Heather Smyth
02-03-2008, 06:55 AM
Title: Across The Void
Author: Heather Smyth
Series: TNG
Part: 26/26
Rating: NC17
Code: P/C
Disclaimer and summary...see part one.
Three days later, early in the evening, Jean-Luc received a
call from an old friend. Alone in his bedroom, the Captain activated his
computer and smiled warmly at the image on the screen.
"Hello Harry, it's good to see you."
The older Admiral grinned back and held up an object.
"Hello yourself Jean-Luc. Tell me, do you remember this?"
He held a metallic cylinder approximately seven centimetres long and two
centimetres wide. With rounded ends it fitted comfortably in his large hand.
Squinting, Jean-Luc frowned and examined the object for some seconds before
slowly shaking his head.
"No Harry, I'm sorry I don't."
The Admiral snorted.
"And here I was thinking you were a bright boy. Do you remember our little
foray into the high council on Barritus Prime?"
Suddenly Jean-Luc's face reddened and he covered his mouth with his hand.
"Oh God.that's not..?"
A wicked grin appearing, Harry Tompkins nodded.
"Indeed it is. This innocuous little cylinder resided in my lower bowel for
eight days.not counting the times I had to.encourage it back into my body
when it insisted on making an appearance.and ultimately saved us from a very
nasty.and permanent state of ill health."
Chuckling, Jean-Luc shook his head.
"Oh my lord.remember when we were standing before the regent, deep in
delicate negotiations and the damn thing started to emerge from your."
Tompkins held up a hand and winced.
"Oh I recall only too well. I nearly did myself a permanent mischief trying
to prevent it from coming out."
Jean-Luc sat back and sighed.
"We took such a hell of a risk! If they knew you were carrying the
declaration of the regent's brother on that isolinear chip hidden
inside.they would've killed us on the spot."
Tompkins shrugged and smiled.
"Well we had to have a fall-back position. If Kalarg hadn't acceded war
would've been inevitable. Only his brother's declaration would've stopped
it."
Smiling and shaking his head, Jean-Luc and his old friend sat in silence,
each remembering the mission of so long ago. Sighing Jean-Luc looked up.
"What brought that to mind Harry?"
Tossing the cylinder on the desk, Tompkins sat back and scratched his cheek.
"Some months ago I was contacted by a very concerned ship's Counsellor.
Apparently her Captain was in deep psychological trouble and she thought a
word with an old friend might help. Now I recommended.actually I made it an
order.that the said Captain should take an extended leave of absence to try
and sort himself out. This he did and my subsequent enquires have shown he
did indeed find himself and resolved his problems."
The Admiral's smile faded and he sighed.
"Then yesterday I received notification of his intended resignation. I wasn't
surprised but I contacted Admiral Brand. She had some very interesting
things to say including the offer of an Admiralty to entice you to stay."
He sighed and looked directly into Jean-Luc's eyes.
"Don't do it Jean-Luc. What you've been experiencing as Captain of the
Enterprise is only a fraction of what's going on. If you accept an
Admiralty.in any position you will be prostituting yourself in the worse way
for absolutely no reasonable reason. I know what you're thinking.that you
can effect change, that you can redress the direction Starfleet had taken
but my old friend the fact is you'll become nothing more than this."
He held up the cylinder and rolled it between his fingers.
"And you'll be existing in much the same environment. Think of this. If you
thought it was bad implementing Starfleet policies as a starship Captain,
imagine how it would feel propagating those same polices and foisting them
on other Captains. Do you honestly think you can do that?"
Bowing his head, Jean-Luc sighed. In a subdued voice he replied,
"No Harry I can't. When I came home from the meeting I was full of
enthusiasm.b******* with confidence and filled with hope for Starfleet I
haven't felt for a very long time. It took five difficult minutes with
Beverly to see that I was indulging in hubris. In short order she opened my
eyes and cleared my head. Of course I agonised over it, after all my
pride.and my ego.had been masterfully stroked, but in the end it wasn't such
a hard decision."
He smiled and arched an eyebrow.
"I meet with them next week. I intend to tender my resignation and I won't
be swayed."
Relief flooded Harry's face. Nodding he grinned.
"Well done Jean-Luc! You know I'd like to be there, just to see Nechayev's
face. She's not accustomed to anyone saying no to her."
The two men shared a laugh. Harry leaned forward, his look mischievous.
"So you and Beverly are..?"
Jean-Luc folded his arms across his chest and tried to summon a glare,
failing miserably. Sighing and bowing to the inevitable, he nodded.
"Yes we are."
"Are you happy?"
With a wistful sigh, Jean-Luc nodded.
"Oh yes Harry, very happy."
