Carpe Diem
"What a load of..." Jack spluttered as he noisily set his beer glass down. "You haven't got an impetuous bone in your body! You think - overthink! - every decision you make! You never just act! "
Jean-Luc sipped at his own glass, shaking his head. "Hardly," he murmured as he felt the pulse of his artificial heart testifying to the consequences of a reckless moment.
Jack knew well the source of his friend's reluctance - but after a long - and very dry - deep space mission, the two real beers he had just consumed got the better of him.
"Damn it, Johnny, it was one mistake - but you survived! That should prove that you can let go of the reins once in a while. Loosen up - and let fate take the helm for once!"
Bristling at the remark, Picard glared at Jack - then let his breath out in a rush. "Fine, then. I will. Miss Howard," he said, turning his gaze to Jack's companion, "would you care to dance?"
Surprised, Beverly hesitated - then smiled. "Delighted," she said, rising to follow him to the bar's dance floor.
Walker Keel sighed. "Bad move, Jack. Bad move."