Heather Smyth
03-30-2008, 07:48 AM
Title: The Dichotomy of the Heart
Author: Heather Smyth
Series: TNG
Part: 6/?
Rating: NC17
Code: P/C
Disclaimer and summary...see part one.
He could still hear Beverly's soft chuckle as he knocked at Tobias' door.
As before he received no reply so he entered anyway and found his son at his
computer. Jean-Luc went to the boy and showed him the PADD.
"I noticed you were interested in Geordi's specs so I've downloaded some of
the ship's schematics for you. Once you've looked them over, if you like I
can give you access, through your computer, to see more complete plans."
Without acknowledging his father, Tobias stared at his computer, his head
bowed. Jean-Luc sighed and gently placed the PADD on the desk.
"Well I'll just leave it with you."
He turned to leave but hesitated at the door.
"Tobias you're not alone. I'm here for you.whenever you're ready."
When there was no reaction the sad man left. Tobias sat unmoving at his desk
for some minutes before he reluctantly picked up the PADD and activated it.
Half an hour later there was a visitor. Beverly moved to stop her lover's
frown.
"That's probably Deanna. She said she'd come by this evening."
Resigned to his fate, Jean-Luc sighed and gestured to the door.
"Let her in."
"Come in Dee."
The Counsellor smiled as she crossed the room, basking in the gentle
affection coming from both her fellow officers. After gaining permission,
she sat opposite her hosts and composed herself. Focussing first on her CO
she asked,
"How has the day been Captain? Has there been any improvement in Tobias'
behaviour?"
Jean-Luc shook his head.
"No Counsellor, he continues to be uncommunicative, although he did speak to
me."
Deanna's eyebrows rose.
"He did? If I may Sir.what did he say?"
Jean-Luc grunted and sat back, briefly closing his eyes.
"I had taken him to several shops trying to find a gift for his upcoming
birthday. When he persisted in ignoring me I asked him for help, explaining
that I preferred to get him something he'd like. He told me in no uncertain
terms that he wanted nothing from me."
Deanna tilted her head, concentrating on the man's words and emotions.
"Nothing else?"
"No."
"And how did he say it?"
Jean-Luc grimaced, his pain washing over Deanna in waves.
"With insolence, anger and hatred."
Beverly sighed and sat back, making sure her shoulder touched her lover's
"Then there was dinner."
The Counsellor looked at her friend and raised her eyebrows.
"What happened?"
Beverly shrugged and flipped her hand.
"Oh nothing really. The Captain and I were talking.you know, small talk to
keep a semblance of normality, when Tobias suddenly up and left the table."
Deanna frowned.
"Had he finished his dinner?"
Jean-Luc snorted.
"He hadn't even started!"
Deanna directed herself to her Captain.
"What did you do?"
Taking a deep breath and expelling it slowly, Jean-Luc explained.
"I went to his room and told him I wouldn't tolerate deliberate rudeness and
insisted he rejoin us for our meal."
"What did he do?"
"After a token show of defiance he capitulated. After the meal I gave him
the option of either returning to his room or staying out here with Beverly
and me."
The Counsellor frowned.
"Let me guess. He went to his room."
Jean-Luc nodded.
"Uh huh. I went in a while ago to give him something I downloaded from the
main computer. He ignored me.as usual."
Deanna considered all she'd been told and took a deep breath.
"Although it is still very difficult for all of you I still think he will
come around. The fact that he chose to speak to you, Captain, even though it
was with unpleasantness, I think is a good sign. As I've said before even
anger is better that nothing, at least he's expressing something of what he's
feeling."
Beverly sat forward and clasped her hands on her knees.
"Tell me Deanna, what do I do when I'm alone with him? The way things are at
the moment I don't know where I stand. Do I offer friendship? Solace?
Comfort? I know he'd deeply resent it of I tried to mother him, but all my
instincts tell me that's exactly what I should do. He needs love and care
but I know right now that's the last thing he'll accept from either of us."
Deanna smiled with deep affection for her friend. She reached out and took
Beverly's hand.
"Beverly I think for now you should concentrate on friendship. Keep offering
an olive branch and don't be put off by his hostility. Eventually he'll see
you for who and what you are and he will decide just what he wants from you.