"Well it's about bloody time! God how long has it been.thirty years?"
The Captain grinned and shrugged.
"You know me Harry, I like to study a situation.make sure it's viable."
The older man snorted.
"Idiot! Thirty years.you ought to have your head read. You're damn lucky she
was still available when you finally made the effort to let her know how you
felt."
Smiling softly, Jean-Luc sighed.
"It's a little more complicated than that, but ostensibly.I agree with you.
Tell me Harry, what are you doing next Wednesday evening?"
The Admiral shrugged.
"The usual.dinner and a quiet night with Adelaide. Why?"
Jean-Luc grinned, a twinkle in his eyes.
"We're having a little soiree on the Enterprise.she's at McKinley station.
Would you and Adelaide like to attend?"
Grinning broadly, Harry nodded.
"Indeed we would"
"Excellent. Well I'll see you then."
"Count on it. Tompkins out."
A week had passed. Sitting patiently in Nechayev's outer
office, Jean-Luc was idly staring out of the floor length windows when the
Lieutenant at the desk answered a call on his communicator. After a very
brief conversation he coughed gently and called the waiting man.
"Captain Picard the Admiral will see you now."
Nodding his acknowledgement, Jean-Luc stood and resisted the urge to tug
down his jacket. He knocked softly on the door and entered, surprised to
find only Admirals Brand and Nechayev present. Bowing his head slightly he
said softly,
"Admirals."
Nechayev gestured to a seat.
"Sit down Captain."
Jean-Luc obeyed and raised his eyebrows.
"I didn't expect there to be only you two present Sir."
Nechayev stared straight into his eyes.
"The other Admirals were not required for this meeting. Captain Picard I
make it a habit to try and understand those who serve under me and I pride
myself on my ability to anticipate what a person is going to do. With this
in mind I have come to the inescapable conclusion that you are going to
refuse our offer. Am I right?"
Without preamble Jean-Luc nodded.
"Yes Admiral you are."
"And there's nothing we can say or do to make you reconsider?"
"No Sir."
Pursing her lips, Nechayev nodded curtly.
"Very well, we accept your resignation, effective immediately. However I do
have one request.and I'd like you to consider it a personal one."
The Admiral clasped her hands on the tabletop and softened her face.
"I would like you to consider keeping yourself on the reserves list, with
the rank of Admiral. That would serve two purposes. It would enable you to
teach at the Academy if you so desire and it would allow Starfleet to be in
a position to call on you if an emergency arrises."
Jean-Luc frowned and gently rubbed his lower lip. Nechayev continued.
"It's a win-win situation Picard. We both get what we want and as an added
bonus you get the opportunity to pass on what you've learned to the next
generation of Starfleet officers."
Jean-Luc found the decision was easy.
"I accept Admiral. Thank you for the offer."
Nechayev turned to Brand and winked. The older woman smiled with gentle
affection at the former Captain.
"Congratulations Jean-Luc."
"Thank you Admiral. May I make a rather important suggestion before I
leave?"
The Admirals looked at each other and Nechayev nodded.
"Go ahead."
"Please consider my heartfelt recommendation that Commander Riker be given
the captaincy of the Enterprise. He's earned it."
Her face becoming hard, Nechayev resorted to her usual formidable self.
"The captaincy of the Enterprise, in anticipation of your decision, has
already been decided upon."
His hopes dashed, Jean-Luc said numbly,
"May I ask who gets her?"
Nechayev folded her arms and cast Brand a look.
"You can tell him."
Her face deadpan, Brand said quietly,
"Commander William T Riker."
There was a second's silence before Jean-Luc's face split into a rare full
grin.
"Thank you Sirs.again."
Nechayev allowed a small smile then asked,
"I hear there's going to be a little.do.on the Enterprise tonight. Would you
like to inform your former First Officer of his promotion?"
Sighing with happiness, Jean-Luc nodded.
"Yes Admiral I would."
"Then.Admiral Picard.make it so."
He nodded and stood. He was almost at the door when Brand's soft voice
stopped him.
"Of course there will be a formal Starfleet send off for you Admiral. We'll
let you know when."
With his back to the women he grimaced and closed his eyes. Turning slowly,
he plastered a smile on his face.
"I am honoured Admiral. I'll await your advice."
Once in the outer office, he took a large breath and ordered his body to
relax. An amused Lieutenant watched and shook his head. It seemed everybody
emerging from a meeting with Alynna Nechayev did the same thing.
Jean-Luc and Beverly materialised in Transporter Room two.
Waiting to greet them were Will and Deanna.
"Captain, Beverly.welcome back. It's good to see you both."
