(or add each chapter title together to form the alternate title)

BoncPC  & Noncur 

Chapter 1 - "How ..."

Admiral Picard walked through the manicured parkland surrounding the Academy. Boothby's influence was clearly evident. Because of his advanced age, Boothby had been forced to employ 2 young assistants this year. Jean-Luc smiled in sympathy for those two young apprentices; Boothby was a hard taskmaster.

The sky was just beginning to glow orange-red at the horizon as Picard approached the building that housed his quarters. He was looking forward to a few days off with his wife. Perhaps they could spend the time at the vineyard. He had seen far too little of Beverly lately.

Visiting Professor, Doctor Beverly Picard, had accepted a temporary assignment, assisting in a research project and teaching at Starfleet Medical. Jean-Luc silently wished she would spend as much time with him as she did with her students. They had taken these assignments to be together but commuting over an hour each day had taken a toll on Beverly. He was regretting the decision they had made for her to stay in quarters at the medical facility. Seeing each other on weekends was not good enough. He sighed heavily as he entered the apartment.

He was half way across the living area when he noticed the light on in the bedroom.

"Hello," he called.

Beverly materialized in the doorway. "Surprise!" She rushed into his waiting arms. Kissing him eagerly.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I didn't want to wait two more days to be with you."

Jean-Luc was studying her face. He was delighted she was with him. But the last time they talked it sounded as though she was having difficulty just getting away on the weekend.

Beverly had become quite attuned to reading Jean-Luc's expressions. She would have to come clean some time soon.

The morning's events scrolled through her mind as she bit her lip. Beverly had gotten into another argument with Doctor Arneld, the head of the research project. They had been in heated disagreement for the last week over the direction of the project. He had told her this morning, in no uncertain terms, where she stood - nowhere. The legendary Howard temper had taken control at that point.

They had found themselves shouting at each other in the office of Dr. Engres, the current head of Starfleet Medical. Arneld had pointed his finger at Picard screaming the only person capable of dealing with this woman was her husband. Picard had responded by demanding a new assignment. Beverly had turned her back on them, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned to face them one last time as Arneld's words registered.

"Maybe Starfleet should consider space assignments for both Picards!" Beverly had yelled. She remembered mumbling something about putting as much distance as possible between her and the Medical Headquarters on her way out the door.

Starfleet Command would probably contact them tomorrow. But for now all she could think about was making love to Jean-Luc. Of course it would also put him in a more receptive frame of mind, she reasoned.

"Come on," she said grabbing his hand; pulling him urgently in the direction of the bedroom.

Jean-Luc's arousal was clearly evident through the form fitting uniform. He unzipped her jacket and eased it off her shoulders to fall to the floor. Jean-Luc took a half step back; two prominent peaks stood out through the soft blue fabric of her blouse. Beverly moaned as he ran a finger over each nipple.

Her head fell back revealing a creamy slender neck. Jean-Luc nuzzled her neck while nibbling on her left ear. Beverly kneaded his firm round backside, pulling their hips into contact. She could feel him throbbing against her stomach. She was struggling with the waist band to free him of the constricting pants. As Jean-Luc cupped both breasts in his hands Beverly could feel the electricity as it flowed from her breasts down her abdomen heading south.

Jean-Luc kissed her gently at the base of her neck where it meets the clavicle. With the tip of his tongue he worked around that area sending shivers through her body. His fingers had found their way into uniform pants; dipping under her mound. Her wetness added to his excitement as he eased her onto the bed.

The intercom sounded in the main living area accompanied by frustrated moans from the bedroom.

"Ignore it Jean-Luc, whoever it is can leave a message." The hailer was persistent. He could not shake all those years of training.

"Dammit!" uttered Picard standing up to secure his pants.

Beverly could overhear parts of the conversation. It was Starfleet Command. She finished dressing as she returned to the living area.

Jean-Luc's face was all business, and he was not happy. Admiral Blake was saying something about them reporting to the Saturn ship yards to oversee the completion of the vessel. They were to depart in three hours.

"Admiral, I don't think that is enough time for Dr. Picard to conclude matters at Starfleet Medical." The Admiral looked confused.

Beverly quickly stood in front of the viewer, turning towards Jean-Luc she told him she had already finalized those matters. Then to the Admiral. "We will be ready to go, Sir."

