I do not own Star Trek: TNG (at least not on paper or in the eyes of the law, but in my heart...)
I guess I should l have done this a long time ago, but here is the timeline for Shawnay bridging Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation:
Year Milestone
2268 Shahna meets Kirk on Triskelion, she is 172 years old (approx equiv to 17 in earth equivalent years or EEY). At the time she had been on Triskelion at least 7 years when she meets Kirk.
2271 Shawnay is born on Nivia.
2356 Shawnay comes to earth from her mother's world,at the age of 85 (or 25 EEY).
2359 Shawnay applies for admission to Starfleet Academy.
2360 Shawnay is admitted to Starfleet Academy.
2366 Shawnay graduates from Starfleet Academy and joins the crew of the Enterprise under Picard's command.
Kirkian Legacy
Stardate 42580.6
From his command chair on the bridge, Picard had to admit to himself, he couldn't focus. Coffee, a shower and a brisk self-chiding had not helped. Thoughts of hair soft as silk and the color of liquid gold plagued him as he tried to prepare for the final phase of the trade with the Romulans. More than just memories, but also the lingering mental touch – the ever present sense of her in his mind. Just a small presence, maybe just a glimmer, but he could feel her, her very being. Unlike the first time it didn't flood his mind constantly through the day, but this time the link brought a strange sense of comfort, just knowing she was there.
"Captain, we're ready to begin beaming up the detainees."
Pulled from his thoughts, Picard cleared his throat, "Very well. Lieutenant, please bring the ambassador on screen."
Almost two hours later, Shawnay left the sick bay and returned to her quarters, having been thoroughly poked and prodded. The doctor had initiated a hormone therapy that would have to be monitored daily for at least two weeks to balance out her levels. Additionally, she had given Shawnay a second contraceptive shot.
Her console flashed, indicating a waiting message. Jean-Luc had sent her a private message, telling her that he would like to see her again but he expected the trade with the Romulans to run late. Replying to his PM, Shawnay told Picard she wanted to see him also adding that she needed to talk with him and if he was not too tired, he was welcome to visit no matter how late things ended.
Heading into her room, Shawnay changed into a simple button front tank that flowed away from her body and a pair of lounging shorts. Returning to the living area, she went about preparing her diner, which she took to the couch and ate while reading a book loaned to her by Picard.
Sleep overtook her slowly, so that she didn't feel herself drift off. Only to be awakened by the gentle caress of fingertips on her cheek.
Shawnay smiled as she looked into Jean-Luc's eyes, "I must have dozed off. Hmm, I didn't hear the door chime," as she looked around to realize Jean-Luc was kneeling besides the couch, between it and the coffee table.
"I don't know, but I took a chance and let myself in." Saying it out loud made the indiscretion very real and embarrassing, Picard was instantly ashamed of using his authority inappropriately, and added as he straightened up, "Ahem, I apologize for doing that – infringing on your privacy. I won't do it again."
Shawnay guided her hand to Jean-Luc's neck and urged him closer, "I don't mind," she whispered as their lips met in a kiss. .
Stardate 42581.4
"Captain on the bridge," intoned Data. "Good morning captain, we have the Romulan ambassador on line."
"Thank you Mister Data, on screen please." Picard strode to the command chair and took his seat as the screen came to life, filled with the image of a stone faced Romulan, with dark eyes and a severe haircut.
"Captain Picard, I take this moment to formally conclude our venture. For your assistance, Romulus will consider future ventures."
With an air of regality and control, Picard responded, "Thank you Ambassador Jawok. The Federation looks forward to future profitable endeavors with Romulus as well."
As the transmission was closed, Picard ordered, "Lieutenant take us away from the planet, one-half impulse." Seating himself at command and turning to Riker, Picard commented as he opened a communique from Starfleet, "Well Number One, let's see what adventure next awaits us."
"Yes sir," replied Picard's ever jovial first officer. "Hmm..."
"Something on your mind Number One?"
"Oh nothing sir, I just noticed that Lieutenant Kirk seemed extra radiant today." Riker replied with a grin.
