Author note: My first attempt at fanfic here, so reviews appreciated. Not
focused so much on plot as getting the feel of the characters and the
process.
Disclaimer: It's my understanding that there needs to be some sort of perfunctory acknowledgement that, like Q, Paramount is omnipotent, and I would never do anything to break the rules. So this is for fun and obsessed fans only.
Sabotage Chapter One
****************
"Jean-Luc, I don't like the look of those clouds. They're ominous."
"Ominous, Doctor?"
"Yes, ominous - as in threatening, gloomy, forboding."
Picard grinned and gently lead his chestnut steed closer to Crusher's dark Arabian, "thank you, Doctor, I understand your meaning. I think that perhaps you have been spending too much time with Commander Data. I agree with your assessment. Let's turn back and rendezvous with Will and Deanna."
Barring the clouds, the landscape and sky remained peaceful and quite breathtaking. This ride was the last activity of the day for the two, as the crew of the Enterprise-D prepared to wrap-up its long-awaited and much deserved shore leave. The ship was being fitted with a modified warp-drive on the orbiting Starbase 202, and had been in dock for over two weeks. The newest base of its kind, the Federation had designed it with an extensive and fully functional space dock. Since the devastating encounters with the Borg and the increasing tensions with Cardassians, it had built three of these bases in various distant and strategic parts of the quadrant.
These dry and strategic thoughts were the furthest from Jean-Luc Picard's mind, as he crested a gentle slope that displayed a stunning view of the valley below. A warm breeze shuffled past, barely swaying the tops of delicate purple flowers that covered the expansive, and mostly green meadow. Behind him, towers of charcoal clouds towered above. In front, an azure, cloudless sky promised nothing but tranquility.
Much of his leave, and the senior staff's, had been spent on the ship, completing reports, crew evaluations, and general housekeeping. However, they had occasionally been able to attend to maintenance of a more personal nature. Picard's thoughts were as ominous as the dark clouds as he contemplated ending his leave and returning to the ship.
Dr. Beverly Crusher's ruminations were similarly glum as she trotted up behind Picard. Her horse, "Lightening," whuffed contentedly as he bent to graze. "This guy's not at all the handful they eluded to at the stables. He's been a perfect gentleman."
"Indeed, Doctor. If only all your companions were so obliging." Again, Picard grinned, and Beverly returned the smile. They set off together back toward the Inn that the staff had unofficially christened their home away from home as the Enterprise underwent remodeling. As they rambled on, the sky slowly turned from blue to grey.
Suddenly, a distant but alarming crack of thunder pealed through the quiet afternoon, accompanied by a bright flash. Picard's mount whinnied loudly and began skittishly dancing through the meadow. With some effort, he managed to calm the horse to his satisfaction, before glancing around to see how Beverly had fared.
Apparently, not well. "Lightening" was now living up to his namesake. Judging by the distance now between him and the fiery streak of red mane racing through the valley, the horse had bolted immediately upon hearing the loud roll of thunder. Picard quickly spurred his own horse on in pursuit.
Upon reaching the creek that separated the meadow from the sparse forest that surrounded the grounds of the Inn, Lightening abruptly stopped, reared, and began bucking and side-stepping along the bank. Now closing the gap, Picard was able to see Crusher doing her best to stay mounted, while shouting colorfully at the horse to settle the hell down.
Lightening reared once more, gave a mighty buck that send Beverly flying, and came to a fitfull standstill. Picard finally came upon the animal, gathered the reigns, and ensuring that its antics were done, quickly dismounted.
"Beverly!" Picard searched the nearby landscape to no avail, his concern growing as he heard no immediate response.
"Jean-Luc, I think that I have severely fractured my pride," Beverly called out from the banks of the stream. Picard ran toward the sound of her voice, only to find her lying, covered in mud and groaning, a short distance from the bubbling water.
Smiling broadly, he surveyed the prone Doctor. "Is that all the damage then?" In a more serious tone he added, "are you quite all right Beverly? We can beam up to the starbase immediately." With that, he bent and offered his hand in assistance.
"No, I think I'm fine. I've consulted my vast knowledge of medicine and, finding all extremities working and no head trauma, have concluded that the worst damage was indeed suffered by my pride."
"Well then, knowing you, the recovery should be remarkably swift."
Outwardly unamused, Beverly gathered a large handful of mud and swiftly chucked it at Picard. A deadly aim, it splattered high on his chest, collaterally covering his face.
"For that, Doctor, I leave you of your own accord to extract yourself from the mire." Turning on his heal, Picard made his way back to the horses, and left Beverly struggling up the slippery slope, occasionally falling, and finally cresting it covered head to toe in muck.
"Let's get back to the Inn," she remarked darkly. Her grimy clothes, skin, and hair did little to dull the glimmer in her eyes.
Mud or no, she was happy to not only be off the ship, but to be spending the afternoon with Picard. Since their latest adventure with Q, and Picard's possible debilitating diagnosis, she had been content with each moment they'd been able to steal away together. Their friendship had continued to grow, becoming both deeper and more affectionate. No dramatic declarations had followed, or protestations of love. To the contrary, small and daily expressions of affection had steadily increased. Still unaware of their married and divorced future (Picard was unwilling to divulge any personal details of his future experiences to the crew), Beverly was unsure what these developments might portend, but found that she happily looked forward to finding out. Incidental and awkward sexual tension had been replaced by a continuously strong and undeniable undercurrent, but neither of the two seemed to care, or to let it distract them from the platonic bond that grew ever stronger.
Apprehensively, Crusher approached her wayward steed. It was still a substantial ride to the Inn, and the clouds that had produced the first clap of thunder rolled closer. More grumblings had been issued forth from the sky, but both horses now seemed to have come to an uneasy peace with the disquiet. Picard had already settled back into the saddle. Trying to remount Lightening while covered in mud proved to be quite a challenge. Crusher was able to finally able to succeed, without any of her usual grace. Picard chuckled quietly to himself, unwilling to risk any further wrath. The two trotted briskly back to the Inn, and the end or their leave.