Picard ended the transmission and turned to face her. He didn't have to say a word, she could see it in his eyes.

"I need to talk to you about something that happened today," she said following him into the kitchen.

He stopped dead when he saw the belongings from her quarters neatly piled in a corner. She could tell from the reddish color of his ears that Jean-Luc was trying to contain his temper.

"What happened Beverly?" he asked in a controlled voice.

She could not meet his gaze as she relayed the events of the day. She also found it necessary to deliver the abridged version. He was silent for too long. Beverly slowly raised her eyes.

Now Jean-Luc's whole face was red with anger; then the mountain erupted. "So, you requested that we both be reassigned. Well Doctor, Starfleet has granted your wish. How could you do such a thing without consulting ME?" His hand came down with a crash against the table.

The tears began to roll down her cheeks. He was waiting for an answer. Beverly started once more at the beginning this time including all the details. "I was so angry with him and when he said I was uncontrollable, I guess I just snapped."

"Dr. Arneld, said you were uncontrollable?" Jean-Luc had begun to gain control of his anger. He moved to place a steadying hand on her shoulder.

"Yes, he implied that the only person in the universe who can control me is you," she said between gasps.

Jean-Luc pulled her close while he wiped away the tears. He lifted her chin so she could see the small smile on this lips. "Beverly, the man has a point there."

Beverly could feel the corners of her lips moving upwards into a smile. The tears continued to roll from her eyes. But the universe didn't seem so dark anymore.

"I love you," she said throwing her arms around his neck. He held her close until the shaking stopped.

"I'm sorry Jean-Luc. I was just so angry, I should never have said those things or demanded reassignment without talking to you first. God I hate being away from you."

"Well you've certainly solved that problem. Your lucky we have so many friends in high places. As it is, we have been very fortunate, this whole situation could have blown up in our faces. I want you to promise you'll talk to me next time something is bothering you - before it gets out of hand."

He could feel her head nod yes against his shoulder. He held her head in his hand rubbing his cheek against her hair.

Beverly inhaled deeply and took a step back "So, where are we going?"

Chapter 2 - "...Do You..."

The transport shuttle carrying the Picards approached the Saturn Ship Yards. It maneuvered under a gigantic white vessel. The sleek lines of the saucer section, reminiscent of the Enterprise-D but the design of the warp nacelles had been modified from the current galaxy class design.

Beverly gazed in wonder at the vessel under construction. "Please tell me that is our next ship, Jean-Luc," she whispered.

He interlaced his fingers in hers, squeezing them gently. "Yes my love, behold the new Flagship, the new Enterprise." She inhaled a gasp before hugging him tightly. Jean-Luc harumphed as he eased his way free of her hold, glancing at the Ensign piloting the shuttle.

FNN reporter Connie Fung was getting more than just a little upset with her boss. On the viewscreen the face of Ed Turner was showing no sign of backing down. "Connie I want you out of there today, we have enough footage of the new ship."

"Ed something's happening here I can feel it. During the last 15 minutes the atmosphere in this place has become electric. There is a shuttle on the way with two VIP's. I don't know who they are yet but my neck's tingling and you know what that means- there's a scoop to be had."

Turner conceded. "I'll give you 24 hours."

Connie took in the shuttle bay. It seemed that all off-duty personnel and a few that were still on-duty, were gathered here. The camera man was panning around the crowd.

Commander Geordi LaForge had been promoted to head of the engineering section for the ship yard. He moved his weight from foot to foot as he waited in the shuttle bay. The door of the shuttle seemed to take for ever to open.

A loud cheer went up from the crowd as Admiral and Doctor Picard stepped out. Beverly could not suppress a smile at the expression on her husband's face. He looked mortified. Fortunately she was the only one to hear him swear.

Commander LaForge stepped up to greet them. He shook Admiral Picard's hand warmly. Geordi beamed as Dr. Picard threw her arms around him hugging him tightly. The crowd cheered at her gesture. Geordi straightened up as the Doctor took her place beside the Admiral.

"Welcome to the Saturn Ship Yards - and to your new command Admiral." Geordi gestured towards the platform that had hastily been constructed.

Picard was thankful he had prepared a small speech while enroute. He tugged on his jacket as he stood on the podium to address the crowd.

