondering what was about to happen.
After they had talked for a few moments, it became time for another dance. She accepted an invitation from a guy named Mac who said he was a stockbroker. She had to admit he was handsome and apparently earned a great deal of money, neither of which were particularly important nor impressive to her.
When they reached a point on the floor, she tried to remember how she had practiced. She was surprised and gratified to find that no one seemed to be really interested in how proficient she was. It almost seemed like she was dancing alone.
She had to smirk to herself when she realized that the men who did seem to be watching her were more interested in her body than her talent.
When the dance finished, they returned to the table. There was an awkward moment and she realized he was looking to her to see if he should sit down. She quickly thanked him for the dance and ignored the look he gave her.
Although she tried a couple more dances, she came to decide she really wasn't enjoying herself.
Then, they announced that the next dance would be a slow dance. When Mac returned to ask her to dance, she realized she didn't know what to expect. Deciding to observe, she turned him down. This time he didn't even try to hide his displeasure.
She also noticed that Cheryl was looking a little quizzically at her. Excusing herself, she escaped to the bathroom.
After she left, Cheryl turned to the others, "Do you get the same feeling that I do? That there is something strange about Penny?
She went on, "I mean, look at her. She is gorgeous but it seems like she has never been out. She can't help but be sexy when she dances but she also looks like it is something new to her. And what about the way she is treating Mac. God, he's a hunk."
Kim responded, "I agree. And what is this about not drinking? I didn't say something at the time but when we had that girls' night, I just had the feeling it was all new to her."
They looked over at Bernadette. Bernadette felt uncomfortable. She had noticed the same things about Penny but felt she might know why she acted that way. She finally said, "I agree it may look that way, but I think we should give her some room. After all, we have to remember that she is much younger than we are."
Cheryl smirked, "I was never THAT young!"
Penny had observed what consisted of a "slow dance" and decided she was not ready for that. In fact, she had enough. The music was giving her a headache and she really didn't want to deal with any more men.
When she returned to the table, she told them she didn't feel well and was going home. They all said they were sorry but understood.
Bernadette walked her to the door and asked if she wanted her to go with her. Penny thanked her but said she was okay.
Bernadette told her she would call her in the morning to be sure she was all right.
When Bernadette returned to the table, she was not surprised to find that Cheryl and Kim spent more time talking about Penny. Since Bernadette had ridden with Cheryl, she had to stay but made it clear she wanted them to change the subject.
When Penny got back to her apartment, she took a shower and sat down on her couch. She knew she had not accomplished what she had set out to do. She probably had only made it worse. Instead of fitting in, she had shown how little she did.
She also realized something else. She missed Leonard and Sheldon. She remembered how comfortable she felt with them, how much she enjoyed being with them.
She was also surprised to realize she had no desire to be with a man. As she thought back, she realized that it had always been that way since Kurt. She knew it was the real reason she had never been involved with anyone since. In spite of the fact she was Celarian, she had never really been involved in casual sex. Before Kurt, she had been with others, but it had never been like it was with Kurt.
But then what was it with Leonard. She was stunned when she had to admit it had been similar to being with Kurt. She also realized that it had, in a way, been the same with Sheldon. It had not been passionate because of the way he was, but she had felt a deep affection for him and sensed a sweetness in him.
Once again, she marveled at how it was between her and them. She smiled, to hell with it, she missed them and she wanted to spend time with them. Others would just have to think what they wanted.
But then another thought returned to her. Did that mean she should now have that talk with Leonard. No, she still wasn't ready to face the possible ramifications of that.
Bernadette called the next morning and asked if she could come over.
When she arrived she sat on the couch by Penny. Now that she was there, she wasn't sure it was a good idea, but then plunged ahead.
"Penny, please don't take this the wrong way. But last night, I and the others got the idea you really weren't comfortable being there." She hesitated, "It seemed like it was all new to you." She looked into Penny's eyes, "We all also agreed that it was the same way when we had the girls' night."
Penny knew she should be surprised but she had suspected as much. Before she could decide what to say, Bernadette went on, "I know this is presumptuous of me, but I think I may understand why."
She went on, "The reason I think that is because I believe I was once in the same place you are. I grew up in a religious home with an over-protective mother and a very strict father. When I was your age, I was a virgin and had hardly dated. I had never even had a drink. If I had been taken to a club, I would have felt just as out of place as you did."
"All that changed when I went away to college. I ended up being involved with one of my teachers."
Penny stared at her. She had to smile to herself. Bernadette had provided her with an out.
Penny looked at her, "I don't know why I just didn't tell you guys. But I wanted to fit in. I felt so stupid."
Bernadette smiled and reached out and held her hands, "You shouldn't feel that way. You still have so much time to experience everything." She smiled, "In a way, I envy you."
