Geordi

As I walked down the ship's corridors, I thought about the person I was going to visit. Willow Cooper had appeared on the Enterprise so suddenly, and had only been there for a short length of time, but her presence had already made a big difference on the ship.

I don't think it was just because of the mystery of her arrival, and the way it defied all we knew about time travel and alternative universes. I also don't think it was because of what she has told us: that we're all fictional characters in a television show in her reality.

It's difficult to say for sure, but I think it's the way she had acted during her time here. Rather than freak out at finding herself in a world she'd thought was fantasy, Willow had accepted and embraced it without any doubts or suspicions. Maybe that was a testament to the crew, and how they had accepted her in turn, and that was what caused the shift in mood. The world we lived in was a place she was happy to be in, at least for the time being.

Most people, when abruptly taken away from their family, home and literally their world, would have broken down and cried. I'd expected to see that by now, and was surprised that she still hadn't. Perhaps she's been crying today, I thought. Her doors will open to show a darkened room hiding red, puffy eyes from tears.

Shaking off the thoughts, I had pressed the annunciator outside her quarters. About five seconds later, I heard Willow shout 'come in!', and I walked into a darkened room.

My first thought was 'Oh no!', but I quickly realised that Willow had been doing anything but crying.

''Hello commander!'' she said cheerily, swinging her legs over the side of her bed to stand up. ''I'll just put the lights on.'' She gave the command, and the room was instantly illuminated.

I spotted the computer at the foot of her bed. ''Are you watching something?''

''Yep, a movie I've always wanted to see. It's called Kill Bill; have you seen it?''

I smiled. ''No, I haven't. Is it any good?''

''Well… that's a good question. It's so bad that it's kind of good. It was made in my time, so it's massively out of date for you. But the graphics leave a lot to be desired, even for then. Whenever anybody is stabbed they spurt blood five feet in the air like a fountain.''

''What? Is that what you usually choose to watch?'' It seemed so out of character for somebody with such a carefree, friendly nature.

''No. I usually like films that aren't nearly so violent, and have a solid, relatively complex plot. This one is very simple, and they drag it out over two films instead of just making it one. It's really just an ex-assassin going on a revenge killing spree of some old colleagues for massacring everyone at her wedding.''

''Lovely.'' Looking at the picture, I saw a blonde woman sword-fighting with another woman wearing oriental clothes. The outfit was already stained with blood. ''Doesn't this have a rating? Adults only?''

Willow looked slightly sheepish. ''Ah, yes. It is an eighteen, but the computer didn't stop me. Besides, I – well, me and Doctor Crusher – worked out that I'm eighteen in eighteen days. Ha!'' Her expression then changed to coy. ''You're not thinking of reporting me, are you?''

Laughing, I said ''I think you know very well that I won't.''

She grinned. ''I do, yes. And I'm guessing you didn't just come here to talk about an old film?''

''No, I didn't. I have some time before I'm needed again, so the Captain recommended we start compiling everything we know about what happened to you. Ideally Data would be here too, but he's needed. He'll come whenever he's able.''

''What, even in the middle of the night?'' It was obvious that her teasing wasn't put on, but her natural response. Somehow, she always managed to make it friendly and light-hearted rather than rude.

''Ha ha. As much as I'd love to chat forever, we need to go to one of the Science Labs. It's the one that Data usually uses, so we can input everything straight into his computer.''

Willow pumped her fist. ''Yes! I knew you had a sarcastic streak.''

I smirked, an expression I hadn't worn for a long time. ''Of course'' I replied. ''I just don't use it too often. It would ruin my reputation.''

''As the nicest guy on the ship?'' she asked as we exited her quarters.

Rather than reply straight away, I was silent for several moments. ''Is that how people see me?''

''Well, yeah. You're always nice to everybody, and I can't actually remember you having an argument.'' She paused. ''Isn't that… good?''

A warm feeling was spreading through my chest. What better confirmation of your qualities than thousands, if not millions of people believing the same thing? Somehow, it was comforting to think that so many people liked me, whatever reality they were in. At first, I had found it creepy that we were being watched the whole time, studied and analysed the same way as any character. But knowing I was seen positively made the watching seem less hostile, and more approachable.

Willow was still looking at me anxiously, so I quickly replied. ''Yeah, it is. Sorry, I'm just… still getting used to the idea.''

Her smile was genuine and understanding. ''I can imagine! If I suddenly found out I was on a TV screen, I think I'd feel really creeped out. And, this might sound strange, but somehow, I would see the watchers as hostile.'' Willow's forehead crinkled as she thought. ''Maybe it's because I wouldn't know who they were, or what they were thinking of me.''

''Wow'' I said, taken aback. ''And if you found out they liked you…''

''I wouldn't see them that way anymore. They'd be more like… distant friends. More approachable.''

I'll admit, I was stunned. Willow had said exactly what I was thinking, and in most of the same words as I had in my head. ''Just what I was thinking.''