Connie couldn't believe her luck. Here she was the only reporter in sight of one of the most famous couples in the Federation. "I'm going to get an interview with the Picards if it kills me," she stated with determination to her cameraman.

Rick grinned, "I'll bet you a dinner of your choosing you don't. From what I've heard the Admiral is a recluse who's opinion of reporters is only slightly above Andian slime beetles."

Geordi led his companions on a tour of the new ship. Picard smiled broadly as he took in his new bridge. Geordi was as excited as a schoolboy as he briefed them on the new technical inclusions.

Jean-Luc moved towards the door of his new Ready Room. Geordi placed a hand on Beverly's arm indicating for her to wait. The door opened; Picard saw a perfect duplicate of his old Ready Room - complete with fish. Beverly could see the tears welling up in Jean-Luc's eyes.

With the aid of his visor Geordi could see Picard's emotions. "I didn't know who the new Captain would be, but somehow this seemed the right design for the Ready Room. Welcome home, Sir."

Finally thought Beverly. Geordi had saved the sickbay to last. She found herself grasping Jean-Luc's hand as they approached the entrance. Beverly squared her shoulders and walked into her new domain.

Picard and LaForge waited patiently as Beverly inspected the newest medical advances that had been incorporated. Jean-Luc's stomach grumbled for food. "Beverly, you will have plenty of time to familiarize your self with your new sick bay. For now let's get something to eat."

LaForge had left them in temporary quarters on the station. The Captain's quarters on-board ship had not been completed. Beverly had been delighted when Jean-Luc suggested Madame Picard assist in the design of their new cabin. Beverly approached the table with two bowls of hearty vegetable soup and bread.

"I have always inherited quarters. I never realized how exciting it is to be able to decorate one's own living quarters." Jean-Luc finished the last spoonful of soup. Beverly's excitement was contagious; she was positively glowing. Now that the urge to eat was satisfied, he was becoming aware of another suppressed appetite.

Jean-Luc lifted a surprised Beverly into his arms and headed for the bedroom. "I believe we have some unfinished business to attend to," he said with a smirk. Beverly reveled in the spontaneity of his desire.

He tossed her playfully on the bed. Her face beamed as he grabbed her boot and tugged. Unfortunately the boot was not going to release the foot. A harder tug sent them both tumbling backwards onto the floor.

Beverly had come to rest with her back against the base of the bed. Jean-Luc was prone on the floor. She shook as the giggles overcame her. His stunned expression pushed her over the edge into hysteric laughter. It was contagious; before long Jean-Luc was racked with laughter.

They were still giggling when the proximity chime for the door sounded.

"Who is it?" called the Admiral.

"Admiral, Doctor Picard. I am Connie Fung with the Federation News Network. Would you be kind enough to grant me an interview?"

"No" said Jean-Luc at the same time Beverly said "Yes." He turned to his wife, stunned, she was well aware of his feelings on the media.

Beverly indicated the couch to Fung who eagerly sat down. Picard had a surly expression on his face as he stared at his wife. Fung was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth so she dived into her questions quickly.

The interview drew to a close. Fung was frustrated the Admiral had skillfully restricted the topics to business. There was not even a hint of personal insight into this couple. She would have to pursue other means to flush out that side of the story.

Picard rose and announced the interview over, indicating the door with his arm. Fung could tell Picard was uncomfortable, many times bordering on anger during some of her attempts to reveal the personal side of this couple. She took her leave, silently wishing to be a fly on the wall for the inevitable discussion she knew these two were about to have.

"Beverly, how could you." The sparks began to fly.

"Jean-Luc whether you like it not, you are one of the most famous people in the Federation. It is only natural for people to be interested in your life. This is the first interview you have ever granted, I'm sure Ms. Fung is grateful for the boom you have no doubt given her career." Beverly's attempt to defuse the argument was not working.

"I don't care, our private life is private. I don't enjoy dodging uncomfortable questions. Don't ever put me in such a situation again." Jean-Luc knew he was loosing control of his temper. He hastily left their quarters before he said something he would regret.

It was late, Beverly could not keep her eyes open and her husband had not returned. Damn him, she thought as she turned off the light.

Picard had taken refuge in his new Ready Room, occupying his mind with the details of the new ship. He knew Beverly had been right to grant the interview. He also knew he should have apologized for his outburst hours ago. She would be fuming by now.

