Author's Note: "Attached" and "Sub Rosa" are obviously two pivotal P/C episodes, but since I have already written about them elsewhere the next short scene in this story is set at the end of "Lower Decks". This one is for Kallie49.

Jean-Luc Picard sat in his darkened quarters watching the stars streak by outside his viewport. The ship was at warp four, heading away from the Argaya System and back on its previous course to Tusecan.

In the stillness he could feel the slight vibration of the ship beneath his feet. On most nights he found the sensation soothing. But tonight it only served as a reminder of just how many crewmembers lived and worked within its confines. So many people under his command, so many lives in his hands. So much faith and trust placed in him.

Ensign Sito had volunteered for the assignment to masquerade as a prisoner and help return the Federation double agent to Cardassian space. Had seemed willing, if not eager, to go out and prove herself on such a treacherous mission. Nonetheless…had he adequately warned her about the dangers? Had he done enough to explore possible alternative mission scenarios, to evaluate and minimize the risks involved?

His chest constricted at the thought that there might have been something he could have done differently, something vital that could have saved her life, even though right now he had no idea what it might be. He knew better than anyone that he wasn't perfect, that despite his best efforts his altogether too human failings did occasionally lead to mistakes. And the mistakes he made in his position usually resulted in adverse consequences not for himself but for someone else.

Someone like a promising Bajoran ensign at the very outset of her Starfleet career.

With every breath he drew he did his utmost to be worthy of the confidence that she and the other men and women under his command placed in him. Still, on nights like these the burden of that life and death responsibility lay heavily on his shoulders.

He sighed, feeling restless, and glanced down at the bottle of Chateau Picard '68 Merlot and two glasses sitting out on the coffee table before him. Waiting, as he was waiting. It was very late, but she would come. He knew she would never let him down. Especially not about this.

At that moment the door announcer chimed.

"Come," he said softly.

The door slid open and she entered without a word. Despite the dimness of the ambient light she made her way unerringly across the room to the seating area.

"I'm sorry I'm so late," she said quietly as she sank into the cushions of the chair opposite his. "But just as I was leaving Crewman Droha started to come out of his coma. It looks like he's going to be fine after all."

"Well, that's something, anyway," he murmured, grateful for her small but comforting gift of good news. He watched with appreciation as she slipped out of her flats and drew her long legs up beneath her on the cushions in one fluid, graceful movement. No matter how mournful his mood, the simple fact of her presence never failed to cheer him.

Leaning forward, he expertly popped the cork from the bottle and poured a generous quantity of wine into each of the two glasses. Handed one to his companion and held up the other by the stem. In his mind's eye he could see the young Bajoran standing before him in his ready room, her demeanor keen, determined and proud as she met the challenges he'd laid out for her. She would have become a very fine senior officer. "To Ensign Sito."

He took a long swallow of wine and leaned back, lowering his glass. The rim caught the soft light of the stars, reflecting it back across the room in sparkling shards.

"Ensign Sito," Beverly echoed. As she drank the toast her sapphire blue eyes met his, glittering with sadness, regret – and understanding.

For she too knew what it was like to hold the lives of others in the palm of her hand.

He held her sympathetic gaze for a moment, allowing its warmth to seep into his soul, and then looked away as the melancholy pulled at him again.

Tonight another bright young life that had been placed in his care was gone. Just like Jack was gone. And Walker. And Tasha Yar, and so many, many others.

Yet she was here.

The dull, tight ache in his chest loosened just a bit at the thought.

Together they sipped their wine and silently gazed out the viewport as the Enterprise continued on its journey across the stars.

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