''Really? Most people back home would've done their 'Willow's-a-nutter' looks if I came out with something like that.''

''Maybe we just think the same way'' I replied, holding my hand out towards the door of the Lab.

Willow

Our time in the Lab was both productive and enjoyable. Geordi was easy to work with, so we could get on with it while also having a laugh.

''Okay'' he said, sitting in front of a console and tapping away. ''Let's start with a detailed account of how you got here. Everything you can remember, right from the beginning.''

''Everything?'' I queried. ''Okay. It started when I heard a noise outside. It was a sharp thudding sound that rang through the silence. I was writing an essay – English Lit, due in the next day – and my pen streaked across the page. I ran to the window, but couldn't see anything in the murky gloom, so after a bit of deliberation I decided to venture outside. I crept down the stairs as quietly as I could, then put on the trainers I'm wearing now with my big coat. I thought it would keep me warm better than any of the others. Getting my keys was the most difficult part, as they were in the creaky dresser draw right near my parent's bedroom. I knew that that was the crucial moment, so I gingerly held the handle and…''

''Willow, stop.'' I was so absorbed in telling my story that I hadn't noticed Geordi shaking with laughter. ''You're telling it like it's a fantasy novel. It is real, you know.''

''I know'' I said. ''I'm just adding in lots of detail. You did say everything, after all.''

''Maybe I should rephrase. Tell me everything that might be important. And do it in a more… factional tone.''

''Sorry. That's just my tone. You want it more like a police report?''

''Exactly. No big words.''

''None? Are you saying the science types can't handle them?''

It's quite remarkable that I could say that to a chief engineer and have him laugh rather than be annoyed.

''I'm sure they could, at least most of them. We just need it as clear as possible, that's all.''

''Fine, no creaky draws.''

After that, we got stuck in. I remembered everything well, and Geordi helped by pushing for the details he did want, like the probable trajectory of the artefact, an exact description of the black box and, most importantly, what it had been like when I transported from my garden to the holodeck.

After my thrilling tale had been told (as scientifically as possible) and saved into the ship's computer, we moved away from the desk to a more comfortable sofa. I couldn't imagine Data had spent much time on it.

''So, sir, what's your professional opinion?''

''Well… it should all be impossible.''

''You've done the impossible before'' I reminded him. ''Many times.''

He laughed again. Apparently, he liked my sense of humour. ''That's true. But this time, I really have no idea. To get you back we'd have to reverse the process that brought you here. But the way you were transported sounds like nothing I've heard of before, so how the hell we replicate that…''

Geordi trailed off in thought. After a few seconds, I asked ''What about the ring? That's what did it, after all.''

''Data studied it, and he can't find a trace of anything that would make it do that. And if Data can't find it…''

''Nobody here can.''

We lapsed into silence for a little while. I thought about exactly what had happened; the ring hadn't done anything to me until…

''I need to put it on.'' I blurted it out into the silence, and Geordi was jarred from thought.

''What? I'm sure Data tried that.''

''I'm sure he did, too. But maybe it has to be me.''

''To make it react only to you is very advanced technology. It's perfectly do-able, but to make that sort of thing undetectable…''

''Maybe we need to think bigger. What's possible for you guys may be different to what's possible for whatever – or whoever – created this ring. Perhaps we need to stop looking at it from our, or really your, perspective. Open our minds to things that shouldn't be possible; it's not like you don't do it on a pretty regular basis.''

Geordi was shaking his head fondly, his mouth curved into a smile. ''You always act like you're an arts person, into literature and creativity, but you seem really logical to me. Open to things, always asking questions.'' He turned and looked me right in the eyes, and it didn't matter that he had a VISOR. I knew what they showed. ''I think you'll be really helpful in working this out.''

Two different emotions battled inside me. Part of me was incredibly touched, wanting to take his hand and thank him for his kind words. But another part of me wanted to laugh incredulously, and sadly that's the part that showed.

''Me? But I know nothing! I'm no good at science. Well, okay, I got an A in both at GCSE, but I'm taking Biology for A-level and it's just beyond me. Way too complicated. That stuff's on another level, and I'm talking early 21st century! The technology you have here is mind-blowing, so me talking about thinking beyond that is just hot air. Sure, I believe it, and could imagine it, but I'm a million miles from actually understanding it.''

The hopelessness I felt had leaked out during my rant, and my eyes were watering. I'm not going to cry, not going to cry.

My companion looked unsure, almost nervous. After seemingly thinking about it, he reached out a hand and took one of mine. It felt warm, comforting and safe.

''Hey'' he said gently. ''It's okay. We will get you home, and you don't have to be involved at all if you don't want to be. I simply meant it as a compliment.''

I blinked fast to try to get rid of my tears, and managed a watery smile. ''I know. Thank you. I'm not upset because of that; I'm just feeling very… down. Which is normal, obviously, considering I'm away from everything I know. Counsellor Troi thinks I haven't broken down yet because I need time to process what's happening. My mind hasn't accepted it as a reality yet. A bit like when somebody dies and you have that numb period before you really start crying. Not that anybody has died, or anything, just…''

I trailed off, knowing I was just rambling. Geordi's smile was soft.