The hard part will be giving him that and no more. It will get better with
time and one day in the future I'm sure he'll accept you as he'll accept his
father."
Jean-Luc took Beverly's other hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"A united front Beverly.that's what we have to present. We have to show
Tobias we love each other and are willing to love him too. I don't think he'll
believe us for a while but we must persevere. Having said that however, I
must admit I'll be relying on you,"
He then looked at the Counsellor,
"And you, Deanna to help me. Both of you have more experience at being a
parent than me."
Beverly frowned and shook her head.
"No, Jean-Luc, that's not right."
She returned her gaze to Deanna.
"I told the Captain to focus on his memories of Kataan. He was a father.and
grandfather.I'm sure those memories will help."
Deanna agreed.
"Yes, Captain, Beverly's right. Draw on your memories; they'll hold you in
good stead."
A very dubious man nodded with uncertainty. He offered Deanna a drink but
she declined.
"If you don't mind, Sir, I'd like to talk to Tobias."
Jean-Luc waved his hand in the direction of his son's room and grunted.
"Be my guest."
With a smile, Deanna rose and went to Tobias's door. When he didn't answer
the chime, she entered cautiously and found him sitting on his bed, dressed
in his pyjamas, a PADD in his hands.
"I hope I'm not interrupting?"
The boy ignored her as she sat beside him.
"May I see what you're looking at?"
Tobias dropped the PADD on the bed and rose, going to his desk and sitting
stiffly in the chair. Deanna ignored his sullen behaviour and picked up the
device, perusing it quickly. She smiled up at the boy.
"These are schematics of the Enterprise. Are you interested in Starships in
general or the Enterprise in particular?"
She was greeted with sullen silence. Taking the time to gently place the
PADD on the bed, Deanna sat up and crossed her legs. Keeping her voice soft
and gentle, the Counsellor said,
"Tobias I want you to think about something. I know these last weeks have
been very hard for you but it's been hard for your father too. He's just
found out he's lost a dear friend and has been told he has a son he never
knew existed. How do you think he feels?"
Tobias kept his head lowered, his eyes on his knees. Unconcerned, Deanna
continued.
"Do you think he's sad? Angry? Shocked? Tobias, your father is a very good
man, a very honourable man and he will do everything in his power to make
you happy. He will love you, care for you and protect you, but you have to
let him in. By keeping yourself separate from everybody all you're doing is
making it harder for you to find peace."
Deanna's black eyes squinted as she saw Tobias's face react to her words.
Judging the time as right, she pressed on.
"Tobias, your mother is dead."
The boy flinched and Deanna rose from the bed to stand at his shoulder. She
gently put her arm around his thin frame.
"She's gone, Tobias, but you're not alone. Your father is waiting for you,
so is Beverly. All you have to do is let them in. It won't hurt I promise."
She felt the boy begin to tremble but before she could offer any comfort he
twisted out of her arm and went into the bathroom. When he didn't emerge
after ten minutes Deanna left.
Jean-Luc stood when Deanna joined them, the look of sadness on her face
disturbing him.
"How did it go?"
The Counsellor sighed.
"To be honest I'm not sure."
The Captain bowed his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Beverly stood
and squeezed his shoulder.
"What can we do?"
Deanna shook her head.
"Nothing right now, but Captain I think it would help if you went to him
before you went to bed. Even if he's asleep I think he'll know you're there.
Tuck him in and wish him goodnight."
Jean-Luc sighed.
"Very well Counsellor."
Beverly escorted her friend to the door.
"Thanks, Dee, goodnight."
After the Counsellor left Beverly went to her lover and took his hands.
"One day at a time my love, one day at a time."
He smiled and nodded, his eyes twinkling.
"Indeed."
As Deanna had suggested Jean-Luc went to his son and tucked him in. The boy
was asleep and didn't react to his father's presence. The Captain bent low,
kissed the lad's brow and whispered,
"Bonne niut mon garcon."
The next morning, as Jean-Luc and Beverly were getting
breakfast, Tobias emerged from his room and went to the table, carrying the
PADD. He placed the device next to his plate and waited patiently until the
meal was ready and the adults seated.
