Sorry it has taken so long to post this chapter and sorry it is so short but have been hectic at work. Will try to get another chapter up as soon as possible. ENJOY

Chapter Ten

The two figures lay side by side on the bed in Jean-Luc Picard's quarters. Silence filled the room, a peaceful comfortable silence that fulfilled them both.

Beverly could sense that he was wrestling with a decision. They had spent the last few days, her and Picard, along with the rest of the senior crew trying to decide how to proceed. Riker had suggested that they proceed directly to Earth to lay this matter before the Federation Council. He had advocated that no matter what the cost, Vance and whoever else was involved should pay for what they had done. Each of the people around the table were in agreement with him, but she could see then that Picard had reservations on the subject.

"What is it Jean-Luc?" Beverly asked turning her body toward his and resting her head on his bare chest.

Picard heard the dulcet tones of her voice which brought him out of his reverie. He had been contemplating what was to happen next. He knew that confronting the Federation Council with what Vance had done was the only thing that he could do, short of a self exile on another planet. He understood the vulnerability of the Cardassian Treaty and the impact his return and his story would have on it. He understood that his very presence could throw the Federation into a war they could very well loose. But he also knew that to leave Beverly, to leave the Enterprise now was unthinkable to him. The decision was not between this life and a life in exile. The decision he wrestled with was how to proceed. Riker had suggested going directly to Earth. The rest had concurred but he felt that a more subtle approach was needed. They needed to contact the Federation directly and not go through Starfleet for a start. Vance was strong in Starfleet with a loyal following according to Data. To try to go at him head on would be a mistake. He would no doubt throw all the blame on Cardassia, claiming to be the innocent victim. It was a pity that Zaveer had died. Although Picard had been removed from this life for five years he still had the instincts of a Diplomat. He had no desire to see harm come to the Federation, a body he had served loyally for his entire adult life. He also did not want to see the downfall of Starfleet, a body that had represented his family, the family he had given up to serve it. But he did want to see Vance and his cronies removed from their powerful positions and see them be made to pay for what they had done.

"Just thinking about what to do now..." Picard replied.

"I agree with Will, we need to go directly to the Federation and lay all the cards on the table. They can't get away with what they did to you." Beverly said.

"If we do that..." Picard sighed lightly. "If we do that then we could cause irreparable damage to the Federation and Starfleet." He finished.

He could feel her body tense and knew that she was angry with him for even considering either of the institutions he had mentioned. Beverly had made her feelings clear during the discussions; she had no sympathy the Federation Council or Starfleet. But Picard knew it went beyond these two organisations. There were many planets that depended on both of them for their protection. There would be millions of life forms who would suffer and most likely die should a war break out between Cardassia and the Federation. Not to mention the other Empires lying in wait to claim the spoils. The Romulans, the Dominion, the Borg etc... No there had to be a way of resolving their problem without such fallout.

"I don't care. They had have to pay for what they did to you." She stated flatly.

In her heart Beverly knew that Jean-Luc was right, that they should not endanger the Federation or Starfleet themselves as too many lives depended on their being strong. She ran her finger along his side tracing one of the many scars his ordeal had left him. Every time she looked at the scars she could feel her anger building. They had taken him away from her, made her believe he was dead. They had made him suffer immeasurably and yet he wanted her to handle them with care and consideration. He was a better man than she would be.

"Beverly you know that's not true, you are too intelligent to believe that my revenge outweighs the lives of millions." Picard said lowering his head to kiss her softly on the forehead.

"Oh Jean-Luc, you haven't changed a bit, even after all you have been through." She smiled.

"Oh yes I have..." He said softly "I am not afraid to say 'I love you Beverly Crusher'." He replied smugly as he rolled her onto his torso and kissed her deeply.

"One good thing..." She said returning the kiss.

"Well I think we have spent far too much of this fine evening worrying about what we will do tomorrow. I am more concerned about what we are going to do with the rest of the night." He chuckled as she pulled him into a tight embrace.

"I think I could give you something to keep your mind off of all these worries."

"Oh Beverly Crusher...I never would have believed it..." He smiled as she ran her hand down his body.

"Never would have believed what?" Beverly said innocently.

Picard just laughed and rolled her onto her back placing his body on top of hers. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen and she was his. He could not believe it. After all this time she still loved him and wanted to be with him. It was more than he could have ever hoped for, ever dreamed of. But this he knew was not a dream. She was here with him. He was on the Enterprise. He would contemplate his future tomorrow, but tonight, tonight he was just going to enjoy being here with her. Tonight he would show her how much he loved her.

I really appreciate all your reviews, let me know what you think of this chapter too please.