*********
A House Divided
Chapter Five
*********
Picard woke suddenly. He was unsure why he did so. Beverly lay in his arms, and he gently held her tighter. He noticed that her body was rigid and propping himself on one elbow, he pulled her over to face him. She'd clearly been awake for some time.
"Beverly?"
She smiled up at him. "Hi."
"Hello. Trouble sleeping?" He looked at her with concern. He could certainly understand why she would be wrestling with insomnia.
"Yes." Her expression was sheepish. "Not that I'm not tired." She met his eyes and her insinuation was clear.
He chuckled and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Anything you want to talk about?"
"I don't know what to say, really. I've been lying here thinking for an hour. I would have gotten up, but it was so nice to be here in your arms." She ran her hand appreciatively over his arm and shoulder. "I've just been going around in circles in my head." She sighed and flopped over on to her back. She covered her eyes with both hands.
Picard looked down at her. Though clearly distressed, she was still the most beautiful woman he'd known. He noticed how slim and strong her hands were, and trembled slightly remembering the feel of them on his body. His heart went out to her as she wrestled with an impossible decision. He desperately wanted her to stay, but he would never say anything to discourage her from taking this amazing step forward in her career. He was as much in love with her for her professional achievements as her personal beauty, and would never want her to compromise herself for him.
Beverly still had not made her decision. The list of pros and cons was a mile long in her head, and it didn't help that she'd just spent one of the most amazing nights with a man she'd had in her life. 'Well, I've still got a few hours left with him. I'm not letting that go to waste.' A grin broke out on her face, and she promptly uncovered her eyes. She caught Jean-Luc's intense gaze, and it shook her mentally and physically. 'Certainly not wasting another minute.' She threw her arms around him and began planting kisses all over his torso. He tried to speak, but she promptly smothered him with further kisses. She would not be denied.
*********
As morning broke the lights in Jean-Luc's cabin came up slowly and music began playing quietly. Beverly slowly came to consciousness. She opened her brilliant blue eyes and met Picard's hazel ones shining back at her.
"Is this your usual morning routine?" She found it hard to believe he always woke so gently.
"No, but I thought you might appreciate it." He smiled and ran a hand down her face.
She snuggled further into the blankets and into him. "I certainly do."
He hugged her and moved to swing his legs off the bed. Before he could, Beverly caught his shoulder and forcefully turned him back.
"Where do you think you're going?" She arched her eyebrow.
"Beverly, we've got to get going. I'm on bridge duty this morning." Picard's tone was gentle and he took her hand and placed it back on the bed.
"Oh no." She glanced at the chronometer. "You've got duties to perform, Captain, but they're not on the bridge." She slithered up to him and began to kiss him passionately. Picard knew he would not be going anywhere. He'd always suspected it, but now he knew firsthand that Beverly Crusher was the most intensely seductive woman he'd ever been with. He was powerless to say no to her.
*********
When they finally settled down for breakfast, a heavy silence fell. Beverly knew Picard expected her answer, and she'd made up her mind. Jean-Luc had contacted Riker to notify him of a change in his schedule, and Will had been more than accommodating. The Commander could understand the delay, and frankly had been expecting it.
Picard rose for another cup of tea. Crusher sipped demurely at hers. "Has the Federation decided what to do about Siohban and New Genesis?"
Picard sighed and cleared his throat. "It appears that we have little choice but to cooperate with him. We certainly don't trust him, but if we work with him our chances of making the interim Federation council effective will significantly increase."
"I'm the last person to endorse working with that monster." Crusher's brow darkened. "But above all, those people need peace. If that's what it takes, that's what it takes." Her tone was exasperated. She retreated back into her reverie.
Picard sat down and gazed at her gently. She could feel his eyes on her, and knew she could put it off no longer. "Beverly?" His tone was low. His eyes searched hers, and the question was unmistakable.
"Jean-Luc." She put down her cup and took up his hands. They stared at each other for a moment. She released his hands and stood. He knew her answer, but did not want to hear it.
"Jean-Luc." She wrung her hands nervously.
Picard stood and came to stand directly in front of her, hands on her shoulders. "Beverly, you will make a wonderful captain."
