The five senior staff still aboard theEnterprisewere gathered around the conference table. In deference to the captain, Will sat in his usual chair. Likewise, Deanna left the chair usually occupied by the CMO empty.
"Why have you called us here, Commander? I have work to get done." Worf growled out.
"Well, we seem to have an interesting conundrum upon us." Geordi raised his eyebrows at Will.
"What kind of conundrum, Sir?"
"Ah, you'll see." Will sat back and grinned. "I think I shall turn this meeting over to Deanna."
"Thank you. Computer: Does theEnterprisehave a current Chief Medical Officer?"
"Affirmative."
"Thank you. Computer: Is the current Chief Medical Officer Doctor Beverly Crusher?"
"Negative." Worf banged on the table.
"What is the meaning of this counsellor? Has the Doctor resigned without telling us? That is not honourable!"
"Doc...left? But why?" Only Data seemed to not be surprised at the announcement. Deanna held up her hand.
"Wait. Keep listening. Computer: Who is the current Chief Medical Officer?"
"The Chief Medical Officer of the USS Enterprise is Doctor Beverly Picard." Will still wasn't used to hearing that and his face still registered shock. Geordi and Worf also appeared surprised. Data, on the other hand, continued to stare straight ahead.
"Did the doc and the captain...get married? I didn't know they were...together. Did you?" Geordi looked at Deanna for confirmation. She shook her head.
"No. They both clearly hid their relationship quite well. I sensed they both had deep feelings of love for each other, but no, I did not know they were in a relationship. Data, you've been awfully quiet. Is there something you would like to tell us?"
"No, Counsellor. There is not. I am pleased for the captain and Doctor Picard. And for Wesley, too."
"Is that why Wes left? We were working on a project together and he just said he was taking shore leave. Something about his father?" Will looked over at Geordi with a twinkle in his eye.
"Ah, now here's the even more interesting part. Computer: Who is the youngest Ensign assigned to theEnterprise?"
"The youngest Ensign assigned to the USS Enterprise is Ensign Wesley Robert Crusher Picard, Age 19." Geordi whistled.
"Well I'll be damned."
"It is honourable to take the name of your father."
"Yes, well, I also have reason to believe thatsomeone," Deanna looked at Data, "assisted in moving Beverly's belongings to the Captain's quarters. Data, you wouldn't know anything about this, would you?"
"No, Counsellor. I am not at liberty to disclose such information. I have been asked to keep a confidence." Deanna sighed exasperated at him.
"But we all know, Data! Tell us what happened when you saw the Captain and Wesley!"
"I can not. To do so would be to...betray the trust the captain put in me."
"Fine. But the point is, Captain Picard and Beverly got married without telling us OR inviting us. What are we going to do about it?"
"Do?"
"To get back at them! They kept a secret from us!"
"I do not understand, Counsellor. Are you not happy for them?"
"Yes, of course I am, Data. Beverly is my best friend! I'm thrilled for her!"
"Then why do we need to 'get back at them' as you said?"
"Data, it's called teasing. It's what friends do with each other," Geordi piped in.
"Ah. Teasing. To make fun of or attempt to provoke a person or animal in a playful way. Irritate. Mock. Bother. Badger..." Will put his hand up.
"That's enough, Data."
Deanna resumed speaking. "Any ideas?" Worf growled.
"It is not wise to tease our commanding officer...or our doctor. "
"Ah, Worf. Live a little." Worf glared at Geordi. "Sorry."
"The Captain did tell me about a ceremony taking place in his hometown. Acérémonie des clés,"Data said in a perfect imitation of a French accent.
"A what?"
"Ceremony of the Keys. I scanned my data banks and it appears to be a significant ceremony in some villages where they honour a famous resident."
"Interesting. Data, can you find out when this event will be?"
"I am sure Wesley would know." Will did his best impersonation of Captain Picard and said to Data, "Make it so."