Standard Disclaimer: Paramount owns Star Trek and the characters. The story comes from my warped mind.
This is a Picard/Crusher story
by BoncPC
Chapter One
She sat back on her hunches and wiped the dust from her brow with a sweaty arm. They had been concentrating on the shards of pottery for 3 hours now. Carefully dusting them off with small brushes. The Captain was studying the symbols on a piece of stone tablet. As he looked at her a smile crossed his lips. He was so beautiful when he smiled.
"I have it. This holodeck program is a recreation of the dig site at Morane. The artifacts are from the Maylan civilization dating about 900 years ago." He was delighted at having solved the puzzle.
Ensign Katie Stace congratulated him on his success. She had asked the computer to select an archeological dig site at random. Asking the Captain to join her had been a result of pure luck. Yesterday he had paid a visit to the Geology section to date an artifact he had collected during the last shore leave. Katie had been assigned to assist him. During the exercise she had told him of the holodeck program she was running for recreation. He had seemed interested, so she invited him to join her. To her surprise he had agreed.
"I think this calls for a small celebration. Would you care to join me in Ten Forward for a drink Ensign." Picard stood and dusted off his pant legs.
"I'd love to. Computer end program."
Katie noticed the glances from crewmembers as they made their way to the bar. The Captain was chatting about other dig sites he had visited. She was not paying attention to his words. Here she was a mere Ensign in the company of the Captain. Her young mind soared, stimulated by the heightened hormone level of a twenty two year old woman. Katie was focusing her efforts on finding another way to entice the Captain into her company in the future. He was old enough to be her father, but age did not concern her. She had always preferred the company of older men. They were so much more interesting then her pimple faced peers.
They had reached Ten Forward and taken a table near the window. Guinan had brought drinks. The look Guinan held as she departed left Katie with the feeling that she was being scrutinized by the hostess. The subject matter had not changed. Picard had a passion for archeology. Katie suddenly found herself contemplating an altogether different form of passion as she gazed into those steel blue eyes.
Deanna sat at the bar devouring a chocolate Sunday, patiently waiting for Beverly. It had been a tough day. Deanna closed her eyes as she felt the strong emotions emanating from behind her. Normally she would indulge in someone else's fantasies, but the feelings were uplifting. Her curiosity was building. She turned to determine the source of the feelings. In retrospect, that had been a mistake. A very pretty young Ensign was sitting with Picard. Warning bells were ringing in her mind. She now had two new problems. The Ensign was fast developing a crush on the Captain. Picard, of course, was completely unaware of his companion's emotional state. Deanna was frantically searching for the best way to proceed when Beverly entered.
Beverly had taken a seat next to Deanna but she faced away from the bar staring at the Captain. "Isn't that the new Ensign from the geology section?" She inquired of Deanna.
"Yes, Katie Stace. Came on board 3 months ago." Deanna was weighing the pros and cons of informing Beverly of the developing situation. On the plus side Beverly would be the ideal person to break the news to Jean-Luc. On the down side, how would Beverly react to a beautiful young woman who has set her sights on the Captain.
"The conversation seems to be a little one sided. If I didn't know better, I would think Miss Stace is interested in more than just archeology." Beverly muttered.
"Archeology, Beverly do you know what's going on?"
"Obviously not everything, but Jean-Luc told me at breakfast he and Miss Stace were running a Holodeck program of a dig site this afternoon. Perhaps I should ask how it went?" Deanna had placed a restraining arm on Bev's shoulder. The meaning was clear to Beverly. She remained in place as Deanna described the emotions she was detecting from the Ensign. "Don't worry Deanna, leave this one to me. I'll take care our little friend."
Deanna reeled backwards as a wave of jealousy and determination hit her. Beverly was already crossing the room to Picard before she could intervene.
The couple had not seen her approach. They were the only two people in Ten Forward who were not watching the Doctor. A hush fell over the room, the calm before the storm. Beverly stood behind Jean-Luc. He jumped slightly as she placed her hands on his shoulders. A small gesture of ownership.
Picard just smiled he did not look to see who was behind him. "Beverly, have you met Ensign Stace?" He said indicating the remaining chair at the table.
