Author's Note: Thanks again to all of you who reviewed!

Chapter 4

Beverly

The last thing she had wanted to do that night was to have more nightmares, but as soon as she closed her eyes, a barrage of images attacked her. Jean Luc, her captors, the dying face of the little girl.

Her latest dream had been even worse. She had again been brought back into the memories of her childhood. This time, though, she didn't have her grandmother to understand and comfort her.

Beverly got up. She had been lying on her bed for a half hour now, the screams of those who were dying and the sobs of those left behind resounding in her ears. Beverly had to get away from this accursed bedroom.

Damn, she thought, when is this ever going to stop?

Beverly put on her uniform just in case she bumped into someone and left her quarters to roam the halls. Soon she was wrapped up in her memories and dreams as she wandered the halls. Anyone that went by her waved, but they never got any response from the travelling figure.

Old and new memories mixed together, creating new horrors every minute. Beverly was wandering around the ship that had been her home for many years, yet she saw none of her surroundings, instead only seeing the horrors of her childhood.

The halls were beginning to fill up, more people bumping into her to get to their appointed duties on time, but Beverly remained trapped in her memories. Her wide eyes looked around, only seeing death and disease.

Unaware of the people around her, Beverly sank down to the floor with her head in her hands as sadness overcame her. Her quiet sobs cut through the air as everyone on the bridge stared at her.

Beverly was oblivious to all this, however. She was in back to when she was a child, sobbing on a floor similar to this one with her Nana behind her. When a tentative hand reached out and touched her shoulder, she knew it was her Nana coming to comfort her and she leaned into it.

Jean Luc

Jean Luc had been surprised when he had received a communication from Alyssa Ogawa that morning, but had been more surprised when he had learned why she had contacted him. She had asked him if he had seen Beverly that morning, then reported that her shift had started a half hour ago, and the doctor still hadn't shown up.

After reporting he hadn't seen her that morning, he asked the computer her location, finding that she was on deck 8. He was a bit worried, since it wasn't like Beverly to be late for her shift, but he dismissed it as absentmindedness. He couldn't blame her for wanting to take time off of work.

He sent a communication to Alyssa saying that Beverly wouldn't be working that day and if she did show up for her shift, she was to tell Beverly to get some rest. Trying not to think much about it, he continued about his business, hoping that she would be fine.

Jean Luc made his way to the bridge, deciding that he would go out of his mind in his quarters. When he arrived, a conversation from Will and Deanna caught his attention.

"I bumped into her and called her name, but she didn't respond. It was as though she was somewhere else." Will's voice sounded worried, something that Jean Luc wasn't used to hearing from his cheerful Commander.

Deanna's voice was soothing, but there was a slight edge to it. "She didn't even make eye contact?"

"No," He said, shaking his head for emphasis. "She looked right through me as though I wasn't even there."

Jean Luc interrupted their conversation, unable to hide his curiosity. "Who might you be talking about?"

Will replied first. "Dr. Crusher. I bumped into her on my way here."

"Beverly?" He asked, needing conformation.

Will was surprised to hear his captain use Beverly's first name on the bridge, but he nodded.

Jean Luc was shocked. Maybe that was why he didn't hear the doors sliding open behind him, but the startled expressions on the crew's face was what caused him to turn to look at the source of their astonishment. He almost fell over when he saw who it was.

"Bever-" Her name died on his lips when he saw her expression. Her eyes were wide and looking around violently. Beverly took a few more steps and then, seeming to be overcome with fear, she collapsed to the floor, head in her hands.

The entire crew on the bridge stared in shock at the sight of their CMO crying on the floor of the bridge.

Jean Luc was the first to move, urged by the sound of Beverly's crying. He walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. When she felt his hand in her shoulder, she didn't respond at first, but then leaned into him. Beverly kept crying and he kept his hand on her shoulder.

When at last the sobs subsided the tiniest bit, she turned to face him.

Her eyes were unfocused, not seeming to be looking directly at him. He was startled to hear her speak and even more so at the words she said to him.

"They are dying, Nana. All of them." Her words were broken by sobs that tore through her body.

"Beverly," Jean Luc said disparagingly.

Her cries stopped immediately, and her tear-stained eyes snapped to his.

"Jean Luc?" Her voice was sharp and confused. Realization was dawning in her eyes and she pushed herself away from him.

She walked backwards quickly, struggling to get away from him. She stumbled, almost falling, but catching herself before too much damage occurred. When she was standing again, he could see in her eyes that she was registering where she was.

"Beverly?" He ventured hesitantly. "Are you...well?"

"Yes sir," she said, still taking in the astonished faces around her. Beverly turned to him again. "I should be getting to sick bay now."

Her voice was strong, but Jean Luc knew her too well and saw the pain, fear showing in her eyes.

"Would you like someone to accompany you down to sick bay?" He didn't want to let her go, though it was evident that whatever had gripped her before had now gone.

Beverly's eyes flashed. "I am quite capable of finding my own way to sick bay, Captain."

He flinched. "Bev-Dr. Crusher, I believe it would be best for someone to accompany you down to sick bay to ensure you make it there safely."

Beverly looked about to protest again, but then decided against it. Her eyes shifted to someone behind him, seeming to come to a decision.

"Actually, I would like for Deanna to accompany me."

Jean Luc turned in surprise to see Deanna behind him. She met his gaze, her eyes asking permission to go. Though he knew he shouldn't, he felt hurt that Beverly had chosen for Deanna to go with her. He gave a slight nod to indicate his consent.

Deanna walked by him to Beverly, snaking her arm around the taller woman's waist. Beverly leaned into her, putting her weight onto her friend's shoulder as they left the bridge.

The stunned eyes of the crew followed them out. The senior staff that was present shared anxious glances.

Jean Luc's eyes never left the doors that had slid shut behind Beverly.

It hurt him to see Beverly in such pain. Slowly, using all the self control that he had, Jean Luc turned his back to the lift.