Her expression was one of wonder and sadness. She could not stand to leave this man who knew her better than she knew herself. She smiled as tears slipped down her face. She choked out a sob and hugged him fiercely.
"Jean-Luc. I will miss you so much." His stomach turned as she finally spoke her decision. Though he had known her answer, he had not expected it to hurt so much to hear it out loud. "What are we going to do about us?" She sniffled and pulled back to look at him.
His voice was hoarse and his eyes were dark. "I don't know. But Beverly, I have loved you since the moment I saw you. We will find our way." He leaned in and kissed her gently. Smiling, he let go of her and walked over to his bureau. "Not to say I knew what your answer would be," he leaned over and opened a drawer "but I got this ready last night to give to you."
"Jean-Luc, you knew what my answer would be before I did." She smiled at him, her expression one of complete love. She wondered what he had for her, and her breath caught as she saw him return holding a small black velvet box. He placed it in her hands.
She looked at him with curiosity, but his face revealed nothing. She held it cautiously and opened it slowly. Her heart leapt as she peered inside.
"Jean-Luc." Nestled inside was an elegant platinum band, at the center of which was a very large diamond. Beside it was a delicate chain. Officers were unable to wear rings on duty, but both knew that she would never want to be without the gift.
He cleared his throat nervously. "It's not, I'm not," he struggled to find words. Beverly found it adorable. Again she marveled at how the most staid and eloquent man in Starfleet was completely undone when it came to matters of the heart. "Beverly, I give this to you only as a symbol of my love." He gave her a pleading look to help him out of his jam.
She held his face in her hand. "Jean-Luc it is the most precious thing I've received. It will never leave me." They stood closely, never breaking eye contact. Beverly set the box aside and slid the ring on - it fit perfectly. "When did you get this?"
He blushed. "I had it made when you first left for New Genesis. I didn't know then when I would give it to you, but now seems the perfect time."
"You are amazing." Crusher leaned into him. She put her arms around him and kissed him deeply. She wanted nothing more than to be with him, and she would not wait another moment.
"Beverly." Picard's voice was desperate. He knew that Admiral Wolf was waiting to hear from him, but he could deny her nothing.
She knew he was struggling with his desire to stay with her and his duty. She pulled back slightly and met his eyes. "I will contact the Admiral this morning. But not now." She returned to plying him with kisses. Picard knew he would not win this battle, and promptly surrendered.
*********
"Doctor Crusher. Good morning." Admiral Wolf had been a bit surprised to hear that Crusher was waiting on the line for her - she'd expected to hear from Picard. Seeing the resolute and imposing woman before her, she quickly dismissed her misgivings.
"Good morning, Admiral." Crusher sat in Picard's ready room, and he stood behind her within viewer range. He could see that Wolf was caught off-guard by Beverly's communication. He wondered if Starfleet knew what they'd gotten themselves into.
"Captain Picard spoke with me last night and informed me that Starfleet would like me to coordinate the medical fleet's development." Crusher's tone was clipped and professional.
"Yes, Doctor. We have several people on the project, and we'd like you to lead the team. I trust that the Captain filled you in on the mission specifics, and the requisite promotion?" Wolf was dying to know Crusher's answer - but her body language revealed nothing. Apparently she'd learned well from her time on the Enterprise.
"It's quite an offer Admiral, and I would be delighted to accept." Crusher now smiled and relaxed her shoulders. There - she'd said it. It was done.
Wolf beamed back. "Excellent, Doctor. Starfleet is lucky to have you. I'll be over to the Enterprise this afternoon to fully brief you. The Hera ships out tomorrow at 12:00. You can speak directly with Captain Matta to arrange transport."
Crusher's smile remained, but had become a bit fixed. "Very well Admiral. I'll be expecting you later."
Wolf looked up toward Picard for a moment. "I'm glad you could convince her Jean-Luc. She'll be a terrific asset to the project."
Picard stepped forward and smiled. "It was my pleasure, Admiral."
Wolf nodded at both officers. "Until this afternoon, then. Wolf out."
