Doctor Beverly

Never have I seen a face so fair
With your highly sculpted cheek bones
And your straight patrician nose
A true peaches and cream complexion
and your fiery Scot's red hair

The Captain's Experiment
by Laura Jo
Lwuxana@hotmail.com
Rated: PG13

"...oh by the way Mum, I've attached a program I developed. It's designed to notify you if anyone tries to use your image in a holo program. It's something I've been working on for a while. It should at least make you aware if we have any more Reg Barclay's out there. I'll see you, Love you Mum" The recording ended and the Federation symbol came up.

"I love you too, Wesley" she murmured. Oh well might as well initiate the program, you never know. I miss you so much Wesley, I suppose every mother has to go through this eventually. Doesn't make it any easier though.

Beverly crusher turned off her terminal and went to bed, her dreams full of memories of her son.

"Jean-Luc.... Penny?"

"What, oh... I'm sorry Beverly. I was a million miles away."

"Obviously, they must have been pleasant thoughts, whatever they were."

"How so?"

"You had the most unusual smile on your face," Beverly replied. Wistful and a little sad, she thought to herself.

"Ah, yes... they were rather pleasant." If only they could be a reality, he thought.

"I received a communiqué from Wesley yesterday, I'm concerned, he seemed a little distracted. He certainly wasn't as enthusiastic as he normally is."

"Really, well they should be coming up for a term break shortly, perhaps we could arrange for him to visit for a few weeks, it has been awhile since we last saw him."

"Yes, that would be good, perhaps we can find out what's bothering him."

"I'll make the arrangements, you extend the invitation."

"Thank you Jean-Luc."

I love the way my name sounds when she says it, it sounds so sensual, or maybe that's just her voice, so rich and deep, he thought.

"You've been drifting again, Jean-Luc. I hope I'm not boring you?" Beverly interrupted with a sardonic lilt to her voice.

"Oh, you could never bore me Beverly, I truly am sorry, it's not like me to daydream like this. Forgive me?"

"Only because it's you, Jean-Luc." she smiled.

"Lieutenant Ogawa to Doctor Crusher" the comm sounded.

"Go ahead Alyssa"

"I hope I'm not interrupting your breakfast, but you asked to be informed when those cultures you asked me monitor started to respond."

"Not at all, thank you, I'm on my way. I'm sorry Jean-Luc. I'm going to have to cut breakfast short."

"That's quite all right Beverly, perhaps you'd like to join me for lunch?"

"That would be lovely, but don't I think I'll be able to. Now that the cultures are growing, things will progress swiftly. I'll need to be on hand until the experiment progresses to the next stage. Perhaps in a few days."

"Of course Doctor, I'll see you later," he escorted her to the door. He paused for a few moments as she walked away from him. He couldn't help admiring the gentle sway of her hips, opposite in rhythm to the swish of her hair against her back. He sighed, Maybe next time, he thought to himself as he turned back into his quarters and began clearing away the breakfast dishes.

"Damn!" He pushed the padd away from him in frustration, unable to concentrate on the reports in front of him. His mind kept replaying the image of her walking down the corridor away from him. She always seems to be walking away from me. He got up from his desk and strolled over to the replicator. "Earl Grey, Hot."

He stood at his ready room window, gazing at the starscape before him. I don't know if it's my imagination, but ever since Kes-Prytt she seems to have been distancing herself from me, even though we agreed to stay just friends. The incident with Ronin didn't help matters any. I hope she's not thinking of leaving, I don't think I could stand being apart her from again, now that she is in my life, even only as a friend. I wish that it was so much more, I'd like to know what it would be like to come home at the end of the day, knowing that she'll be with me and discussing the events of the day. Hers and mine. To sit down to dinner and just watch her from across the table, knowing that she'll be coming to bed with me and will be there in the morning for breakfast. To have her scent lingering on the pillows. Just to share everything with her. What would it be like?

He mused for awhile longer. Slowly an idea started to form, he'd have to be discreet of course and it wasn't exactly ethical, however, what you don't know can't hurt you, as they say. It really was the best way, if nothing else it would enable him to gain control of his own feelings, and to see if they could stand up to her constant presence. Somehow I don't think I'll have a problem with that, but you never know, he thought. More than anything he seemed to be trying to justify the idea to himself and in the end he succeeded.

