Chapter 21

He remembered another woman he had loved. A woman with whom he had actually had a family. He remembered holding her, watching her giving life to their children, and easing her in her death. Although these events had merely taken place within his mind, the memories still seemed so real. The probe sent from the inhabitants of Kataan caused him to live a lifetime in a matter of moments. After being released by the probe, he had instructed La Forge and Data to transfer the memory data to the central computer. It was now part of this new ship's data banks. He had promised those men and women of a long dead civilization he would not let the history of their world be forgotten.

"Computer create the image of Eline, wife of Kamin from the planet Kataan. Provide her with interactive animation data logged in memory."

Once more a slight shimmer wafted before Picard's eyes. A woman appeared and as she came to life she looked around the holodeck and then as her eyes came to rest on Jean-Luc she said, "Kamin."

"Eline," an undertone of sadness peppering his response.

She looked around the barren holodeck chamber, its walls and floors showing only the black and yellow grid of the empty room.

"Kamin, what is this place?"

Picard stared at her. She was just as he remembered her and his heart skipped a beat. It was strange, this feeling he had. After all, when he was living the life of Kamin this was not only his wife, but the mother of his children. It wasn't easy to forget the feelings he had developed for her. This was the one thing he brought back, along with reality. "This is how I remember. This is my world. You and all the history of Kataan are part of my memories. My memories have allowed me to recreate your image."

"Do others know of us, Kamin."

He felt guilty that he hadn't run this holodeck program before. "Oh yes, your history and the history of your civilization has become Federation history. You will never be forgotten." That was a promise he made and one he fully intended to keep.

He stood close enough to hold her in a warm and loving embrace. Looking down he gently took her hand in his. I think of you and the children often. I wish I could make you real." He held her hand and drew her close. "I've known a life as a husband, father and grandfather and I've known a life alone." Pausing he momentarily wondered if she would understand what he was trying to say. "If I had my choice, right now I would choose the life I had with you. Even though it wasn't real, I guess you are the closest I got to a real family life."

She smiled, looking deep into his eyes, "It wasn't unreal Kamin. You experienced the lifetime of a man. No one can take that experience from you. No one can take away the love you gave to your children and to me. To you it was real." She touched his face gently with her fingers, and her eyes softened, "it is no different than any other memory you may have. These things happened to you. They are part of you. You are who you are today, because of them. Make no mistake my love, they were real."

Picard drew her to him. Her skin was soft and her hair smelled like the lemon rinse he remembered she liked to use. Holding her he buried his face in her hair. His tears began and Eline moved her hands caressing his back gently trying to comfort him.

"It was real," Picard sobbed, "I remember it all. I don't want this to end."

"Then remember, my love. Remember."

As his tears ended and he slowly regained his composure, in a saddened voice he whispered, "Computer, end program." She vanished from his arms. The room now empty, save for the captain was soundless but for the beating of Picard's heart.

* * * *

In a far corner of the holodeck, one large orb shimmered, seemingly trying to solidify into a figure. The smaller, darker orb appeared and lashed out a bolt of energy towards it. There seemed to be no effect. Again the burst was released. This time the larger orb took notice and swiftly backed away. Again and again the smaller dark globe let loose its thunderbolts, until at last it had persuaded the other to vanish.

Before leaving, the small round form arched checking up on the Captain, and then slowly flickering it was gone.

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