Captain Jean Luc Picard, commander of the U.S.S. Stargazer stood in the center of the auditorium, fighting the urge to tap his foot on the floor as cadets began pouring into the room. He was a good man; a solid leader whom is crew took comfort and pride in. Despite, or perhaps because of these things, however, socializing and chitchat were not his forte.

Yet there he was.

He was heading for the refreshments table now, a wine glass in his hand rehearsing what he would say to the nosy cadets who would no doubt swarm around him, each jockeying to show their dominance over another when he saw her. The glass in his hand nearly crashed to the floor, it descent only stopped by an odd looking officer who's name badge identified him as Cadet Data. Data, of course. The mach- artificial life form. "Thank you," he murmured. Any other time he would have been eager to sit down with the young man and discuss his abilities. He would have loved a chance to see why the Powers That Be in Starfleet had seen fit to enroll a machine, artificial life form, but not now. Now he had to go see about a red head.

"Mr. Data," Do you know who that stunning young woman is," he asked, careful to keep his voice quiet so that his Weapons Officer, the every-annoying-and-blunt Vigo wouldn't scream above the ruckus "Hey babe, who the blazes are you?" Picard respected and liked Vigo, but the man could be a little too much at times.

"The woman you are referring to is Cadet Beverly Howard. She is a first year student who is enrolled on the Medical Track. I could introduce you, if you would like." The android opened his mouth and raised a finger, but Picard silenced him. It would be a cold day on Sol before he let an android do his bidding.

"No Mr. Data, that's quite all right. I shall introduce myself. Thank you for your help."

"I am glad to have been of service to you, Captain."

Picard walked off, trying to thread his way through the crowd without being stopped for an idle conversation. It was difficult to keep his eyes on the red head and not bowl anyone over, but he managed until the crowd moved aside just enough for him to squeeze through. What he saw stopped him dead in his tracks.

The woman, Beverly, was even more beautiful in person. Her alabaster skin was smooth and perfect. Her legs were long, and her body fit and trim. Her hair curled down around her face in long red tendrils, leading him to look at her pouty, curvaceous lips and brilliant blue eyes. She was breathtaking in a teal dress and shoes that perfectly matched and accented every desirable thing about her. She was perfect. And she was taken. Picard's eyes narrowed at the little punk on her arm. What kind of never that boy had, thinking he deserved a woman like that. Picard knew he didn't even deserve a woman like that.

quickly, his mind began calculating the potential. Maybe they were friends. He didn't know what the situation was. There was still hope for him yet. he just had to think of the right words…

Suddenly the young man accompanying Beverly looked up and caught his eye. The boy's hazel eyes glimmered with a vivid intelligence in his handsome, square jawed face. His brown hair looked as though it had rebelled against his attempts to style it. He walked toward the captain, his hand extended. "Cadet Jack Crusher, sir. It is an honor to meet you."

"Picard looked into Crusher's eyes and recognized a bit of himself. the hopes, the dreams, the yearning to reach for the stars. He smiled a little in spite of himself. "Cadet." He nodded. he turned his gaze to Beverly, who had followed Jack over. She smiled at him, and his heart melted. "Who is your charming friend," he asked Jack, giving him no indication that he was already well aware of the answer.

Apparently, she was not the type to let men speak for her. "Cadet Beverly Howard, sir." She withdrew her long slender hand, leaving Picard's stomach to feel empty. there had been something in her touch, something warm and delightful that had stirred the dusty memories of youth deep within him. Get a hold of yourself, Picard. what would a woman like her want with a man who is old enough to be her…Well, older than girls her age would like, at any rate.

"Captain," Jack said, snapping Picard out of his haze. "My friend Cadet Walker keel and I would be much obliged if you could spare a moment of your time to share with us some information about your ship." Picard nodded at another young man who appeared at Crusher's side. he nodded meekly, anything to spend more time near Beverly.

Picard regaled to them the history of his fine ship. Walker seemed satisfied, but Jack's eyes were hungry. he wanted more. "With all due respect captain, if it's not too personal, could you tell me a little about how you came to be Captain Picard?" Jack stared at him for a moment, and then looked away bashfully, afraid that he may have said too much. He had to know, though.

Picard smiled. The young man was so like him. "Come along, Mr. Crusher," he said, leading the way to a secluded table. "I'm afraid I'm a bit older than you, so my life's story may take a while to tell." He waited for the young men to follow, making sure that Beverly had come along as well.

Beverly stopped before sitting down at the table. "Let me get some drinks." She took their orders and threaded her way back through the commotion. Picard never took his eyes off of her.

"Sir," Crusher said.

"Oh yes. I was born in 2305 to my parents Maurice and Yvette Picard…" and so he began, his eyes returning to the table, Beverly lost in the crowd.