As he rode, Picard contemplated Beverly's wild ride. She'd handled the unexpectedly violent turn of events well - skillfully alternating between racehorse jockey and bronk-busting cowboy at the horse's whim. Not until several meters and several bucks had she finally been thrown clear, and landed unharmed. Apparently, her skills for mastering the equine of the species rivaled those for taming the human as well. Though he would not admit it, she had made significant progress in curtailing his own errant wanderings of the heart.
*********
"Commander T'shar. We have completed the procedure. The organic nanites have successfully been integrated with the new warp drive of the Enterprise. We are returning to the ship."
"Very well B'nar. Make no further efforts at communication. Proceed now as planned."
*********
"Picard to LaForge. What is the status of the new core?"
"Captain, all initial tests have been completed, and the engine is online. Starbase engineers performed levels 1-4 diagnostics. Data reviewed their findings, and I believe we can be on our way - as soon as you give the order. However, I'll be personally conducting further tests as we proceed."
"Very good Mr. LaForge - we will break orbit within the hour. Picard out."
*********
Beverly reviewed the new crew roster and rotation in sickbay. Thankfully, Nurse Ogawa *'Powell'* Crusher continually reminded herself, was still on board but on limited duty while she finished her maternity leave. More importantly, Dr. Selar had been transferred from the Enterprise during leave to take a CMO position aboard the USS Cuyahoga, a position Beverly believed she had more than earned. However, that meant integrating a new primary medical officer into the staff.
Reviewing Emma Dumonde's service record, Beverly found she might enjoy working with the woman. Her merits were numerous and distinguished. While her personal file was somewhat abbreviated, her professional file was extensive and commendable. And, judging by her most recent holo-profiles, she guessed that she might be keeping Will Riker busy calculating his prospects.
*********
A week into the rotation, Crusher's musings had done a 180. She distinctly disliked Emma Dumonde, and had been horrified to discover that Jean-Luc, and not Will, seemed to have taken a particular interest in the "charming" new physician. Command was not without its benefits however, and Dumonde had swiftly found herself anchoring the nightshift in sickbay. Beverly had noted that it would be a temporary assignment until Dumonde had "settled in," but then spent several occasions pondering how she might make it a permanent one.
While their initial meeting had been cordial, but rather cool, it was not until Dumonde made an overt attempt to interact intimately with the Captain that Beverly had taken action. Beverly had strolled out of her office one day to discover Dumonde pacing the Captain through a physical evaluation. The two had been chatting amiably as Crusher approached.
"Jean-Luc," Crusher purred. "Your quarterly physical is not scheduled with me until next week. Are you feeling well?" Crusher gently laid a hand on his shoulder, and arched an eyebrow at Dumonde. "Certainly you didn't mention this at breakfast this morning," she added, now pointedly fixing her gaze on Dumonde. She bristled as Emma leaned closer into Picard to complete her cranial scan. The new Doctor had a compelling and attractive air about her, and only the faintest of an undefinable accent. High-set cheekbones, a delicate nose, and trim mouth composed her creamy skin and patrician features, framed by long and glowing wavy brown hair. Her eyes were an intense green, simultaneously dark and shimmering. Beverly found herself with an unexplainable sense of propriety over Jean-Luc's medical ministrations.
"Oh no troubles Beverly. I simply ran into Lieutenant Dumonde in the lift this morning, and I asked how she might be getting along. She explained that while all was well, she had not had a chance to treat many patients yet. I mentioned my scheduled physical, and she suggested I might move it up and give her something to do."
Dumonde shrugged at Crusher and smiled devilishly.
"Did she. How helpful. Well, I will have to make sure that Lieutenant Dumonde's skills are better challenged. I know we can find something to keep her busy." Crusher finished the statement with an even more pointed gaze and suggestive tone. There were some extremely delicate and tedious micro-tests she'd been running on an *aromatic* plant species that might find their way into Dumonde's responsibilities.
"Lieutenant, I will expect to see the results of your scans on my desk when you've finished. I make a point of evaluating the senior staff's medical testing and scans personally."
"Yes, Doctor," Dumonde smiled serenely, and Crusher exited with what she hoped was an indignant air.
After that, the women's relationship had declined precipitously. Dumonde's relationship with the Captain, however, had not. Unexpected "lift" meetings had led to fortuitous 10-Forward meetings that seemed to end in chats over coffee. Beverly's level of anxiety over the budding relationship (she was convinced that was where Dumonde was headed), also increased.
*********
"Your report Mr. LaForge?" The Captain turned to his Chief Engineer with an inquisitive stare. All staff reports had been completed, and knowing the troubles with the warp core, Picard had left that for last. The Enterprise had been making their way at warp 5 toward Hepa III, an unpopulated and unexplored planet near the Cardassian neutral zone.
"I'm sorry sir, but the engine is still not running to spec. The output is still not synchronizing with the energy readings. The engine is working harder, but putting out less energy."
"Do you anticipate the situation worsening, Mr. LaForge?"
"Unclear Captain. Without pinpointing the cause, it's impossible to say what might happen next. However, the problem has slowly been building since we left starbase." Geordi let out a long sigh and rubbed his temples. His department had been working double shifts trying to figure out what was causing the warp core problem.
"Troubling." The Captain leaned over the tabletop of the observation lounge, steepled his hands, and studied the glassy suface. "Mr. LaForge, keep me apprised of the situation. Notify me immediately if it necessitates a drop from warp. I do not like the prospect of trolling the neutral zone in a ship that is not operating well."
"Aye Captain. Data and I will be in main engineering working on a diagnostic."
"Very well. Dismissed."