Beverly sat. She had been studying the Ensign's face. So far, so good, she thought. The small display of familiarity had not been lost on Katie. "Pleased to meet you Ensign. You look as though you had fun Jean-Luc."
Jean-Luc dived into a lengthy description of the afternoon's activities. She had not seen him this animated in a long time. Katie sporadically joined in the conversation, mostly at Picard's direction. Beverly could not restrain a smile. She was enjoying this game. Katie had noticed the body language Beverly was using. Her proximity to Jean-Luc, the eye contact, the occasional touches as she placed her hand on his arm or shoulder. The Ensign was obviously trying to determine the nature of the relationship between the Captain and the CMO.
An hour had passed. Beverly played her ace. "I don't know about you Jean-Luc, but I'm starving. Or had you forgotten about the dinner I had planned for us tonight. Once again it has been a pleasure to meet you Ensign."
Jean-Luc stood and shook Katie's hand, thanking her for the afternoon's diversion. He did not recall dinner plans for tonight. His stoic features hid his confusion. Picard obediently followed Beverly to his quarters.
Chapter Two
(1 week later)
CAPTAIN'S LOG: The Enterprise is on its way to Lentan, a small class M planet, known for it's recreational facilities. The crew are being treated to 3 days of shore leave while the Enterprise undergoes routine maintenance.
Beverly waved her croissant at Jean-Luc. " I can hardly wait until we arrive. I haven't been to Lentan in 6 years. Jean-Luc, you are in for a treat, I have everything arranged."
Picard looked over his coffee cup, he attempted to swallow, but almost choked. "Um, Beverly, I forgot to tell you. I have already made plans for shore leave."
Crusher sat motionless, starring at him. Her blood pressure was rising at a rapid pace. "I don't understand. The last time we discussed this you indicated that I should organize shore leave as you had too much work to attend to."
"I'm sorry, I forgot." He shrunk into the chair an involuntary move to avoid the tumult that was sure to follow. But, instead Beverly remained composed.
"So, what did you have planned?" Beverly had lost interest in the croissant and returned it to her plate. Jean-Luc appeared to be having difficulty in formulating a reply. Her curiosity was growing. This is going to be good, she thought.
Jean-Luc drew in a breath and steeled himself. "Ensign Stace informed me of a newly discovered dig site on Lentan. I was looking forward to exploring the site." He hesitated waiting for her to interject. Beverly, however remained silent her brows knit. "I have arranged to join Ensign Stace at the dig site for shore leave."
Crusher slammed her fist into the table, upending the coffee cups. A stream of coffee rolled off the table into Picard's lap. "I can't believe you. You tell me to organize shore leave. I spend a week wheeling and dealing in order to get us rooms at the Plaza. That place is booked solid months in advance. And now you calmly sit there and tell me you would prefer the company of a wet behind the ears Ensign, scratching in the dust looking for relics." Beverly realized she had been pacing. She stopped, folded her arms across her chest, waiting for a reply.
Picard was mopping the coffee from his pants with the napkins. At the silence he looked up. Beverly was fuming and he knew she had every right to be angry with him. "I didn't realize how much trouble you had gone to. Perhaps I should cancel my plans. If fortune prevails I will have another opportunity to visit the dig site in the future."
Beverly shook her head. She had won the argument. Jean-Luc would accompany her to the Plaza. So why did she feel like a heel. Because, she told herself, he would be miserable for three days. Normally she would tell him to go hunt for his treasures, but she had no intention of delivering him in the clutches of Miss Stace. She kneeled down to assist in the cleanup effort. "Do you think if we went to the excavation, you could teach me a little about archeology?"
Picard's face brightened. "How about a compromise, a day and a half at the dig site and a day and evening at the Plaza." Beverly's smile conveyed her acceptance of the terms. "We only have a few hours and you will be in need of equipment. I'll organize a back pack for you." He stood, then looked at the dark damp stain. "I had better change first." The door proximity sounded as Jean-Luc headed for the bedroom. "That will be Ensign Stace, would you let her in."
The doors opened, Katie took a step backwards. "Ensign, we were expecting you, please, come in. Jean-Luc is getting dressed, he won't be a moment." Katie obeyed and sat on the sofa, looking a bit uncomfortable.