The lights were out when he entered the cabin, Beverly was already asleep. He watched her body move evenly with her breathing. Any traces of anger drained away from him. She was able to raise his ire quicker than anyone he ever met but she was also able to dissolve it like no one else.

He changed quietly and slipped into place beside her. He drifted off to sleep a smile on his lips at the thought of making-up with her in the morning.

As the morning's conscious thoughts stirred, Beverly became aware of his arms around her. He clung to her back. Jean-Luc was still asleep but she could feel that now familiar lump of his pressed against her lower back. She stretched her arms as she rolled over to face him.

His eyes opened and a smile came to his face, "I'm sorry about last night, you were right." Jean-Luc was taking the initiative to ward off her anger. It worked.

Beverly's eyebrow raised followed by a smile. "Your forgiven." That was all the encouragement he needed. Their lips touched and the kiss quickly deepened. Beverly's body tingled with the promise of what was to come.

"LaForge to Doctor Picard!" came the hail.

They moaned in unison. "Go ahead Geordi."

"Doctor there has been an accident - one of my engineers has suffered serious plasma burns. He's being transported to sickbay. Can you meet us there?"

"I'm on my way!"

Admiral Blake drew his fingers through his hair as his assistant announced an incoming transmission from Commander Riker. The call was inevitable he thought.

He had just finished talking with Commander Troi. He had agreed to her request for assignment as Counselor on the new Enterprise.

Within an hour of that damned FNN report he had been contacted more times than he could remember. It seemed that every member of the Enterprise-D was pulling all the strings they could to get assigned to Picard's new command.

Blake shook his head, never in his long career in Starfleet had he seen such devotion and loyalty to one man. Picard had managed to bring out the best in his crew and they truly loved their Captain.

"Commander Riker, what a surprise."

"Admiral I have considered the offer to Captain the Endeavor. However I respectively request assignment to the new Enterprise."

"She has a Captain, He accepted command yesterday."

A smile formed beneath the beard. "I am aware of that, Sir, I would like to be considered for the First Officer's position."

Blake considered trying to talk this promising officer out of his request. He looked at the determined set of Riker jaw.

"All right Will the jobs yours, IF Picard accepts you. The Admiral has reserved the right to select his First Officer."

"I understand, Sir. I'll head out to the ship yards now if you don't mind?"

"Will, If you get the job, do me a favor, contact Lieutenant Commanders Data and Worf. They haven't called in yet and anyone else on the old Enterprise crew roster who wishes to be reassigned under Picard. It will save me sitting in front of this damned terminal for the next two days!"

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Chapter 3 - "...Spell..."

Jean-Luc found Beverly in her office, busily writing a report on the accident. He sat on the edge of her desk. "How is Lieutenant Daren?"

"He'll be fine in a few days; he is a very lucky young man," she said finishing the report. Beverly snapped off the terminal and gazed into those steel gray eyes. Oh God he looks wonderful, she thought.

"If your finished here, perhaps you would accept an indecent luncheon engagement." Apparently she was not the only one with more than one appetite.

Jean-Luc was amazed at how fast they managed to get back to their quarters without actually running. Their lips met as the doors swished closed. He pulled Beverly close trailing kisses down her neck. She could feel the flush radiating out from the center of her stomach.

Beverly stepped back and placed a restraining hand on his chest. "Perhaps we should eat first?" she said through an impish smile.

Picard threw his jacket across the sofa. "Not bloody likely," he said reclaiming his hold on her. He kissed her hungrily and began pulling her toward the floor.

"We should move into the other room," she moaned as the kisses began taking effect.

"No time to waste," he mumbled without removing his lips form her neck.

A chime came from the door.

"Who is it?" demanded Picard gruffly.

"William T. Riker, reporting for duty Sir," came the deep voice from the corridor.

"Oh no," they whispered to each other. They were delighted to see their friend, it was just that his timing sucked. Jean-Luc looked in dismay at the extremely large bulge below his beltline. He knew there was little chance of it subsiding in the next five seconds.

"Captain?" inquired Will's voice through the door. Beverly grabbed Jean-Luc and pushed him into a chair at the table before she headed to the door.

"Will," she said throwing her arms around him. "What brings you here?"