The morning meeting broke, officers headed toward their respective posts. Before Crusher left the conference room, Picard called her name.
"Yes Captain?"
"I'm sorry you missed breakfast this morning, Doctor. I had something I'd been meaning to ask you."
"Oh?" Crusher smiled demurely. They had been busy in sickbay of late, coordinating with exobotany designing studies for the vegetation of Hepa III. She had missed many of their usual casual engagements lately, and was glad to have the chance to chat.
Picard cleared his throat uneasily and continued. "Yes, well. Far be it from me to tell you how to run your sickbay."
"Far indeed, Jean-Luc - you know better than that," Crusher rejoined with a wicked smirk.
Picard anxiously tugged at his uniform, ".however, I'm wondering why you still have Lieutenant Dumonde on the nightshift. She seems to have come up to speed with the workings of the department."
Crusher's expression darkened ominously. "Crew assignments in sickbay are strictly under my discretion, Captain. Dumonde will be rotated into day shift when I feel it appropriate. I'm sorry - is the way I run my department cutting into your social life?" A high blush had filled her face, and her blue eyes flashed.
Picard recognized the coming storm and immediately regretted his approach of the subject. "Not at all Doctor, not at all. Emma had simply remarked, and I was curious. Your personnel matters are your business. But knowing your skill at management, I was simply wondering why you would relegate a primary physician to a secondary shift." He tried to placate Crusher with kind words and a small smile.
Not at all appeased by his offering, Crusher's eyes continued to dance angrily.
Time to pull out all the stops. "As well, Doctor, I notice that without a ranking physician on shift, your time is stretched thinner. I haven't seen you for breakfast in days."
Her countenance relaxed somewhat, and Picard saw her body lose some of its tension. "Well, Captain, I will speak to *Emma* about her rotation. And I'm sorry for missing our morning appointments." With that, she smiled primly and breezed archly out of the lounge.
"Women." Picard stood abruptly and tugged again at the hem of his uniform top.
*********
"That MAN!" Crusher stormed into her office and threw her lab coat at her couch. It was not that he had the audacity to ask her about a personnel decision in her own department, nor that it was even on behalf of the dashing Emma Dumonde. No, what really pissed her off was that he then had the nerve to play it off as though he was instead concerned that he was 'not able to see her.' "Duplicitous, manipulative, conniving." She stalked the floor like an agitated lion.
"Been spending time with Data, Dr. Crusher?"
Alyssa Powell tentatively approached her door, PADD in hand. "I've got the preliminary reports for the chemistry tests for the vegetation of Hepa III."
"I'm sorry Alyssa." Crusher smiled sheepishly. "Thanks for your work on this. I still don't understand why the Federation has left this planet undeveloped for so long. It's M class, and all scans have been very promising."
"Well, these tests are similarly positive. If you have any questions, I'm scheduled to be in our quarters until 1200 hours - but you can reach me on the comm."
"Thanks Alyssa." Crusher watched the petite woman retreat to the corridor. Momentarily, Emma Dumonde came in to the reception. She stood at attention at the door of Beverly's office.
"Dr. Crusher."
"Lieutenant."
The women regarded each other warily. Crusher rose from her chair, unconsciously matching Dumonde's stature and subtly raising herself to full height. She stood in front of her desk, shoulder's squared with the lieutenant.
"I know that I've only been on the Enterprise a brief time, Dr. Crusher. But I am well-qualified to be here. I'm wondering why I've been relegated to the slowest shifts?"
Beverly was not in the mood for this. "I'm not sure what your experience was on other ships, Lieutenant, but on the Enterprise, I run the sickbay my way. Which has always resulted in optimal performance, and often commended results. In fact, my models and rotations have been replicated on several starships, and are often taught at Starfleet Medical. So I feel very little compunction to explain my reasons to you."
Dumonde immediately recognized the folly of her approach and changed tactics, relaxing her body language and tone. This one wasn't about to be intimidated into changing her mind. "Beverly, I feel that we've gotten off to a bad start. I'm unable to say what might have caused it, but I'm sure that we can clear it up."
Crusher's body language only stiffened, and for the second time that day her eyes took on a menacing and steely quality. "You will remember to address your superior officers with respect and the proper salutation, Lieutenant. If you wish to ever 'clear things up' with me, you will remember that." Crusher's look might have melted glass as she took a small step toward the other woman. "You are dismissed."
"Aye sir." Dumonde shot a brash look back at Crusher before turning on her heel and marching out of the office.
*********
The meeting with Crusher had not gone as she had anticipated. She'd heard the woman had a fiery temper, but had not anticipated the reaction she'd received. Emma knew, however, what had provoked the CMO, and wasn't unclear for a minute as to what caused the initial animosity between the two. The explanation, simply enough, was Jean-Luc Picard. And that was just fine with her. The hotter Crusher got, the closer Dumonde knew she'd gotten to the Captain. Suddenly, her steps lightened, and she changed course toward the captain's ready room. A quick lunch with the captain would change her mood altogether, she decided.
*********
The next morning, Beverly exhaled loudly as she stretched her arms out toward her left, then right ankles. She and Deanna sat on the floor of exercise room C cooling down after their Bai-Hou routine. They had recently tried integrating the technique with their morning workouts, and Beverly found that the strenuous cardio-activity had been perfectly suited to taking her mind off of more troubling issues. That is, until she had sat down to cool off her tense muscles.
"Beverly." Troi leveled a knowing glance at the Doctor. "We can do all the yoga and Bai-Hou you want, every morning. And you're still going to be tied in knots if you won't tell me what's going on in that pretty red head of yours." Troi smiled.
Crusher frowned. "I know Deanna. I would love to confide, if I could sort things out enough to articulate what's flying around in that red head up there! I know it has to do with Emma Dumonde and Captain Picard. I know that I instinctively don't like the woman, but I don't know if it's her, or if it's how well acquainted she seems to have become with Jean-Luc in such a short period of time."
