Title: Alienation of Affection

Disclaimer: They're not mine...not even Wesley Crusher...but Lordy Lordy! Wil Wheaton Just turned 40!

Note: I appreciate you reading and thank you to those of you that take the time to scroll down and review with your thoughts. I write for the reaction...so please review..even if you hate it...I want to know so I can write a better story! Thanks.

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Chapter 9: Life Goes On

Geordi and Data found it exteremely unorthodox that Wesley's quarters had a level three security clearance lock on it. This was highly unusual considering Ensign Crusher was neither a danger to himself or others nor was he a commanding officer with that level of clearance. Data easily overided the code.

"Computer unlock Ensign Crushers Quarters *Code Alpha Tango Bravo, One Five One Alpha Three One*."

The door swooshed open as they entered Wesley's darkened quarters astounded by the heat. They immediately called for the default environmental controls for temperature and illumination and were startled to find his quarters had nothing out of place. There was no sign of Wesley anywhere. No evidence he'd been there was found as they checked the bathroom, living and dining area. Data came across his comm badge as it glimmered in the light.

"He's not here." Geordi announced walking towards the door when something unusual caught his eye. There was a stain on the wall which looked like a handprint.

"Data, look at this...my sensors indicate that this substance on the wall is human DNA..."

Data touched the wall and scanned it through his finger tips.

"It is human blood, recently stained." He found more droplets on the floor and followed the trail back to the closet where he found more blood in larger droplets on the floor and even more on the closet walls. Geordi and Data stared at each other.

"Humans should not bleed this much."

"Humans should not bleed at all if they can help it. Looks like Wes' adventure in the closet didn't end as easily as yours did." Geordi remarked.

"We must contact the captain, Wesley may be in serious danger."

"I think that ship sailed days ago Data." he remarked as they exited his quarters. Data stopped and stared at him.

"Was Ensign Crusher to be on that ship?"

"What?"

"The ship that sailed."

"Nevermind Data...come on."
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Crusher Quarters

Beverly took a deep shuddering breath, "Please forgive me Wesley."

"Beverly No!"

Picard was about to launch himself at Beverly but was stopped by the sound of phaser fire.

Wesley opened fire as he heard his mother scream in agony and fall to the floor in a heap completely motionless. The phaser in his hand clunked to the floor as he dropped down to his knees covered in a cold sweat.

Picard immediately ran to her side and checked her over. He took the phaser from her hand and was astonished to find the phaser set to the maximum setting. She definetly intended to kill Wesley and herself. Putting two fingers to her neck he was relieved to find a strong pulse beneath his touch.

The captain walked back over to the chairs and put on his clothes and then covered Beverly Crusher with a blanket, wrapping it completely around her body. If they were able to separate Beverly from whatever creature had taken over her body, Picard knew she would never forgive herself for what her alter ego had done to her own son. He grabbed a towel from the kitchen and headed towards Wesley.

He kneeled next to Wesley who was not sitting on the floor slumping forward. He was barely conscious and Picard had to put a hand to his face and shake him to rouse him enough to question him. He had a fine sheen of cold sweat on him, his breath was coming in quick pants and red blotches covered his neck. Picard looked at the angry gaping wound at his hip and saw that he was losing blood quickly.

"Ensign Crusher, this parasite you described earlier, you think its somehow has taken over Beverly. Any idea how we separate the two?"

"Rooms ...hot...likes the heat...no cold. My room too cold." he stammered.

"The creature did this to you?" Wesley bit his lip but did not respond as he stared at the floor.

"You didn't fight back...because it was your mother...but Ensign you did the right thing, if you hadn't stunned that creature it was going to kill you and her."

"Can't... watch her die."

"It would be nice if you had such high regard for your own life Wesley." Picard continued to press on the gaping wound as Wes arched his back hissing through his teeth.

"Why didn't you tell someone what was going on?"

"... Data..." was his one word reply as a barrage of coughs attacked him.

Picard stood to search for his comm badge. He was unable to locate it and instead headed towards a panel.

As he turned back to Wesley he noticed he'd slumped to the floor and was gasping desperately for air as he grabbed at his chest.

"Wesley...what's wrong?" Wesley continued to stare at him. His eyes were wild and confused as he struggled to pull in air and just as suddenly as his struggle began he stopped and fell silent. His face was a dusty gray color that made him look not quite alive.

"Picard to sick bay. Medical emergency. Report to Dr. Crusher's quarters at once. Two unconscious."

"Aye sir."

****************************************************************************************************************************** 30 minutes later
Picard's Ready Room

"Come."

"Captain, we have some rather disturbing news to report."

"Does it have to with our rendezvous with Commander Riker & Counselor Troi?"

"No sir. It's regarding Ensign Crusher."

"Sir, Data has been working with him regarding a rather delicate matter."

"I don't have time for guessing games Liutenant."

"It's regarding Dr. Crusher's behavior, we believe she may have injured her son, intentionally."

"Why wasn't this immediately brought to my attention?"

"Sir. There was at first no evidence to suggest anything out of the ordinary until Wesley's ...injuries were brought to my attention."

"Wesley came to me, he asked that I keep his confidence due to your intimate relationship with Dr. Crusher he did not feel you would be in the right frame of mind to support such conclusions." Data continued.

Picard stared up at Data wondering when his android had become so perceptive about human relationships as Geordi studied a particulary fascinating mole on his hand during the uncomfortable silence. Picard stood and cleared his throat.

"Eh, thank you Mr. Data. Mr. LaForge."

"Well, I wasn't sure that there was anything going on, but then when I found Data deactivated in his quarters after he didn't show for duty I knew something was amiss."

"There was a significant amount of blood in his quarters and evidence of a struggle. We have not yet been able to locate him or his mother."

Picard shook his head, still sickened by the vision of the two lifeless bodies in his head.

"They are both isolated in Sick Bay." he interjected as Geordi and Data exchanged glances.

"Yes gentlemen, I was there when Dr. Crusher's alter ego was revealed. This creature threatened to kill Dr. Crusher and nearly killed Ensign Crusher as well. I need to send a message to Admiral Knight informing him of the situation. Please alert me immediately when Riker and Troi are back aboard as we will need to proceed to the nearest starbase immediately. Ensign Crusher's life is in jeopardy and Dr. Crusher's may be as well. "

"Yes. Sir."

"Mr. Data are you fit to return to duty?"

"Yes Sir."

"Then Mr. LaForge, Mr. Data, please do. Dismissed." Picard took a sip from his glass and continued his report.
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Hmmmmm...one more chapter remains. What will the crazy author do next? *Giggle* snort...oh you just wait. As always your reviews are welcomed like a chocolate wonderfall to Deanna Troi!