Although he remained silent, both officers noted he seemed less tense. With
the aid of the universal translator, Beverly had no problem deciphering what
Jean-Luc said to his son and her lover had discussed teaching her his mother
tongue, so when Tobias quietly spoke to his father, she sat still and
listened.
"Pourrais-tu me montrer d'autres plans s'il te plait?"
With his coffee cup half way to his mouth, Jean-Luc froze in surprise. He
recovered quickly and gently set his cup down.
"You want more of the ship's schematics? Yes of course Tobias, it would be
my pleasure. Is there anything specific you wish to see?"
The boy shook his head.
"Non."
The Captain nodded once.
"Very well, but I must tell you there are some systems and areas I cannot
allow you to see. Weapons, shields, some of engineering and battle tactics
are classified; however I can download the general schematics of the entire
ship and direct it to your computer. Would that suffice?"
The boy looked at his father and nodded.
"Oui, merci beau coup."
Jean-Luc smiled and finished his coffee before rising and saying,
"Tobias while I go to my computer to start the download, would you help
Beverly clear the table please?"
Tobias lifted his head and gazed steadily at Beverly for some seconds, his
face unreadable. He then stood and began to take the dishes to the recycler.
Beverly grinned up at her lover and winked. Jean-Luc returned her smile and
made his way to his desk.
Throughout the rest of the day Tobias remained silent but
his demeanour was better. He made eye contact with his father regularly and
Jean-Luc noticed the anger seemed to be gone. The pain however, remained.
With Beverly he stayed closed, avoiding meeting her eyes. Bearing in mind
Deanna's advice, Beverly chose not to be disheartened and persevered with
her efforts to befriend the boy.
Once again on the Star base, it was late in the afternoon and the adults
were discussing what they should do for dinner. Beverly wanted to eat on the
base, but Jean-Luc favoured returning to the ship. Finding they had reached
an impasse, Jean-Luc sighed and turned to his son. In his gentle baritone he
asked in French,
"What would you like to do, Tobias?"
The boy had been staring at his feet when his father spoke to him. He raised
his head and looked directly into the Captain's eyes and shrugged in a very
Gallic manner. Beverly's chuckle earned her an icy glare so reminiscent of
his father that Beverly actually softly gasped. Tobias looked on in
confusion as Beverly addressed his father.
"Did you see that?"
Jean-Luc frowned and shook his head.
"See what?"
Beverly gave her lover a look of incredulity.
"That look. It was you!"
With a snort of irritated disgust, Tobias abruptly turned and stalked off,
causing the adults to follow him. He ignored their queries and didn't stop
his brisk pace until he entered the transporter room. Jean-Luc smiled
ruefully and said with amusement,
"It would appear we're going back to the ship."
Beverly shot him an exasperated glare and took her place on the pad with
reluctant resignation. Within seconds they were back on the Enterprise.
Things progressed slowly over the next four days.
Tobias would, if he felt the need, speak to his father, but only barely
enough to get the job done. He remained calm and was willing to help around
their quarters but with Beverly he remained closed. With her lover's
persistence and the aid of an interactive computer programme, Beverly was
soon picking up French, pleasing Jean-Luc immensely.
Just after dinner on their last night at the Star base, the little family
were visited by Will Riker. At a restaurant on the base, they were enjoying
a coffee when the big bearded man arrived. At Jean-Luc's invitation, he took
a seat and accepted the offer of a coffee.
Jean-Luc smiled at his First Officer and opened the conversation.
"What can I do for you, Number One?"
The tall man put a PADD on the table and grinned at his Captain.
"Well Sir, we have a little mystery."
Jean-Luc's eyebrows rose as his dark eyes glittered.
"Indeed? What sort of a mystery?"
Will pushed the PADD towards his CO.
"You know that survey we were scheduled to do next?"
Jean-Luc nodded.
"Well that's been put on the back burner. We received this an hour ago."
The Captain picked up the PADD and activated it. While he read, Will smiled
at Tobias, winking at the boy when he caught his eye. Tobias lowered his
eyes and shifted in his seat. Will asked softly,
"Do you like fishing, Tobias? My Curtis Creek programme provides some
awesome trout fishing."