Looking up from the coded message, Picard calmly responded, "Oh, really...I hadn't noticed." Then intentionally focused his gaze on Kirk, for a second before replying to Riker, "Hmm, I think you're right."
Hearing herself referenced in the whispered conversation, Kirk tried to control her emotions and not turn beet red.
'If only you knew,' both Picard and Kirk though simultaneously about Riker's all too perceptive comment.
Finishing the communique, Picard leaned forward in his chair and ordered,."Set course to Bajor, it seems we have another negotiation task ahead of us."
Shawnay walked into the conference room, her head held high and shoulders squared, projecting a calm she didn't quite feel. She had been summoned to join a briefing of the captain's senior staff, a rare occurrence for junior officers, indeed.
Thankfully that she had her trusty PADD in her hands – it gave her something to do with her hands and not fidget. As the final member to arrive she slid into the first available seat, which happened to be between Data and Dr. Crusher. Before Picard looked up to start the briefing, Crusher leaned over and whispered, "Welcome to the team."
Surprised, Lieutenant Kirk nodded quickly as Picard began.
"The Torrian Traders Alliance that we so recently helped forge is already being challenged by several competing factions. We have been asked to return and oversee negotiations between the alliance and faction representatives. At the same time, the coalition has already begun petitioning for Federation recognition and membership. As such this task will be somewhat larger and more involved than the first mission. We will again aid in the forging of a new constitution as well as work with the established coalition members in moving forward with their application to the Federation."
Picard continued, "Our task will begin at DS9, where we will rendezvous with the Excelsior and take on fifteen federation council representatives. From DS9 we will return to Torrian at which point the Enterprise will be host a combination of thirty visiting representatives of the current Traders Alliance and federation council representatives. Department heads, please make sure that your teams are informed and prepared."
"I want to stress that this mission is extremely sensitive and much larger than the original negotiation. As such, our goals will be to first facilitate mediation of the Alliances compliance to Federation requirements and second smooth the factions and guide them into membership with the Alliance. Specs and concerns have been uploaded to your consoles. Number One, Counselor Troi,Commander Data, Ensign Robi, and Lieutenants Worf and Kirk will meet with me in the briefing room in eight hours."
Then looking around the room, Picard stopped adjusted his jacket and proclaimed, "Very well, dismissed."
At his word, the finest team of officers known within the United Federation of Planets disassembled, heading off to their respective preparatory tasks. Picard confident in his team and their abilities turned his gaze to the port window and began preparing himself for the job to come.
Stardate 42581.8
The smaller group entered the staff briefing room, everyone found seats around the oval table, leaving the head chair vacant for Captain Picard. As Lieutenant Kirk settled in to a chair, Counselor Troi slid into the seat besides her. As the rest of the team settled in, Troi quickly leaned over and whispered, "Since you are newly commissioned, you won't be used to the way our team works together. You should stay close to me so that I can update you."
With a small nod, Lieutenant Kirk acknowledged her senior officer.
A light easy chatter filled the room, the only persons missing now were Commander Riker and Captain Picard. As the door slid smoothly open and the Enterprise's commanding officers entered together, the room grew quiet in deference and respect.
Picard walked to the head of the table, taking his seat and nodding to Riker as he became comfortable and crossed his legs.
Jumping right into the subject, Riker began, "First this will be handled as a two pronged attack of the problem at hand. Because of the instigative nature of the aligned and non-aligned parties, we will be duplicating our earlier methodology on Torrian. The meetings will be handled by two delegation groups, one headed by Captain Picard and one by myself. As the Captain and Lieutenant Kirk have already laid the ground work for the expanded conference, my group will oversee the meetings here. Captain Picard and Lieutenant Kirk will repeat their efforts with the smaller group of non-aligned factions in an equally secure area."
"Troi, Worf, and Robi – you're with me. Kirk will be with Captain Picard. Worf and Robi will coordinate security on board the Enterprise. Lieutenant Kirk please update Troi on the nuances of the attending members and any possible issues. Commander Data will be acting officer in charge during these negotiations."