"Mmmm hmmm." Deanna knew better than to interrupt Beverly's stream of consciousness, so she sat quietly, stretching forward and staring intently at the mat.
"She's an excellent physician - well qualified to replace Dr. Selar. I just can't believe that I would let my personal feelings interfere with my crew evaluation and assignments. It's unprofessional and unacceptable."
"But.." Troi could sense the hesitation from Beverly and urged her to complete the thought.
"But I'm unable to overcome my misgivings." Crusher loudly exhaled again.
"Beverly, your relationship with the Captain is, to say the least, complicated. I can sense a bit of jealousy from you regarding Emma, but it's not an unhealthy reaction. I've known you for years, and I know that your top priority is sickbay, and the health of the crew. I've seen some jealousy from you *and* the Captain at various times, and it has never interfered with your duties or professional decisions. My advice to you," Troi rose and Beverly followed as they walked out of the room, "is to continue to be honest with yourself about your feelings. And come to me if you find they continue to trouble you."
"Thank you, Deanna." Beverly grabbed the Counsellor's hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze. "One day, I will sort this all out with the Captain, and you will be free to ply your trade on new and unwitting victims."
"I'm only here to help." The women giggled and Deanna playfully slapped at Beverly's shoulder.
*********
"LaForge to Captain Picard."
"Picard here." The Captain rose sleepily from his bed and, sliding on his robe, strode toward the replicator and ordered a strong and hot cup of coffee. He had been up late the night before, chatting with Lieutenant Dumonde as she attempted to fill her slow evening hours in sickbay. He had found her to be exceedingly pleasant, and was at a loss to explain why Dr. Crusher found her so unpalatable.
"Captain, Data and I have been unable to diagnose the problem with the engines. The energy readings are getting worse. We're going to have to drop out of warp, sir." Tension and exhaustion were evident in Geordi's voice.
"Very well Mr. LaForge. I'll expect a full briefing at the staff meeting this morning."
"Aye Captain."
The comm. went quiet, and Picard set down his coffee and made his way back to the dark bedroom. Dropping his robe, he walked into the shower. Minutes later, he appeared in his living room to find Beverly Crusher reclining at the table and buttering a croissant.
"I let myself in - I hope you don't mind." Crusher was done with the game she and Jean-Luc had been playing since Dumonde's arrival on the ship, and had decided to take action. If the woman wanted to make a play, Beverly was going to ensure that it would have to be a good one. Making Jean-Luc mad at her would get her nowhere. Flustering him, on the other hand, would keep him off-guard and susceptible to her whim. That in mind, she had come to breakfast straight away from her Bai-Hou routine. Still flushed and glowing from the exercise, her auburn hair was loosely tied back, with stray waves tucked casually behind her ears. The effect, she knew, gave the impression that she had just rolled out of bed after a pleasantly active morning.
"Er, no, I don't mind at all Doctor." Picard smiled awkwardly, and paused mid-stride. He looked rather like an uncertain teenager as he stood in the middle of the room. She smiled as her ruse produced the desired effect.
'Men can be so predictable,' Crusher thought to herself. 'Frustrating, but predictable.' "Please Jean-Luc, sit down." She motioned to the chair opposite hers where he always sat. "Is there something wrong?" Beverly smiled coyly, a mocking concern glinting in her eyes.
"No, Doctor. Just, um, contemplating the report I received from Geordi this morning." Picard attempted to steer the conversation to safer ground.
Crusher had none of it. She set down her coffee, stood, and stretched. Her top came up over her navel, exposing a toned and creamy abdomen. She let out a long breath, picked up her cup, and walked by Picard, gliding her hand over his shoulder on the way. She arrived at the replicator and requested a refill. The fresh coffee appeared, black and steaming.
"I hope he and Data were able to clear up the problem with the engines."
"Quite the contrary - they're stumped. I'm sure you've noticed that we've dropped out of warp."
"I did. What is our revised ETA for Hepa III?" Crusher and her crew had worked overtime to get their studies ready, and now it appeared that the haste had been unnecessary. Disappointment was hard to hide.
"Two days at full impulse." Picard himself was annoyed with the delay, and tugged tersely at his uniform.
Beverly stood again. "Well, I'm sure we'll be able to fill the time." Her voice was low and her eyes merry. She strolled over to Picard, placed her hand on his shoulder, a chaste kiss on his cheek, and smiled. "See you at 0800," she commented airily as she ambled out of his quarters.
Nonplussed, Picard shook his head as he rose to clear the table. Women could be such a mystery.
*********
The morning staff briefing was again uneventful, at least until the engineering report.
"Nothing we've tried seems to work Captain!" LaForge's voice peaked in frustration as he concluded the report. "The energy output synchronization is now way off. I'm afraid that if we engage warp again, we'll overheat the core. But even at impulse, the temperature in the core is still rising, though by extremely small amounts."
"Mr LaForge, this is more than troubling." Picard paused, frowned, and swiveled slightly in his chair. "Mr. Data, please send a message to Starfleet relaying our situation, and alerting them that we will be returning to starbase 202 immediately after completing our assignment at Hepa III. In the meantime, I want a system-wide diagnostic of the entire ship. Let's track this mystery down, Geordi." Picard nodded at the engineer, glanced around the table, and stood. "Dismissed."
*********
After her shift ended, Emma Dumonde stalked into her quarters and made her way to the replicator. Ordering a glass of water, she drank it quickly, washing down two small, blue pills. Crusher had certainly found a way to keep her busy on nightshift. The plants Dumonde had been assigned to test smelled horribly, though she'd actually built up a tolerance. But the experiments were beyond tedious. The reaction times were slower than Bataxian Oxen. Her headache subsided as she retreated to the bedroom. She lay down to grab a couple hours of sleep before her lunch with Picard. The thought brought a small smile to her face.