Beverly smiled warmly. "I have not been to a dig site before, this should prove to be an interesting shore leave. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself while we wait."
Katie was most upset at having the Doctor tag along. She was also very uncomfortable in the older woman's presence. Crusher was treating her as if she were barely more than a child. Picard emerged and steered the conversation towards the final trip preparations.
Chapter Three
Three figures materialized on a dust blown dried riverbed. It was early afternoon on the planet. To their east was a mesa about 50 meters high. The rocky debris angled down to meet the riverbed. To their west was a gentle slope, which leveled off 5 meters up. Beyond about 60 meters away was a shear wall of rock 100 meters high.
Picard lead them up the slope to a small stand of drought gnarled trees. It was the only shade evident. The ground here was covered with sparse tufts of grass. A deserted ring of stones and ash lay in silent testimony to previous encampments.
Ensign Stace was eager to explore. Picard sent her off to fossic while he and Beverly set up camp. They were part way through pitching the second tent when Picard realized his error. "Damn, I forgot to get a third tent."
Beverly thought for a moment. "That's OK, we will just have to share. There is room enough for two." Katie called from a distance. They looked up to see her waving her arms excitedly, indicating for them to join her.
It was a long dry climb to where the sloping base of the mesa joined its cap. Katie had found a cache of broken pottery, weathered out from the rock. She was studying the tricorder readings of the piece she held in her hand. "Captain, this fragment is 45 thousand years old. According to the papers I have read, the ancient Lentan civilization was supposed to date from 40,000 years ago. This piece is clearly much older."
As they sifted through the debris, Picard explained the history of the Lentan civilization to Beverly. They were believed to be descended from the Vulcans. Ancient Vulcan lore tells of several tribes who fled during a troubled period in Vulcan history. Evidence of colonization had been found on 4 planets between Lentan and Vulcan. The evidence strongly suggests Lentan is a 5th colony dating to the same period. However, the age of this fragment would suggest either the date of the exodus was incorrect or the existence of another civilization. What they needed was an artifact that held symbols or writing that could be compared against known record.
They sifted through rock and pottery shards for hours. They had found several pieces worth saving. The shadow from the adjacent cliff crept nearer to their position. Beverly's stomach was growling. Her companions were engrossed in their endeavor for knowledge. "It's getting late. I'm going back to the camp to prepare dinner." Jean-Luc decided to help with dinner, leaving Katie to continue the search while the light lasted.
As she approached the camp from below, Katie could hear her superiors joking about the quality of the rations. What struck hardest was their easy familiarity. In her absence, their carefree bantering and tone of voice suggested a closeness far beyond mere friendship.
A pot of stew simmered over the fire. Katie sat cross-legged on the ground, clearly exhausted. She was surprised when Beverly served dinner to her accompanied by a cup of herbal tea. She looked up into the Doctors smiling eyes. Beverly filled her own plate then sat next to Katie.
"In many ways you remind me of my son Wesley. He has a tendency to get totally submerged for hours when working on a project. I would often have to remind him to eat or sleep. If the sun had not set, you would probably still be up there digging." Beverly's voice had a warmth to it that Katie had not heard before.
Picard laughed from the opposite side of the fire. "Doctor, how many times have I had to drag you out of sickbay to get you to eat or sleep."
"Don't you laugh, you're no better when you get your nose stuck in a book." Beverly shot back playfully.
"Touché, well I guess we all share a common fault. However, you did make a good point. Katie, the next time Wesley visits, I will personally introduce you to him. Perhaps we could all have dinner together. I'm sure you would enjoy each others company." Jean-Luc delivered the lines with all the spirit of a proud father.
Beverly could not stop a small giggle. She never expected Jean-Luc to play matchmaker, but she had known him long enough to know this was his intention. He obviously cares for Katie, but that affection was definitely paternal in nature. Beverly was also relieved at the message this sent to Katie. As it told the Ensign exactly where she stood.
Katie was feeling tired and disappointed. Her fantasies were crashing about her ears. The Captain saw her more as a potential daughter than a lover. She said good night and retreated to her tent, she needed to be alone. Katie sunk down into the sleeping bag. She had been a fool to let her fantasies rule her judgment.