The communication terminated, and Crusher sighed loudly as she sat back in Picard's chair. "Well, that's that." Her eyes were blank as she stared at the wall. "Now I just have to make it through telling everyone else."
Picard kneeled at her side and took her hand. "You will get through this, Beverly. We will get through this."
He offered her his strength, and she took it eagerly. "Thank you." Her hand went involuntarily up to her collar, and she fingered the chain that lay there. She knew that it was an action she would repeat frequently in coming years.
*********
The entire senior staff and half the ship was crammed into 10 Forward that evening. Deanna had promptly arranged a party for Beverly, and though she felt little like celebrating it meant everything to her to see all her friends before departing. Champagne flowed freely and Riker's jazz trio belted out tunes, creating a festive atmosphere - which was not reflected in Crusher's heart. She'd endured a hundred 'congratulations' and smiled at every one. Now she simply wanted to escape. She stood in a corner chatting with Kate Pulaski.
"You're the woman for the job, Beverly. They're lucky to have you." Pulaski took another sip from her glass.
"Let's see what they're saying after I arrive." Crusher knew she had a reputation as an iron maiden, and she took pride in it. Starfleet loved nothing more than its bureaucracy, and she had no time or patience for it.
Pulaski laughed. "Well, I promise to hold the fort down here." She touched Crusher's arm and met her eyes. "This ship is always yours if you want it back, Beverly. I just keep it running while you're gone."
Beverly smiled back warmly. Despite what Kate had said the other day, she knew Pulaski was one of the few who kept Picard on his toes. "Thank you, Kate."
As if on cue, Picard appeared over her shoulder. "May I borrow your companion for a moment, Doctor?"
Pulaski looked between the two and made a quick exit. Neither Picard nor Crusher had shared the details of their relationship with anyone directly, but it took little deduction to figure out what was going on. She guessed this was a very difficult time for them.
Picard took Beverly's arm and gazed into her eyes. "How are you holding up?" He could tell she was quickly tiring of the joyous charade.
"I'm alright. This really is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I'm genuinely looking forward to it." Her eyes shone as she spoke. "But......"
She trailed off and knew she did not need to finish. The look in Picard's eyes said it for her. She knew he was suffering as well, and she loved him for it.
He bent forward and whispered in her ear. "Then dance with me once, Captain, and we will take our leave." With that Picard offered her his arm, and she took it gladly. She was never happier than when he held her. They'd endured years of chaste embraces on dance floors at official functions, and her body trembled to think that she would not need to stifle her heartbeat or say goodnight at the end of this evening.
They easily fell into step in the center of the lounge, and though there were other couples dancing, no one pretended to notice anyone but the Captain and Doctor. They were clearly oblivious to anyone around them, and clearly in love.
Crusher recovered from Picard's spell long enough to glance around. "I think we've drawn some attention, Jean-Luc."
He chuckled and she thrilled at the rumble in his chest. "I don't doubt it. But who would begrudge the Captain a dance with the woman of his dreams?"
She laughed and held him closer. She knew it was exceedingly difficult to allow this much of his life to be shared by the crew, and it said just as much to her that he held her so closely now as his gift had this morning. She knew there would be no other women in his heart, and certainly for her there would not be another man.
Unable to contain herself publicly any longer, Crusher gave Picard a pointed look and they stepped off the dance floor. After a few hasty goodbyes and promises to check in again with the rest of the senior staff in the morning, Beverly grabbed Picard's hand and practically flew out of the lounge.
Will Riker met Deanna's eyes as the couple departed, and gave her a wink. She shook a finger at him and smiled broadly. She'd felt the melancholy emanating from both of them all night, but also the intense attraction. She had little doubt they'd find their way through to each other no matter how many lightyears separated them.
*********
Crusher stood with her bags in transporter room three at 11:30 hours. She'd packed as much of her quarters as she could that morning, and Deanna and Jean-Luc had agreed to finish it up and have it shipped to San Francisco in the following week.
