"Main viewer on." Riker ordered first.

"Hailing frequencies." Jean-Luc added.

"Open, sir." Tasha reported.

"To the object in orbit with us, we will remove the human colonists from the adjoining solar system if you signal us to do so. Please tell us." he addressed to the Edo god's ship.

Everyone was waiting for a signal. Data noticed a change first, "Captain." he said. We all noticed the ship disappearing parts at a time until it was no longer there.

Geordi asked, "Is that a signal?"

"I suppose... suppose it must be. I was hoping for more." Jean-Luc said.

"More what, sir?" Geordi asked, "I'm glad it's gone."

"Agreed. Short and sweet, god-like efficiency." Riker chimed in.

"I was hoping we might learn more about it." Jean-Luc admitted. "But since we can't, take us out of here Number One."

"Gladly." he replied.

"Doctor, in my ready room." he said looking at me and nodding towards his ready room. What did he want? Was he unhappy with my behavior of late? What did he expect when my son was scheduled for execution? I thought I did quite well. I followed him into his room and the door swished shut. He turned and gently lay his hand on my shoulder, it seemed to be vibrating. I looked at his other hand at his side, it was visibly shaking. He was that affected by what had just happened? "Are you ok?" he asked me. At the moment I was ecstatic, the reality of what could've happened will hit me later but he looked like he could use some comforting. I learned with Jack that to pretend I needed comforting was the best way to get him to accept it in return. I took a step forward and slid my arms around his chest and he enveloped me in an embrace. I stood there reveling in the fact that Wesley was fine and back aboard ship and that Jean-Luc was letting his professional mask slip a bit allowing me to see the man behind the mask and just enjoying the simple comfort of the touch of another person.

"Jean-Luc," I said as we stepped back from each other, "thank you for getting Wesley back safe."

"All I could think of was 'Not Wesley!'." he exclaimed, "He's so young and so intelligent and full of life! He brings such vibrancy to the bridge. He means too much to all of us to lose him. And you, how could I do that to you again? It was bad enough to bring Jack's body home to you but Wesley..." he shuddered. The he looked up at me with surprise, I don't think he had realized how much he was saying, the emotions he was showing. I was touched by how much he cared for my son, I hadn't realized. But then again, he was finally letting me see the real man and not the captain persona he projected. I've always resented but understood the mask. I imagine it's quite lonely for him. Everyone needs friends, someone to talk to, spend time with, go to when you need a hand...

"I can't imagine how I would have gone on without him." I admitted. What would I have done? I would have been alone in the world with no family. I don't want to live that way.

"Yes," he said as he straightened up his posture and tugged down his uniform top to smooth out the folds, "I am very pleased we managed to extricate ourselves without harm to any of the crew." he said in a clipped tone. The captain was back in control full force and losing sight of the man pained me.

"Oh, well then..." I said sadly, trailing off and not finishing the thought.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

"Captain Picard is back." I said and he looked confused. "For a moment there I saw Jean-Luc and he looked like someone I would really like to get to know, someone that could be a really good friend if he could keep the professional mask off for awhile at times."

He knew exactly what I was saying, I could see it in the way he looked at me. He was thinking, judging the risks versus rewards of a real friend among his crew. Could he trust me? Would I try to take advantage? Would it be worth it? I think I came out on the better side of his mental weighing of everything as he smiled and said, "Maybe you'll see him again soon, Beverly." It was a step in the right direction, I had to be content with that – for now.