Jean-Luc and Beverly sat by the fire, the evening air was chilled. Beverly moved next to Jean-Luc in search of added warmth. They continued to talk comfortably for another hour. Most of the conversation centered around Wesley. It was obvious to Jean-Luc how much she missed her son. He noticed Beverly shiver as the breeze picked up. He moved to place his arm around her, partly for warmth and partly to let her know she was not alone. "I guess we should retire for the evening. I would like to get an early start tomorrow." He said.
"Why don't you go ahead, I'll tidy the camp before I turn in." Beverly offered. As Jean-Luc climbed into the tent she wondered if he understood the meaning of her earlier comment about sharing tents. Well, if he didn't he was in for a surprise.
Beverly opened the flap of the tent. Jean-Luc had removed his outer layer of clothing which now lay across the end of his sleeping bag. The bag looked large enough to accommodate two. She hesitated, it had all seemed so easy a few hours ago. Back then she was still mildly annoyed with him.
I can't stay out here all night she reasoned. Beverly crept into the tent securing the flap behind her. She quietly removed her boots, pants and shirt. Dressed only in a one-piece undergarment she slide into the bag beside Jean-Luc. He stirred from slumber and looked at her with startled eyes.
"We agreed to share the tent, remember." She said in a sultry voice. The warmth of his mostly naked body beside her was playing havoc with her self-control. This was not exactly what she had in mind earlier, but now, her body was quickly over riding her mind.
Jean-Luc turned onto his side to face her. The motion forced him to move his arms so that he now held her. "I thought you would share with Katie." His voice was cracking. Which only heightened Beverly's state of arousal.
They were nose to nose in the cocoon. Her lips covered his, the kiss quickly deepening as he responded to her advance. She parted his lips with her tongue, exploring his mouth.
Jean-Luc's growing state of arousal was self-evident. She slid her hand down to ease him free of his underpants. He gasped at her touch, eyes wide. No words were needed. Jean-Luc closed his eyes as he reached a decision. Upon opening them he smiled and kissed her.
His hands moved over the silky teddy in search of a way in. A few seconds passed that seemed like an eternity. Finally he eased the straps down over her shoulders, revealing firm breasts. His tongue slid down her neck causing her body to shudder. Beverly could detect the smile on his lips as he took an erect nipple gently in his teeth.
Beverly had managed to slide the offending underpants down his legs and skillfully finished the task with her toes. Her hand stroked him. He was as hard as the rocks they had been digging in. A small bead of moisture escaped from its head, his hips moved involuntarily.
Jean-Luc eased his fingers beneath the fabric, with a tug the snaps at the crouch parted. He hesitated. Beverly moved with resolve, pulling him on top of her.
Beverly's eyes rolled backward as he entered. A sigh escaped her lips urging him on. The momentum built up slowly, both moving in unison to the tune of an unheard symphony. The crescendo exploding into the still night.
They awoke in the morning still joined. Katie could be heard preparing breakfast outside the tent. The smell of coffee wafted on the breeze. The desire for an encore performance was strong, but Katie's presence made that impossible. Jean-Luc indulged in one last kiss. "Until tonight." He whispered.
Chapter Four
After breakfast Picard and Stace resumed their search for artifacts. Beverly had joined them on the slope, but grew bored with the tedious work. She had proceeded to the base of the rock cap above.
Beverly gazed at the 10-meter sheer rock wall above her head. About 3 meters up was an object, the same color as the fragments, its surface smooth almost shiny. It was partly held by the rock. The protruding edge looked to be about the size of her hand. She steeped upon a ledge stretching upwards. Her fingers could almost reach it. There was a crack in the rock face just above knee height and a potential handhold that might just be sufficient for the climb.
Don't look down, she told herself. Concentrating on the object, she began to ascend the wall. The object wiggled in her hand but would not pull out. She moved a little higher to the next foot gap. Her body was pressed against the stone. I must be out of my mind, she thought. With a mighty heave the object came loose. The force almost sent her backwards. Her knees dug into the hard surface, the fabric ripped as they scrapped the rock. "Jean-Luc, HELP."