It had taken some time to get up for breakfast, and she and Jean-Luc had gotten little sleep the night before. Though not surprised, she was staggered by his passion, and both knew their memories would need to last for some time. They'd said their goodbyes privately in her cabin, and now she stood gazing at Picard, Riker, Data, Troi and LaForge. She'd hugged them all fiercely, and Riker and Troi's eyes both shone with unshed tears. It had been just as difficult to say goodbye to Worf. It felt like losing a member of your family. She stepped back up onto the platform and Picard followed with her remaining bags. He set them to one side and stood facing her for a moment. She reached fleetingly up to her collar and he smiled. He leaned in toward her side quickly and whispered in her ear. "I will miss you, my love." Their eyes met and he stepped back. She nodded at him, and he turned.
"Engage transport, ensign." Picard's tone was authoritative as he tugged his uniform. He watched with a heavy heart as Beverly shimmered off the Enterprise in a column of blue light.
*********
Crusher felt the familiar tingle and strained to memorize each face as they faded out. Momentarily she found herself standing on the Hera as Captain Matta came forward to welcome her. He extended his hand and she took it automatically. She then turned to address Admiral Wolf.
"Welcome aboard, Doctor." Wolf smiled and the women shook hands. They had met for the first time yesterday, and both had felt and instant like for the other. "You ready to get your hands dirty at HQ?"
Crusher smiled crookedly. "As I'll ever be."
Wolf matched her expression. She wondered if Starfleet was ready for her. "Very well then. I leave you in Johnson's capable hands" She glanced over at Matta. "I've got work to do here on New Genesis."
"I think I'm the one who should be wishing you luck, Admiral." Crusher's expression was dubious. "Just don't turn your back on Siohban."
"Not for a minute, Doctor." Wolf laughed and stepped up onto the platform. "Keep me posted, Beverly."
Crusher saluted and the women smiled as Matta gave the order to transport Wolf out. That done, he turned to Crusher. "I'll show you to your quarters, Doctor."
Beverly stood on shaky legs and nodded. She was looking forward to settling in and resting, but she knew it would be a long trip to earth. Without work, she would go crazy thinking about her new life, and her life without the Enterprise. She wondered if the Hera's CMO might let her crash his sickbay for a week.
*********
A House Divided
Chapter Five
*********
Picard woke suddenly. He was unsure why he did so. Beverly lay in his arms, and he gently held her tighter. He noticed that her body was rigid and propping himself on one elbow, he pulled her over to face him. She'd clearly been awake for some time.
"Beverly?"
She smiled up at him. "Hi."
"Hello. Trouble sleeping?" He looked at her with concern. He could certainly understand why she would be wrestling with insomnia.
"Yes." Her expression was sheepish. "Not that I'm not tired." She met his eyes and her insinuation was clear.
He chuckled and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Anything you want to talk about?"
"I don't know what to say, really. I've been lying here thinking for an hour. I would have gotten up, but it was so nice to be here in your arms." She ran her hand appreciatively over his arm and shoulder. "I've just been going around in circles in my head." She sighed and flopped over on to her back. She covered her eyes with both hands.
Picard looked down at her. Though clearly distressed, she was still the most beautiful woman he'd known. He noticed how slim and strong her hands were, and trembled slightly remembering the feel of them on his body. His heart went out to her as she wrestled with an impossible decision. He desperately wanted her to stay, but he would never say anything to discourage her from taking this amazing step forward in her career. He was as much in love with her for her professional achievements as her personal beauty, and would never want her to compromise herself for him.
Beverly still had not made her decision. The list of pros and cons was a mile long in her head, and it didn't help that she'd just spent one of the most amazing nights with a man she'd had in her life. 'Well, I've still got a few hours left with him. I'm not letting that go to waste.' A grin broke out on her face, and she promptly uncovered her eyes. She caught Jean-Luc's intense gaze, and it shook her mentally and physically. 'Certainly not wasting another minute.' She threw her arms around him and began planting kisses all over his torso. He tried to speak, but she promptly smothered him with further kisses. She would not be denied.
*********
As morning broke the lights in Jean-Luc's cabin came up slowly and music began playing quietly. Beverly slowly came to consciousness. She opened her brilliant blue eyes and met Picard's hazel ones shining back at her.
