Another filler chapter. I just couldn't leave the story at the last chapter.
In the Captain's quarters, a quiet group had gathered: Bev, Worf, Geordi, Data and Charlotte, dressed in their regular uniforms. They spoke little, but settled comfortably into the cabin- exhausted, Picard knew, by the events that had very nearly taken their lives, and had claimed the life of a girl they had all been fond of.
Per instructions, Riker and Deanna entered without sounding the door chime; Picard nodded to them and poured everyone a glass of wine.
A moment of silence followed; then Picard regarded them each, one by one, saving Charlotte for last. He slowly raised his glass.
"To absent friends," he said evenly. "To family."
As they had at Will and Deanna's wedding, they lifted their glasses, then drank; but this time, there was no joy in the gesture.
Charlotte looked around, and decided that she needed to say something.
"When I first saw Charlotte," she began, looking at her shoes, "She was asleep. I thought I was dreaming or going crazy. So I decided to go for a walk." She glanced at Data. "Do you remember when I came to your quarters about eight years ago? It was night time, and I was acting strange? You offered me a drink, but I just wanted a cuddle."
"That was you?"
"Yes." She paused, took a sip, and continued on. "The first time I met her, she dropped a whole mug of coffee on the floor in her quarters, then demanded I tell her what was going on. It was refreshing to see my old impetuous self again, because at that time, I was in mourning."
"Why?" asked Riker.
"Because…" she hesitated. "I suppose it's ok to tell you now. I was mourning Data." At their shocked looks, she hastened to explain. "You see, in my universe, I wasn't there in the battle with Shinzon. So Data sacrificed himself, and no-one was there to stop him." She choked a little at the last word, and took another sip of wine to prevent her tears from escaping.
Riker took his turn. "The first time I saw Charlotte, she was sneaking around the observation lounge."
"I was not!" Charlotte glared at him. "I was retrieving my camera."
"Were you? All I remember was a terrified young girl who was so overcome that she couldn't speak properly."
"Hey, what can I say? I was sixteen and faced by the most terrifying figure that I had ever seen- a Starship captain."
"And I was faced by an annoying child who Will insisted on bringing up to the bridge," put in Picard.
"Oh, sir, I must object."
"Only if you admit that I'm not as terrifying as you thought I was. Or she thought I was."
Charlotte smiled. "No sir, you no longer terrify me."
"And I don't find you annoying any more. Both of you have grown into strong, capable women, and Data is lucky to have you."
Charlotte suddenly heaved a sob, and Deanna quickly moved to her side. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Keep going. I might learn something new about her."
Geordie picked up where they had left off, followed by Deanna and Worf. Charlotte laughed and cried by turns, listening to stories about herself and her mirror twin; most she knew, but there were some that she didn't.
They talked long into the night.
I was in a cranky mood after writing this. What can i say? I almost always write deaths, and I'm almost always depressed afterwards. But... i could use that to my advantage. If you don't review, and I will transfer my death mood to you. You have been warned.