The couple stepped off the platform and the women hugged. Jean-Luc clasped
his First Officer on the shoulder and said softly,
"Can we go to the Ready Room Number One? I have something I wish to discuss
with you."
Will frowned.
"But Captain.everybody's waiting in Holodeck five."
Jean-Luc smiled, his dark eyes twinkling.
"I promise I won't keep you long."
Casting a look at Deanna, Will acquiesced.
"All right Captain. Ladies we'll see you there."
Deanna threaded her arm through Beverly's and ushered her from the room.
Once clear of the men she whispered,
"Well?"
Beverly looked down at her friend and frowned.
"Well what?"
Sighing with exasperation, Deanna dug her fingers into Beverly's side.
"You and the Captain. How's it going?"
Beverly rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Deanna!"
The Betazoid huffed.
"Oh come on Beverly! You two have been together now for months.I want
details."
Beverly halted, causing Deanna to stumble.
"Details? What are you.some kind of voyeur by proxy?"
The Counsellor giggled and flapped her hands.
"Oh you want to play? OK we'll do it the hard way. Are you happy?"
The Doctor smiled tenderly and nodded.
"Uh huh."
"And this is a permanent relationship?"
"Yes."
"Have you resolved your problems?"
"Yep."
"What's he like in bed?"
Beverly snorted and resumed walking, her long strides making Deanna trot
beside her. Deanna's voice took on a frustrated whine.
"Beverly.please?"
The Doctor slowed her pace and sighed. In a low voice she supplied the
information.
"He's very attentive, considerate, skilful.he has stamina and phenomenal
control. He pleases me in every possible way, in fact there are times when
his needs are greater than mine yet he never fails to ensure I am completely
satisfied."
Deanna stopped and gripped her friend's arm.
"His needs are greater than yours? My God you're the horniest person I know.
Are you telling me his libido is bigger than yours?"
Beverly smirked.
"Sometimes yes. Mostly we're pretty evenly matched, but there are times."
"Jesus Beverly! How the hell did he keep that under wraps for so long?"
The Doctor shrugged.
"As I said, he has legendary control."
Arriving at the holodeck, the doors trundled open and the women entered.
There was a rousing chorus of greetings and Beverly was surrounded by
friends, a drink pressed into her hand.
Outwardly Jean-Luc appeared calm and reserved. Inside he was
happy and contented. Directing his subordinate to the seat in front of the
desk, Jean-Luc took his seat and spent some seconds studying the man before
him.
"You have grey in your beard now my friend.when did that happen?"
Will, unsure of his Captain's mood, waited patiently. Eventually Jean-Luc
sighed and sat back, crossing his legs.
"Have you heard any fleet gossip?"
Taken aback by the question, Will frowned and shook his head.
"Ah.no Sir. I've been flat out overseeing the upgrades. I haven't even found
time to go down to Earth. May I enquire why you ask?"
Smiling enigmatically, Jean-Luc picked up his crystal shard and inspected
it. Keeping his voice conversational, he said,
"Oh it's nothing really, I just thought you may have heard the rumour that I've
retired."
Will sat up and gasped.
"Retired Captain? No I haven't heard that."
Jean-Luc nodded and lifted his eyes to meet Will's
"It's not a rumour Will."
Will's eyebrows rose, his mouth agape.
"You've retired?"
"Uh huh, effective this afternoon. I am no longer your Captain, Will. I am
however an Admiral on the reserves list, but more importantly, I have news
of the Enterprise's new Captain."
Immediately adopting a business-like demeanour Will quashed his
disappointment and nodded.
"Yes Sir."
Keeping the grin that threatened off his face, Jean-Luc sat forward and kept
his voice firm.
"It is my duty to inform you the new Captain is William T Riker."
Will frowned, opened and closed his mouth twice then blinked slowly.
"Sir?"
Allowing the grin to escape, Jean-Luc stood and offered his hand.
"Congratulations.Captain."
With dream-like slowness, Will took his hand in a firm shake. Jean-Luc
reached into his pocket and withdrew a small box.
"If you would indulge me.I would like you to have these."
He handed the box to Will and watched with amusement as the shocked man
opened it. Inside were Jean-Luc's Captain's pips.
"You'll make a fine Captain, Will and you'll be commanding the premier ship
of the fleet. Make me proud."
Will looked into his former Captain's eyes and smiled. With eyes b******* he
nodded, his voice breaking.
"I will Sir.and these."
He lifted the box,
"I will wear with pride. Thank you Captain.for everything."
Sighing with happiness, Jean-Luc swallowed the lump in his throat.
"Well Will, we'd better get to the holodeck. Our ladies will be getting
impatient."
The men left the Ready Room and Jean-Luc thought Will was even taller than
usual.
