Pukaski 3

Captains Very Personal Log

I just got a call from Beverly.

She's coming back.

She's coming back on the Enterprise in less than six weeks.

Jean Luc Picard's heart jumped. He had no idea how she managed to get her position on the Enterprise back. And in such relative short notice. He smiled. It came as a big surprise for him. Beverly also knew some important Starfleet people and the medical division had their own ruels anyways. She had loved her job at the academy but since some time he had noticed how frustrated she had become with all the ruels and regulations. To her it seemed that nothing was ever happening. Nothing improved. She had been doing a lot of thinking and decided to try to get back to the Enterprise.

"At least know the Captain", she had teased him with her half seductive half mocking smile and laughed at him open heartedly. His heart had leaped one or two beats, well it least would have, had it been is real heart. He smiled back at her, even laughed.

I am thankful Beverly will be back. Our friendship has grown during those last months. The distance made talking in private easier. We shared hands full of joy as well as frustration. I hope we will be able to carry on what we had gained.

It will be good to have her back. Both as a friend and a colleague and this time I will receive her with open arms.

Six weeks later Jean Luc Picard stepped into the main transporter room. He nodded his good day to O'Brien. He was a bit nervous. Their relationship had gone deeper and he didn't quite know how to great her. He straightened his sweater for about the third time when O'Brien told him that everything was ready for the transport.

Seconds later Beverly was materializing on the transporter platform smiling.

"Permission to come aboard", she said giving him her best smile.

Picard smiled back.

"Permission granted!"

Beverly stepped of the platform and Jean Luc took two steps forward to grab her upper arms.

"It is good to have you back!"

Beverly raised her hand to put it on Jean Luc's chest.

"Thank you Jean Luc. It is good to be back"

Noticing the closeness they were sharing in front of O'Bien they both backed off. Picard offered to accompany her to her quarters. She claimed she knew the way but they left together anyways.

"I believe Cmd Riker has organized a small welcome back party 20:00 hours in Ten Forward today", Jean Luc said while they where heading out of the transporter room.

"Will you be joining", Beverly asked slowing down in front of the turbolift giving him a questioning raise of her left eyebrow.

"I will be there", he answered.

Beverly smiled in appreciation.

They entered the turbolift together and to both of them it felt like it had never been different.

"Thank you Jean Luc!"

Jean Luc turned towards her.

"What for?"

"For the warm welcome," she answered her voice low and soft.

"Beverly...I", he started when the door of the turbo lift opened and they were greeted by a crowd emerging from the crew quarters.

"Ten Forward tonight!" he reminded her

"Tonight", she nodded as she entered her quarters and he turned around.