Chapter One
Aftermath & Prelude

"As you already know, even the most seriously injured have been stabilized and the transfers are continuing to proceed smoothly."

Continuing on his rounds with the Captain following closely at his side Dr. Nick Stone stopped to check the readings on one of his newly arrived guests. This had been the routine for the past 3 days. Captain Jean-Luc Picard, of the former starship Enterprise, had been in every day to check on the progress of his injured crew members but today his concern focused elsewhere.

"It's still a little crowded in here," Nick continued, "but we're no longer operating under emergency conditions. We had a little excitement this morning when the 2 crewmen from the freighter were brought in but nothing compared to when your people first started arriving." Stone mentally recalled the statistics from the crash: 232 injured, 17 lost in the initial impact. They had been fighting to keep that tally stagnant ever since.

Picard recognized the young lieutenant from his ship's Engineering section in the next bed. Beverly had told him how concerned she was that the young woman could easily have been number 18. He was relieved to see her smile at Dr. Stone; the same shy smile exhibited by most of the young ladies whenever the young, dashing, Dr. Stone was at hand.

"So, the absence of one visiting physician isn't going to put you under any undue strain?" the Captain asked hopefully.

"No, but I'm not going to tell her that. After all she does outrank me and having such a skilled, not to mention beautiful, Doctor around- " Nick stopped as he noticed the Captain's right eyebrow rise ever so slightly. "I mean, despite the circumstances, it's been an honor working with Dr. Crusher, Sir."

Then after a moment Nick decided to continue anyway. "At first I was a little taken aback when this gorgeous redhead arrives and starts barking out orders to everyone in sight. She completely took over the situation. Of course, when I realized who she was and the volume we were about to handle, I was actually relieved that someone with Beverly's experience was here to help handle everything."

Jean-Luc considered the young man for a moment; despite the weariness evident on the Doctor's boyish features his green eyes were bright and a warm, almost wistful smile occupied his face. "Dr. Crusher has spoken very highly of your crew and your efforts in particular."

Nick's mind flashed back to the times she had caught him staring at her; he was rewarded by a hard stare each time. But he could have sworn, at least the last time, she had the hint of a grin on her face. "You mean she doesn't think I'm a complete fool?"

"On the contrary, she said you were a highly talented physician with a very promising career," replied the Captain watching the young man brighten under the praise.

"Yes, professionally I've worked very hard to get this posting but . . . she hasn't said anything . . . never mind." He stopped and sighed heavily. Then seeming to reconsider he took a deep breath and began quickly, "It's just that I've been an admirer of Dr. Crusher's for sometime and I know I've only known her for a few days personally . . . but watching her coordinate this entire effort and still be able to smile reassuringly after 3 days with almost no sleep . . ." And after another heavy sigh, "She's remarkable. But then what else should one expect from the Chief Medical Officer of the Enterprise? Or I guess former CMO, now."

"Doctor, I fully agree your assessment of Dr. Crusher but-"

"I'm sorry , Sir, I didn't mean any disrespect," said Stone hurriedly cutting him off. "She's certainly welcome to stay here as long as she wants, and . . . I know I may be out of line but I understand she's been a widow for quite sometime . . . and . . ."

They had reached the door to Stone's office. He had gladly been sharing it with Beverly since the accident but he hesitated before stepping into the sensor sweep. The Captain eyed Nick, who was desperately trying to find the words he wanted. Picard allowed him to continue struggling in silence, almost enjoying the young man's strained effort.

"Well, I was just wondering if you knew what her plans were?" Nick finally managed.

Picard clasped his hands behind his back, resisting the urge to rock back on his heels. "You did say everything was under control here didn't you?"

"Yes"

"In that case Dr. Crusher will be leaving in two hours," the Captain replied flatly.

"Two hours?" Nick's eyes widened in disbelief. "I was under the impression that she intended to stay longer. Has she received a new assignment so quickly?" he asked clearly disappointed.

"No, but it has come to my attention that my Chief Medical Officer has been working non-stop since the accident. I also know she will continue to do so as long as she is here."

"Yes, you're quite right of course. She's exhausted but I knew better than to try and dissuade her. I'm sure you're used to her tenacity by now."

Downright stubbornness, is what Picard wanted to say, and a temper to match. He was suddenly dreading his next task even more.

"You don't happen to know where she will be going on her leave? Just in case I need to follow-up on a patient with her." Nick asked trying to sound as casual as possible.

All right, Jean-Luc thought, the boy asked for it.

