Chapter 1

Early 2345 Deep Space

"According to some very knowledgeable people you've been making quite the name for yourself over the last two years, Jean-Luc."

"Mm."

Walker Keel let loose his brilliant smile through the viewscreen. "That's all? Well, I can't say I'm surprised. You're a man of few words when it comes to talking about your feelings."

"Is that what you were getting at? My feelings? Good lord."

"You're creating a buzz within Starfleet."

"Nonsense." He paused, aware of all of Walker's traps, but as usual, was unable to fully avoid them due to his natural curiosity. "What kind of buzz."

"They're saying you're the second coming of Jim Kirk. A captain and not even thirty. Doing things your own way."

Picard put his teacup down and sighed. "I'm flattered," he said honestly. "However, you of all people should know that I am no James Kirk."

"Right, you're Jean-Luc Picard, which, I of all people should know, is even better."

Picard smiled, now slightly embarrassed. "I do miss our chats Walker, I've just been so busy..."

"I get it, I really do." Walker leaned toward the viewscreen. "How's Mr. Crusher doing?"

Picard smiled proudly. "Jack's already proven a wonderful addition to the crew. He's very versatile and has so far been able to serve in any capacity I've asked him to. It was a surprise to me to learn that he has more than a passing interest in engineering and ship operations."

"That's all good to hear. Especially since he indicated you weren't exactly thrilled when he told you he'd put in for a transfer to the Stargazer." Walker decided not to mention the heartbroken expression that had been etched on Jack's face. His goal for years had been to serve with Jean-Luc, and Jean-Luc's lackluster reaction had been disappointing, to say the least.

Picard shook his head. "No...that wasn't it."

"Then what was...it?"

He struggled for the correct words, but there were none to describe his feelings when Jack had announced his intent to apply for a position onboard the Stargazer. It was too complicated. Eventually, he just shrugged and looked blankly back at his friend.

Walker took a long sip of whatever strange pink drink he was having, and then put it down. "Can we talk for a minute about personal stuff without you hanging up on me?"

"Personal stuff?" Jean-Luc said hesitantly.

"I know you well enough to know that you are still hurting from Gabriela's death."

Picard now really was considering ending the call. His collar now seemed constricting, hot, and uncomfortable. He could almost smell the smoke from the bridge fire, and a strange panic began to set in. He ran a hand over his short hair and found his hand trembled slightly, infuriating him. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Regardless of my feelings Walker...she...the captain shouldn't have died on the bridge that day."

"And so by extension, you shouldn't have become captain-is that right? Is that why you are too guilty to accept even the smallest amount of well-deserved praise?" When Picard remained silent, Walker kept going. "Gabby Sarna was my friend and mentor for years as well, Jean-Luc. I was devastated by her death. But I know she'd be incredibly proud of you."

Picard closed his eyes briefly as his friend pressed on. When Walker got going it was hard to stop him.

"You want to know what I think, Jean-Luc? I think you're afraid that something is going to happen to Jack on your watch."

"Why shouldn't I be? It's part of being a starship captain after all. I have concerns about all my crew."

"Yes, but Jack is like your family. The younger brother you never had-"

"Walker!"

"Don't try to 'Walker' me out of this conversation...your parents are dead, your greatest mentor died in your arms, and your own brother won't talk to you to save his own life. And what the hell have you done to take care of yourself these last few years? You've never even talked to a counselor since you were promoted, have you?"

"I have no use whatsoever for counselors," he said flatly.

"Well...when you burn out, don't say I didn't warn you."

"I will be sure to remember that we had this conversation. I've got to go now, Walker, but we'll talk again soon-"

"Not so fast, there's something else. It's actually the real reason I called, but I thought I owed you some small talk."

Jean-Luc could not help but laugh at that. "What?"

"I've been thinking hard about this for a while...and I want you to meet a good friend of mine."

"I thought I'd met all of your friends, Walker," Picard said with a degree of amusement. There seemed to be an unending list of people associated with Walker Keel.

"Not her," his friend replied almost cautiously.

"You're trying to set me up again, aren't you?"

"I'm having a party next month in one of the rec rooms on Starbase 4."

"Party?" The truth was, his crew was overdue for some downtime, even by his strict standards. The ship could also do with a more thorough systems cleaning than he had time to do in deep space. And yet, he wasn't looking for a relationship by any means. Sporadic, brief encounters with women suited him fine, and he certainly was not looking for anyone who wanted more from him than that.

"Yeah, you know the kind I throw that you always manage to avoid or slip out of early. Just come, and meet her. Jack will be there. Actually, the party's for him to celebrate his promotion to full lieutenant."

"Hmm. We'll see."

"Come on, Captain! Your crew is due for some shore leave."

"I said, we shall see."

Earth-Starfleet Command-Six months later

"How long have we been friends, Captain?"

Picard glanced down at the petite woman at his side. Her quick footsteps were a challenge for him to keep up with. "Since the Academy, Alynna." They had both been on the Academy running team, with Alynna Nechayev an upperclassman a few years ahead of him. They had soon found they had much in common, and since then had developed a friendship, somewhat affected by their differing ranks, but nonetheless, was there.

"I've been quite fond of you since then, Jean-Luc," she said, her sharp expression not necessarily reflecting her affection for him.

He smiled slightly. "Yes, sir."

Nechayev had been promoted to Commodore one year before and was now by far the youngest flag officer in the Fleet, overseeing the operation of the constitution class starships. He'd never met anyone aside from Nechayev, who shared his drive to succeed.