Captain Picard stepped onto the bridge with an air of determination. Will rose to greet him, but his manner made him hesitate. "Is everything alright, Captain?"

"Yes fine. I'm going down to engineering. You have the bridge Number One."

"Yes Captain." I wonder what's up with him? Riker glanced at Worf at the aft station, no answers were forthcoming however. Where's Deanna when you need her? he thought wryly.

The Captain entered the turbolift. "Deck 36, main engineering"

The Captain strolled into engineering, his gaze drawn to the pulsing light of the warp engine. Distracted for the moment by the beauty of the power driving his vessel through space.

Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge noticed his commanding officer standing on the entry to engineering and came over to greet him. "Hello Captain, is there anything I can do for you?"

"Oh, Yes Geordi, I'm testing a theory, I need some portable holo emitters."

"Well, I think I can help you there, how many do you need?"

"Hmm, three should be sufficient I believe."

"No problem. Ensign James, could you get three potable holo emitters for the Captain."

"Yes sir."

"Thank you Mr. LaForge."

"Just let me know how the experiment goes, OK?"

"Uh, yes, of course," Picard replied somewhat hesitantly, a flush creeping up his neck at the thought of explaining his 'experiment' to anyone.

That's odd, thought Geordi noticing the temperature fluctuation in the Captain as he turned away to follow the Ensign. I wonder exactly what the nature of his experiment is?

Picard returned immediately to his quarters to deposit the emitters. He didn't want any embarrassing questions asked, hopefully he would be able to return the emitters when he was done without being obvious, even better if Geordi forgets for a while that I have them. I certainly don't want to answer any questions regarding the exact nature of my 'experiment'.

Captain Picard returned to his quarters that evening with a sense of relief, it had been a long day. He'd been unable to stop himself from thinking about his 'experiment', how to program and execute it. It was worse when Deanna came on shift, he knew that she would be able to sense his distraction and the general cause. She gave him a few questioning looks when he was on the bridge, in the end he retreated to ready room. He only hoped she wouldn't say anything to Beverly, then he'd really get a scolding if she found out what he was going to do. The thought of facing the 'Howard Temper' was almost enough to stop him from proceeding, almost.

Now the first thing to do is set up the holo emitters, he'd already decided where to place them for the best overall coverage. One above the door to his quarters, one in the lounge/dining area and one in the sleeping compartment. He had to debate whether or not to place one there, as he didn't intend to sleep with the hologram, but if she really was living with him, she would have occasions to go in therefor other purposes and he did want it to be as realistic as possible.

An hour later he had finished mounting and configuring the holo emitters into the main computer. They were also programmed to project and illusion to blend them into the surrounding decor. Satisfied that they were discreetly hidden, his next task was to create and program the image.

"Computer, generate holographic image of Doctor Beverly Crusher."

"Working," replied the deep female computer voice. The image of Beverly appeared in the center of the lounge, an exact likeness, but without the sparkle in the eye and smile on the lips that made Beverly, Beverly.

"Computer access Starfleet Personality Profile Analysis for Doctor Crusher, combine with her daily medical logs and personal logs to recreate as accurately as possible her personality."

"Access denied, personal logs are restricted."

"Override, Picard Alpha Three Seven Omega."

"Working."

"Jean-Luc?"

It was 2100 hours when Beverly finally returned to quarters that evening. The experiment she was conducting on Tyrellian Moon spores has started to produce the results she'd wanted. Consequently she had totally lost track of the time, it was only the grumbling in her stomach that made her realize how late it was.

She went over to the replicator and ordered a light of Bruschietta on toast and green salad. Then she sat down at her computer terminal to record her personal log.

She was surprised to see a message flashing on her screen, and even more surprised when she read it. Wesley's hologram 'tag' program had detected that her image was being used, this was the last thing she expected.

"Computer, which Holodeck is my image being used on?"

"Your image is not in use on a Holodeck."

"Curioser and curioser," she murmured under her breath. "Then where is the hologram in use?"

"Captain Picard's quarters."

This reply stunned her for a moment. Why would Jean-Luc be running a hologram me in his quarters. The possibilities started running through her mind, and her temper began to boil.