*********
Disclaimer: It's my understanding that there needs to be some sort of perfunctory acknowledgement that, like Q, Paramount is omnipotent, and I would never do anything to break the rules. So this is for fun and obsessed fans only.
Sabotage Chapter One
****************
"Jean-Luc, I don't like the look of those clouds. They're ominous."
"Ominous, Doctor?"
"Yes, ominous - as in threatening, gloomy, forboding."
Picard grinned and gently lead his chestnut steed closer to Crusher's dark Arabian, "thank you, Doctor, I understand your meaning. I think that perhaps you have been spending too much time with Commander Data. I agree with your assessment. Let's turn back and rendezvous with Will and Deanna."
Barring the clouds, the landscape and sky remained peaceful and quite breathtaking. This ride was the last activity of the day for the two, as the crew of the Enterprise-D prepared to wrap-up its long-awaited and much deserved shore leave. The ship was being fitted with a modified warp-drive on the orbiting Starbase 202, and had been in dock for over two weeks. The newest base of its kind, the Federation had designed it with an extensive and fully functional space dock. Since the devastating encounters with the Borg and the increasing tensions with Cardassians, it had built three of these bases in various distant and strategic parts of the quadrant.
These dry and strategic thoughts were the furthest from Jean-Luc Picard's mind, as he crested a gentle slope that displayed a stunning view of the valley below. A warm breeze shuffled past, barely swaying the tops of delicate purple flowers that covered the expansive, and mostly green meadow. Behind him, towers of charcoal clouds towered above. In front, an azure, cloudless sky promised nothing but tranquility.
Much of his leave, and the senior staff's, had been spent on the ship, completing reports, crew evaluations, and general housekeeping. However, they had occasionally been able to attend to maintenance of a more personal nature. Picard's thoughts were as ominous as the dark clouds as he contemplated ending his leave and returning to the ship.
Dr. Beverly Crusher's ruminations were similarly glum as she trotted up behind Picard. Her horse, "Lightening," whuffed contentedly as he bent to graze. "This guy's not at all the handful they eluded to at the stables. He's been a perfect gentleman."
"Indeed, Doctor. If only all your companions were so obliging." Again, Picard grinned, and Beverly returned the smile. They set off together back toward the Inn that the staff had unofficially christened their home away from home as the Enterprise underwent remodeling. As they rambled on, the sky slowly turned from blue to grey.
Suddenly, a distant but alarming crack of thunder pealed through the quiet afternoon, accompanied by a bright flash. Picard's mount whinnied loudly and began skittishly dancing through the meadow. With some effort, he managed to calm the horse to his satisfaction, before glancing around to see how Beverly had fared.
Apparently, not well. "Lightening" was now living up to his namesake. Judging by the distance now between him and the fiery streak of red mane racing through the valley, the horse had bolted immediately upon hearing the loud roll of thunder. Picard quickly spurred his own horse on in pursuit.
Upon reaching the creek that separated the meadow from the sparse forest that surrounded the grounds of the Inn, Lightening abruptly stopped, reared, and began bucking and side-stepping along the bank. Now closing the gap, Picard was able to see Crusher doing her best to stay mounted, while shouting colorfully at the horse to settle the hell down.
Lightening reared once more, gave a mighty buck that send Beverly flying, and came to a fitfull standstill. Picard finally came upon the animal, gathered the reigns, and ensuring that its antics were done, quickly dismounted.
"Beverly!" Picard searched the nearby landscape to no avail, his concern growing as he heard no immediate response.
"Jean-Luc, I think that I have severely fractured my pride," Beverly called out from the banks of the stream. Picard ran toward the sound of her voice, only to find her lying, covered in mud and groaning, a short distance from the bubbling water.
Smiling broadly, he surveyed the prone Doctor. "Is that all the damage then?" In a more serious tone he added, "are you quite all right Beverly? We can beam up to the starbase immediately." With that, he bent and offered his hand in assistance.
"No, I think I'm fine. I've consulted my vast knowledge of medicine and, finding all extremities working and no head trauma, have concluded that the worst damage was indeed suffered by my pride."
"Well then, knowing you, the recovery should be remarkably swift."
Outwardly unamused, Beverly gathered a large handful of mud and swiftly chucked it at Picard. A deadly aim, it splattered high on his chest, collaterally covering his face.
"For that, Doctor, I leave you of your own accord to extract yourself from the mire." Turning on his heal, Picard made his way back to the horses, and left Beverly struggling up the slippery slope, occasionally falling, and finally cresting it covered head to toe in muck.
"Let's get back to the Inn," she remarked darkly. Her grimy clothes, skin, and hair did little to dull the glimmer in her eyes.
Mud or no, she was happy to not only be off the ship, but to be spending the afternoon with Picard. Since their latest adventure with Q, and Picard's possible debilitating diagnosis, she had been content with each moment they'd been able to steal away together. Their friendship had continued to grow, becoming both deeper and more affectionate. No dramatic declarations had followed, or protestations of love. To the contrary, small and daily expressions of affection had steadily increased. Still unaware of their married and divorced future (Picard was unwilling to divulge any personal details of his future experiences to the crew), Beverly was unsure what these developments might portend, but found that she happily looked forward to finding out. Incidental and awkward sexual tension had been replaced by a continuously strong and undeniable undercurrent, but neither of the two seemed to care, or to let it distract them from the platonic bond that grew ever stronger.
Apprehensively, Crusher approached her wayward steed. It was still a substantial ride to the Inn, and the clouds that had produced the first clap of thunder rolled closer. More grumblings had been issued forth from the sky, but both horses now seemed to have come to an uneasy peace with the disquiet. Picard had already settled back into the saddle. Trying to remount Lightening while covered in mud proved to be quite a challenge. Crusher was able to finally able to succeed, without any of her usual grace. Picard chuckled quietly to himself, unwilling to risk any further wrath. The two trotted briskly back to the Inn, and the end or their leave.