When there was no response Will looked at Beverly in confusion. The Doctor
reached over and squeezed his hand, smiling.
"It's okay Will; I'll talk to you later."
Jean-Luc looked up, his face animated.
"This is incredible."
Will returned his attention to his Captain.
"That it is, Sir. If the preliminary scans are accurate, those ruins predate
our earliest estimates of habitation in that sector by two million years."
Jean-Luc nodded enthusiastically, then paused, frowning.
"But how could this happen? Starfleet made extensive explorations in the
Gyanna system ten years ago. Why weren't these ruins found then?"
Will shrugged.
"I don't know, Captain. All I know is Data called me and showed me our new
orders and I thought you'd like to see them too."
Jean-Luc smiled warmly at his younger friend.
"Thank you, Will that was thoughtful of you."
He then shifted his attention to his lover.
"How would you feel about returning to duty now and taking the remainder of
our leave when we reach Gyanna II?"
Beverly tried to frown but her lover's enthusiasm was infectious.
"Oh all right, but you'll owe me one."
Will frowned and tilted his head.
"Why do you want to cut your leave short, Sir?"
Beverly answered before Jean-Luc had the chance.
"Because he wants to go down to Gyanna II to play in the dirt."
She looked sweetly at the Captain and batted her lashes.
"Don't you my love."
Drawing himself upright in his chair, Jean-Luc attempted to summon a
reproving glare but failed miserably. Succumbing to the inevitable, he
instead let out an exasperated sigh.
"What I would like, dear Doctor, is to take part in the archaeological
survey we will instigate."
Will chuckled.
"And if you're on duty you'll have to stay on the ship and twiddle your
thumbs while the team does its work. That's sneaky Captain.completely
underhanded.and I must admit.absolutely brilliant. Sir."
Jean-Luc's face attained his Captain's visage but his eyes were warm and
full of mischief.
"Whatever it takes, Number One, whatever it takes."
They soon returned to the ship knowing that in the morning they would depart
for a new adventure.
Author: Heather Smyth
Series: TNG
Part: 6/?
Rating: NC17
Code: P/C
Disclaimer and summary...see part one.
He could still hear Beverly's soft chuckle as he knocked at Tobias' door.
As before he received no reply so he entered anyway and found his son at his
computer. Jean-Luc went to the boy and showed him the PADD.
"I noticed you were interested in Geordi's specs so I've downloaded some of
the ship's schematics for you. Once you've looked them over, if you like I
can give you access, through your computer, to see more complete plans."
Without acknowledging his father, Tobias stared at his computer, his head
bowed. Jean-Luc sighed and gently placed the PADD on the desk.
"Well I'll just leave it with you."
He turned to leave but hesitated at the door.
"Tobias you're not alone. I'm here for you.whenever you're ready."
When there was no reaction the sad man left. Tobias sat unmoving at his desk
for some minutes before he reluctantly picked up the PADD and activated it.
Half an hour later there was a visitor. Beverly moved to stop her lover's
frown.
"That's probably Deanna. She said she'd come by this evening."
Resigned to his fate, Jean-Luc sighed and gestured to the door.
"Let her in."
"Come in Dee."
The Counsellor smiled as she crossed the room, basking in the gentle
affection coming from both her fellow officers. After gaining permission,
she sat opposite her hosts and composed herself. Focussing first on her CO
she asked,
"How has the day been Captain? Has there been any improvement in Tobias'
behaviour?"
Jean-Luc shook his head.
"No Counsellor, he continues to be uncommunicative, although he did speak to
me."
Deanna's eyebrows rose.
"He did? If I may Sir.what did he say?"
Jean-Luc grunted and sat back, briefly closing his eyes.
"I had taken him to several shops trying to find a gift for his upcoming
birthday. When he persisted in ignoring me I asked him for help, explaining
that I preferred to get him something he'd like. He told me in no uncertain
terms that he wanted nothing from me."
Deanna tilted her head, concentrating on the man's words and emotions.
"Nothing else?"
"No."