"Is this your usual morning routine?" She found it hard to believe he always woke so gently.
"No, but I thought you might appreciate it." He smiled and ran a hand down her face.
She snuggled further into the blankets and into him. "I certainly do."
He hugged her and moved to swing his legs off the bed. Before he could, Beverly caught his shoulder and forcefully turned him back.
"Where do you think you're going?" She arched her eyebrow.
"Beverly, we've got to get going. I'm on bridge duty this morning." Picard's tone was gentle and he took her hand and placed it back on the bed.
"Oh no." She glanced at the chronometer. "You've got duties to perform, Captain, but they're not on the bridge." She slithered up to him and began to kiss him passionately. Picard knew he would not be going anywhere. He'd always suspected it, but now he knew firsthand that Beverly Crusher was the most intensely seductive woman he'd ever been with. He was powerless to say no to her.
*********
When they finally settled down for breakfast, a heavy silence fell. Beverly knew Picard expected her answer, and she'd made up her mind. Jean-Luc had contacted Riker to notify him of a change in his schedule, and Will had been more than accommodating. The Commander could understand the delay, and frankly had been expecting it.
Picard rose for another cup of tea. Crusher sipped demurely at hers. "Has the Federation decided what to do about Siohban and New Genesis?"
Picard sighed and cleared his throat. "It appears that we have little choice but to cooperate with him. We certainly don't trust him, but if we work with him our chances of making the interim Federation council effective will significantly increase."
"I'm the last person to endorse working with that monster." Crusher's brow darkened. "But above all, those people need peace. If that's what it takes, that's what it takes." Her tone was exasperated. She retreated back into her reverie.
Picard sat down and gazed at her gently. She could feel his eyes on her, and knew she could put it off no longer. "Beverly?" His tone was low. His eyes searched hers, and the question was unmistakable.
"Jean-Luc." She put down her cup and took up his hands. They stared at each other for a moment. She released his hands and stood. He knew her answer, but did not want to hear it.
"Jean-Luc." She wrung her hands nervously.
Picard stood and came to stand directly in front of her, hands on her shoulders. "Beverly, you will make a wonderful captain."
Her expression was one of wonder and sadness. She could not stand to leave this man who knew her better than she knew herself. She smiled as tears slipped down her face. She choked out a sob and hugged him fiercely.
"Jean-Luc. I will miss you so much." His stomach turned as she finally spoke her decision. Though he had known her answer, he had not expected it to hurt so much to hear it out loud. "What are we going to do about us?" She sniffled and pulled back to look at him.
His voice was hoarse and his eyes were dark. "I don't know. But Beverly, I have loved you since the moment I saw you. We will find our way." He leaned in and kissed her gently. Smiling, he let go of her and walked over to his bureau. "Not to say I knew what your answer would be," he leaned over and opened a drawer "but I got this ready last night to give to you."
"Jean-Luc, you knew what my answer would be before I did." She smiled at him, her expression one of complete love. She wondered what he had for her, and her breath caught as she saw him return holding a small black velvet box. He placed it in her hands.
She looked at him with curiosity, but his face revealed nothing. She held it cautiously and opened it slowly. Her heart leapt as she peered inside.
"Jean-Luc." Nestled inside was an elegant platinum band, at the center of which was a very large diamond. Beside it was a delicate chain. Officers were unable to wear rings on duty, but both knew that she would never want to be without the gift.
He cleared his throat nervously. "It's not, I'm not," he struggled to find words. Beverly found it adorable. Again she marveled at how the most staid and eloquent man in Starfleet was completely undone when it came to matters of the heart. "Beverly, I give this to you only as a symbol of my love." He gave her a pleading look to help him out of his jam.
She held his face in her hand. "Jean-Luc it is the most precious thing I've received. It will never leave me." They stood closely, never breaking eye contact. Beverly set the box aside and slid the ring on - it fit perfectly. "When did you get this?"
He blushed. "I had it made when you first left for New Genesis. I didn't know then when I would give it to you, but now seems the perfect time."
"You are amazing." Crusher leaned into him. She put her arms around him and kissed him deeply. She wanted nothing more than to be with him, and she would not wait another moment.