In an matter of seconds he was beneath her. The knuckles of her right hand were white from the effort to hang on. Her left hand cradled the prize. Picard deftly caught the clay tablet as it fell from Beverly's grasp. "OK I've got it, you can come down now."
Beverly gave a weak laugh. "No I can't. My hand won't let go and I can't find anywhere to lodge my foot."
Jean-Luc climbed onto the small ledge. His hand clasped her ankle. "I'm going to guide your foot down. Good, now bring your hand down." After what seemed like an eternity Beverly had reached the ledge. It was an easy jump from there.
Katie had recovered the tablet and was examining it with the tricorder. "It is of the same age as the fragments. But the markings, I don't recognize them." The threesome gathered around. The excitement of her companions was contagious. This was obviously an important find.
Clearly the markings were not Vulcan in origin. After some debate the group were no wiser. They would have to return to the Enterprise to analyze Beverly's find. Katie could barely contain her enthusiasm. She was already spouting a list of tests to be run and references to be checked.
Beverly sent Katie on ahead to the Enterprise to get started. Jean-Luc had agreed, somewhat reluctantly, to assist with the break down of the camp. Beverly could not resist a giggle. She had supplied him with a new toy, only to have it taken from his grasp. His pout was adorable.
Within half and hour they had joined Katie in the Geology lab. She was still no closer to an identity for the tablet's creator. Jean-Luc plunked down at a terminal and was instantly engrossed.
Beverly sighed heavily as she surveyed the lab. She had no intention of forfeiting the remainder of this shore leave to the study of relics. She bent down to quietly converse with Jean-Luc. "Are we having fun yet?" she asked playfully. His response was a mere grunt. Obviously she was going to have to rely on her powers of persuasion to drag him away.
Beverly whispered into his ear, the words unheard by those present in the lab. The Captain's neck began to turn red, the color extending to his ears. His eyes were wide, mouth slightly slack, as he locked his gaze on hers. Beverly gave him a wink and crooked her finger, signaling for him to follow her. Picard jumped to his feet and fled through the door in pursuit of the Doctor.
Jean-Luc still looked a little shell-shocked when they materialized in the foyer of the Plaza. They were escorted to their room by an over indulgent porter. He asks too many questions, thought Picard. The porter opened the door onto a luxurious suit, his arm swept the vista. "Captain, Madame Picard, your room." He closed the door on them once they had entered.
It took a moment for Jean-Luc to realize how they had just been addressed. "Beverly, in what names did we register?"
She did not skip a beat as she continued to survey their new surroundings. "Why, in your name of course." She turned, an impish smile on those enchanting lips. "I thought it might be fun to pretend, we were, well." She hesitated not sure if she should continue.
Jean-Luc took her hand, gently kissing her fingers. Looking up into her eyes he completed her sentence. "To pretend we where husband and wife?"
He scooped her up into his arms and headed to the bedchamber. "I believe, my dear, we have some unfinished business to attend to."
Riker sat at the Starburst bar of the Plaza Resort. His companion was of the same height with blonde hair and a disarming smile. They made a handsome pair, a fact not overlooked my many of the unattached women in the bar.
"So James how is life on board the Adelaide?" Riker inquired.
James Duhan, second in command of the USS Adelaide scrunched up his nose at the thought of his assignment. "The only complaint is the infrequency of shore leave, my friend. Deep space exploration does not fit well with the ambitions of my private life."
Riker laughed. "I take it your desire is still to be the Casanova of the Federation. In the fifteen years I have known you, I can't recall seeing you with the same woman twice."
James studied his ale. "Maybe I'm getting old, but there have been a couple of ladies, well lets just say, I have on occasion considered abandoning my wandering ways. Enough of me, what ever happened to you and Deanna."
Riker floundered. "We serve together on the Enterprise, but..." He sighed heavily. "Lets see what's being offered here, shall we." Riker stood and led the way towards the outer bar, following the sound of the dance music.
Duhan was distracted by a vision far across the room. Riker followed his gaze, just in time to see a woman with fiery red hair disappear out the door. "See someone you recognize?" Riker asked. James shook his head as if trying to clear it. "That looked like Beverly."
Will's questioning look prodded him to continue.