Stardate 42581.9
Picard left the meeting, heading to his ready room, intent on finishing reviewing the days reports. For the short journey from the conference room through the bridge it was easy to appear like his normal focused self, but he was anything but. In an attempt to not let his personal feeling influence the mission, Picard had given Riker control of the mission, but the result would be the same as if he had intentionally ordered the young lieutenant into his bed. Another week or more of negotiations, alone with the woman that could undo him with just one glance.
Picard stared blankly at his PADD, the information meaningless and intangible. By sheer strength of will, he managed to finish reviewing all of the reports and to make minor notations as needed and acceptable – but his mind and heart were elsewhere.
Again he wondered, 'What have I gotten myself into? Isn't this what I've always avoided?' Picard chided himself as he realized that he was just a man.
Be-eep! The com sounded interrupting his reverie, followed by a soft voice.
"Lieutenant Kirk to Captain Picard."
"Picard here, go ahead Lieutenant...Shawnay," he responded.
Hearing Picard use her given name, Kirk knew he was alone and able to speak freely.
"Jean-Luc, are you okay? The link..."
"I'm fine," Picard said, realizing the weight of his emotions had been carried to his lover, "It's just been a very long day."
In his heart, Picard knew that he wanted to see her again, hold her through the night, but he fought against saying the words. Saying the words would mean that he really had lost that part of himself.
"Anyway, Shawnay...don't worry about me. I'm going to call it a day and head back to my quarters."
"Oh...okay...good night then. Kirk out."
The agreement was unspoken, neither would say to the other: 'Be with me, tonight.'
Picard shut down his desk and headed back on to the bridge, giving the third shift crew a final farewell before heading to the turbolift and then his empty quarters.
Stardate 42581.11
By the time Picard reached his quarters, the full effect of the day had hit him. Fatigue pulled at his shoulders, urging him to quickly climb into his bed. The sound of the door sliding close reminded him that he would sleep alone – but such was the life he'd chosen.
"Computer, lights." Picard commanded, as he entered his bedroom, going straight into the attached bathroom. He really didn't need the lights, it was only out of habit. Habit was a strangely comforting thing, perhaps his only constant comfort. Picard turned on the shower as he rehearsed several events from the day in his head. As the water temp became comfortable, he undressed and slipped into the stream of water and pulled the door closed.
Picard took a deep soothing breath as the water worked over tense muscles as he reached for the soap and towel. The door to the shower opened on its own as the graceful form of Shawnay slid into the enclosure.
He stopped mid motion reaching for his bathing implements. The young blond stood before Picard holding her breath, not looking him in the face, unsure what to expect. Caught off guard by her forwardness and his own relief that she had decided to come to him, Picard waited as she slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. He liked the way she chewed on her lip, he hoped it was a sign she only showed when they were together.
"I...I'm sorry," the lieutenant began, embarrassed, "for intruding without your invitation. I-I can leave if you want. I just wanted to see you..."
She had entered his quarters without an invitation and was not sure what his response would be. She only knew that he was a very private person and he could be upset at the presumptive intrusion into his home. The only true question was if she could handle his rejection.
Picard's response was communicated by two arms wrapping around and her pulling her close.
Kirk released the breath she held, then mumbled into his chest, "You don't have to talk or say anything...I can just feel you...your fatigue, your need and frustration.
As he slanted his lips over hers he told her, "No I don't want you to leave..."
Stardate 42582.3
"Counselor Troi to Captain Picard"
Picard's peaceful slumber was disrupted by the insistent buzz of the comm system. His rest was so much more peaceful for the lithe form of the blond beauty was snuggled close in his embrace. Her arm across his chest, her leg wrapped around his and their breaths moving at the same restful pace. In this place and at this time they were just a man a woman – both far away from their responsibilities as Starfleet officers.
"Counselor Troi to Captain Picard"
But the repetitive beep followed by Troi's voice reminded him that it was time for the man to re-assume his role as captain. Situating himself on his back, then clearing away the waves of blond that gathered at his neck, Picard took a deep breathe and responded, "Picard here, go ahead Counselor."