"Yes. Beverly and I will be staying at my Family's home in France. We have some personal matters to attend." He said it with a completely blank expression on his face not wanting to give away the fact that he hadn't exactly informed Beverly of their impending departure.

She had asked to accompany him and he was glad for the offer but he couldn't help feeling that trying to pull her away from her patients like this was perhaps more than he could expect. He tried to convince himself it was also best for her. She was exhausted but he knew since there was no ship, no new assignment waiting, there was no other reason for her to leave just yet.

"I see," was all Dr. Stone could manage as the smile dropped from his face, taking any hopes he ever had of getting to know the formidable Dr. Crusher on anything other than a professional basis. What were you thinking, Nick? he mentally chided himself. You knew she was out of your league the moment you saw her.

"Dr. Stone," called one of his nurses.

Thank goodness, he thought grateful for the interruption. "If you'll excuse me Captain."

"Of course, Doctor, and again thank you for your assistance," Picard said offering his hand to the physician.

"Just doing my job, Captain." He attempted a small smile before turning away.

Picard watched him leave before stepping into the door's sensor. He hesitated as the room was dark, except for a small lamp by the couch. She had fallen asleep there; a computer PADD still clutched in her hand, a cold cup of tea waiting under the light. The sleeping form shifted slightly as the light from the outer area poured into the room. He stepped forward and let the doors swish together, thankful that she had dimmed the glass earlier.

It wasn't often he had the opportunity to look at her without being caught. As his eyes adjusted to the diminished lighting he studied her features carefully. Noting the pronounced cheekbones and dark circles under her eyes he began to convince himself that this was as much for her comfort as his. Her lips were pulled taut and from her expression he could see this was not a peaceful rest but one brought on by pure exhaustion.

"Beverly," he began gently. Then kneeling down to remove the PADD she clutched so tightly, he said louder "Beverly, we need to get going soon." He hoped the suggestion might invade her sub-conscious and maybe just this once she wouldn't be so stubborn about her own physical condition.

"What? I'm sorry Jean-Luc, I must have dozed off for a minute," she said sitting up quickly - too quickly as a slight wave of dizziness caught her. "Go, go where?" she asked rubbing her forehead wearily.

He sat beside her as she stretched trying to remove some of the stiffness from her body. It was no use. She knew only several hours of uninterrupted sleep would begin to undo knots that had taken control of her every fiber. She waited for the speech she knew the Captain was there to deliver. Her arguments would be especially hollow this time; he had caught her asleep.

"Beverly, you did say you wanted to accompany me to France?"

"Yes, of course, when do you plan on leaving?" This was not the tactic she had expected.

"In about two hours."

"Two hours, you're joking, right? How long was I asleep?" She asked trying to make some sense of his words.

"Not long enough. You're exhausted and I know you're not going to get any real rest until everyone of these patients is released." His voice was firm this time.

"So how can you expect me to leave them on such short notice?" She replied in an equally firm manner.

"I'm sorry, I just thought . . . " he said slowly, letting the sentence trial off.

She began to respond but noticing the sadness in his eyes she quickly recalled the reason behind his trip home.

"Dr. Stone has assured me that everything is under control, thanks to you . . . but I'll understand if you don't want to leave your patients." He wanted to give her one more chance to back out. It wasn't going to be an easy journey and as much as he wanted her with him he wouldn't force her.

"Two hours?" she repeated this time with the hint of a smile.

"Actually, closer to 90 minutes but I didn't think there was much packing to do," he added in a lighter tone. "Besides, you can go shopping in Paris. I'm sure you'll be able to find anything you need or don't need there."

"Paris, I've always wanted to visit there. Are you sure?"

"Of course, once we're settled and you've rested you can go anywhere you like."

"All right, you've got a deal. But first, I really should check in on a few patients and then let Dr. Stone know where I'll be," she said rising.

"I already informed Dr. Stone of our destination and Beverly," he began with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "thank you." She squeezed his hand gently before they left the still dark office.

Making his way to the bar, Nick ordered his favorite juice mix. He considered ordering something much stronger but he still had a few hours to go before he was off-duty. Nursing a wounded ego was not this Doctor's favorite task

"Dr. Stone, won't you join us for a minute?" called the strong voice of Will Riker.

"Commander, of course," he smiled and moved toward the First Officer's table. He took a seat nodding to Worf and Troi who were also gathered at the table. "And I'll try not to embarrass myself in front of any more officers from the Enterprise today."