Jean-Luc's entry into the holodeck produced a wave of smiles
and warm greetings. Deanna looked sharply at her lover, tilting her head and
trying to discern his turbulent emotions. Before she could go to his side,
her Captain held up his hand and called for quiet.
"Thank you all for being here, I'm sure you appreciate the opportunity to
say a proper farewell to Doctor Crusher, her service to Starfleet.and to
this vessel in particular have been exemplary."
There was warm applause and Jean-Luc again lifted his hand.
"I have an important announcement, one that affects you all. As of fourteen
hundred today, I have retired from Starfleet. It is my great pleasure to
announce that Captain William Riker will replace me as Captain of the
Enterprise and I'm sure you will give him the same stellar service you gave
me. Now please let us enjoy our party."
There was a shocked silence before loud murmuring rose. People surged
towards Will and Jean-Luc, Deanna grabbing Beverly's arm and pulling her off
to one side.
"Did you know about this?"
Beverly grinned and pushed her hair back.
"Yes, but I only heard this afternoon."
"And you didn't tell me?"
Sighing, Beverly looked sympathetically at her friend.
"Jean-Luc made me promise not to."
Huffing, the Counsellor looked over at her lover.
"So now he's a Captain and he's got the Enterprise. What will Captain Picard
do?"
"Well for starters he's not a Captain any more."
She waited as Deanna rolled her eyes.
"He's an Admiral in the reserves. Other than that, he's taken on a
consultancy with the Atlantis Project."
"He's in the reserves now? Will he teach?"
Beverly shrugged and finished her drink.
"Depends."
The Counsellor eyed her friend.
"And what about you?"
Smiling at the gentle inquisition, Beverly looked kindly at the curious
woman.
"I'm in the process of buying an established medical practice in LaBarre."
"So you're going to live in LaBarre?"
"Actually at the chateau."
Deanna sipped her drink thoughtfully and grinned at the Doctor.
"You two have it all worked out, don't you?"
"Pretty much."
"And you're disgustingly happy and contented too aren't you?"
Laughing softly, Beverly nodded.
"Affirmative!"
Deanna suddenly hugged her best friend.
"Well I'm ecstatic! Can I come and visit?"
Returning the hug, Beverly wrinkled her nose.
"You'd better!"
Chuckling, Deanna took her glass.
"I'll get us some more drinks. I don't think we'll be seeing the men for a
while."
Beverly nodded.
"OK, but make mine synthehol. I now live in a vineyard, I think I'll limit
my alcohol intake."
Deanna's laughter was lost in the crowd.
The evening was a huge success and it was a tired couple
that showered and retired that night. Lying in each other's arms, Beverly
felt Jean-Luc sigh.
"What?"
He nuzzled into her hair and mumbled,
"I was just thinking. Tonight was such a nice celebration.if only the
official farce I have to attend could be half as good."
Beverly chuckled softly.
"Oh God.all that brass.all those stuffed shirts.poor you!"
He grunted and eased her onto her back. His mouth kissed its way down her
neck to her breasts where he teased the nipples with his lips. In between
caresses he muttered,
"Bloody dress uniforms.endlessly boring small talk.protocol.ceremonies."
Beverly groaned and gripped his head.
"Shut up Jean-Luc.make love to me."
For the next hour the only sounds in the room were those of passion. Later,
once again quiet, Beverly snuggled into his embrace.
"So will I have to accompany you to this.farewell?"
Jean-Luc frowned in the darkness and tucked in his chin.
"Well I'd prefer it if you did, but if you really don't want to go I'll
manage."
The Doctor kissed his nose and smiled.
"Oh I want to go with you.God knows you'll need a friendly face.it's just
that I might be a little under the weather."
His hands took her face and tilted it up to his.
"Would you like to explain that?"
Lifting her hand to trail her fingers down his cheek, Beverly kissed him
with all the love she felt.
"I'm pregnant Jean-Luc."
His mouth opened slightly and his breath came out in a puff.
"What?"
"You heard me.I'm pregnant."
"How?"
Beverly sighed and ran her fingers along his tense shoulders.
"I'm not sure.probably an implant failure."
"Oh."
Concerned at his rattled state, Beverly caressed his face.
"Jean-Luc.are you happy?"
He stared at her, his mind reeling.
"What? Oh."
His face slowly lost its tension and a smile appeared.
"Actually.yes I find I am."
He kissed her tenderly and chuckled.
"Life is about to get very interesting isn't it?"
Beverly grinned.
"Interesting? I'd say complicated."
Jean-Luc shrugged and took her in his arms.
"Well I don't care.either will do. I love you Beverly."
She snuggled into his embrace and sighed with utter contentment.