"And how did he say it?"
Jean-Luc grimaced, his pain washing over Deanna in waves.
"With insolence, anger and hatred."
Beverly sighed and sat back, making sure her shoulder touched her lover's
"Then there was dinner."
The Counsellor looked at her friend and raised her eyebrows.
"What happened?"
Beverly shrugged and flipped her hand.
"Oh nothing really. The Captain and I were talking.you know, small talk to
keep a semblance of normality, when Tobias suddenly up and left the table."
Deanna frowned.
"Had he finished his dinner?"
Jean-Luc snorted.
"He hadn't even started!"
Deanna directed herself to her Captain.
"What did you do?"
Taking a deep breath and expelling it slowly, Jean-Luc explained.
"I went to his room and told him I wouldn't tolerate deliberate rudeness and
insisted he rejoin us for our meal."
"What did he do?"
"After a token show of defiance he capitulated. After the meal I gave him
the option of either returning to his room or staying out here with Beverly
and me."
The Counsellor frowned.
"Let me guess. He went to his room."
Jean-Luc nodded.
"Uh huh. I went in a while ago to give him something I downloaded from the
main computer. He ignored me.as usual."
Deanna considered all she'd been told and took a deep breath.
"Although it is still very difficult for all of you I still think he will
come around. The fact that he chose to speak to you, Captain, even though it
was with unpleasantness, I think is a good sign. As I've said before even
anger is better that nothing, at least he's expressing something of what he's
feeling."
Beverly sat forward and clasped her hands on her knees.
"Tell me Deanna, what do I do when I'm alone with him? The way things are at
the moment I don't know where I stand. Do I offer friendship? Solace?
Comfort? I know he'd deeply resent it of I tried to mother him, but all my
instincts tell me that's exactly what I should do. He needs love and care
but I know right now that's the last thing he'll accept from either of us."
Deanna smiled with deep affection for her friend. She reached out and took
Beverly's hand.
"Beverly I think for now you should concentrate on friendship. Keep offering
an olive branch and don't be put off by his hostility. Eventually he'll see
you for who and what you are and he will decide just what he wants from you.
The hard part will be giving him that and no more. It will get better with
time and one day in the future I'm sure he'll accept you as he'll accept his
father."
Jean-Luc took Beverly's other hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"A united front Beverly.that's what we have to present. We have to show
Tobias we love each other and are willing to love him too. I don't think he'll
believe us for a while but we must persevere. Having said that however, I
must admit I'll be relying on you,"
He then looked at the Counsellor,
"And you, Deanna to help me. Both of you have more experience at being a
parent than me."
Beverly frowned and shook her head.
"No, Jean-Luc, that's not right."
She returned her gaze to Deanna.
"I told the Captain to focus on his memories of Kataan. He was a father.and
grandfather.I'm sure those memories will help."
Deanna agreed.
"Yes, Captain, Beverly's right. Draw on your memories; they'll hold you in
good stead."
A very dubious man nodded with uncertainty. He offered Deanna a drink but
she declined.
"If you don't mind, Sir, I'd like to talk to Tobias."
Jean-Luc waved his hand in the direction of his son's room and grunted.
"Be my guest."
With a smile, Deanna rose and went to Tobias's door. When he didn't answer
the chime, she entered cautiously and found him sitting on his bed, dressed
in his pyjamas, a PADD in his hands.
"I hope I'm not interrupting?"
The boy ignored her as she sat beside him.
"May I see what you're looking at?"
Tobias dropped the PADD on the bed and rose, going to his desk and sitting
stiffly in the chair. Deanna ignored his sullen behaviour and picked up the
device, perusing it quickly. She smiled up at the boy.
"These are schematics of the Enterprise. Are you interested in Starships in
general or the Enterprise in particular?"
She was greeted with sullen silence. Taking the time to gently place the
PADD on the bed, Deanna sat up and crossed her legs. Keeping her voice soft
and gentle, the Counsellor said,
"Tobias I want you to think about something. I know these last weeks have
been very hard for you but it's been hard for your father too. He's just
found out he's lost a dear friend and has been told he has a son he never
knew existed. How do you think he feels?"