They stayed that way for a few minutes, just enjoy being together. They were interrupted by a knock on the door.
When Penny answered the door, she saw an uncomfortable Leonard standing there.
"I am sorry to bother you, Penny, but I didn't know who else to ask. Sheldon's mother is flying in today and someone has to pick her up at the airport. Sheldon would have a fit if I suggested she take a cab. But I just got a call that there is a problem at the University I need to address."
"I know it's a lot to ask, but could you take Sheldon to the airport?"
Penny smiled, "It's no problem, Leonard, I would be glad to."
He looked a little stunned, "Are you sure?" He hesitated, "I mean we haven't really…"
Penny felt a moment of sadness, "It's okay, Leonard."
Bernadette came up beside them, "Hi, Leonard."
Leonard looked surprised but then answered, "Hi, Bernadette."
Bernadette turned to Penny, "Sounds like you are going to be busy, I'll talk to you later."
Saying her goodbyes, she left.
There was an awkward silence broken by Leonard saying, "Well, I better get going. Thanks' again, Penny."
"No problem."
Penny crossed over to 4A and knocked. When Sheldon answered, she smiled, "It seems I am to be the one to take you to the airport. Are we ready to go?"
All the way to the airport, Sheldon made her doubt whether this was a good idea as he constantly made suggestions how she could improve her driving.
She was surprised to find she was so happy to be doing something with them again, she managed to just ignore him.
She had to admit she was wondering what kind of a person his mother was. She smirked to herself, she must be someone with a lot of patience.
"Sheldon, can you tell me a little about your mother? Is she coming up for any special reason?"
Having been interrupted in his analysis of her driving, "As for your second question, she is just coming to California to take part in a cruise and is coming early to spend today with me."
"My mother is a born-again Christian who has many beliefs that vary greatly from my own. At the same time, she loves me and made me spaghetti with hot dogs when I was growing up."
Penny had of course spent some time being instructed on Earth religions and found herself intrigued about meeting someone who was apparently quite religious.
When Mary Cooper saw a woman standing next to Sheldon, her eyes widened.
Sheldon spoke first, "Hello, Mother, it is good to see you."
"Hi, Shelly. It is so good to see you too. Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"
"Mother, this is our neighbor, Penny Hansen. Leonard was busy and she agreed to drive me."
Mary smiled, "That was certainly nice of you." She smiled, "Aren't you a pretty one."
Penny was a little overwhelmed, "It is nice to meet you, Mrs. Cooper."
"Please, call me Mary. Have you been friends with Sheldon long?"
Sheldon sighed, "She is our neighbor…"
Penny interrupted, "For a few months. How was your flight?"
"It was fine." She smiled as Sheldon rolled his eyes, "It was as if someone was looking over it."
Penny wasn't sure what was going on, but judging from Sheldon's reaction, assumed it had something to do with religion.
After they gathered her luggage and were on there way back to the apartment, Mary sitting in the front seat, Mary asked, "And what do you do for a living, are you a scientist too?"
As Sheldon snorted, Mary gave him a disapproving look.
Penny smiled, "No, I work as a waitress at the Cheesecake Factory."
Mary smiled, "Well, that is just wonderful. Sheldon's sister Missy was a waitress for a time."
When they arrived back at the apartment, Penny invited herself to stay. When they were all fortified with a beverage, Mary asked, "Will Leonard be home soon?"
Sheldon answered, "I don't know. There was an emergency at work."
"Oh, that is too bad." She smiled, "I always like Leonard. He has taken care of my Sheldon."
Sheldon quickly spoke up, "I take care of him."
Penny had to smile broadly when Mary sarcastically said, "Of course you do."
It was then that Leonard came through the door. Smiling he said, "Hello, Mary."
Mary got up and gave him a hug.
When they were all settled again, Mary smiled at Leonard, "Why didn't you let me know you knew such a charming woman?"
Leonard looked a little embarrassed, "Penny is just our neighbor…"
Penny interrupted, looking pointedly at Leonard, "Yes, Leonard, why didn't you tell Mary about your new friend."
Leonard looked stunned for a minute and then smiled happily.
Mary saved them further embarrassment when she started to tell them about the cruise.
Penny found herself a little confused about what she was saying although she could associate some of what she had said with what she had been instructed about. But mostly she just enjoyed watching Sheldon's discomfort and Leonard's amusement.
It was just so good to be back with them.
Over Sheldon's objections, they all went out for Sushi.
When they were back at the apartment, Mary surprised them by asking Penny if she could talk to her alone.
They went over to Penny's apartment. When they were seated, Mary stunned her by asking, "Just what is your relationship with Leonard and Sheldon?"