"Beverly." Picard's voice was desperate. He knew that Admiral Wolf was waiting to hear from him, but he could deny her nothing.
She knew he was struggling with his desire to stay with her and his duty. She pulled back slightly and met his eyes. "I will contact the Admiral this morning. But not now." She returned to plying him with kisses. Picard knew he would not win this battle, and promptly surrendered.
*********
"Doctor Crusher. Good morning." Admiral Wolf had been a bit surprised to hear that Crusher was waiting on the line for her - she'd expected to hear from Picard. Seeing the resolute and imposing woman before her, she quickly dismissed her misgivings.
"Good morning, Admiral." Crusher sat in Picard's ready room, and he stood behind her within viewer range. He could see that Wolf was caught off-guard by Beverly's communication. He wondered if Starfleet knew what they'd gotten themselves into.
"Captain Picard spoke with me last night and informed me that Starfleet would like me to coordinate the medical fleet's development." Crusher's tone was clipped and professional.
"Yes, Doctor. We have several people on the project, and we'd like you to lead the team. I trust that the Captain filled you in on the mission specifics, and the requisite promotion?" Wolf was dying to know Crusher's answer - but her body language revealed nothing. Apparently she'd learned well from her time on the Enterprise.
"It's quite an offer Admiral, and I would be delighted to accept." Crusher now smiled and relaxed her shoulders. There - she'd said it. It was done.
Wolf beamed back. "Excellent, Doctor. Starfleet is lucky to have you. I'll be over to the Enterprise this afternoon to fully brief you. The Hera ships out tomorrow at 12:00. You can speak directly with Captain Matta to arrange transport."
Crusher's smile remained, but had become a bit fixed. "Very well Admiral. I'll be expecting you later."
Wolf looked up toward Picard for a moment. "I'm glad you could convince her Jean-Luc. She'll be a terrific asset to the project."
Picard stepped forward and smiled. "It was my pleasure, Admiral."
Wolf nodded at both officers. "Until this afternoon, then. Wolf out."
The communication terminated, and Crusher sighed loudly as she sat back in Picard's chair. "Well, that's that." Her eyes were blank as she stared at the wall. "Now I just have to make it through telling everyone else."
Picard kneeled at her side and took her hand. "You will get through this, Beverly. We will get through this."
He offered her his strength, and she took it eagerly. "Thank you." Her hand went involuntarily up to her collar, and she fingered the chain that lay there. She knew that it was an action she would repeat frequently in coming years.
*********
The entire senior staff and half the ship was crammed into 10 Forward that evening. Deanna had promptly arranged a party for Beverly, and though she felt little like celebrating it meant everything to her to see all her friends before departing. Champagne flowed freely and Riker's jazz trio belted out tunes, creating a festive atmosphere - which was not reflected in Crusher's heart. She'd endured a hundred 'congratulations' and smiled at every one. Now she simply wanted to escape. She stood in a corner chatting with Kate Pulaski.
"You're the woman for the job, Beverly. They're lucky to have you." Pulaski took another sip from her glass.
"Let's see what they're saying after I arrive." Crusher knew she had a reputation as an iron maiden, and she took pride in it. Starfleet loved nothing more than its bureaucracy, and she had no time or patience for it.
Pulaski laughed. "Well, I promise to hold the fort down here." She touched Crusher's arm and met her eyes. "This ship is always yours if you want it back, Beverly. I just keep it running while you're gone."
Beverly smiled back warmly. Despite what Kate had said the other day, she knew Pulaski was one of the few who kept Picard on his toes. "Thank you, Kate."
As if on cue, Picard appeared over her shoulder. "May I borrow your companion for a moment, Doctor?"
Pulaski looked between the two and made a quick exit. Neither Picard nor Crusher had shared the details of their relationship with anyone directly, but it took little deduction to figure out what was going on. She guessed this was a very difficult time for them.
Picard took Beverly's arm and gazed into her eyes. "How are you holding up?" He could tell she was quickly tiring of the joyous charade.
"I'm alright. This really is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I'm genuinely looking forward to it." Her eyes shone as she spoke. "But......"