"I need to talk to Admiral Picard." Will was wondering why the Admiral was seated at the table and had not risen to greet him. In fact he looked a little flushed. The picture snapped into focus in his mind. Yep he had definitely interrupted something. He smoothed over his beard to hide the grin.

"Good to see you Will. We were just about to have - lunch, come join us." Picard indicated the seat across from his.

Over lunch the threesome caught up on their lives since the crash of the Enterprise D. Finally Riker had the opportunity to discuss the new ship. Beverly could sense that Will needed to talk with Jean-Luc alone. She excused herself and with a last yearning look at her husband headed back to sickbay.

"I take it the First Officer's job is still vacant," began Riker.

"Yes it is, although I have narrowed the choice down to three promising canidates, including a very persistent Commander Shelby. Enough of me for now Captain Riker, when are you taking the Endeavor out."

"That's what I wanted to talk about sir. I was serious about reporting for duty, Sir. I would like my old job back - First Officer of the Enterprise." Riker laid out his cards with determination in his eyes.

"Will I can't do that. As your friend I must advise you against continually putting your career on hold." Picard would have Riker back in a instant but he reasoned it isn't fair to Will. He felt a little like a mother bird tossing the little ones out of the nest to force them to fly.

Riker was stunned, Picard had rejected him. Riker had already thought through this decision. He had to make Picard understand. "Sir, Jean-Luc, this is not a simple choice between a position as Captain and that as First Officer. Over the last few months I have become very aware of how much the crew of the Enterprise meant to me. This is not a career choice it's personal. Now, because of you, the crew is coming together again. Don't you see? To me you are my family. I would rather serve you as First Officer and be part of that family than be alone in my own command."

Picard could not help but think of the sacrifices he had made in order to further his career in the past. He was so happy now with Beverly, but it was possible that that happiness had been delayed because of choices he had made so many years ago. He studied the man in front of him. Riker had made such sacrifices already and it had potentially cost him a life time of happiness with Deanna.

"There are a lot of talented officers waiting in the wings but you do seem to have the edge in years of experience." A smile lit Picard's eyes, "For now the job is yours. BUT I don't want to see you trailing in my shadow for ever, Number One, is that understood?"

"Yes sir!" Both men stood to shake hands

"Welcome home Will." Picard's face revealed his true feelings, Will was right this was a family.

"Hello Doctor Picard."

Beverly looked up from the monitor to see the smiling face of nurse Ogawa. "Alyssa" the two women hugged. It was so good to see her best nurse and confidant again.

Alyssa beamed "It is good to be back, Doctor. We just arrived on the shuttle."

"Oh Alyssa, I have so much to tell you. And how is Andrew and-"

"Admiral to Doctor Picard."

"Yes Admiral," she answered with an apologetic look at Alyssa.

"There is a gathering of the Enterprise crew in the station bar, can you join us?"

Beverly and Alyssa were already heading toward the door. "On my way."

The bar was about half the size of the old Ten Forward. The outer wall was transparent to a breathtaking view of Saturn's rings. The rowdy celebration could be heard from half way down the corridor. Beverly gasped when she entered, my god, she thought, a quarter of the old crew were attempting to squeeze into the limited space.

Jean-Luc forced his way through the crowd to retrieve his wife. "Alyssa, it's good to see you," he said shaking her hand warmly. "How is Lieutenant Powell and the little one?" he asked unable to recall the child's name.

"Oh, they're both wonderful. And it appears as though married life is agreeing with the two of you also," she replied with a wink at her redheaded boss. Alyssa spottted her husband entering with the baby, "There's Andrew now. If you'll excuse me."

"Certainly," they said in unison as they watched the young mother leave.

"Come on, Beverly, we have a seat saved for you. This way," he said leading her back into the crowd.

At the table were Riker, LaForge and Deanna. Beverly and Deanna embraced, tears in their eyes. "Oh Beverly you look wonderful!" Deanna exclaimed. Beverly had truly missed her companionship. Another round of ales appeared on the table. The party was well underway.

Picard moaned as he caught sight of Connie Fung circulating around the room. Maybe she wouldn't see them. Too late, she was heading his way. "Don't those reporters know this is a private party," he grumbled.

"Jean-Luc we are in a public bar, they have every right to be here," countered Beverly. She was desperately trying to think of some way to keep Jean-Luc and Ms. Fung separated. Out of the corner of her eye Beverly noticed a large circular hat floating on an intercept course towards Ms. Fung. Could it be?

