Character study by rita (mommacita1@juno.com) November 1, 1998 His smile's a little shaky. He doesn't quite meet your eyes. He's waiting until he hears the tones in your voice. He doesn't need any more rejection. He doesn't want any more pity. He tries to convince himself that's all he deserves and all he's going to get. But part of him doesn't quite believe it, so he waits. If your words are gentle, if your voice is soft, he might risk a glance up, but not for long. His shame won't allow it. The preliminaries done, he puts aside your application and gets down to business, perhaps flicking his eyes up if you give an interesting answer, otherwise taking careful notes. Finally, he looks up, almost right at you, smiles again, and thanks you. He doesn't extend his hand until you extend yours, but his handshake is brisk and firm. Then he gestures to a curtained doorway and you go through it, coming to me. You come through the curtain looking backward and give me a flustered look. "Who?" you ask me. I know what you mean. "Lieutenant Starbuck," I reply. "Oh," you say and look back again. "Yes," I continue, taking care to hide my feelings. "And I'll be doing your physical today. My name's Cassiopeia."