Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek.
Inspired by "Shallow" cover by Malinda Kathleen Reese and "Perry the Platypus Theme Song" from Phineas and Ferb.
...
Jean Luc Picard huffed as another goldfish tried to swim into his tea cup. Didn't they realize there'd be no way out once they entered?
A giggle interupted his thoughts.
With a tired smile he set his cup and saucer down on a passing turtle before addressing the girl in the yellow dress. "You're supposed to be in bed."
Smiling sheepishly, she kicked at the muddy lake bottom. "I can't sleep."
"Is that so?"
"Mhm", she nodded, her dark bangs flopping over her eyes.
Humming in thought, Picard says, "Well now, that is a problem. What do you think we should do?"
With a grin the girl produced a little green book from behind her back and skipped over to Picard in his captain's chair. Clamering onto his lap, scattering curious goldfish, she hands him the book and makes herself comfortable.
Picard began to read.
"Mrs. Jane Tabby could not explain why all four of her children had wings. "I suppose their...""
The girl tapped his shoulder and Picard paused his reading.
Starring up at his face with adoring green eyes, she said, "I love you, daddy."
Without hesitation Jean Luc hugged the girl closer and kissed her forehead tenderly. "I love you too, little one."
...
Picard's eyes blinked open. Sitting up he gound himself on the floor of his quarters.
Puzzled, he stand up and looks around to try and find the reason for his impromptu nap. The dream with the girl was still fresh on his mind. Like always, it left him with a warm, pleasant feeling. He has been having dreams like that one more and more often.
A slight sting from his arm pulls him from his musings. Pushing up the sleeve, Picard discovers a strange symbol. It sort of swoops and curls like smoke.
Perhaps its time he spoke to someone about these dreams.
A frown tugs at the corners of his mouth. He really has enjoyed these dreams. But if they're going to effect him in the waking world...
That could be a problem.
The captain wastes no time. He taps his comm badge. "Picard to sick bay."
"Sick bay here." Dr. Crusher answers. "Is everything alright, captain?"
"I'm afraid not. I'm on my way now. There's something I need to discuss with you."
"Very well. We'll be awaiting your arrival."
"Good. Picard out."
Picard marches to his door and freezes at what he sees.
Where a hallway should be there is a library.
Staring back at him in surprise is a teal colored platapus in a plush arm chair. A school of gold fish swims past.
"There you are, Daddy."
Picard turns around. His quarters are gone, replaced by endless bookshelves. The girl from his dreams smiles at him sweetly, holding a book under her arm, her brilliant green eyes flashing from under her bangs.
"We didn't get to finish the story."