"And I you my love."
Author: Heather Smyth
Series: TNG
Part: 26/26
Rating: NC17
Code: P/C
Disclaimer and summary...see part one.
Three days later, early in the evening, Jean-Luc received a
call from an old friend. Alone in his bedroom, the Captain activated his
computer and smiled warmly at the image on the screen.
"Hello Harry, it's good to see you."
The older Admiral grinned back and held up an object.
"Hello yourself Jean-Luc. Tell me, do you remember this?"
He held a metallic cylinder approximately seven centimetres long and two
centimetres wide. With rounded ends it fitted comfortably in his large hand.
Squinting, Jean-Luc frowned and examined the object for some seconds before
slowly shaking his head.
"No Harry, I'm sorry I don't."
The Admiral snorted.
"And here I was thinking you were a bright boy. Do you remember our little
foray into the high council on Barritus Prime?"
Suddenly Jean-Luc's face reddened and he covered his mouth with his hand.
"Oh God.that's not..?"
A wicked grin appearing, Harry Tompkins nodded.
"Indeed it is. This innocuous little cylinder resided in my lower bowel for
eight days.not counting the times I had to.encourage it back into my body
when it insisted on making an appearance.and ultimately saved us from a very
nasty.and permanent state of ill health."
Chuckling, Jean-Luc shook his head.
"Oh my lord.remember when we were standing before the regent, deep in
delicate negotiations and the damn thing started to emerge from your."
Tompkins held up a hand and winced.
"Oh I recall only too well. I nearly did myself a permanent mischief trying
to prevent it from coming out."
Jean-Luc sat back and sighed.
"We took such a hell of a risk! If they knew you were carrying the
declaration of the regent's brother on that isolinear chip hidden
inside.they would've killed us on the spot."
Tompkins shrugged and smiled.
"Well we had to have a fall-back position. If Kalarg hadn't acceded war
would've been inevitable. Only his brother's declaration would've stopped
it."
Smiling and shaking his head, Jean-Luc and his old friend sat in silence,
each remembering the mission of so long ago. Sighing Jean-Luc looked up.
"What brought that to mind Harry?"
Tossing the cylinder on the desk, Tompkins sat back and scratched his cheek.
"Some months ago I was contacted by a very concerned ship's Counsellor.
Apparently her Captain was in deep psychological trouble and she thought a
word with an old friend might help. Now I recommended.actually I made it an
order.that the said Captain should take an extended leave of absence to try
and sort himself out. This he did and my subsequent enquires have shown he
did indeed find himself and resolved his problems."
The Admiral's smile faded and he sighed.
"Then yesterday I received notification of his intended resignation. I wasn't
surprised but I contacted Admiral Brand. She had some very interesting
things to say including the offer of an Admiralty to entice you to stay."
He sighed and looked directly into Jean-Luc's eyes.
"Don't do it Jean-Luc. What you've been experiencing as Captain of the
Enterprise is only a fraction of what's going on. If you accept an
Admiralty.in any position you will be prostituting yourself in the worse way
for absolutely no reasonable reason. I know what you're thinking.that you
can effect change, that you can redress the direction Starfleet had taken
but my old friend the fact is you'll become nothing more than this."
He held up the cylinder and rolled it between his fingers.
"And you'll be existing in much the same environment. Think of this. If you
thought it was bad implementing Starfleet policies as a starship Captain,
imagine how it would feel propagating those same polices and foisting them
on other Captains. Do you honestly think you can do that?"
Bowing his head, Jean-Luc sighed. In a subdued voice he replied,
"No Harry I can't. When I came home from the meeting I was full of
enthusiasm.b******* with confidence and filled with hope for Starfleet I
haven't felt for a very long time. It took five difficult minutes with
Beverly to see that I was indulging in hubris. In short order she opened my
eyes and cleared my head. Of course I agonised over it, after all my
pride.and my ego.had been masterfully stroked, but in the end it wasn't such
a hard decision."
He smiled and arched an eyebrow.
"I meet with them next week. I intend to tender my resignation and I won't
be swayed."
Relief flooded Harry's face. Nodding he grinned.
"Well done Jean-Luc! You know I'd like to be there, just to see Nechayev's
face. She's not accustomed to anyone saying no to her."
The two men shared a laugh. Harry leaned forward, his look mischievous.
"So you and Beverly are..?"
Jean-Luc folded his arms across his chest and tried to summon a glare,
failing miserably. Sighing and bowing to the inevitable, he nodded.
"Yes we are."
"Are you happy?"
With a wistful sigh, Jean-Luc nodded.
"Oh yes Harry, very happy."
"Well it's about bloody time! God how long has it been.thirty years?"