"Computer, do you know why the Captain is running a holo program in his quarters?"

"An experiment."

"And the nature of this 'experiment' is?"

"Unknown."

"How many holographic images is he running and who are they?"

"One, Doctor Beverly Crusher."

I see, she thought to herself. Now calm down Beverly it could be perfectly innocent, it is the Captain after all. Yeah and you know how he feels about you, so it could be the exact opposite. But it's the Captain, he wouldn't dare, would he?

"Computer could you give me the audio of what's going on?"

"Unable to comply. Personal quarters are restricted."

So is access to holographic images of crew. "Override, Crusher Beta Three Three Gamma Four."

"Working."

And she heard...

Beverly couldn't believe what she was hearing, she listened to them make small talk throughout the meal and when they moved to the couch for after dinner drinks. Just like we do when we dine together. He must have the computer monitoring what I do. This is unbelievable. Why doesn't he just ask me to dinner if he wants my company. How long has he been doing this?

Then there was a pause for thirty seconds. Beverly stiffened in her chair, Please, don't do it Jean-Luc, she pleaded in her thoughts.

Then the audio feed finished. Beverly sat in mute silence, thankful that he hadn't taken it any further, fearful that he might in the future. The hologram certainly seemed willing enough, just as she would be if she didn't maintain control. She felt that she needed to confront, to give him a good dressing down. However she was too stunned at the moment and couldn't think of how to start. She resolved to do nothing... yet. Handling this situation was going to require some serious thought and right now she was just too damned angry.

"Computer, notify me immediately the program Picard Ten is reactivated, discreetly if I'm not alone."

"Acknowledged."

Then she went to bed, her mind seething with thoughts she knew she had to control before the next time she faced him, at breakfast in the morning.

At breakfast the next morning Picard was feeling a bit guilty. Looking at her across the table he couldn't help thinking of how furious she'd be if she knew. He resolved then to only run the 'experiment' for five more days. That should be sufficient to get an idea of what it would be like to have her in his life. The 'goodnight kiss' he'd shared with her last night was so poignant, just like so many kisses they'd shared before. He came so close to taking it further, deepening the kiss. He knew that when the 'experiment' was done that he would take steps to deepen their friendship, to court her. It was the only way. He wouldn't let her back away anymore. Regardless of the consequences, it was time for her to confront her feelings about him and to give their relationship a chance. He noticed then how quiet she had been this morning, not at all like usual.

"Beverly, is something wrong? You've hardly said a word this morning" I like hearing the sound of your voice in the morning.

"Oh, I was just thinking about my experiment. I should have some budding today, maybe even some blooms."

"Really, I'd love to see them. I've heard that Tyrellian Moon spores are very beautiful in bloom."

"Yes, how did you know I was growing Tyrellian Moon spores, I don't recall mentioning it?" Hah! she thought, gotcha! The look on your face is priceless, let's see you talk your way out of this.

He paused, the cup just touching his lips as he was about to take a sip. Uh-oh, I'm going to have to watch what I say, she hadn't told me yet what her experiment was with. DAMN! "Oh, I saw Nurse Ogawa, yesterday. She mentioned that you were virtually glued to the petri dishes watching them, millimeter by millimeter." Now let's hope she doesn't check up on my story.

"Hmm... I was rather caught up in it." Good one Jean-Luc, unfortunately I know how your mind works and I'm definitely going to verify that story. If I didn't know what you were doing I'd have accepted that explanation. "I must go, they may already be budding. I'll see you at the staff meeting later. If they are blooming you should come down and see them afterwards."

"Yes, I'll do that."

As she departed Beverly was coming up with a plan. If he has the computer monitoring me, I think I can have some fun with this, before I tell him off. Jean-Luc are you in for a dinner surprise tonight!

Several crewmen looked twice at Doctor Crusher as they passed her in the corridor, thinking she must have had a good breakfast with the Captain judging by the size of that grin.

At 17.45 that evening Beverly returned to her quarters to prepare for dinner. She chose a dress of green silk that left both shoulders bare and fell to mid thigh. The lines were simple but elegant and Jean-Luc hadn't seen it yet. She asked the computer to press it for her, that way the computer would 'know' what she was wearing.