Before Penny could answer, she continued, "I just love those two boys. But I also know how naïve they are. I don't want you to hurt them."
Penny looked her in the eyes, "I would never want to do that. They are my friends. I moved here from Nebraska and they have been wonderful to me."
"I am glad to hear that."
She leaned forward, "You do know that Leonard has a giant crush on you."
As Penny was caught speechless, Mary went on, "I know a girl as gorgeous as you probably would never be with a nerd like Leonard, but I think you would be good for each other."
Smiling at the look on Penny's face, she said goodbye and left.
For the next couple of months, Penny determinedly put any thoughts of what Mary had said behind her and returned to her normal routine with the guys.
Six months to the day after she had arrived on Earth, Penny was contacted that the Republic ship Victory again commanded by Captain Ortag was in orbit.
Upon being beamed up, she met with Ortag and members of the Infiltration team in the conference room. She discussed what had occurred, (a very edited statement). She told them of NamUS and they said they would work on accessing the database.
Deciding she did not need any other assistance for now, the Infiltration team left.
Looking a little uncomfortable, Ortag went on, "There is someone else you need to meet. I am afraid he has some disturbing news."
Penny, wondering what was going on, nodded."
Ortag got up and opened the door, "We are ready now."
He stepped back and Penny was a little surprised to see a Dorian come through the door. For the most part, Dorians preferred to stay on Dorian. They were a highly intelligent and analytical people. They were a great asset to the Republic for solving problems. Most of the ones that did venture out usually became investigators or served on counseling services.
Ortag was speaking, "Penny, this is Agent Koran Tort," he hesitated, "He works for the CDB."
Penny struggled to conceal her shock, the CDB was the Republic equivalent of the FBI. She had never met one of their agents.
Ortag had gone on, "Agent Tort, this is Penny, as you know, she is our agent on Earth."
Tort smiled, "It is just Koran. It is good to meet you, Penny. Captain Ortag had filled me on the excellent job you have done."
Penny nodded. Koran sat down across from her.
Dorians could easily pass for humans. Their major characteristic was their height. Tort was average height for them, six feet, seven inches tall.
Penny had to admit he would be a very attractive man on Earth.
For his part, Tort found himself struck by her beauty. He had been told she was pretty, but in person…
Tort spoke up, "What I am about to say will be quite shocking to you."
He leaned forward, "Almost ten years ago, a double murder took place on the planet Darvin 7."
Penny was shocked. This was nothing like what she was expecting. How could a ten-year old murder bring a CDB agent to Earth?
"The two victims were a woman named Maret Zovack and a man named Oran Norfa. The local authorities discovered they had been having an affair. Suspicion immediately fell on the husband of Mrs. Zovack, Zonder Fomac."
"But when the police went to question him, he was gone. Despite all their efforts, they never found him. They explored other possibilities but everything pointed to him. After six months of looking, they had to admit they were at an end."
He sat back, "Then, six months ago, a construction crew was taking down an apartment building to make way for a new highway. In doing so they found the remains of a body."
"It took some time but they were able to identify the remains. The body was one Arman Tokar."
Penny, who had been listened intently, sat up in shock. She managed to get out, "Arman Tokar, but that's…"
Tort smiled ruefully, "Yes, that is what we thought was the real name of the agent placed on Earth, the man known as Randall Smith."
As Penny struggled to absorb what he was saying, he went on, "Further investigation found that Tokar and Fomac had apparently spent a lot of time together and were supposedly friends."
"It was only a few days after the murder that Tokar supposedly boarded a ship and began his journey to Earth."
Penny was catching up, "So, you think Fomac murdered Tokar and took his place?"
"They were similar in appearance and he would have had all of Tokar's papers. No one on board the ship had never met Tokar; had never been to Darvin 7 before. They took his DNA sample after he was on board."
He went on, "When the police on Darvin 7 felt they understood what might have happened, they contacted the CDB and I was assigned to the case."
"We have compared Fomac's DNA with the DNA the Republic thought was Tokar's. They were identical."
Penny thought for a moment, "Do you think any of this has to do with Randall Smith disappearing?"
Tort shrugged, "It is possible. He may have worried that with someone new going to Earth, he might somehow be exposed."
Ortag broke in, "But couldn't he have never contacted us at all?"
Penny answered, "No, because of Earth did gain warp knowledge, there would be a huge investigation and it would be much more likely that he would be exposed."
Tort nodded approvingly. He continued, "I was gratified to hear that something like NamUS exists. It will be interesting if we find anything."
He smiled, "The best result is that we find a body we can identify as that of Fomac. We can then call the case closed and I can return home with the ship."
Penny suddenly realized something, "If we don't…?"
Tort smiled, "Then I have been ordered to remain on Earth until we know for sure what happened to Fomac."