As he rode, Picard contemplated Beverly's wild ride. She'd handled the unexpectedly violent turn of events well - skillfully alternating between racehorse jockey and bronk-busting cowboy at the horse's whim. Not until several meters and several bucks had she finally been thrown clear, and landed unharmed. Apparently, her skills for mastering the equine of the species rivaled those for taming the human as well. Though he would not admit it, she had made significant progress in curtailing his own errant wanderings of the heart.
*********
"Commander T'shar. We have completed the procedure. The organic nanites have successfully been integrated with the new warp drive of the Enterprise. We are returning to the ship."
"Very well B'nar. Make no further efforts at communication. Proceed now as planned."
*********
"Picard to LaForge. What is the status of the new core?"
"Captain, all initial tests have been completed, and the engine is online. Starbase engineers performed levels 1-4 diagnostics. Data reviewed their findings, and I believe we can be on our way - as soon as you give the order. However, I'll be personally conducting further tests as we proceed."
"Very good Mr. LaForge - we will break orbit within the hour. Picard out."
*********
Beverly reviewed the new crew roster and rotation in sickbay. Thankfully, Nurse Ogawa *'Powell'* Crusher continually reminded herself, was still on board but on limited duty while she finished her maternity leave. More importantly, Dr. Selar had been transferred from the Enterprise during leave to take a CMO position aboard the USS Cuyahoga, a position Beverly believed she had more than earned. However, that meant integrating a new primary medical officer into the staff.
Reviewing Emma Dumonde's service record, Beverly found she might enjoy working with the woman. Her merits were numerous and distinguished. While her personal file was somewhat abbreviated, her professional file was extensive and commendable. And, judging by her most recent holo-profiles, she guessed that she might be keeping Will Riker busy calculating his prospects.
*********
A week into the rotation, Crusher's musings had done a 180. She distinctly disliked Emma Dumonde, and had been horrified to discover that Jean-Luc, and not Will, seemed to have taken a particular interest in the "charming" new physician. Command was not without its benefits however, and Dumonde had swiftly found herself anchoring the nightshift in sickbay. Beverly had noted that it would be a temporary assignment until Dumonde had "settled in," but then spent several occasions pondering how she might make it a permanent one.
While their initial meeting had been cordial, but rather cool, it was not until Dumonde made an overt attempt to interact intimately with the Captain that Beverly had taken action. Beverly had strolled out of her office one day to discover Dumonde pacing the Captain through a physical evaluation. The two had been chatting amiably as Crusher approached.
"Jean-Luc," Crusher purred. "Your quarterly physical is not scheduled with me until next week. Are you feeling well?" Crusher gently laid a hand on his shoulder, and arched an eyebrow at Dumonde. "Certainly you didn't mention this at breakfast this morning," she added, now pointedly fixing her gaze on Dumonde. She bristled as Emma leaned closer into Picard to complete her cranial scan. The new Doctor had a compelling and attractive air about her, and only the faintest of an undefinable accent. High-set cheekbones, a delicate nose, and trim mouth composed her creamy skin and patrician features, framed by long and glowing wavy brown hair. Her eyes were an intense green, simultaneously dark and shimmering. Beverly found herself with an unexplainable sense of propriety over Jean-Luc's medical ministrations.
"Oh no troubles Beverly. I simply ran into Lieutenant Dumonde in the lift this morning, and I asked how she might be getting along. She explained that while all was well, she had not had a chance to treat many patients yet. I mentioned my scheduled physical, and she suggested I might move it up and give her something to do."
Dumonde shrugged at Crusher and smiled devilishly.
"Did she. How helpful. Well, I will have to make sure that Lieutenant Dumonde's skills are better challenged. I know we can find something to keep her busy." Crusher finished the statement with an even more pointed gaze and suggestive tone. There were some extremely delicate and tedious micro-tests she'd been running on an *aromatic* plant species that might find their way into Dumonde's responsibilities.
"Lieutenant, I will expect to see the results of your scans on my desk when you've finished. I make a point of evaluating the senior staff's medical testing and scans personally."
"Yes, Doctor," Dumonde smiled serenely, and Crusher exited with what she hoped was an indignant air.
After that, the women's relationship had declined precipitously. Dumonde's relationship with the Captain, however, had not. Unexpected "lift" meetings had led to fortuitous 10-Forward meetings that seemed to end in chats over coffee. Beverly's level of anxiety over the budding relationship (she was convinced that was where Dumonde was headed), also increased.
*********
"Your report Mr. LaForge?" The Captain turned to his Chief Engineer with an inquisitive stare. All staff reports had been completed, and knowing the troubles with the warp core, Picard had left that for last. The Enterprise had been making their way at warp 5 toward Hepa III, an unpopulated and unexplored planet near the Cardassian neutral zone.
"I'm sorry sir, but the engine is still not running to spec. The output is still not synchronizing with the energy readings. The engine is working harder, but putting out less energy."
"Do you anticipate the situation worsening, Mr. LaForge?"
"Unclear Captain. Without pinpointing the cause, it's impossible to say what might happen next. However, the problem has slowly been building since we left starbase." Geordi let out a long sigh and rubbed his temples. His department had been working double shifts trying to figure out what was causing the warp core problem.
"Troubling." The Captain leaned over the tabletop of the observation lounge, steepled his hands, and studied the glassy suface. "Mr. LaForge, keep me apprised of the situation. Notify me immediately if it necessitates a drop from warp. I do not like the prospect of trolling the neutral zone in a ship that is not operating well."
"Aye Captain. Data and I will be in main engineering working on a diagnostic."
"Very well. Dismissed."
The morning meeting broke, officers headed toward their respective posts. Before Crusher left the conference room, Picard called her name.