The Captain grinned and shrugged.
"You know me Harry, I like to study a situation.make sure it's viable."
The older man snorted.
"Idiot! Thirty years.you ought to have your head read. You're damn lucky she
was still available when you finally made the effort to let her know how you
felt."
Smiling softly, Jean-Luc sighed.
"It's a little more complicated than that, but ostensibly.I agree with you.
Tell me Harry, what are you doing next Wednesday evening?"
The Admiral shrugged.
"The usual.dinner and a quiet night with Adelaide. Why?"
Jean-Luc grinned, a twinkle in his eyes.
"We're having a little soiree on the Enterprise.she's at McKinley station.
Would you and Adelaide like to attend?"
Grinning broadly, Harry nodded.
"Indeed we would"
"Excellent. Well I'll see you then."
"Count on it. Tompkins out."
A week had passed. Sitting patiently in Nechayev's outer
office, Jean-Luc was idly staring out of the floor length windows when the
Lieutenant at the desk answered a call on his communicator. After a very
brief conversation he coughed gently and called the waiting man.
"Captain Picard the Admiral will see you now."
Nodding his acknowledgement, Jean-Luc stood and resisted the urge to tug
down his jacket. He knocked softly on the door and entered, surprised to
find only Admirals Brand and Nechayev present. Bowing his head slightly he
said softly,
"Admirals."
Nechayev gestured to a seat.
"Sit down Captain."
Jean-Luc obeyed and raised his eyebrows.
"I didn't expect there to be only you two present Sir."
Nechayev stared straight into his eyes.
"The other Admirals were not required for this meeting. Captain Picard I
make it a habit to try and understand those who serve under me and I pride
myself on my ability to anticipate what a person is going to do. With this
in mind I have come to the inescapable conclusion that you are going to
refuse our offer. Am I right?"
Without preamble Jean-Luc nodded.
"Yes Admiral you are."
"And there's nothing we can say or do to make you reconsider?"
"No Sir."
Pursing her lips, Nechayev nodded curtly.
"Very well, we accept your resignation, effective immediately. However I do
have one request.and I'd like you to consider it a personal one."
The Admiral clasped her hands on the tabletop and softened her face.
"I would like you to consider keeping yourself on the reserves list, with
the rank of Admiral. That would serve two purposes. It would enable you to
teach at the Academy if you so desire and it would allow Starfleet to be in
a position to call on you if an emergency arrises."
Jean-Luc frowned and gently rubbed his lower lip. Nechayev continued.
"It's a win-win situation Picard. We both get what we want and as an added
bonus you get the opportunity to pass on what you've learned to the next
generation of Starfleet officers."
Jean-Luc found the decision was easy.
"I accept Admiral. Thank you for the offer."
Nechayev turned to Brand and winked. The older woman smiled with gentle
affection at the former Captain.
"Congratulations Jean-Luc."
"Thank you Admiral. May I make a rather important suggestion before I
leave?"
The Admirals looked at each other and Nechayev nodded.
"Go ahead."
"Please consider my heartfelt recommendation that Commander Riker be given
the captaincy of the Enterprise. He's earned it."
Her face becoming hard, Nechayev resorted to her usual formidable self.
"The captaincy of the Enterprise, in anticipation of your decision, has
already been decided upon."
His hopes dashed, Jean-Luc said numbly,
"May I ask who gets her?"
Nechayev folded her arms and cast Brand a look.
"You can tell him."
Her face deadpan, Brand said quietly,
"Commander William T Riker."
There was a second's silence before Jean-Luc's face split into a rare full
grin.
"Thank you Sirs.again."
Nechayev allowed a small smile then asked,
"I hear there's going to be a little.do.on the Enterprise tonight. Would you
like to inform your former First Officer of his promotion?"
Sighing with happiness, Jean-Luc nodded.
"Yes Admiral I would."
"Then.Admiral Picard.make it so."
He nodded and stood. He was almost at the door when Brand's soft voice
stopped him.
"Of course there will be a formal Starfleet send off for you Admiral. We'll
let you know when."
With his back to the women he grimaced and closed his eyes. Turning slowly,
he plastered a smile on his face.
"I am honoured Admiral. I'll await your advice."
Once in the outer office, he took a large breath and ordered his body to
relax. An amused Lieutenant watched and shook his head. It seemed everybody
emerging from a meeting with Alynna Nechayev did the same thing.
Jean-Luc and Beverly materialised in Transporter Room two.
Waiting to greet them were Will and Deanna.
"Captain, Beverly.welcome back. It's good to see you both."
