Heva seemed to glide through the sick bay doors. Her demeanor was that of someone free of cares, yet secretive about the means which brought her such happiness. Deanna stared at her through her office window. Something was very peculiar about Heva, she couldn't put her finger on it and this troubled her more than the obvious things did. She watched her carefully while she approached Doctor Crusher and began to speak.
"Good afternoon, Beverly." Heva sighed pleasantly, sitting against the table the Doctor was working at. Beverly looked up in surprise, mostly because Heva was leaning on her broken arm. Heva picked up on this and gave a tiny shrug. "It doesn't hurt nearly as bad as it did. I do believe your advanced medical knowledge has broken the record for repairing an injured limb."
Beverly's eye brow cocked and she smiled awkwardly, nodding at Heva. "Is there something you needed?" she asked.
Heva's expression changed, as though something she'd forgotten just dawned on her again. "Yes, I have been meaning to discuss the status of our research. I am sure you've studied the specimens the science team and I separated as possible carriers of the bacterium needed for a cure. I was wondering if you have concocted the chemical mixture in which to add it."
Her tone was so casual, so light that Beverly found it odd for someone who had been recently tortured and nearly killed. However she pressed on with a reply. "Yes, and for the past couple of days I've rifted through that final 33, I've found 4 that have the highest concentration of what we need in their system. I have added all four to different containers of the chemical mixture. I just need a sample of the plague to test it on. The samples I was using are still on the planet for the backup team to use." "What about headquarters?" Heva asked. "I heard that the labs at Star Fleet headquarters had samples of the plague to study with as well under your command. Why not go and use theirs?" Beverly's eyes lit up and she grabbed Heva's left shoulder lightly. "That's a perfect idea! I don't know why I didn't think of that before. We should go tell the captain. We aren't really that far out from there anyway. Come on!" As Heva followed the Doctor out of sick bay, she turned to peer into Deanna's office. When their eyes met, she made such a sickeningly wicked grin at the counselor that Deanna froze in place only able to stare out of her window even after Heva had disappeared.
"So, Captain, we propose that the Enterprise dock at headquarters and drop me there in order to complete my study. There isn't any other way and we are too far away from the Arimur system to go back there. It's only a two day journey to Earth and an eight day one back there. This makes more sense." Beverly spoke quickly, frantic to convince Picard to take the Enterprise to Earth. Heva stood quiet and calm by her side, smiling softly down at the Captain.
He nodded up at the Doctor, his eyes gleaming with possibilities. "I will reset our course for Earth. I am sure that my superiors won't have any issues with that. It could bring a quicker end to this plague than we thought." Heva nodded in agreement and turned to leave following Beverly. "Heva," Heva stopped dead and turned slowly back into the room. Beverly left without question, knowing that now wasn't the time to say anything more.
Picard and Heva stared at one another for a few moments as though studying each other for the first time. Jean-Luc felt the same discomfort here alone with her that he'd felt in sick bay just as she awoke. Though now, she seemed less panicky and more calm, collected and happy than she had just two days prior. His expression mingled between suspicion and professional and he stood to walk over to her. "Heva, I have been thinking about your encounter on Lore's vessel. I'm worried that whatever transpired there has had an effect on your mind."
Heva remained quiet and still, her eyes fixed on the wall like a statue's.
"Data has come to me twice expressing his concern towards your behavior. When you first woke up, the counselor said that due to your trauma you were confusing Data and Lore. She told me it would pass once you'd had some rest. I understand that it's only been a couple of days…however the fact that this hasn't yet ceased has my mind full of doubt. I want to hear from your mouth that you are going to be alright. But I'm still going to extend your medical absence by another week to be safe." He paused to set his feet firmly before hers so that he could establish eye contact. For a moment Heva kept her eyes forward, shifting the arm that was kept in a sling slightly out of apparent discomfort. When she finally rose her eyes to meet his, he found himself surprised at the calm behind them.
"I'm perfectly fine, Captain." Heva said smoothly. Her voice was like milk chocolate, silky and warm; without negativity whatsoever. Picard found himself not believing anything coming out of her mouth, but he let her continue. "I am grateful for the rest you've granted me, I do need it. However my mind will be fully functional once that rest is over. I assure you there is nothing to worry about. As far as Data goes, I will speak with him and tell him not to worry as well."
The two of them stood in the room together a while longer before Heva spoke again. "Is there anything else you need sir?"
Picard shook his head. "No. No that was all I wanted to know. You're dismissed."
Without another word Heva turned a heel and left. Jean-Luc released the air he'd been holding in his lungs and let his shoulders fall, hunching them over like an elderly man. He brought a hand over his bald head and walked around to his desk. He sat down and opened his monitor. He sent a message to headquarters to let them know they were on their way and then he contacted Deanna.
"Please meet me in my ready room, I have something to discuss with you."