She made a rather specific entry in her personal log, chuckling as she wondered how well he'd be able to deal with this Beverly. Easy steps though, you don't want to scare him off before the fun really begins, she thought.

Next she went to the replicator and requested live 'GAGH' for dinner. I would love to see the expression on his face, Oh well imagination will have to do. As she had absolutely no intention of actually eating 'GAGH', Beverly asked the computer to record the audio feed from the Captains' quarters, and then went to Ten Forward for dinner. She'd arranged to meet Deanna and Worf there for dinner before the poker game, that way if he checked up on her he'd have no reason to doubt her dinner selection.

It was later than he'd planned when the Captain returned to quarters that evening, he'd been going over some staff performance reviews, one in particular was bordering on unsatisfactory. This concerned him, he decided to discuss it with Will and Deanna later to try to determine why. Upon entering his quarters his spirits immediately lifted when he saw Beverly, she looked an absolute vision in that dress, he could tell that it would be a distracting evening. It made him wonder though where she was going this evening in that dress. He almost asked the computer for her current location, but decided he was probably better off not knowing.

"Hello Beverly, you look wonderful."

"Thank you Jean-Luc," she replied as she walked over to him and kissed him gently on the lips.

Jean-Luc was surprised, he hadn't programmed this kind of response from her. Then he realized that the computer could be acting on information from her personal logs. This thought left him feeling both elated and guilty at the same time. He recovered his composure and turned to the replicator. "What would you like for dinner tonight?"

"I feel like having some 'GAGH', how about you?"

This was certainly unexpected, he had absolutely no idea that Beverly ate Klingon food. "Umm, yes alright, that sounds interesting"

Beverly returned from the poker game earlier than usual, she hadn't been able to concentrate on the game and consequently lost all her chips to Will in record time. She was sure that Deanna was going to be asking her some direct questions tomorrow, she gave Beverly quite a few 'Tell me what's up with you' looks throughout the evening. There was no way she was going to tell her anything, not about this anyway, it was too personal. She would probably let her in when it was all over however, maybe she'd be able to laugh about it then.

She sat down on her couch and asked the computer to playback the recording of the Captains' dinner. She had herself in stitches as she listened to the hologram tell the Captain to eat all his dinner, and going on at him about taking care of himself. She'd been surmised that he might have had the computer access her personal logs, even though it is a breech of privacy.

Her hologram self was following the suggestions she planted perfectly, including some ideas that would definitely try his resolve with regards to the physical aspect of his interaction with the hologram. She could tell from the tone of his voice that he was trying very hard to overcome feelings of nausea from the 'GAGH', while the hologram was trying equally as hard to interest him in some good old 'groping' on the couch. She could hear the relief in his voice when he finally ended the program for the evening. She decided that for dinner tomorrow she would have Worf's favorite... 'Rokegh Bloodpie'.

The next night after somehow choking down his dinner, he decided that tomorrow night he would make the dinner selection, and perhaps follow with some dancing on the Holodeck afterward. Fortunately the hologram Beverly thought that this was a wonderful idea. As did the eavesdropper, this would be a perfect opportunity to see if he could tell the difference between the real and the fake, as well as give him a good workout.

Beverly gave a lot of thought as to what to wear that night, finally deciding on a strapless evening of midnight blue, with a full length skirt made up of layers of semi transparent organza. There were silver flecks throughout the material which caught and reflected the light. The overall effect was stunning when twirling around the dance floor. It would be perfect for this evenings' plans.

She listened in long enough to find out which Holodeck he planned to use, then departed her quarters to prepare. She spent 15 minutes warming up and trying to control her nervousness. When she heard him transfer the hologram to the Holodeck, she prepared to set her plan in motion. She programmed the Holodeck to make her appear to disappear if he shut down or transferred the program. She hid the hologram of herself in a closet.

Picard entered the Holodeck and stopped dead in his tracks. The sight of her took his breath away, she looked absolutely stunning standing there in the moonlight. It made him yearn for the real Beverly Crusher. He'd programmed a terrace setting, there were some potted plants in the corners and large French doors leading inside. They were closed, an orchestra could be seen through them. In the distance the sound of waves crashing on the beach could be heard. He signaled for the orchestra to start playing and he moved onto the dance floor. She turned at the sound of his approaching footsteps, a radiant smile on her face. Merde, she seems so real, the warmth of her in my arms, her breath on my neck, the intoxicating scent of her perfume, so real. Then he lost himself in the moment, moving around the dance floor with a dream in his arms.

