By: Gabriele Preusse

The coffee mug slammed down on the table, some of its contents lapping over the sides. It had come perilously close to its demise. The owner paid no attention to it, instead fixing a glare on the man seated across from her. Her reward was an equally icy stare; he obviously did not intend to back down easily. She opened her mouth to speak but he interrupted.

"Beverly, I do not have the luxury of catering to your whims! I am bound by the duties of Starfleet and the obligations imposed by the Prime Directive."

"It is so bloody convenient for you isn't it, to be able to use your Prime Directive as a shield!? Even if it costs millions of lives!"

Jean-Luc's scowl deepened. If there was one thing they never seemed to agree on, it was this ideology. It wasn't his fault that he had responsibilities as captain of the ship. And damn her if she was going to try to make him feel guilty because of it.

Beverly noticed that he hadn't addressed her accusation, so she continued; "I cannot believe that we are bypassing that planet, knowing full well what will happen! Starfleet should reassess its priorities and obligations. We should be saving lives, not destroying them!"

His voice was very low; "First of all, that is a very medical point of view. And secondly, we are not destroying them."

She laughed bitterly; "Oh no? When we could easily provide the Seyahians with vaccines and clean drinking water? I don't think you understand how much they will suffer."

"What the hell would you have me do, Beverly? Beam all 125 million of them to the ship?!"

"Of course not! You must realize that we can send supplies down to them. We don't even have to go to the surface ourselves! It would be so simple!"

"I do realize that but you don't seem to realize that my hands are tied! I cannot go against direct orders by Starfleet!"

She slammed her hand on the table, causing the objects arranged there to rattle; "Dammit Jean-Luc, you've done it before!! And since you're still here as captain, I'd guess that they forgave you for it!"

His eyes thinned; "I do not break the Prime Directive as a matter of course and I certainly do not appreciate you insinuating that I do. (he paused) As I said, I will not violate this code simply because you do not approve of the situation. I am the one in command here, Doctor!"

The last word dripped with contempt. Beverly sucked in her breath; she knew when it came down to formalities that someone would have to give. But it wouldn't be her. She was in no mood for that.

Beverly lowered her eyes, shoving her chair back. "If you will excuse me, Captain." The words were uttered more forcefully than she meant to, but she could not apologize now. She had no intention of letting him think she was giving in.

Jean-Luc watched her rise from her chair, cloaking her soft curves with her blue medical robe. She flicked her long hair from under the robe, then turned and walked out of their cabin. His immediate reaction was pure horror, and a voice inside wondered if she would ever return. If he would ever share her bed again...

This emotion was quickly consumed by the anger still bubbling within, a fury that threatened to destroy what had become so dear to him. Why did the Enterprise have to be informed of Seyah's condition!? Ignorance would have been bliss.

Jean-Luc stood and tugged at his tunic, reigning in his emotions as he prepared to report to the bridge. Soon Seyah would be several light years away. It, like its inhabitants, would become a forgotten memory.

And hopefully, Beverly would forget this argument.

Hopefully.

Beverly stared at a report on her computer screen, reading nothing. She decided to stay in her office after yelling at one of the duty nurses. She slumped behind her desk, in her self-imposed quarantine. Her thoughts inevitably drifted back to the events of this morning but she pushed them aside. It was at one of those times that Deanna barged in.

The counselor did not bother with a greeting. She marched up to the doctor's desk and planted her hands upon it, staring intently at her friend; "What's wrong?! I had to send my first appointment away because all I could sense was you!"

Beverly smiled thinly; "It's nothing. I'm fine." She avoided her friend's gaze, returning to the report she hadn't read.

Deanna pressed on; "Beverly, I would think you know by now that you can't hide these things from me. You're my friend and like it or not I'm particularly attuned to your emotions. I know something has happened, and I think it involves the captain."

Now Beverly did look at her. She closed her eyes and began rubbing her temples; "For once I would appreciate being able to keep some thoughts to myself..."

"I can't help it, I'm a Betazoid."

Beverly glared at her, raising her voice; "You're half Betazoid! Why don't you try relying on your human side for a change!" She turned away before she could see Deanna's reaction.

For her part, the counselor knew better than to be offended by Beverly's words. Whatever was bothering her, it seemed quite serious. She dropped the confrontational approach and sat down.

"I'm just here to talk. I know you're hurting and I want to help."

She watched as her friend's head drooped, her hands hanging limply at her sides. "Oh Deanna, I'm sorry. I seem to be taking this out on everyone..."

"Did you have a fight?"

She nodded.

"Beverly, that's common! All couples have arguments..."

She laughed slightly; "This was a serious one, Deanna. It was about what happened on Seyah, or more precisely what didn't happen. Both of us let some nasty comments fly."

"Well, you are two people with very strong convictions. He respects your opinions Beverly, even if he doesn't agree with them. Do you respect his views?"