Will exchanged a puzzled look with Deanna. "Is something wrong Doctor?" she asked sensing his disappointment.

"No, not really, I just made a complete fool of myself in front of your Captain but otherwise, everything is just fine. I wish I had known that he and Dr. Crusher . . . well . . . it's really none of my business anyway." Attempting to change the subject he asked quickly, "So, how are the three of you doing?"

Unfortunately he had already piqued both Will and Deanna's curiosity. Riker looked at her knowing she could draw it out of the young man. "Nick, I find it difficult to believe the Captain would make such an assessment and Beverly has spoken very highly of your work." Deanna began gently coaxing Nick back into the previous subject.

"Yes . . . well . . . Beverly," he sighed deeply. "If I had just realized she and the Captain were- " and he stopped again before completing the thought. Riker and Troi were both leaning forward in anticipation but Worf just sat staring at the Doctor.

"If you had realized what?" Will couldn't help but inquire.

"Well, you know," Nick said as his eyebrows shifted slightly upward for emphasis. "Here I am going on about how much I admired her professionally and - well personally also and he just let's me talk. When I finally ask him if he knows where she's headed on her leave, he informs without so much as blinking that they're leaving, together, for his place in France in two hours. He could of stopped me but no-"

"So she did agree to leave with him," Deanna cut in.

"You knew she would," Will responded with a sly smile.

"Did the Captain also inform you of the nature of the visit?" Deanna asked turning back to Nick.

"Personal matters is all he said. I didn't ask anything further but I think I can guess what kind of personal - Wait, what do you mean she agreed to leave with him? He acted as though it was all planned," said Nick. Now he was the one leaning forward over the table.

"For the most part - yes. But I don't think Beverly planned on leaving quite so quickly," Deanna offered attempting to soothe Nick's wounded ego.

Picking up on Deanna's effort Will added, "I think he was concerned that she needed to get away from all this so she could get some rest. I know he didn't look forward to asking her to leave her patients so soon. She must really trust you if she agreed."

"It will be good for them to finally spend some time together even under these circumstances," said Deanna looking at Worf.

"I do not think it is appropriate to discuss their personal life," contributed Worf evenly.

Will rolled his eyes slightly before standing, "I better go check with the Captain before he leaves."

"Yes, and I'd like to talk with Beverly before she leaves also," the Counselor said standing with him. "Doctor, Worf please stay and finish your drinks."

They left an even more humbled Dr. Stone wondering just what to say to the grim-looking Klingon. He smiled and began, "Is that prune juice you're drinking? I can prescribe something for the constipation if you like?"

"Come in," Beverly called in response to the door chime.

Deanna entered the room smiling at the sight of the Doctor's rushed effort to pack. "I wanted to make sure I had the chance to say good-bye before you left."

"I was just about to call you. Can you believe that man? He gives me 90 minutes notice and I'm just supposed to jump. Really." Beverly's feigned anger couldn't fool her friend as she continued her packing.

"He's genuinely concerned about you. Beverly, you've been going non-stop since the accident. Most of us have had some time to rest but you haven't."

"I'm fine. If wasn't for the nature of this visit, I'd never leave so soon."

"I know that and so does the Captain so don't make him feel any more guilty about taking you away from all this," her arms gesturing to the small guest quarters.

"Oh Deanna," a slight sigh escaping as she sat on the corner of the bed. "The last thing I want to do is make him feel guilty or have him concerned about me. He's the one who needs a friend right now and here I am thinking about myself."

"Beverly, the fact that he wants you to go says a great deal about how he feels. He really does need you. And despite the circumstances I think it's wonderful that the two of you will finally get to spend some time together. Alone."

"This is hardly the time to be thinking about that." The Doctor knew just what the Counselor was implying. "He needs a friend right now. And I want to be there as he was for me. There are just too many unknowns to be thinking of anything else."

"Unknowns? There are always going to be unknowns. That's part of the excitement. This maybe the perfect opportunity for the two of you to explore some of those unknowns."

Beverly shook her head slowly, "We've all been through so much. Jean-Luc more so than the rest of us."

"Exactly, that's why we should all take this opportunity to really examine what's most important to us. Don't let this chance slip away just because of a few unknowns." Deanna lifted one of Beverly's silk nightgowns out of the case. "Besides, you'll be alone with him in France, staying in his boyhood home, in the middle of the vineyards . . ."

"With his sister-in-law, a recent widow, and the ghost of every Picard in history." The redhead retorted snatching the nightgown from her well-meaning friend's hand.

