For the next few weeks Beverly distanced herself from Jean Luc. She was sure that he was aware that she was avoiding him. She stayed in her quarters when she was not on duty and rarely saw him outside of senior staff meetings and visits to the Bridge. He had asked her to dinner a couple of times in Ten Forward and she had politely declined using one excuse or another. She knew he was confused as he clearly could have no idea why she was upset and she wasn't about to tell him.

For his part Jean Luc was certain that Beverly's behaviour was the result of something that had happened when his doppelgänger was on board the ship. Despite their close friendship however, he would never ask her what had happened. He would just wait for the storm to pass and then resume course when she was ready. That was how it had always been with them and this time would be no different. As the weeks passed though he missed their cosy chats and occasional meals together. He hoped that she would resolve whatever difficulties she was having soon and they would pick up where they had left off before his kidnap and imprisonment.

Life on board The Enterprise went on as usual. It was always busy but with Ambassador Sarek and his wife on board it was busier than usual. It seemed that their important guest was not himself and his wife had confided in Jean Luc that she was not certain he was up to the task of the negotiations with the Legaran delegation. It seemed that the only option was an attempt at a mind meld with someone of sound mind. Jean Luc had volunteered to help and was waiting now in his quarters for Sarek to arrive.

The chimes rang out and when the doors opened he was surprised to see Beverly standing there, tricorder in hand.

"I thought I would stay with you to monitor things" she explained, "I don't think you should be on your own."

He smiled and nodded at her, a look of relief on his face. Truth be told he was not looking forward to the next few hours and would be glad of her company.

Sarek arrived and the ancient Vulcan ritual began. Once it concluded the ambassador departed Jean Luc's quarters, his mind quiet and focussed, leaving Jean Luc was alone with Beverly.

She sat down across from him and watched him carefully. She could tell he was in a highly agitated and emotional state. His usual calm demeanour was gone and in its place sat a man at war with himself. He shouted out in anger, speaking of the turmoil within his mind. When his thoughts turned to Sarek's wives and his son however a look of true anguish crossed his face and he broke down. Occasionally he was able to break free of Sarek and speak to her as Jean Luc. He told her how difficult it was to feel the pain of Sarek's regrets and when he sobbed she held him in her arms and rocked him.

His head was on her shoulder and her hands were cradling his head. Jean Luc's heightened senses began to get the better of him. As she held him he could feel a powerful arousal begin to take hold of him. He was acutely aware of her body touching his and her arms around him. He moved his head slightly till they were cheek to cheek and when she took hold of his face to look into his eyes he thought that he would drown in the sensation. She was so close to him. He leaned forward and their lips touched.

He wanted to show her such tenderness but the need in him was too much. He pulled her to him and heard her gasp as his kisses became more forceful. He moved from the chair onto the floor pushing her backwards with his body. His hands moved to the fastenings on her uniform to start to remove it. He had no thought in his head except that he wanted her, he had always wanted her and he must have her or he would die.

She began to push against him and as she pulled her head away from him she said his name loudly breaking through the heat that filled his brain and he stopped. He let go of her and knelt back on his heels, his hands falling to his sides and a look of horror on his face.

"Beverly" he gasped, "I'm so sorry."

Straightening her uniform she stood up and holding out her hand she helped him stand. She led him quietly over to the bed and sitting him down she knelt to remove his shoes.

"Lie down, Jean Luc" she said, "lie down and try to rest."

He laid back on the bed and closed his eyes. She sat down on a chair close by and waited for him to sleep.

An hour or so later Sarek came back and the mind meld was reversed. When he awoke later Jean Luc felt that his equilibrium had returned and he was once more in control of his mind and emotions. But when he looked across the room at Beverly he was filled with remorse for his actions. She came across to help him up and when he stood he looked at her and said.

"I have no words to adequately express my shame and embarrassment for my behaviour. Please forgive me Beverly."

She smiled at him gently,

"No apology is necessary Jean Luc, you were not yourself."

He smiled at her then and took her hand.

"Thank you, that is more than I deserve" he replied.

Then she did something unexpected. She leaned forward and very gently kissed him on the lips. As she moved back again she said,

"If you ever touch me like that again Jean Luc I want you to be in control of what you are doing and I wouldn't want you to have any regrets."

With that she turned and picked up her tricorder.

"Have something to eat and rest some more. I will check in on you later."

As she walked towards the door she heard him sit down and sigh as he laid back. She paused and heard him say,

"I do not deserve you Beverly Crusher."

Smiling, she left to go see the ambassador.