Tobias kept his head lowered, his eyes on his knees. Unconcerned, Deanna
continued.
"Do you think he's sad? Angry? Shocked? Tobias, your father is a very good
man, a very honourable man and he will do everything in his power to make
you happy. He will love you, care for you and protect you, but you have to
let him in. By keeping yourself separate from everybody all you're doing is
making it harder for you to find peace."
Deanna's black eyes squinted as she saw Tobias's face react to her words.
Judging the time as right, she pressed on.
"Tobias, your mother is dead."
The boy flinched and Deanna rose from the bed to stand at his shoulder. She
gently put her arm around his thin frame.
"She's gone, Tobias, but you're not alone. Your father is waiting for you,
so is Beverly. All you have to do is let them in. It won't hurt I promise."
She felt the boy begin to tremble but before she could offer any comfort he
twisted out of her arm and went into the bathroom. When he didn't emerge
after ten minutes Deanna left.
Jean-Luc stood when Deanna joined them, the look of sadness on her face
disturbing him.
"How did it go?"
The Counsellor sighed.
"To be honest I'm not sure."
The Captain bowed his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Beverly stood
and squeezed his shoulder.
"What can we do?"
Deanna shook her head.
"Nothing right now, but Captain I think it would help if you went to him
before you went to bed. Even if he's asleep I think he'll know you're there.
Tuck him in and wish him goodnight."
Jean-Luc sighed.
"Very well Counsellor."
Beverly escorted her friend to the door.
"Thanks, Dee, goodnight."
After the Counsellor left Beverly went to her lover and took his hands.
"One day at a time my love, one day at a time."
He smiled and nodded, his eyes twinkling.
"Indeed."
As Deanna had suggested Jean-Luc went to his son and tucked him in. The boy
was asleep and didn't react to his father's presence. The Captain bent low,
kissed the lad's brow and whispered,
"Bonne niut mon garcon."
The next morning, as Jean-Luc and Beverly were getting
breakfast, Tobias emerged from his room and went to the table, carrying the
PADD. He placed the device next to his plate and waited patiently until the
meal was ready and the adults seated.
Although he remained silent, both officers noted he seemed less tense. With
the aid of the universal translator, Beverly had no problem deciphering what
Jean-Luc said to his son and her lover had discussed teaching her his mother
tongue, so when Tobias quietly spoke to his father, she sat still and
listened.
"Pourrais-tu me montrer d'autres plans s'il te plait?"
With his coffee cup half way to his mouth, Jean-Luc froze in surprise. He
recovered quickly and gently set his cup down.
"You want more of the ship's schematics? Yes of course Tobias, it would be
my pleasure. Is there anything specific you wish to see?"
The boy shook his head.
"Non."
The Captain nodded once.
"Very well, but I must tell you there are some systems and areas I cannot
allow you to see. Weapons, shields, some of engineering and battle tactics
are classified; however I can download the general schematics of the entire
ship and direct it to your computer. Would that suffice?"
The boy looked at his father and nodded.
"Oui, merci beau coup."
Jean-Luc smiled and finished his coffee before rising and saying,
"Tobias while I go to my computer to start the download, would you help
Beverly clear the table please?"
Tobias lifted his head and gazed steadily at Beverly for some seconds, his
face unreadable. He then stood and began to take the dishes to the recycler.
Beverly grinned up at her lover and winked. Jean-Luc returned her smile and
made his way to his desk.
Throughout the rest of the day Tobias remained silent but
his demeanour was better. He made eye contact with his father regularly and
Jean-Luc noticed the anger seemed to be gone. The pain however, remained.
With Beverly he stayed closed, avoiding meeting her eyes. Bearing in mind
Deanna's advice, Beverly chose not to be disheartened and persevered with
her efforts to befriend the boy.
Once again on the Star base, it was late in the afternoon and the adults
were discussing what they should do for dinner. Beverly wanted to eat on the
base, but Jean-Luc favoured returning to the ship. Finding they had reached
an impasse, Jean-Luc sighed and turned to his son. In his gentle baritone he
asked in French,
"What would you like to do, Tobias?"
