"Teran, I need to talk to you" Nena, one of his fellow associates in the base came into his office.

"What is it Nena?" Teran seen the troubled look on her face.

"Its about Araya" Nena replied gravely

"Oh I see" Teran sighed "What is wrong now?" It had been almost two months from Araya had agreed to stay, she was still having problems settling in.

"I am really trying hard with the girl, but she is pushing my patience to the limit" Nena replied "She flouts my orders, accepts no discipline from the other elders and officers, I don't know if she will ever realise she cannot do everything just as she pleases, that we have a structure and are a unit and co operation amongst us keeps everything running smoothly"

"I will have a word with her" Teran replied

"Alright if you think it will do any good" Nena replied, "At least she shows some respect for you, compared to the rest of us"

Teran's smile was faint, "I will see what I can do, I guess she is just so used to being on her own, she has never had to follow orders or obey rules before, it will take time for her to adjust"

"Yes I understand that" Nena replied "And believe me that has what’s held me back from saying something I shouldn’t to her, but to be truthful I am not sure she will ever really fit in. To be honest, I don't think she really wants to"

"What makes you say that?" Teran asked.

"Oh just her whole attitude" Nena shrugged "Especially with her fellow cybers, she refuses to communicate telepathically with any one bar Beji, the others think she is aloof and standoffish, she is not endearing herself to them at all" Nena now sighed "Sometimes I feel like she thinks that we are her enemies as well as the C.E.S"

"I will speak with her" Teran promised "Explain your concerns to her, I am sure given a little more time she will come around"

It was Nena's turn to smile "Forever the optimist, you are determined to save her from herself no matter what, aren't you?"

"Well it won't be for the lack of trying" Teran grinned.

"Well I will leave her in your capable hands" Nena told him "If anyone can work miracles its you" she remarked dryly

It was later on that day Araya found herself getting summoned to Teran’s office.

"What have I done wrong now?" she demanded as she sat down facing him behind his desk.

"Nothing really, I suppose" Teran replied tactfully realising she was gunning for a good argument and refusing to go down that path, his expression was relaxed and friendly.

"Really, that must be a first" she retorted "You usually drag me in here to lecture me on being a good girl and towing the line"

"Well it hasn't seemed to do any good so far" Teran remarked with light amusement

"So I just thought that maybe we could have a chat, you could voice your feelings and concerns about what is going on around you"

Araya eyed him suspiciously "What exactly do you mean?" she asked warily

This made him laugh a little, "Oh Araya must you be suspicious of every little motive we have?" he enquired

"I don't mean to be" Araya sighed

"Its alright" Teran replied "I am concerned about you...we all are concerned about you" he then told her.

Araya shifted uncomfortably in her seat, she was still not used to Teran’s openness with his feelings and thoughts, she was finding it hard and awkward to express herself.

"I-I am fine" she stated "everything is fine"

Teran sighed "Are you sure Araya, only some of the senior staff get the impression that you are not happy"

"Why, because I don't jump to their every order?" Araya demanded getting defensive again.

"No" Teran replied firmly but still smiled "That’s not it at all, I understand that it is difficult for you after being on your own so long, I wouldn’t expect you to just fit in and have a wonderful time right away, all I am saying if you have any problems or concerns, you can talk to us about them, so we will know what is best for you"

"I know what you are saying" Araya frowned "A-and I am grateful that you are doing all this for me, its just difficult for me"

Leaning forward in his seat Teran smiled encouragingly at her "Perhaps it might be easier if you talked about what happened to you, that way we could understand what you have been going through" he suggested, "Then perhaps you will come to terms with it all and start realising you can get on with your life here"

"I-I don't know" Araya replied uncertainly suddenly feeling confused, part of her wanting to pour her heart out to Teran, but the greater part of her still refusing to show any weakness or vulnerability.

"Well I just wanted you to know that if you ever do feel like talking, I am here" he then told her.

"I know" Araya smiled "Thank you" she added quietly.

Acknowledging her gratitude with a smile of his own Teran’s spirits lifted a little, perhaps there was hope for Araya yet.