"About six years ago I met a woman, her name was Beverly and even though we only spent a few days together, well, as I said earlier there have been times I would have abandoned my current life style."
Riker's curiosity peaked. "So, who is she?"
Duran described how they had met on Earth, one of his rare visits home. She was a Doctor, a very brilliant Doctor, the head of Starfleet Medical no less.
Riker couldn't help butting in. "Doctor Beverly Crusher?"
"Yes, do you know her Will."
Riker grinned. "She is the CMO on board the Enterprise, and I know for a fact she is down here on leave."
So, there is more to Beverly than meets the eye. Thought Riker.
Riker convinced Duran to search for Crusher. He had to see this reunion. They headed for the front desk to check the reservations list. The manager was insistent that no one of that name was registered.
As they turned to leave, Will had a thought, no, surely not, but it was worth a try. "Do you have a Captain Jean-Luc Picard registered?"
The manager looked up from his terminal. "Yes, the Picards checked in earlier today." This was all Riker needed to know, his mind was turning cartwheels. He decided to leave James in the dark for a while. This was becoming a very interesting shore leave.
Will hit his combadge. "Riker to Data. Can you locate Doctor Crusher." Armed with the coordinates the pair headed towards the gardens. The maze of plants and lawns spread out from the terrace. Riker checked once more with Data for assistance. Then headed off down the path.
They found the Captain and Doctor seated on a bench looking out over the ocean. Riker deliberately crunched on the leaves to the side of the path as they drew closer. He thought he could see their hands move apart.
"Captain, Doctor what a pleasant surprise." James flashed a questioning glance to Will.
Beverly's mouth fell open in shock when she saw Will's companion. She rose to greet James and was startled when he embraced her, kissing her cheek.
"Beverly, I didn't expect to see you again."
Picard noticed the man's hand glide down her back, squeezing her behind. He was on his feet in a flash. To his relief Beverly took a step way from her accoster and closer to him.
Riker performed the introductions. The meeting was definitely living up to his expectations and more. He would bet 10 gold pressed bars of latinum, that Picard and Crusher had finally taken a leap forward in their relationship. Beverly was attempting to be cordial, while at the same time desperately hinting to James not to say too much. James was positively bubbling over with desire for the Doctor. Picard's flawless emotional shell was showing signs of shattering.
Chapter Five
Beverly silently prayed for a medical emergency, anything to get her out of this uncomfortable situation. They had been coerced into joining Will and James for a late dinner. Beverly had not been able to come up with a plausible excuse to get out of it. If she could just get James alone for a few moments, everything would be fine. But she could tell Jean-Luc had no intention of letting her out of his sight.
Riker sat across the table from her. His expression would have looked more in place on Data. Data had always been curious about human interactions at social gatherings. Will's head snapped back and forth, relishing the posturing taking place between Picard and Duhan. The two suitors were engaged in a thinly disguised version of a medieval joust. Their weapons were their wits and Beverly the prize.
Beverly's temper was on a slow boil. This smelled like a Riker set-up. Will yelped as her foot crashed into his shin. "Oh, sorry, I was just stretching my legs." She offered innocently.
The band started up with a slow waltz. Picard and Duhan spoke as one. "Would you care to dance, Beverly?" Crusher was confronted with a dilemma. If she chose James, she would have a chance to let him down gently. But, Jean-Luc would lose face. It would appear as if James had won the battle. Damn, men and their fragile egos.
Riker was scratching his beard, his eyes laughing. "Thank you gentlemen, but I was looking forward to dancing with Will." Beverly dragged Riker onto the dance floor. "I'm going to kill you Will Riker, a slow torturous death." She smiled sweetly at Will.
Left alone with Duhan, Picard considered his options. All he had to do was take a stand. He could say, she's mine, get lost. Pulling rank was too cowardly. The problem was that any action on his or Beverly's part, would make their relationship public. Perhaps, their relationship was already common knowledge. Ensign Stace knew they shared a bed last night and her behavior toward him this morning had been more distanced.
"You are very fortunate to have such a fine Doctor on your ship Captain." Stated Duhan attempting to break the uneasy silence.
"Yes we are." Picard countered.