"I'm sure Marie would be very happy to find that Jean-Luc has found someone to help continue-" she stopped herself as she recalled a confidential conversation she had with the Captain shortly after the death of his brother and nephew. He had told her of his concern regarding the continuity of his family name. She wanted to tell him there was still time for him to change that. Unfortunately that was that was the exact moment Dr. Soran had decided to eliminate up the Armagosa Star setting in motion the chain of events that had eventually brought them to their current state- sans the Enterprise.

"Deanna, sometimes you have a very one-track mind." Beverly replied with a grin not noticing that her friend didn't finish her sentence.

"I just want both of you to be happy."

"I know and speaking of happiness - do you and Worf have any plans you might like to share?"

"Well, we are considering visiting my mother on Betazed for a few days. Although we probably should wait until we hear what Starfleet has in mind for us."

"Uh-huh, wouldn't want to let a few unknowns get in the way." Beverly smiled at her a bit mischievously now. "I can't wait to hear what Lwaxana has to say about the possibility of 'Mr. Woof' as her son-in-law."

"Oh, I'm sure she'll have plenty to say about it. But that's all very premature at the moment. I still have to figure out . . .well, everything."

"What about Will? Do you know what his plans are?"

"No. I'm pretty sure he's headed back to Starfleet Headquarters and then Earth but we haven't had the chance to really talk. I was having a drink with Worf and Will when Dr. Stone came in and told us you'd agreed to leave with the Captain. You should have seen the dashing Dr. Stone. He seemed quite despondent over your sudden departure. I think he has a crush on you."

"Just what I need, he's young enough to be my . . . well, I could always adopt him. I suppose now that Wesley's gone having another child may not be such a bad idea." Beverly laughed as she closed the suitcase.

Deanna seizing the opportunity looked at her seriously. "How would you feel about having more children?"

"Deanna. please, I was joking. I think you would be the one thinking about those possibilities more so than I."

"Someday, perhaps. But what about you? If the opportunity presented itself would you consider it?"

"There's much more involved than just the opportunity. Not that I've had many of those recently." She was looking for a way out of this topic but from the Counselor's expression she knew her friend did not intend to let it drop.

Beverly sat on the edge of the bed again and took deep breath. "I haven't heard from Wesley since the accident, and I know - at least I thought I knew what his decision to be a Traveler meant. I know now that I've lost an even bigger part of him than I realized."

Deanna opened her mouth to speak but Beverly held up a hand to stop her as she continued, "Don't get me wrong, I couldn't be prouder of him. It 's just that I realized that part of what he gave up is my grandchildren."

"He's still human. He can have a wife and children if he so chooses; I'm sure of that."

"I don't even know where to contact him. What it would be like being married someone who may be in another time or dimension? I was ready to lose him to Starfleet or a wife but this . . ."

"I know it's difficult for you but perhaps now you'll take some time to concentrate on your happiness. How long are you going to keep denying your feelings for the Captain?"

Beverly considered the tone in her friend's voice. How many times had she asked herself that same question. It wasn't a matter of denying it, she knew how she felt. And it scared the hell out of her. The door chime sounded.

"That's him now, Beverly," Deanna said meaningfully.

"Come in," Crusher called grabbing her bags and moving towards the door. Deanna followed her wishing for just a few more minutes.

The Captain and First Officer entered the room. "I see you managed to get everything you needed," Picard said looking at Beverly's luggage. "It's a good thing you didn't have more time."

"Perhaps, if you had given me more time I could have been a bit more discriminating. As it is, I just packed everything I could find." She tried to pretend she was angry but the smile lighting her eyes gave her away.

"If any more of your things are found where should we send them?" Will asked reaching for the case.

Beverly looked uncertain for a moment but the Captain offered with out hesitation, "You can have them sent to the house. Will, you know the location." Riker nodded with a knowing glance toward Deanna.

"Will, if you hear anything from Wes-" Beverly began.

"I know, and I'm sure he's fine."

During the short walk to the transporter room Picard tried to think of any further instructions or details he might have overlooked. "I'll be in contact with Starfleet as soon as I assess the situation at the home. I'm not sure when they might schedule the inquiry but you'll notify me if Geordi or Data come up with anything new during the salvage operation."

"Yes Sir. Although it could be a few weeks before we finish here so don't be concerned if you don't hear from us right away. We know where you'll be and why." The former First Officer smiled as he stepped away from transporter pad. "You both deserve some time off."

"Thank you Will but if anything- "

"Energize!" called Will, Deanna and Beverly in unison.