Guinan headed over as Ms. Fung raced off to the far corner of the room. All heads at the table were looking at Guinan. "All right people, don't just sit there, lets move this party down to my bar."

Guinan polished the bar with her cloth- even though it was brand new and didn't need it. She looked quite comfortable in the new Ten Forward. Picard was glad to have given the reporters the slip. Deanna giggled at his impersonation of Dixon Hill.

Riker was getting thirsty, "Where are the ales Guinan?"

She continued to calmly polish the bar before looking at Geordi. "The replicators are not working," she stated. Groans emerged from all. "However, I did bring a couple of special bottles along." She placed a bottle of green liquid on the bar followed by 6 shot glasses.

"Saurian brandy!" Picard was impressed and very pleased.

They were now on to the second bottle of brandy. Will had his arm around Deanna's shoulder. He was attempting to tell a joke but he kept giggling before the punch line. In fact, this was the fifth time he had started telling the same joke. Each time he started to giggle the others would break down with laughter.

Geordi had never felt quiet the way he was feeling right now. He was looking intently at what appeared to the others to be nothing at all. "Doctor, my visor seems to be malfunctioning. I keep seeing strange swirling colors floating around the room."

Beverly placed her hand on Geordi's arm, she began to speak in the most professional Doctor's voice she could manage. "There is nothing wrong with your visor Commander. It is the effect of the alcohol. Face it Geordi, your drunk." Her words were puncutated by a very large hiccup of her own as giggles came from all around.

"So are you Doctor," added Picard. The muscles of his jaw had gone slack half an hour ago and he couldn't help the thoughts that were running through his mind as he watched his wife. "I think its time for us to call it a night."

Across the table Deanna blushed at the emotions emanating from both Picards. "That's probably a good idea for all us," she began, "Worf and Data will be here for the meeting tommorow morning and we don't want to look too hungover."

In their quarters Beverly had thrown herself on the bed, then realized the mistake. "Ohh, Jean-Luc tell the room to stop spinning."

Picard laughed as he attempted to remove his boots. For some reason his hands weren't responding to his commands and every time he leaned forward the floor started moving. Beverly's soft snores drifted up from the other side of the bed.

He looked at her longingly but as his head touched the pillow he was unable to keep his eyes open. With his last conscious thought he gathered her in his arms. They slept content- with their boots on.

<<maybe we should wait to post the last chapter tomorrow?>>

<< whaddaya mean NO!>>

Chapter 4 - "..RELIEF!?!"

"Riker to Picard." Jean-Luc heard someone calling his name through the fog. There it is again. It's Will. Why is he calling in the middle of the night?

His training forced him to sit up quickly - too quickly. "Go ahead Number One." He reached for something to stop the gentle rocking motion of the bed. His hand came to rest on Beverly's left breast as she awoke with a start.

"Ouch!" she called as her voice travelled over the intercom.

"Sir, is every thing all right?"

"Yes Will," he said with an apologetic look at Beverly, "what do you need?"

"Its 0800, Sir- the staff meeting?"

Picard was now wide awake, "We're on our way." Jean-Luc was grateful for the Starfleet uniform - it didn't crease.

Beverly attempted to sit up only to fall back clutching her head. "Ohh what a hangover. How's your head?" she asked groping around the floor for her medkit. She prepared two doses and quickly injected herself.

"Who called this meeting so early?" he inquired as she administered the hypospray. He could see the fog clear.

"You did, Admiral," she reminded him.

"Oh," he said meekly.

They were about to leave their quarters when Beverly pulled Jean-Luc backwards. "Hey, where's my good morning kiss?" Unfortunately Jean-Luc had tripped the door mechanism. They were deep in the throes of a passionate kiss as the door opened.

Connie and Rick had waited for an hour for the two to emerge. Rick swung the camera up and into action. Beverly opened her eyes and looked straight into the lens of a camera. "Oh no," she said pushing away from a startled Jean-Luc.

He turned to see Connie Fung's smiling face. "Merde," he grumbled under his breath. He had a few other choice words but he knew what the red light on the camera meant.