Duhan had reached his limit. What the hell was going on here. "Captain, you have probably guessed that Beverly and I have known each other in the past." The look on Picard's face told him his intended meaning had been conveyed. He pushed on. "I am very fond of her and under the circumstances, I think I have a right to ask. What exactly is your relationship with Beverly."
"That, Commander, is none of your business!" Picard pushed away from the table and stomped across the dance floor towards Beverly.
She had seen the exchange, but not heard the words. The look on Jean-Luc's face as he approached was frightening. "Will, I think it is time for me to say good night. Please tell James I will try to talk with him latter." She quickly moved to meet Picard half way and together they left the room.
They walked to their room in silence. Jean-Luc was fuming, the heat he cast off was almost tangible. As soon as the door closed the turned on her. "Why the hell didn't you tell me you had an affair with Duhan. How many other surprises do I have to look forward to."
Beverly had lost the battle with her temper. "I didn't have a chance to tell you. And what difference does it make what I did in the past. You have not exactly been celibate yourself." She stuck out her chin, daring him to continue, she had no intention of tolerating his behavior.
Instinctively the diplomat in Picard recognized the futility of continuing this argument. He slumped onto the bed looking defeated. "I'm sorry, something inside just snapped." He offered quietly.
To his surprise, Beverly began to laugh. "I have told you once before Jean-Luc, jealousy does not become you." She moved to sit beside him and indulged in a hug.
He playfully pushed her down on the bed, laying on top of her. He studied the lines of her face, getting lost in those luminescent blue eyes. "You're right, I do not do jealousy well. So what are we going to do about it."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Misunderstandings, the like of which I endured tonight, could be avoided in the future, if you were to be introduced as Madame Picard." The flat delivery of his words were dramatically contrasted by their meaning.
"Are you asking me to marry you Jean-Luc?" She had to be sure.
"Will you be my wife, Beverly." His voice was full of emotion, almost pleading.
Beverly bit her bottom lip as she smiled. A smile that extended to her eyes and into his heart. She was nodding her head. "Yes."
The remainder of the evening was engulfed in passion. They were the only people in the universe. They were each other's universe. (inset BONC here)
The contented couple ate a late breakfast in the restaurant. They would have to return to the ship within the hour. Dinner tonight would be in Ten Forward, where they would announce their betrothal to their closest friends. "What's so amusing?" asked Jean-Luc.
"I was just thinking of Will. His little scheme to embarrass us would seem to have backfired. Talking of the devil, there he is now." James and Will had seen them, but chose to sit at another table.
"Jean-Luc, I think I should talk with James. I need to explain my behavior last night. I owe him that courtesy." She was not sure how he was going to react.
Picard held her hand, raising it to his lips - A very visible and calculated gesture. "I'll try not to get too jealous." As Beverly stood, he added. "Just to be safe, stay in sight and don't be gone too long." She could tell he was joking. Beverly threw a flippant salute. "Aye, aye, sir."
Riker and Duhan looked up as she took a seat at their table. "I need to talk with James. Will, would you excuse us." Riker shot a glance at Picard and was relieved to see him smiling. He moved to join the Captain.
"James, I would like to apologize for last night. I'm sorry you and Captain Picard didn't exactly get alone."
"I do not understand what you see in that old bald fart. Why did you run off after him last night?"
Beverly sighed. "You should not judge a book by its cover. There are depths to him that he has shared only with me. What I'm trying to tell you, is I am very much in love with Jean-Luc Picard."
James was resigned to the fact that he had lost. What he didn't realize was he was never in the game. "It's your life Beverly, and if that's the kind of man you want to be with, who am I to get in the way."
Beverly returned to stand by Jean-Luc's side. She flashed a warm smile at Picard. "James has gone back to his ship. We should be going also."
Picard noticed the porter from last night making a beeline for them. He groaned softly. Riker looked for the reason of Picard's anguish.
"Madame Picard." He called as he approached. "I just wanted to tell you, your belongings have been transported to the Enterprise."
Ah thought Riker, he had his conformation. "Madame Picard?" he asked, his voice dripping with innocence.
"That's right, Number One." Picard said with conviction. He wrapped his arm around Beverly's waist and together they walked away. Beverly looked over Jean-Luc's shoulder at a stunned Will Riker and winked.
The End