''She's probably right; she usually is. Try not to worry about it too much, and go see her if you need to. And…'' Then he trailed off. ''If you need to talk to somebody, I'm happy to listen. I may not be a counsellor, but I can be a friend.''

That was very nearly my undoing. I was so touched I could physically feel it in my chest, like a tiny fire burning with a small glow. Why do I always want to cry when people are nice to me?

Geordi seemed to understand. He squeezed my hand, and I wondered for the millionth time how his face could convey so much emotion with his eyes covered. In the past, I would've wondered how LeVar Burton had managed it, but now I was thinking about the real Geordi. Everything is flipped on its head; fantasy is reality and I don't even know whether reality is fantasy or not.

''I would love to be your friend. More than… a lot of things.''

He pretended to look wounded. ''Not more than anything? I'm hurt.''

Laughter bubbled out of me, and my blues left with it.

The lighter atmosphere led to a good chat, though I couldn't tell you exactly what we discussed. It was just two friends sitting together and talking about what was on their minds.

It must have been longer than we thought, because when Geordi asked the computer for the time it was almost twenty-two-hundred hours.

''Wow. You'd better go back to your quarters, Willow.'' He moved back to the console, and his fingers played over the touchscreen. ''I'm copying your report and sending it to Data's workstation in his quarters. No doubt he'll look at it overnight and come back with a whole host of suggestions in the morning.''

''Yes sir'' I said, bouncing up and giving him a mock salute. ''Let me know when you need me.''

''I will. Have a good night.''

''Thanks. You too'' I replied, thinking of the little purple pills Doctor Crusher had given me.

The doors had just swished open when he called my name. That happens so often in Trek; I guess it was inevitable it would happen to me. I turned around.

''Nice outfit'' he grinned.

It was only then I realised he hadn't already commented. ''Jeans never go out of fashion.''

''Evidently'' he deadpanned.

Walking back to my quarters, I was only half concentrating on navigating the giant starship. Most of my brain was ruminating, and an old song kept going round and round in my head.

What a difference a day makes,

Twenty-four little hours.

Comparing myself to how I was the day before, I felt much more grounded. I now knew where I was in the timeline. I'd had conversations with most of the senior staff. I had also made a real friend, a two-way one that wasn't just people being polite to a new person. If I truly asked myself, I hadn't expected them to be the first friend I made. Second, perhaps, but not first. But I hadn't actually spoken to Data that much, and now I really thought about it, it might take a bit longer to really become friends with him. Not that he was unapproachable, as such, just a bit more distant with people he didn't know so well. But I was determined to get there.

In that moment, I felt I'd reached a turning point. I was grounded, and I was going to make friends. The corner had been turned.

But in retrospect, it was a much smaller corner than the ones that were to come. And quickly.

Geordi

That wasn't quite the end of the day for me. After Willow had left, I made my way to the Bridge to check in on the mission. Our first two attempts to retrieve the data had failed, and both Commander and Lieutenant Riker had been working on a plan for our third try.

I really felt for my friend when the Lieutenant's plan was chosen. It must be so difficult to meet a double of yourself, and even worse when you don't get along. Data was, naturally, fascinated by the concept.

Idly, I wondered what pearls of wisdom Willow would have to impart. No doubt she would have a view reminiscent of a much older person. She seemed such an old soul in many ways.

And yet… my mind kept playing back to the moment when I had taken her hand. She seemed so vulnerable, and I knew I had to help. The battle of indecision had waged inside my head, and I'd overcome my nerves enough to take it. Her hand had felt so soft, so warm, and just for a moment a tingle had run through me. Only for a split-second, but it was there.

Overall, my day had been captivating. Not just because of puzzles to be solved and philosophical questions to think over. But because I had found out so much about a very interesting new friend.

As my best friend would say, intriguing.

Author's Notes: I can't apologise enough for the delay. You'd think the holidays would give you loads of time to write, but my brain apparently disagrees. It's not a good time to get writer's block, is it? (And yes, that's totally a thing. At least, it is for me.) But here it is, my first Geordi PoV. At first it just wasn't working - it was too stilted - so I changed it from the 3rd to the 1st person. I hope you like it. I can't say for sure which characters will get a PoV, except that Data definitely will. I already know how I'll write him, and he will be in the 3rd person.

Yes, it's another 'conversation chapter'. They're unavoidable for a little while while Willow is settling in. Becoming grounded, as it were. There's plenty of action to come.

I should mention that the song 'What Difference A Day Makes' was originally sung by Dinah Washington, I think. All rights go to her and any other applicable parties. (I'm putting this in case I get into trouble for using content that isn't mine. Music won't really be a part of this story, but if any are occasionally included they'll be credited.)

Thanks so much for reading, reviewing and waiting.

Woody xxx