Beverly was just as lost as Jean-Luc, she hadn't expected to lose herself like this. All her plans flew out the windows the moment he took her in his arms, the warmth and nearness of him making her feel giddy with expectation.

They danced around the floor for an eternity, which was in fact only around 2 hours. It felt so right when they stopped and looked into each others eyes, their breath mingling as they moved closer and their lips touched, softly at first then harder and deeper as the kiss intensified, their passion overwhelming them causing their breath to come in short gasps.

Abruptly Picard broke away. "No! This is wrong. Computer end program," he said as he turned away and walked out of the Holodeck without looking back.

Beverly froze, her chest heaving as she watched him walk away. Oh God, I need him so much... I Love him. This thought only confused her more, her mind reeling with the shock of this admission. What am I going to do? she cried in her mind.

Breakfast the next morning was somewhat strained affair, though neither of the participants noticed as they were so caught up in their own private thoughts.

This ends tonight, it has gone too far. One last dinner and from now on I only dine with the real Beverly Crusher. "Beverly, would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?"

"Dinner? Yes, I'd love to Jean-Luc." He must plan on finishing his little game tonight, time to get my revenge I think. Although it doesn't seem as important anymore. It could however be fun, if I can just stay in control.

"Until tomorrow then Doctor."

"Tomorrow."

Beverly set about preparing her revenge with almost scientific precision, unwilling to dwell on how this evening may turn out. She'd arranged for Doctor Selar to finish the rest of her shift so that she could indulge and pamper herself. She started by relaxing on a rose scented bath for half an hour and washing her hair with a rose scented herbal shampoo before getting dressed. This evening she planned to be overtly provocative. She chose a full-length figure hugging dress of a deep burgundy color, with a plunging neckline and a split on the right to the top of her thigh. She left her hair to dry naturally, forming large waves around her face. There would no mistaking her intention tonight.

When she was ready, she told the computer to initiate a site-to-site transport to the Captains' quarters, once there she deleted all record of the transport - she wouldn't want Worf to come and investigate the 'unauthorized' transport. Then she initiated the program, after looking it over it was great satisfaction that she gave the order to delete the program. She knew enough now that he would be expecting to see her when he entered. Next she chose the menu for tonight's dinner, this time the hologram was taking control. All that was left now was to wait, she was certain that he wouldn't be long in returning to his quarters tonight.

When he arrived at the door to his quarters, he paused for a moment, hesitant to enter, not knowing quite what to expect. So far, the program had surprised him a number of times, just as he knew she would. It was remarkable how realistic the program was, it gave him an incredible insight into what she really felt. At least that's what he guessed, he assumed that many of the surprises came from her personal logs. The thought brought a smile to his lips, however unethical it may have been to have the computer access those logs, it definitely indicated that perhaps she was ready to pursue their relationship further.

When he finally entered his quarters he wasn't let down. Her dress was more provocative and revealing than anything he'd ever seen her wear before. He was very glad that she'd never worn that dress in public before, he was certain that any man looking at her would be extremely distracted, he knew he was. "Good evening Beverly," he said in a voice that was barely audible.

"Hello Jean-Luc," she replied in a sultry voice. "I thought I'd surprise you with dinner tonight, I'm sure you'll like the menu." And I'm the desert, she thought to herself.

"That would be lovely Beverly, what are we having?"

"Ah now that's a surprise. I hope you're hungry?"

"Ravished." For you, he appended in his thoughts.

"Then come and sit down, would you like some wine?"

"Yes, thank you."

The meal started with oysters, but he was hardly aware of what he ate. Making small talk was extremely difficult as well, when he couldn't take his eyes of her. He could just smell her from across the table Roses, he thought, he found himself becoming extremely aroused. The meal passed in a blur for him. He was hardly aware when it finished.

In fact, he was surprised to see her standing next to him holding out her hand. "Dance with me Jean-Luc."