The couple stepped off the platform and the women hugged. Jean-Luc clasped
his First Officer on the shoulder and said softly,
"Can we go to the Ready Room Number One? I have something I wish to discuss
with you."
Will frowned.
"But Captain.everybody's waiting in Holodeck five."
Jean-Luc smiled, his dark eyes twinkling.
"I promise I won't keep you long."
Casting a look at Deanna, Will acquiesced.
"All right Captain. Ladies we'll see you there."
Deanna threaded her arm through Beverly's and ushered her from the room.
Once clear of the men she whispered,
"Well?"
Beverly looked down at her friend and frowned.
"Well what?"
Sighing with exasperation, Deanna dug her fingers into Beverly's side.
"You and the Captain. How's it going?"
Beverly rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Deanna!"
The Betazoid huffed.
"Oh come on Beverly! You two have been together now for months.I want
details."
Beverly halted, causing Deanna to stumble.
"Details? What are you.some kind of voyeur by proxy?"
The Counsellor giggled and flapped her hands.
"Oh you want to play? OK we'll do it the hard way. Are you happy?"
The Doctor smiled tenderly and nodded.
"Uh huh."
"And this is a permanent relationship?"
"Yes."
"Have you resolved your problems?"
"Yep."
"What's he like in bed?"
Beverly snorted and resumed walking, her long strides making Deanna trot
beside her. Deanna's voice took on a frustrated whine.
"Beverly.please?"
The Doctor slowed her pace and sighed. In a low voice she supplied the
information.
"He's very attentive, considerate, skilful.he has stamina and phenomenal
control. He pleases me in every possible way, in fact there are times when
his needs are greater than mine yet he never fails to ensure I am completely
satisfied."
Deanna stopped and gripped her friend's arm.
"His needs are greater than yours? My God you're the horniest person I know.
Are you telling me his libido is bigger than yours?"
Beverly smirked.
"Sometimes yes. Mostly we're pretty evenly matched, but there are times."
"Jesus Beverly! How the hell did he keep that under wraps for so long?"
The Doctor shrugged.
"As I said, he has legendary control."
Arriving at the holodeck, the doors trundled open and the women entered.
There was a rousing chorus of greetings and Beverly was surrounded by
friends, a drink pressed into her hand.
Outwardly Jean-Luc appeared calm and reserved. Inside he was
happy and contented. Directing his subordinate to the seat in front of the
desk, Jean-Luc took his seat and spent some seconds studying the man before
him.
"You have grey in your beard now my friend.when did that happen?"
Will, unsure of his Captain's mood, waited patiently. Eventually Jean-Luc
sighed and sat back, crossing his legs.
"Have you heard any fleet gossip?"
Taken aback by the question, Will frowned and shook his head.
"Ah.no Sir. I've been flat out overseeing the upgrades. I haven't even found
time to go down to Earth. May I enquire why you ask?"
Smiling enigmatically, Jean-Luc picked up his crystal shard and inspected
it. Keeping his voice conversational, he said,
"Oh it's nothing really, I just thought you may have heard the rumour that I've
retired."
Will sat up and gasped.
"Retired Captain? No I haven't heard that."
Jean-Luc nodded and lifted his eyes to meet Will's
"It's not a rumour Will."
Will's eyebrows rose, his mouth agape.
"You've retired?"
"Uh huh, effective this afternoon. I am no longer your Captain, Will. I am
however an Admiral on the reserves list, but more importantly, I have news
of the Enterprise's new Captain."
Immediately adopting a business-like demeanour Will quashed his
disappointment and nodded.
"Yes Sir."
Keeping the grin that threatened off his face, Jean-Luc sat forward and kept
his voice firm.
"It is my duty to inform you the new Captain is William T Riker."
Will frowned, opened and closed his mouth twice then blinked slowly.
"Sir?"
Allowing the grin to escape, Jean-Luc stood and offered his hand.
"Congratulations.Captain."
With dream-like slowness, Will took his hand in a firm shake. Jean-Luc
reached into his pocket and withdrew a small box.
"If you would indulge me.I would like you to have these."
He handed the box to Will and watched with amusement as the shocked man
opened it. Inside were Jean-Luc's Captain's pips.
"You'll make a fine Captain, Will and you'll be commanding the premier ship
of the fleet. Make me proud."
Will looked into his former Captain's eyes and smiled. With eyes b******* he
nodded, his voice breaking.
"I will Sir.and these."
He lifted the box,
"I will wear with pride. Thank you Captain.for everything."
Sighing with happiness, Jean-Luc swallowed the lump in his throat.
"Well Will, we'd better get to the holodeck. Our ladies will be getting
impatient."
The men left the Ready Room and Jean-Luc thought Will was even taller than
usual.