"Oh yes, I respect them. It's Starfleet's that I generally have problems with."

"You should clarify that for him. He might have thought you were disregarding his convictions..."

"Deanna, his views are often the same as Starfleet's!"

"But he's only doing his job, Bev! I'm certain he didn't like leaving those people behind any more than you did!"

She sighed; "Yes, you're probably right..."

Deanna smiled, proud that she had broken through her friend's barriers. Beverly was always a challenging patient. "Your argument might be a symptom of something else. Maybe there's too much stress in your lives. (she pointed to the pile of instruments and Padds on the desk) Don't you think your workload is too heavy?"

She smiled, as if noticing the objects for the first time; "I haven't touched them. I suppose I was trying to cocoon myself."

"Beverly, you should both take time off. Even if you don't feel the stress, I'd say your frayed nerves are a sign that shore leave is necessary. (she paused) Or maybe you need a break from your routine."

The doctor rested her chin on her hand; "You think something like that could cause stress?"

"Oh yes, absolutely! You'd be surprised how good a change of pace makes you feel."

"Well thank you, Deanna. I'll consider your advice."

"Good! (she stood) Hopefully you'll forget about this argument, and I will be able to help my scheduled patients!"

They laughed, and Deanna gave her friend's hand a squeeze before leaving. Beverly glanced up at the ceiling, plotting her next move.

Jean-Luc stared at the viewscreen, seeing nothing. His fingers dug into the fabric of the command chair. At his arrival, he had given Will Riker a brief nod, then shouted an abrupt command to the ensign at Ops. His demeanor made Will nervous, and the First Officer wished Picard would retreat to his Ready Room.

A few hours had passed since breakfast. Jean-Luc was surprised when Beverly contacted him.

Her voice was soft, inviting. There was no hint of the aggression he heard earlier; "Jean-Luc, can you please come to our quarters?"

Still, he was wary. He groaned; "Is it absolutely necessary?"

"Yes! It's... very, very important."

He glanced over at Riker, who grinned feebly. "Fine, I'll be right there."

"Good. Crusher out."

Jean-Luc relinquished his throne, tugging at his uniform once more. "You have the bridge Number One."

"Aye Sir." Will waited until he disappeared from view before exhaling. He hoped the Captain would resolve whatever was bothering him.

Jean-Luc played out in his mind what to expect upon reaching their quarters. He guessed she wanted to talk. Perhaps she had been just as distracted.

What if she's leaving? What if you walk in and all her things are packed? Then what, Picard?

He shook his head, drawing confused glances from people passing in the corridor. Judging by the sound of her voice, Beverly did not intend to leave him. He hoped...

Jean-Luc stood outside the quarters he had shared with Beverly Crusher for two months now, since they reported to the Enterprise E. He took a long breath, then stepped within range of the sensors. The doors obediently slid open and he walked inside.

At first it seemed no one was there. He called out her name, then heard her voice from an adjacent room. When he saw her emerge, his jaw dropped to the floor.

Beverly stood before him, wearing a broad smile and a towel.

Jean-Luc looked at her reproachfully; "Beverly, what's wrong?"

She tilted her head; "Oh... I thought I lost my towel but, as you can see, I did find it. (her expression turned somber) I appreciate your prompt arrival, Jean-Luc!"

Instantly the rage surged within him again. He clenched his fists to prevent himself from yelling; "You called me because you thought you lost your towel? (he shook his head) I don't believe you."

She smirked, not put off in the least by his threatening stance. "You know me so well. (she sighed) I spoke with Deanna and she said it might be good for us to break from our routine. She thinks it might be causing undue stress, and could explain why we've felt edgy lately. So, I concluded that our relationship has lacked... spontaneity."

He ignored the electrical signals his body shot through him but was only partially successful. Beverly smiled, seeing that at least one part of his anatomy was prepared to make amends.

Jean-Luc strengthened his scowl. He had to stay angry; "Beverly, I am supposed to be on duty!"

She looked surprised; "What time is it?"

"1100 hours."

She let out a little laugh; "Well what do you know, so am I!"

He opened his mouth to protest but she interrupted; "Listen, we're still on route to Starbase 37 right?"

"Yes."

"No danger of getting involved in any battle or interstellar incident."

"Well..."

"I'm certain Will can hold the fort for... an hour or so."

"Yes, but..."

She smiled impishly; "And if you'd like, I could write you a really good doctor's note!"

Jean-Luc couldn't help but smile at that. He could never stay angry with Beverly Crusher. Perhaps it was time to acknowledge that, to prevent future misunderstandings. Not that he didn't enjoy making up afterwards...

She wrapped her arms around him. Her familiar curves pressed against his body, the white towel separating him from her bare skin. His hand traveled down her naked back, stopping above the towel.

Beverly smiled and gazed into his eyes; "So, what do you say Captain?"

"You are impossible, Doctor."

She kissed him on the cheek and stepped away, draping her arms behind her back; "I know."