At the sound of his voice, Shawnay stirred and turned to face him sleepily. He greeted her with a smile, bringing a finger to his lips. Shawnay returned the silent greeting and stilled beside him as the comm line opened.
"Good morning Captain, I was wondering if you had some time that we could meet and discuss, Lieutenant Kirk's role in the upcoming negotiations. I have some concerns."
Instantly, Picard grew tense, replying quickly, "Very well. Shall we say my ready room at 10:00 am?"
"Thank you, captain. I'll see you then. Troi out."
The comm link closed.
"I should go," was the only thing Shawnay said to her lover as she rose from the bed and padded into the restroom, leaving him alone.
A deep and burdened sigh escaped him. Wasn't this the kind of thing he feared would happen? How could he objectively handle Counselor Troi's concerns and maintain this relationship?
"Damn!" the captain said to the ceiling in frustration. As the word and the emotion escaped him, he felt her hurt. It was still so easy to forget that strong emotions carried easily through the mental link. Like a cad, he had just broadcast his fears and doubts full force at her. In that same moment he knew he had hurt her. Her pain was like stones falling unending on top of her, crushing without mercy. He knew she was crying, could feel the sobs escaping like waves and he could feel her desperately trying to bring her emotions under control – to hide this storm from him.
In the bathroom, Shawnay stood under the shower's pulse. Sobs racked her body, the sound hidden by the water's beat. The beads of water were very much like the pain in her heart – continually pelting her as she wished she could grow numb.
There was no escape from this situation. Her own fear began to rise up, she dreaded leaving the bathroom to see his face...to see the evidence of his doubts on his face.
Any other morning, they would have showered together, but this morning Picard could not bear the thought of seeing her cry – knowing he was the reason was more than enough. Surely she didn't want to see him now, let alone allow him close.
There was nothing to do but wait. Picard pulled on a robe then headed to the food replicator to prepare breakfast.
Having made her appointment with the captain, Deanna Troi headed towards Ten Forward for breakfast. The lounge was more than half empty, breakfast was not normally very busy. Troi smiled, she liked knowing that the atmosphere would be quiet and the service quick.
Looking around before heading to the bar, Troi spotted Riker and Geordi seated at a table close to the windows. Will looked up and waved her over to join them.
"Hello Counselor."
"Good morning, Imzadi," Riker said, using the intimate greeting they shared.
"Will, Geordi. What brings you two out so early?" she asked as she took a seat.
"Just coordinating plans for a rank change," Riker said, as he poured a steaming cup of coffee for the Betazed beauty as she spread her napkin on her lap. Troi surveyed the assortment of pastries in the center of the table as she listened. She chose an apple crumb cake to go with her coffee.
"Yep," added LaForge lightly, "This will be the first promotion that we will share."
Looking up from her pastry, Deanna Troi, shook her head. "Don't tell me... Kirk?"
Both men nodded at her, equally perplexed at her tone.
As he offered her cream for her coffee, Commander Riker asked, "Counselor...is there something we should know?"
It was a niggling feeling that made the hairs on the back of her neck raise up whenever the Nivian was mentioned or nearby. Troi could not give the feeling an exact name, but something about Lieutenant Kirk didn't sit well with her.
Troi shrugged her shoulders, then attempted to mask her indecisiveness, by responding, "No, not really. It's just that she she seems to be the subject of a lot of conversations lately.
Geordi LaForge nodded with a huge smile, "Yeah, she's causing quite a stir in engineering. The guys have a bet on who'll finally get her to say yes to a date."
Always a bit of a rogue, Riker cleared his throat and admitted with a sly smile, "Well I've already tried and been shot down. But I haven't given up yet.
"Will!"
To Troi's aghast look, the commander replied, "What? She's a very attractive woman. There are bets going on all over the ship as to who she'll say yes to."
"Hmm, well if that's the case, then I had better get my try in quick before you manage to wear her down," LaForge replied jovially.
Looking from one to the other, Counselor Troi was at a complete and total loss for words. Had the whole universe been affected by her? Well, maybe not the universe, but at least the whole crew?
Cheers!