He grabbed Beverly's hand and pulled her past the camera. Connie followed them down the corridor shouting questions at them, "So does this mean there are plans for a little Picard in the works? ... Is that the reason you insisted on having the new ship remain a 'Family ship'?"

"DAMN," shouted Jean-Luc as the doors of the meeting room shut behind them. "Don't those reporters ever give up?" Beverly couldn't help but smile at her husband's reaction to some of the more obvious questions Connie had been flinging at them. But this time she kept her answers to herself.

The Senior Officers of the new Enterprise were all gathered the conference table. Data and Worf had arrived that morning. Worf offered to help discourage the relentless Ms. Fung. Picard welcomed the help as he ordered morning tea - no black coffee for he and Beverly from the replicator.

As he took his seat at the head of the table he began to relay his desire to get back into space as soon as possible. "I can't wait until we can resume a normal schedule."

"Normal?" inquired the First Officer. "You mean like patrolling the Neutral Zone for the Romulans or perhaps one of those unknown species that seem to take delight in taking control of others or our ship?"

Picard smiled at the memories but he looked at Beverly with a slightly sad look in his eye, "Well, as normal as it gets for us."

Three days remained before they were due to leave the space dock. Geordi was certain they would be ready on schedule. No one was please when Picard informed them, Admiral Blake and a half dozen other VIP's would be at the ship yards tonight to attend a formal reception.

Deanna detained Beverly after the meeting and asked, "Do you have time for a chat Beverly?" Deanna had not had the opportunity to gossip with Beverly in months. She was eager to learn how her friend's new life as a married woman was working out.

"I'm sorry Deanna my schedule is rather frantic today." Beverly could see the disappointment on Troi's face. "How about we get together for lunch."

Deanna accepted the invitation. She watched her friend hurry from the room. Deanna had sensed a wave of emotion - it felt like frustration?

The day had flown by. Jean-Luc had less than ten minutes to change. Beverly was dressed and waiting for him - for once. She was stunning. Jean-Luc was thoroughly distracted as he removed his clothes only to have to put on his dress uniform immediately.

Her bare shoulders, the tight fitting bodice and the draped green material that split to reveal her perfectly sculptured legs. His body was reacting to the sight, the smell, the feel of her.

"Jean-Luc we'll be late, get a move on." Beverly said to bring him back to earth. He couldn't resist kissing her but she turned her head to offer her cheek.

He looked at her questioningly, "Not even a quick kiss?"

"Remember what happened last time?" she said reminding him of the morning's events. He sighed and offered his arm as they left the cabin.

The dinner dragged on forever. Jean-Luc found it difficult to concentrate on anything but Beverly. He endured the same small talk, the same speeches. Even the food seemed generic.

He let his hand rest on her knee under the banquet table as he recalled every detail of her body. The slope of her neck, the lines of her shoulders.... Stop it Jean-Luc, you'll only make it worse. He reached for the glass of ice water and drained half of it in a single motion.

The music started with a slow waltz. Jean-Luc scanned the crowd in search of Beverly. There she was, chatting with Deanna and Worf. Jean-Luc excused himself to Admiral Blake, explaining he had promised the first dance to his wife. He only hoped he could reach her before someone else whisked her onto the floor.

They glided around the dance floor. Beverly's eyes had a faraway, dreamy look. After over a week of being so close and yet so far away from release, Jean-Luc was not in the mood for vertical dancing.

"Let's get of here," she whispered.

The delicate tickle of her breath on his neck was all the encouragement he needed but the room was still full of people. "Somebody will notice if we just disappear," he whispered back. His face still had the omni-present polite smile as required at such events but his ears were beginning to turn just the lightest shade of red. He could feel the warmth from her lips as she turned to tell him something for his ears only.

She spoke in a low, sultry voice and just let her lips touch his neck to punctuate the sentence. He shifted uncomfortably, the smile faltering for just a second as he re-adjusted his collar.

"It is rather crowded in here," he said dancing his way toward the nearest exit. Then spotting an escape route, "Let's go."

She laughed and followed him as he quickly made his way to the side exit. Just as they turned the corner in the corridor a voice called out from behind them.

"Admiral," called the voice.

They both stopped and took a deep breath as their eyes rolled back in frustration. Neither turned around but Data had already come to join them.

"What is it Mr. Data?" Jean-Luc said a bit testily hoping the Android would notice their hastened pace.