She trailed off and knew she did not need to finish. The look in Picard's eyes said it for her. She knew he was suffering as well, and she loved him for it.
He bent forward and whispered in her ear. "Then dance with me once, Captain, and we will take our leave." With that Picard offered her his arm, and she took it gladly. She was never happier than when he held her. They'd endured years of chaste embraces on dance floors at official functions, and her body trembled to think that she would not need to stifle her heartbeat or say goodnight at the end of this evening.
They easily fell into step in the center of the lounge, and though there were other couples dancing, no one pretended to notice anyone but the Captain and Doctor. They were clearly oblivious to anyone around them, and clearly in love.
Crusher recovered from Picard's spell long enough to glance around. "I think we've drawn some attention, Jean-Luc."
He chuckled and she thrilled at the rumble in his chest. "I don't doubt it. But who would begrudge the Captain a dance with the woman of his dreams?"
She laughed and held him closer. She knew it was exceedingly difficult to allow this much of his life to be shared by the crew, and it said just as much to her that he held her so closely now as his gift had this morning. She knew there would be no other women in his heart, and certainly for her there would not be another man.
Unable to contain herself publicly any longer, Crusher gave Picard a pointed look and they stepped off the dance floor. After a few hasty goodbyes and promises to check in again with the rest of the senior staff in the morning, Beverly grabbed Picard's hand and practically flew out of the lounge.
Will Riker met Deanna's eyes as the couple departed, and gave her a wink. She shook a finger at him and smiled broadly. She'd felt the melancholy emanating from both of them all night, but also the intense attraction. She had little doubt they'd find their way through to each other no matter how many lightyears separated them.
*********
Crusher stood with her bags in transporter room three at 11:30 hours. She'd packed as much of her quarters as she could that morning, and Deanna and Jean-Luc had agreed to finish it up and have it shipped to San Francisco in the following week.
It had taken some time to get up for breakfast, and she and Jean-Luc had gotten little sleep the night before. Though not surprised, she was staggered by his passion, and both knew their memories would need to last for some time. They'd said their goodbyes privately in her cabin, and now she stood gazing at Picard, Riker, Data, Troi and LaForge. She'd hugged them all fiercely, and Riker and Troi's eyes both shone with unshed tears. It had been just as difficult to say goodbye to Worf. It felt like losing a member of your family. She stepped back up onto the platform and Picard followed with her remaining bags. He set them to one side and stood facing her for a moment. She reached fleetingly up to her collar and he smiled. He leaned in toward her side quickly and whispered in her ear. "I will miss you, my love." Their eyes met and he stepped back. She nodded at him, and he turned.
"Engage transport, ensign." Picard's tone was authoritative as he tugged his uniform. He watched with a heavy heart as Beverly shimmered off the Enterprise in a column of blue light.
*********
Crusher felt the familiar tingle and strained to memorize each face as they faded out. Momentarily she found herself standing on the Hera as Captain Matta came forward to welcome her. He extended his hand and she took it automatically. She then turned to address Admiral Wolf.
"Welcome aboard, Doctor." Wolf smiled and the women shook hands. They had met for the first time yesterday, and both had felt and instant like for the other. "You ready to get your hands dirty at HQ?"
Crusher smiled crookedly. "As I'll ever be."
Wolf matched her expression. She wondered if Starfleet was ready for her. "Very well then. I leave you in Johnson's capable hands" She glanced over at Matta. "I've got work to do here on New Genesis."
"I think I'm the one who should be wishing you luck, Admiral." Crusher's expression was dubious. "Just don't turn your back on Siohban."
"Not for a minute, Doctor." Wolf laughed and stepped up onto the platform. "Keep me posted, Beverly."
Crusher saluted and the women smiled as Matta gave the order to transport Wolf out. That done, he turned to Crusher. "I'll show you to your quarters, Doctor."
Beverly stood on shaky legs and nodded. She was looking forward to settling in and resting, but she knew it would be a long trip to earth. Without work, she would go crazy thinking about her new life, and her life without the Enterprise. She wondered if the Hera's CMO might let her crash his sickbay for a week.
*********