Gerhard suddenly understood, in a flash of brilliant insight, what lay behind the irreverent and sarcastic mannerisms of the girl he had just met. He leaned back still against the pvc pole, his arms crossed, but did not make another sound. Instead, he simply watched her, his former expression replaced by a thoughtful one. She did not like his presence, but he did not mind her glare.<br/><br/>Dark shades rob even the fiercest expression of vitality.<br/><br/>Gerhard thought about this, and about her. The girl pushed others away. She made absolutely sure that everyone thought she was rebellious, wild, independent. "How odd," he thought, "no one seems to believe it. They all want to shove her in a mouse hole, a safe little cubby where they can protect her."<br/><br/>In thinking this, Caraline's image flashed suddenly into his mind. He saw her in his mind's eye, remembered how she had lived in just the same way. They were polar opposites, the two of them, Caraline and this Girl here, Theadora. Finally, the contrast of remembrance grew two much. Gerhard whispered to himself, "Caraline... Caraline." and then ducked out through the cloth door.<br/><br/>Gerhard continued down the corridor, not particularly interested in knowing where he was. He ended up coming to the commons room anyway, where he saw his Good Lad, Dan sitting on the sofa and trying not to take up too much space. Nurse Nanasawa was in the room as well, discussing something with Crayton, whom he had met this afternoon.<br/><br/>"Mr. Surov, what are you doing here? You should be resting--" Mrs. Nanasawa got up to escort him back to his room, but Gerhard waved her off.<br/><br/>"I feel fine, Ms. Nanasawa. Despite all his eccentricities, that doctor you stuck me with knew what he was doing. I should thank you, both for keeping my clothes intact, and for writing that note." Gerhard said. As he did so, Crayton stood up and the two shook hands. Gerhard nodded and smiled to Crayton, who seemed as though something were on his mind.<br/><br/>Crayton then ventured forth, "I... heard that there was some issues, with the Mouse." there was worry in his voice, "she means a lot to the boys and me. We're like family, you know? Is there anything I can do?"<br/><br/>Gerhard simply shook his head, "I'm afraid I know as much as you. You'd be better off asking Dr. Amato. I don't know where he is, though.<br/><br/>Crayton smiled, "That's all right. I know the location of his room." Crayton and Ms. Nanasawa exchanged the briefest of glances, and then he quickly withdrew from the scene. Gerhard and Ms. Nanasawa were left alone with Dan, who was almost like a fly on the wall for being so quiet. He probably would have made an excellent spy. Perhaps he still would one of these days.<br/><br/>The nurse was young, with long black hair and a blushing expression. She looked more the mouse than anything Miss Theodora could have looked. Indeed, she was so tiny and small, and then there were those eyes... oriental eyes, much the same as Dr. Amato. Those eyes, Gerhard had never seen before, yet he could not help but gaze into them.<br/><br/>"You have the most beautiful eyes." He said, "I have not seen others like them." he continued. The reaction on her face was immediate and powerful. The force of her blush reddened the otherwise cream complexion of her face, such that she could have looked like a cherry at that very moment.<br/><br/>"Mr. Surov! Please, do not joke like that. I--I have to--" she was clearly flustered, but moments later remembered her training as a Nurse, and straightened out. "Please, Mr. Surov. Is there anything you require assistance with? I need to help the patients in the G corridor. We lost many good men in a skirmish on the outlands, and I..."<br/><br/>Gerhard nodded his assent. "I understand perfectly." he said. Nurse Nanasawa thanked him, and made ready to leave. "Ah! There is one thing, Ms. Nanasawa. On the letter you wrote? I can't make this out..." The Nurse looked at him in confusion. She quickly bent in closer to take a look at the letter. As she did so, Gerhard planted a small kiss over her lips, then drew back and smiled.<br/><br/>The Nurse straightened up and melted like a shaft of ice being struck by lightning. She turned quickly to go, albeit not without bowing, and then ran out of the room, leaving only Gerhard and Dan, who sat quietly on the nearby sofa. Gerhard sat down next to him and stretched out. "You know Dan... I probably should have asked what chip they'd be giving me before I consented to the operation. Hell, I don't even know what your superpowers are supposed to be. Would you perhaps mind or care to enlighten me?"