Jean-Luc tapped his communicator; "Picard to Riker."

"Riker here."

"Something has come to my attention here. I'll return in an hour. Maybe two."

"Understood, Sir."

Beverly smiled as she disappeared into the bedroom. Moments later the towel flew out, landing near his feet. The captain picked it up, mumbling; "Perhaps the rest of the day..."

There was a pause as Will struggled to keep the smile out of his voice; "Is there anything I can do to help, Sir?"

Jean Luc stuttered; "No... no, I should be able to handle this on my own. Picard out."

Beverly hovered over Jean-Luc, her soft hair just brushing against his cheek. His warm hands rested on her hips. Hers were placed on either side of her lover's head, making certain the white towel securely covered his eyes.

The towel rested just below the bridge of his nose, obscuring his vision. It forced him to rely on his memories of what she looked like, and allowed him to concentrate on other sensations. What she smelled like and tasted like. And especially how she felt.

He wondered if this was what it was like for Geordi, when he made love to someone. Actually... had Geordi ever made love to someone? And why the hell was he thinking about Geordi right now!?

His thoughts evaporated as Beverly leaned over to kiss him, her breasts sliding across his chest. He moaned as she squeezed him inside her. Jean-Luc reached up to touch her face but she had moved away. She let him slowly slip out of her, until just his tip remained in her moist insides. She held herself in this position for a while, exposing him to the cool cabin air. Then she took him inside once more and felt his body convulse. He gave her complete control, and she relished every moment.

Beverly repeated the slow motion, each time enjoying the feel of his body shuddering beneath her. The towel was still in place over his eyes. She raised her hands and let them slowly glide across his chest, his ribs, his abdomen. Her touch was so gentle and light, a soft breeze playing in a meadow. Jean-Luc jumped slightly when she nibbled on one of his nipples, letting her tongue swirl around it.

The rhythmic contractions of her inner muscles and now her teasing of his nipples threatened to catapult him over the edge. Jean-Luc reached up and clutched her tightly to his chest. He remained deeply inside her as they rolled over, the towel now falling on her eyes. Jean-Luc kissed her, then gradually removed the obstruction.

She was even more beautiful than he had pictured in his mind, something which did not surprise him. He rose up, taking a long look at her. She closed her eyes as he massaged her breasts, rolling her nipples gently between his fingers. Her soft moans encouraged him to finish what they had started. He lay down upon her, silencing her with his mouth as they began the journey again.

Her legs wrapped tightly around him, increasing their closeness. His movements were slight but deeply felt. It was difficult to tell where one body ended and the other began. They were a single entity.

Their prior urgency made the voyage a fairly brief one, as the passion exploded almost simultaneously between them. Jean-Luc rested on top of Beverly, her muscles still pulsing as he softened inside her. A warm sheen of sweat coated their bodies.

Jean-Luc brushed the hair away from her face, kissing away the moisture gathered around her eyes. He moved upwards to kiss her brows, then her closed eyelids. Their lips joined again before he slid over, moaning as he disconnected from her. Beverly propped herself up on her elbow to look at him. Her hand traveled down his chest, and she played with the hairs she found there.

"So, have you learned your lesson?"

He looked up; "What lesson? There was a lesson in this?"

Her brows shot upwards; "But of course! That towel had a deeper significance. What do you think it meant?"

Jean-Luc exhaled, then smiled; "That bondage can be a good thing?"

She rolled her eyes, punching him lightly in the shoulder; "No no no! Nothing like that! What happened when that towel was over your eyes?"

He looked thoughtful; "We made love?"

She laughed; "Besides that!"

"I couldn't see..."

"Precisely! And did you still enjoy yourself?"

He kissed her hand gallantly; "Yes, I certainly did."

"So, we can both see differently and still like each other!" She crossed her arms at her chest, quite pleased with her little analogy.

Jean-Luc stared at her; "Is that some broad metaphor for the argument we had this morning?"

She patted him on the head; "I knew you'd come up with the answer, Jean-Luc. You're such a smart boy."

Beverly moved over his body, one hand sliding over his smooth skull. They kissed deeply and his hands circled behind her back. She looked at him, a serious expression etched on her face; "I understand that we can have different views. While I do not apologize for my opinion, I'm sorry for not listening to yours."

Jean-Luc smiled; "Beverly, I could never stay angry with you. I can see why you felt that way. To be honest, I don't like the idea of leaving them to fend for themselves either. I hope you can see that I had little choice."

She nodded, kissing his forehead; "I know. And I still love you, Captain."

He laughed and they rotated until he straddled her body; "I love you too, Doctor."

She grinned; "And I especially love you when you admit that I'm right!"

"I never..."

Beverly pulled him down and Jean-Luc found other uses for his tongue besides speaking. It only took a few minutes for them to get their second wind, and they sailed off again.

The white towel lay on the floor near the bed, twisted into the shape of a smile.