The boy had been staring at his feet when his father spoke to him. He raised
his head and looked directly into the Captain's eyes and shrugged in a very
Gallic manner. Beverly's chuckle earned her an icy glare so reminiscent of
his father that Beverly actually softly gasped. Tobias looked on in
confusion as Beverly addressed his father.
"Did you see that?"
Jean-Luc frowned and shook his head.
"See what?"
Beverly gave her lover a look of incredulity.
"That look. It was you!"
With a snort of irritated disgust, Tobias abruptly turned and stalked off,
causing the adults to follow him. He ignored their queries and didn't stop
his brisk pace until he entered the transporter room. Jean-Luc smiled
ruefully and said with amusement,
"It would appear we're going back to the ship."
Beverly shot him an exasperated glare and took her place on the pad with
reluctant resignation. Within seconds they were back on the Enterprise.
Things progressed slowly over the next four days.
Tobias would, if he felt the need, speak to his father, but only barely
enough to get the job done. He remained calm and was willing to help around
their quarters but with Beverly he remained closed. With her lover's
persistence and the aid of an interactive computer programme, Beverly was
soon picking up French, pleasing Jean-Luc immensely.
Just after dinner on their last night at the Star base, the little family
were visited by Will Riker. At a restaurant on the base, they were enjoying
a coffee when the big bearded man arrived. At Jean-Luc's invitation, he took
a seat and accepted the offer of a coffee.
Jean-Luc smiled at his First Officer and opened the conversation.
"What can I do for you, Number One?"
The tall man put a PADD on the table and grinned at his Captain.
"Well Sir, we have a little mystery."
Jean-Luc's eyebrows rose as his dark eyes glittered.
"Indeed? What sort of a mystery?"
Will pushed the PADD towards his CO.
"You know that survey we were scheduled to do next?"
Jean-Luc nodded.
"Well that's been put on the back burner. We received this an hour ago."
The Captain picked up the PADD and activated it. While he read, Will smiled
at Tobias, winking at the boy when he caught his eye. Tobias lowered his
eyes and shifted in his seat. Will asked softly,
"Do you like fishing, Tobias? My Curtis Creek programme provides some
awesome trout fishing."
When there was no response Will looked at Beverly in confusion. The Doctor
reached over and squeezed his hand, smiling.
"It's okay Will; I'll talk to you later."
Jean-Luc looked up, his face animated.
"This is incredible."
Will returned his attention to his Captain.
"That it is, Sir. If the preliminary scans are accurate, those ruins predate
our earliest estimates of habitation in that sector by two million years."
Jean-Luc nodded enthusiastically, then paused, frowning.
"But how could this happen? Starfleet made extensive explorations in the
Gyanna system ten years ago. Why weren't these ruins found then?"
Will shrugged.
"I don't know, Captain. All I know is Data called me and showed me our new
orders and I thought you'd like to see them too."
Jean-Luc smiled warmly at his younger friend.
"Thank you, Will that was thoughtful of you."
He then shifted his attention to his lover.
"How would you feel about returning to duty now and taking the remainder of
our leave when we reach Gyanna II?"
Beverly tried to frown but her lover's enthusiasm was infectious.
"Oh all right, but you'll owe me one."
Will frowned and tilted his head.
"Why do you want to cut your leave short, Sir?"
Beverly answered before Jean-Luc had the chance.
"Because he wants to go down to Gyanna II to play in the dirt."
She looked sweetly at the Captain and batted her lashes.
"Don't you my love."
Drawing himself upright in his chair, Jean-Luc attempted to summon a
reproving glare but failed miserably. Succumbing to the inevitable, he
instead let out an exasperated sigh.
"What I would like, dear Doctor, is to take part in the archaeological
survey we will instigate."
Will chuckled.
"And if you're on duty you'll have to stay on the ship and twiddle your
thumbs while the team does its work. That's sneaky Captain.completely
underhanded.and I must admit.absolutely brilliant. Sir."
Jean-Luc's face attained his Captain's visage but his eyes were warm and
full of mischief.
"Whatever it takes, Number One, whatever it takes."
They soon returned to the ship knowing that in the morning they would depart
for a new adventure.