Epilogue

Seconds after Picard had departed the holodeck two pillars of shimmering particles coalesced in the center of the chamber.

In a mocking voice, and with a hand over the area a human heart would be, "Thank you Captain." Turning to the other, smaller figure he went on, "I hope you're satisfied," the tall male exhorted with the most patronizing expression he could muster. He turned to address the darkened female image and fairly spat out, "He looks like he's gotten over his poor, despicable human lamentations. His doleful weakness seems to have dissipated. And this whole thing makes me want to vomit. Assuming of course, I had whatever these humans require to vomit."

"Well for once in your miserable existence you have actually done a good deed," the woman snapped back gazing at her partner in a cold calculating manner.

"Just don't spread it around, I wouldn't want anyone to think I've changed my habits. After all I do have a reputation to uphold!"

With a satisfied grin spreading across her face she shrugged her shoulders and chortled, "I wouldn't dream of it." The woman held out her hand to the male looking up into his face and in her usual confident manner said, "Thanks."

He shrugged away and continued, "And don't ever tell me that sending back your precious Captain Kirk was my idea. You made the decision on that one dearie. First you want him to stay, and then you start sniveling that he shouldn't stay. You women! You all make me sick. Now the whole universe will have to put up with the magnificent Dr. Crusher whining and wailing about lost loves and all."

He turned and looked down with contempt at the woman. "Maybe I should just snap my fingers, turn her into a weeping willow. So appropriate wouldn't you say ma cherié?"

"You snap your grimy little fingers you overgrown derelict and you'll be doing some changing too. Don't ever forget I'm watching each move you make!"

"Yecchh!" His answer fading as he disappeared once more in a shower of fireworks.

She watched the fading embers of his existence dwindle to nothing but a puff of smoke. She smiled, so that even her eyes took on a kind expression, straightened her hat and muttered, "Bye Q." As she stepped through the holodeck exit, a crew member walked by.

"Evening Guinan," he voiced.

"Evening Mr. Michaels," she answered nodding in satisfaction.

The End