He complied, hold her very close, breathing in her scent and feeling her silky hair against his cheek, as they swayed to the music in their minds. She was surprised to feel his arousal against her thigh, she found her nipples hardening in response as she became aroused herself. She gently steered him toward the bedroom, as they passed under the doorway he suddenly became aware of where they were going.

He started to break away. "We can't..."

She broke him off with a kiss, holding him closer, she whispered in his ear. "Trust me Jean-Luc."

His resistance broke as she nibbled on his ear, nothing mattered any more but her nearness. She led him to the center of the room and reached behind her to undo the zipper on her dress.

As the dress fell away and pooled at her feet, he gasped, "Merde, you are so beautiful, more than I could ever have imagined."

No more comprehensible words were spoken as they fell together on the bed. It was several hours later before they finally fell asleep in each other's arms.

It was late the next morning when he finally started to wake, the warm presence beside him and an intense feeling of satisfaction causing him to sleep through his alarm. The first thing he saw when he fully woke were the sparkling blue eyes of his companion.

"Mmm... Good morning Beverly" he muttered. Then he realized and sat bolt upright in bed. "BEVERLY! Merde what time is it?"

"It is 0745." the computer replied.

"Oh no she'll be here any minute." He jumped out of bed and started to get dressed, all the while mumbling to himself. "I can't believe it, she'll kill me, this is way out of control."

She watched him from the bed, admiring his athletic body, shudders of pleasure running through her body at the memories of last night. I wonder how long before he realizes, she thought, watching him dash about the room. He walked out and cleaned away the evenings' dishes and prepared for breakfast before remembering the program.

When he left the room she got up and wrapped his robe around herself. Then went and leaned in the doorway watching him and waiting.

"Computer, end and delete the holographic program Picard Ten."

"That program has already been deleted," the computer replied impassively.

The computers' reply stunned him to immobility, slowly he turned and looked towards his bedroom, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"Good morning Jean-Luc" she said, a sardonic smile on her face, one eyebrow lifted.

"Beverly, uh, I can explain. It was an experiment, I never meant for it to get so out of hand, I'm truly sorry."

She sauntered over towards him, making him squirm a while longer. "I know Jean-Luc," she said in a mischievous tone.

He rose to stand in front of her, a quizzical expression on his face. "How...." he started.

She placed her finger against his lips. "Later for explanations and scoldings, for now come back to bed," she replacing her finger with her lips.

Now is not the time to argue, he thought as he followed her back to his room. For now I'm giving both of us the morning off.

"I love you," he said as he took her in his arms.

"I love you," she replied.

Jean-Luc and Beverly were just finishing their dinner in Ten Forward, and discussing what and where to have desert when Geordi strolled up to them.

"Excuse me Captain" he interrupted. Immediately the 'Captains Mask' fell into place.

"Yes Geordi, what is it?"

"I hope I'm not interrupting, I was just wondering how your experiment went, I noticed the holo emitters were back in storage."

"Yes Jean-Luc, do tell, how did your 'experiment' turn out?" Beverly asked innocently.

"Well, as a matter of fact Geordi," he replied, looking at her archly. "It was a failure I'm afraid, the programming just wasn't able to simulate what I wanted with the accuracy necessary to create the desired effect." Beverly kicked him under the table, and gave him a look that said 'I'll show you a failure'. "However, fortunately reality stepped in and things turned out better than I could have imagined, so in the end the final result was achieved one way or the other." he finished ruefully. "If you'll excuse us, Geordi, we were just about to retire." Jean-Luc stood and taking Beverly's hand led her toward the doors.

"You know, don't you Jean-Luc that the rumors will be running rampant by tomorrow." She whispered into his ear.

"Yes, well it was inevitable that it would happen eventually, I'm sure Deanna already has an inkling." He said, placing an arm around her waist as they walked out the door.

Geordi watched his CO and CMO walk away from him, puzzling over the Captain's last remark. Reality stepped in, what could he mean by that? Holograms aren't real. He stated slightly when he saw the Captain place his arm around Beverly's waist and pull her close. Oh. I think I see now. Gutsy move Picard, very gutsy indeed, considering her temper. I can't wait to tell Will, he'll love this, hell, he'll wish he thought of it first. I wonder if he let her find out or got caught in the act. DAMN. Details, I need details. his mind was filling with possibilities as went to find Riker.

The End