"Yes Captain?"
"I'm sorry you missed breakfast this morning, Doctor. I had something I'd been meaning to ask you."
"Oh?" Crusher smiled demurely. They had been busy in sickbay of late, coordinating with exobotany designing studies for the vegetation of Hepa III. She had missed many of their usual casual engagements lately, and was glad to have the chance to chat.
Picard cleared his throat uneasily and continued. "Yes, well. Far be it from me to tell you how to run your sickbay."
"Far indeed, Jean-Luc - you know better than that," Crusher rejoined with a wicked smirk.
Picard anxiously tugged at his uniform, ".however, I'm wondering why you still have Lieutenant Dumonde on the nightshift. She seems to have come up to speed with the workings of the department."
Crusher's expression darkened ominously. "Crew assignments in sickbay are strictly under my discretion, Captain. Dumonde will be rotated into day shift when I feel it appropriate. I'm sorry - is the way I run my department cutting into your social life?" A high blush had filled her face, and her blue eyes flashed.
Picard recognized the coming storm and immediately regretted his approach of the subject. "Not at all Doctor, not at all. Emma had simply remarked, and I was curious. Your personnel matters are your business. But knowing your skill at management, I was simply wondering why you would relegate a primary physician to a secondary shift." He tried to placate Crusher with kind words and a small smile.
Not at all appeased by his offering, Crusher's eyes continued to dance angrily.
Time to pull out all the stops. "As well, Doctor, I notice that without a ranking physician on shift, your time is stretched thinner. I haven't seen you for breakfast in days."
Her countenance relaxed somewhat, and Picard saw her body lose some of its tension. "Well, Captain, I will speak to *Emma* about her rotation. And I'm sorry for missing our morning appointments." With that, she smiled primly and breezed archly out of the lounge.
"Women." Picard stood abruptly and tugged again at the hem of his uniform top.
*********
"That MAN!" Crusher stormed into her office and threw her lab coat at her couch. It was not that he had the audacity to ask her about a personnel decision in her own department, nor that it was even on behalf of the dashing Emma Dumonde. No, what really pissed her off was that he then had the nerve to play it off as though he was instead concerned that he was 'not able to see her.' "Duplicitous, manipulative, conniving." She stalked the floor like an agitated lion.
"Been spending time with Data, Dr. Crusher?"
Alyssa Powell tentatively approached her door, PADD in hand. "I've got the preliminary reports for the chemistry tests for the vegetation of Hepa III."
"I'm sorry Alyssa." Crusher smiled sheepishly. "Thanks for your work on this. I still don't understand why the Federation has left this planet undeveloped for so long. It's M class, and all scans have been very promising."
"Well, these tests are similarly positive. If you have any questions, I'm scheduled to be in our quarters until 1200 hours - but you can reach me on the comm."
"Thanks Alyssa." Crusher watched the petite woman retreat to the corridor. Momentarily, Emma Dumonde came in to the reception. She stood at attention at the door of Beverly's office.
"Dr. Crusher."
"Lieutenant."
The women regarded each other warily. Crusher rose from her chair, unconsciously matching Dumonde's stature and subtly raising herself to full height. She stood in front of her desk, shoulder's squared with the lieutenant.
"I know that I've only been on the Enterprise a brief time, Dr. Crusher. But I am well-qualified to be here. I'm wondering why I've been relegated to the slowest shifts?"
Beverly was not in the mood for this. "I'm not sure what your experience was on other ships, Lieutenant, but on the Enterprise, I run the sickbay my way. Which has always resulted in optimal performance, and often commended results. In fact, my models and rotations have been replicated on several starships, and are often taught at Starfleet Medical. So I feel very little compunction to explain my reasons to you."
Dumonde immediately recognized the folly of her approach and changed tactics, relaxing her body language and tone. This one wasn't about to be intimidated into changing her mind. "Beverly, I feel that we've gotten off to a bad start. I'm unable to say what might have caused it, but I'm sure that we can clear it up."
Crusher's body language only stiffened, and for the second time that day her eyes took on a menacing and steely quality. "You will remember to address your superior officers with respect and the proper salutation, Lieutenant. If you wish to ever 'clear things up' with me, you will remember that." Crusher's look might have melted glass as she took a small step toward the other woman. "You are dismissed."
"Aye sir." Dumonde shot a brash look back at Crusher before turning on her heel and marching out of the office.
*********
The meeting with Crusher had not gone as she had anticipated. She'd heard the woman had a fiery temper, but had not anticipated the reaction she'd received. Emma knew, however, what had provoked the CMO, and wasn't unclear for a minute as to what caused the initial animosity between the two. The explanation, simply enough, was Jean-Luc Picard. And that was just fine with her. The hotter Crusher got, the closer Dumonde knew she'd gotten to the Captain. Suddenly, her steps lightened, and she changed course toward the captain's ready room. A quick lunch with the captain would change her mood altogether, she decided.
*********
The next morning, Beverly exhaled loudly as she stretched her arms out toward her left, then right ankles. She and Deanna sat on the floor of exercise room C cooling down after their Bai-Hou routine. They had recently tried integrating the technique with their morning workouts, and Beverly found that the strenuous cardio-activity had been perfectly suited to taking her mind off of more troubling issues. That is, until she had sat down to cool off her tense muscles.
"Beverly." Troi leveled a knowing glance at the Doctor. "We can do all the yoga and Bai-Hou you want, every morning. And you're still going to be tied in knots if you won't tell me what's going on in that pretty red head of yours." Troi smiled.
Crusher frowned. "I know Deanna. I would love to confide, if I could sort things out enough to articulate what's flying around in that red head up there! I know it has to do with Emma Dumonde and Captain Picard. I know that I instinctively don't like the woman, but I don't know if it's her, or if it's how well acquainted she seems to have become with Jean-Luc in such a short period of time."