"Sir, I just wanted to let you know that the ship has passed the current round of inspections. I have approved the nightshift's request for a short break to attend tonight's festivities."

"So, there's no one on the ship right now?" the Captain asked as an idea began taking form in his mind.

"Just a few security guards but I can station more if you like?" replied Data trying to be helpful.

"No. That won't be necessary Mr. Data. You've been quite helpful already. Please go back and enjoy the party," Jean-Luc said pointing the officer in the other direction.

"Very well, Sir." Noticing that Beverly had been extremely quite he asked, "Is Dr. Picard not feeling well?"

Jean-Luc looked back at his wife and spoke so that only Data could hear him, "She feels great to me Data." He turned and took his wife by the arm heading away before the Android could process the implications of his statement.

Getting past the security was no easy task but they managed to override some of the controls and sneak to what was to be their new quarters undetected. Picard made mental notes along the way to pass on to Mr. Worf regarding potential security breaches in the future. He hesitated before entering the cabin and Beverly looked at him curiously.

He simply smiled and swept her up in his arms. "Tradition," was the only explanation he gave.

The design was similar to their old ship but an interior wall and door had been added to separate the living area from the bedroom. There was no furniture yet, nothing, just barren walls and the newly installed carpet.

He moved to the next door half-hoping there would be a bed so that he could lay her gently upon it. The absolute last thing he expected to find is what was laid out before him now. He stopped abruptly and stood open-mouthed at the scene.

Beverly couldn't immediately tell if he was pleased or not. She kissed him on the neck and asked, "So what do you think of my decorating?"

"It's incredible," he stammered. "How on Earth did you do this?"

She laughed and said, "Well, Earth is where it all started. I thought this might be more to our liking than standard issue furniture. There should be some advantages to sleeping with the Captain of the Federation Flagship."

He shook his head incredulously and walked to the bed. It was an exact replica of the one at their home in France. As a matter of fact the whole room was designed after their bedroom at the Picard ancestral home. Barring a few modifications for the ship's architecture and, the all important technological additions, it was a perfect tribute.

He lay her on the bed and kicked off his boots. Taking his place beside her he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close just enjoying being near her.

"I've missed you," he said brushing her cheek tenderly.

"It's not as though we haven't been apart before. And look how long it took us to get together in the first place."

"That was different," he said kissing her nose. "Before we were together I could only dream what it might be like. It's difficult to miss something you've never actually had."

"And now?" she asked as she ran her fingers along the crown of hair circling his head.

"Now I know exactly what I'm missing - not being able to be with you has been unbearable." He pushed the dress off her shoulders and began a slow trail of kisses along each shoulder.

"I've missed you too, Jean-Luc," she sighed as they began the slow, wonderful process of becoming whole again.

They were barely able to contain the urgency that threatened to overtake them but each held back. The pile of clothing on the floor grew as they began peeling away the last barriers to their union.

Hands, fingers; mouths, tongues exploring and satisfying every inch, each soul.

He moved over her and waited for her cue. A searing kiss signaled her readiness. A slow tentative motion brought them together. He tried to remain perfectly still as she adjusted to his entrance. They were complete.

Their eyes locked together and they whispered in unison, "I love you."

Following his lead they danced again. He set a slow and steady pace. As every fiber in his body called out for relief he ignored his own needs and concentrated on his lover.

Massaging her breasts with his hand he bent his head to nibble on each one. She moaned in delight throwing her head back to give him better access.

She held his back and pressed him closer against her. She nibbled on his ears, his neck and shoulders as his rhythm began to make her lose the ability to concentrate on anything else. Faster, she gripped him internally sending him into a frenzy.

They were beyond individual control being driven by the force that made them one. Over and over she called his name as wave after wave of ecstasy engulfed her. She could barely hold onto him as all her strength dissolved with his efforts.

"BEVERLY!" he screamed as he finally found the release which had so long been denied. If anything else was happening in the universe they were unaware.

Collapsing on top of her he could feel the residual shudders as she spasmed underneath him. Her arms fell limply to her side. Sweat beaded and drained away from them. He tried to move but she indicated for him to stay still.

Tonight his weight didn't even affect her as she wrapped arms around him and they fell asleep without moving again. They lay as one body - hearts beating, breathing slowing- utterly content.

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BONC- it's how I procrastinate.