Jean-Luc's entry into the holodeck produced a wave of smiles
and warm greetings. Deanna looked sharply at her lover, tilting her head and
trying to discern his turbulent emotions. Before she could go to his side,
her Captain held up his hand and called for quiet.
"Thank you all for being here, I'm sure you appreciate the opportunity to
say a proper farewell to Doctor Crusher, her service to Starfleet.and to
this vessel in particular have been exemplary."
There was warm applause and Jean-Luc again lifted his hand.
"I have an important announcement, one that affects you all. As of fourteen
hundred today, I have retired from Starfleet. It is my great pleasure to
announce that Captain William Riker will replace me as Captain of the
Enterprise and I'm sure you will give him the same stellar service you gave
me. Now please let us enjoy our party."
There was a shocked silence before loud murmuring rose. People surged
towards Will and Jean-Luc, Deanna grabbing Beverly's arm and pulling her off
to one side.
"Did you know about this?"
Beverly grinned and pushed her hair back.
"Yes, but I only heard this afternoon."
"And you didn't tell me?"
Sighing, Beverly looked sympathetically at her friend.
"Jean-Luc made me promise not to."
Huffing, the Counsellor looked over at her lover.
"So now he's a Captain and he's got the Enterprise. What will Captain Picard
do?"
"Well for starters he's not a Captain any more."
She waited as Deanna rolled her eyes.
"He's an Admiral in the reserves. Other than that, he's taken on a
consultancy with the Atlantis Project."
"He's in the reserves now? Will he teach?"
Beverly shrugged and finished her drink.
"Depends."
The Counsellor eyed her friend.
"And what about you?"
Smiling at the gentle inquisition, Beverly looked kindly at the curious
woman.
"I'm in the process of buying an established medical practice in LaBarre."
"So you're going to live in LaBarre?"
"Actually at the chateau."
Deanna sipped her drink thoughtfully and grinned at the Doctor.
"You two have it all worked out, don't you?"
"Pretty much."
"And you're disgustingly happy and contented too aren't you?"
Laughing softly, Beverly nodded.
"Affirmative!"
Deanna suddenly hugged her best friend.
"Well I'm ecstatic! Can I come and visit?"
Returning the hug, Beverly wrinkled her nose.
"You'd better!"
Chuckling, Deanna took her glass.
"I'll get us some more drinks. I don't think we'll be seeing the men for a
while."
Beverly nodded.
"OK, but make mine synthehol. I now live in a vineyard, I think I'll limit
my alcohol intake."
Deanna's laughter was lost in the crowd.
The evening was a huge success and it was a tired couple
that showered and retired that night. Lying in each other's arms, Beverly
felt Jean-Luc sigh.
"What?"
He nuzzled into her hair and mumbled,
"I was just thinking. Tonight was such a nice celebration.if only the
official farce I have to attend could be half as good."
Beverly chuckled softly.
"Oh God.all that brass.all those stuffed shirts.poor you!"
He grunted and eased her onto her back. His mouth kissed its way down her
neck to her breasts where he teased the nipples with his lips. In between
caresses he muttered,
"Bloody dress uniforms.endlessly boring small talk.protocol.ceremonies."
Beverly groaned and gripped his head.
"Shut up Jean-Luc.make love to me."
For the next hour the only sounds in the room were those of passion. Later,
once again quiet, Beverly snuggled into his embrace.
"So will I have to accompany you to this.farewell?"
Jean-Luc frowned in the darkness and tucked in his chin.
"Well I'd prefer it if you did, but if you really don't want to go I'll
manage."
The Doctor kissed his nose and smiled.
"Oh I want to go with you.God knows you'll need a friendly face.it's just
that I might be a little under the weather."
His hands took her face and tilted it up to his.
"Would you like to explain that?"
Lifting her hand to trail her fingers down his cheek, Beverly kissed him
with all the love she felt.
"I'm pregnant Jean-Luc."
His mouth opened slightly and his breath came out in a puff.
"What?"
"You heard me.I'm pregnant."
"How?"
Beverly sighed and ran her fingers along his tense shoulders.
"I'm not sure.probably an implant failure."
"Oh."
Concerned at his rattled state, Beverly caressed his face.
"Jean-Luc.are you happy?"
He stared at her, his mind reeling.
"What? Oh."
His face slowly lost its tension and a smile appeared.
"Actually.yes I find I am."
He kissed her tenderly and chuckled.
"Life is about to get very interesting isn't it?"
Beverly grinned.
"Interesting? I'd say complicated."
Jean-Luc shrugged and took her in his arms.
"Well I don't care.either will do. I love you Beverly."
She snuggled into his embrace and sighed with utter contentment.
"And I you my love."