"Mmmm hmmm." Deanna knew better than to interrupt Beverly's stream of consciousness, so she sat quietly, stretching forward and staring intently at the mat.
"She's an excellent physician - well qualified to replace Dr. Selar. I just can't believe that I would let my personal feelings interfere with my crew evaluation and assignments. It's unprofessional and unacceptable."
"But.." Troi could sense the hesitation from Beverly and urged her to complete the thought.
"But I'm unable to overcome my misgivings." Crusher loudly exhaled again.
"Beverly, your relationship with the Captain is, to say the least, complicated. I can sense a bit of jealousy from you regarding Emma, but it's not an unhealthy reaction. I've known you for years, and I know that your top priority is sickbay, and the health of the crew. I've seen some jealousy from you *and* the Captain at various times, and it has never interfered with your duties or professional decisions. My advice to you," Troi rose and Beverly followed as they walked out of the room, "is to continue to be honest with yourself about your feelings. And come to me if you find they continue to trouble you."
"Thank you, Deanna." Beverly grabbed the Counsellor's hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze. "One day, I will sort this all out with the Captain, and you will be free to ply your trade on new and unwitting victims."
"I'm only here to help." The women giggled and Deanna playfully slapped at Beverly's shoulder.
*********
"LaForge to Captain Picard."
"Picard here." The Captain rose sleepily from his bed and, sliding on his robe, strode toward the replicator and ordered a strong and hot cup of coffee. He had been up late the night before, chatting with Lieutenant Dumonde as she attempted to fill her slow evening hours in sickbay. He had found her to be exceedingly pleasant, and was at a loss to explain why Dr. Crusher found her so unpalatable.
"Captain, Data and I have been unable to diagnose the problem with the engines. The energy readings are getting worse. We're going to have to drop out of warp, sir." Tension and exhaustion were evident in Geordi's voice.
"Very well Mr. LaForge. I'll expect a full briefing at the staff meeting this morning."
"Aye Captain."
The comm. went quiet, and Picard set down his coffee and made his way back to the dark bedroom. Dropping his robe, he walked into the shower. Minutes later, he appeared in his living room to find Beverly Crusher reclining at the table and buttering a croissant.
"I let myself in - I hope you don't mind." Crusher was done with the game she and Jean-Luc had been playing since Dumonde's arrival on the ship, and had decided to take action. If the woman wanted to make a play, Beverly was going to ensure that it would have to be a good one. Making Jean-Luc mad at her would get her nowhere. Flustering him, on the other hand, would keep him off-guard and susceptible to her whim. That in mind, she had come to breakfast straight away from her Bai-Hou routine. Still flushed and glowing from the exercise, her auburn hair was loosely tied back, with stray waves tucked casually behind her ears. The effect, she knew, gave the impression that she had just rolled out of bed after a pleasantly active morning.
"Er, no, I don't mind at all Doctor." Picard smiled awkwardly, and paused mid-stride. He looked rather like an uncertain teenager as he stood in the middle of the room. She smiled as her ruse produced the desired effect.
'Men can be so predictable,' Crusher thought to herself. 'Frustrating, but predictable.' "Please Jean-Luc, sit down." She motioned to the chair opposite hers where he always sat. "Is there something wrong?" Beverly smiled coyly, a mocking concern glinting in her eyes.
"No, Doctor. Just, um, contemplating the report I received from Geordi this morning." Picard attempted to steer the conversation to safer ground.
Crusher had none of it. She set down her coffee, stood, and stretched. Her top came up over her navel, exposing a toned and creamy abdomen. She let out a long breath, picked up her cup, and walked by Picard, gliding her hand over his shoulder on the way. She arrived at the replicator and requested a refill. The fresh coffee appeared, black and steaming.
"I hope he and Data were able to clear up the problem with the engines."
"Quite the contrary - they're stumped. I'm sure you've noticed that we've dropped out of warp."
"I did. What is our revised ETA for Hepa III?" Crusher and her crew had worked overtime to get their studies ready, and now it appeared that the haste had been unnecessary. Disappointment was hard to hide.
"Two days at full impulse." Picard himself was annoyed with the delay, and tugged tersely at his uniform.
Beverly stood again. "Well, I'm sure we'll be able to fill the time." Her voice was low and her eyes merry. She strolled over to Picard, placed her hand on his shoulder, a chaste kiss on his cheek, and smiled. "See you at 0800," she commented airily as she ambled out of his quarters.
Nonplussed, Picard shook his head as he rose to clear the table. Women could be such a mystery.
*********
The morning staff briefing was again uneventful, at least until the engineering report.
"Nothing we've tried seems to work Captain!" LaForge's voice peaked in frustration as he concluded the report. "The energy output synchronization is now way off. I'm afraid that if we engage warp again, we'll overheat the core. But even at impulse, the temperature in the core is still rising, though by extremely small amounts."
"Mr LaForge, this is more than troubling." Picard paused, frowned, and swiveled slightly in his chair. "Mr. Data, please send a message to Starfleet relaying our situation, and alerting them that we will be returning to starbase 202 immediately after completing our assignment at Hepa III. In the meantime, I want a system-wide diagnostic of the entire ship. Let's track this mystery down, Geordi." Picard nodded at the engineer, glanced around the table, and stood. "Dismissed."
*********
After her shift ended, Emma Dumonde stalked into her quarters and made her way to the replicator. Ordering a glass of water, she drank it quickly, washing down two small, blue pills. Crusher had certainly found a way to keep her busy on nightshift. The plants Dumonde had been assigned to test smelled horribly, though she'd actually built up a tolerance. But the experiments were beyond tedious. The reaction times were slower than Bataxian Oxen. Her headache subsided as she retreated to the bedroom. She lay down to grab a couple hours of sleep before her lunch with Picard. The thought brought a small smile to her face.
*********