"You and I are very similar with respect to our career goals, Jean-Luc," she said, eyeing him as she slowed to a stop in the middle of the large square in front of Starfleet Command. "The commendation you received today for your negotiation of the Roti treaty is just the beginning of what you can achieve."

He nodded curtly. "Thank you, sir. I hope to make the most of my position as captain."

"How so?"

"Well...I believe Starfleet captains have a duty to promote peace in this galaxy, rather than division. If I continue to improve my negotiation skills, I believe that I can make a contribution in this area."

Nechayev nodded approvingly. "Very good. Might I give you a tip?"

"Of course. Any advice is welcomed."

"Become fluent in Klingon."

He raised his eyebrows. "Sir?"

"Word is that you are proficient in Klingon, is that correct?"

He frowned. "I'm able to maintain a passable conversation...I'm hardly proficient."

"Oh. Well, how did you develop such a useful skill?"

He hesitated. "I have a Klingon friend I've known for some time-I suppose of late we've lost touch. However, I spent a period of time on his homeworld. It was...quite interesting."

"An understatement, I'm sure." Nechayev looked at him closely. "The Klingon-Federation alliance is being tested, Jean-Luc, and there are indications at numerous weaknesses. The information I have is classified, but I have enough reason to tell you that developing your Klingon language skills may be pivotal to your success during the next few years." She turned to walk away in the abrupt manner she usually had, before turning back to him. "Your Klingon friend...his name is Kor, correct?"

His eyes widened in surprise. "Yes."

"Steer clear of him as much as possible for now. You'll thank me later."

Later that evening

Walker Keel's San Francisco apartment was larger than most, with his living space taking up a sizeable three-story replica Victorian-era home. It was more than enough room for his friend's famous parties, and Picard often found he could almost get lost in Walker's house, which sometimes came in handy. Walker had been Earth-based for several years now, with his outgoing personality masking to many the fact that he worked for Starfleet Intelligence, as for lack of a better word, a spy. While Jean-Luc did not necessarily approve of Walker's career choice, the fact that he knew little of the details helped. He believed Walker to be an honorable person, and that was good enough for him.

Jean-Luc ascended the old staircase and moved to the side as a few people shuffled out beside him. As the door swung inward, there were a number of people he didn't know, which was a good sign. He had feared that this was going to be some kind of surprise party. He'd needed to travel to Earth to receive an official award for a difficult negotiation he had completed recently. Meanwhile, the Stargazer was undergoing a much-needed re-fit in spacedock, and the crew had been given four days shore leave. But he had also quietly and without fanfare passed his 30th birthday a few months earlier. That meant that it was likely Walker and Jack, who was part of his Stargazer crew, had planned to surprise him. Now he was gaining hope, as he saw that the majority of partygoers were unknown to him or mere acquaintances of his. He was hanging up his coat with a smile of relief on his face when a cool voice spoke from behind him.

"Well, this is unexpected," said the voice.

He turned to find her there. The woman he'd met almost two years ago on an emergency relief mission was now standing in the doorway behind him. Wordlessly, he moved aside so she could hang up her coat next to his. She was wearing a dress that was modest but did nothing to hide her figure. He felt the back of his neck grow warm, as he realized that he was staring at her.

"You know Walker?" It was the best he could do. He spoke clearly, managed not to trip over those few simple words.

"Yes. For many years, believe it or not." She was wearing lipstick, and her lips glistened in the low light. She shifted as another person passed by them through the cramped hallway.

"Ah," he said. "It's good to see you," he heard himself say.

Her smile widened. "Likewise."

He felt enormous pressure suddenly to do something. To take some kind of action. The result was genuine, but not exactly smooth. "I realize that we don't really know each other, but would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night? I'm only in town for a few days, but...wait, I am so sorry, I don't even know your name," he said quickly.

"Beverly," she said, smiling shyly. "And yes," she added assertively. "I would like to have dinner with you. As a friend," she said still smiling, now somewhat guardedly. "You see, I happen to be seeing someone, so if you meant-"

Yes, that is what I meant, and of course, you're seeing someone. He shook his head quickly. "I'm sorry. It was inappropriate. I haven't even introduced myself." He reached out to shake her hand. "I'm Jean-Luc." She grasped his hand in a firm handshake.

She released his hand abruptly and brought her hand to her lips. "Oh my god. You're Jean-Luc Picard."

He froze because the look on her face was so complicated, not quite embarrassment, and not quite amusement.

"I'm sorry," she said with a nervous laugh. "It's just that I've heard Jack talk about you non-stop for months now."

He felt like an impossibly heavy weight had just dropped onto his shoulders. "Jack," he managed to say hoarsely.

Her smile conveyed obvious affection. "Yes. Jack Crusher." Her smile faded a little. "Um, I think Jack was planning on introducing us tonight, Jean-Luc...um, Captain."

He blinked and felt a cold sliver of something in his throat. Suddenly he remembered that he had found a reason to miss Walker's party six months before. The excuse he had made up back then had now slipped his mind-possibly for eternity. "Jean-Luc's fine," he corrected her somewhat gruffly.

"Okay," she said. "Uh...this is going to sound weird, but would you mind-"

"Pretending we've never met?" He caught her gaze for an awkward moment. "Of course. What harm could it do?"

Thank you to all my readers. You are wonderful! Be well. -PP