Of Dogs and Cats

[A Davis 0]

Dogs and Cats

A Joint Log with Captain Chirakis and Amanda Davis

 

It wasn’t like Captain Chirakis to mingle with children, much less visit the Children’s Home at length. Oh, she came for routine inspection, but she never stayed beyond ten or fifteen minutes. So when Amanda first noticed her just outside the door to the playroom, she assumed the captain was there to make sure the newest additions were comfortable. When she passed an hour later and the captain was still there, Amanda realized there must be something more to it than mere curiosity.

 

She had a distant look, one that Amanda hadn’t seen since the memorial service for those who fell during the Aegis campaign. The captain was looking toward the children, but not at them. She wasn’t watching them, she was thinking, and the thinking she was doing reflected in her expression as painful.

 

Most of the children had settled down and were excitedly investigating their surroundings, but there were a few who played by themselves, as if they were lost in their own little worlds. One or two were struggling terribly with their young lives and remained huddled in a corner, refusing to speak or make eye contact with anyone. They’d been that way since they came to the Home and no doubt would be for some time. It was these children the captain watched.

 

Had they something in common? There were many things the captain hadn’t shared and Amanda hadn’t pressed the issue, but she took the captain’s presence as a signal that perhaps this was the time to deal with it, so as soon as she was able she walked casually in that direction.

 

“HoD GoragH hardened me to this,” the captain commented darkly with a jut of her chin toward the children even before Amanda could greet her. “We often came upon children. During raids, there were always the children left behind to fend for themselves. Some were capable. Some were not….” She left off, her expression turning grim.

 

It wasn’t something to discuss, especially in this setting. Instead Amanda replied, “HoD GoragH was your adoptive father?”

 

“Yes,” the captain brightened, if only slightly. “But more than father. He was first my captain and the first time you crossed him would be your last.” She paused in a warning growl, then a faint reminiscent chuckle. “He was a strict taskmaster, a strong fearless leader, and a warrior to the death. I believe you would say he was my... mentor?”

 

“Yes. Mentor is a good word.”

 

After a nod and a moment of silence the captain shifted her attention to Amanda. “So what is to be done?”

 

“To be done with what?”

 

“The children, of course. Isn’t that why they are here?”

 

“Oh. Of course. To be done with the children. You mean,” the counselor cleared her throat to think, “how are we to help them overcome….”

 

“Yes.” Her wave took in the children’s play area. “How will you teach them to overcome?”

 

“Well, we use several therapies: play, art, songs, writing, discussion, and….” Amanda hesitated, as the subject had not yet been broached, “...animals.”

 

There came a long pause with a blank stare. “Animals.”

 

“Yes. Animals. And I’m thinking especially about dogs and cats.”

 

The stare again. But at least it was a thinking stare,not a cutting stare. “Dogs, as in canines. The kind that bark and walk on four legs?”

 

Amanda nodded.

 

“And not Caits but... cats.” She spat the word with her eyes narrowed and her hand gestured as she spoke, “The ones that rub against your legs, leaving… fur… all over your uniform?”

 

Well, perhaps cats weren’t exactly the best idea, however, “Yes, Captain. Cats.”

 

“And what… exactly… would these dogs and... cats... do for the children?”

 

“Well, the presence of any small animal has a soothing effect…” she paused at the captain’s expression, “...for most children. Dogs can sense when a humanoid is upset or about to be upset. They stay close and can be very comforting until the problem passes. And cats purr, which is also soothing.” The captain didn’t seem to be warming to the idea.

 

“Of course, they would be screened and trained well before any of them worked with the children. Dr. Schawnsee has used animals for therapy, and Dr. Sandero has, in her capacity as a pediatrician. In fact, she has a beautiful pug….”

 

“A pug.”

 

“Yes, a pug.”

 

“It’s a dog?”

 

“Yes, a dog.”

 

“Dogs, and… cats.”

 

“Yes, Captain. Dogs and cats.”

 

There was a long pause while the captain studied the ceiling, lips pursed. "Very well. Send the proper paperwork."

 

Amanda took heart until, just before the doors to the Home closed she heard, “Cats.”

[LeftEar JoNs 0]

 

“And not Caits but... cats.” She spat the word with her eyes narrowed and her hand gestured as she spoke, “The ones that rub against your legs, leaving… fur… all over your uniform?”

Edited November 14, 2013 by LeftEar JoNs

[Chirakis 1]

...which is why I prefer Caits.