Breakfast the next morning was surprisingly comfortable, both tacitly avoiding the previous day's disagreement. Beverly asked questions about the opposing governments and the treaty. Her excitement at the prospect of new biological finds was contagious. It was with a light step and smiles the away team beamed planetside, the previous day's argument clearly forgotten.
Beverly was not expecting the beauty of the Omnians to be so compelling. The natural light of the first sun refracted on the scales of the diplomatic team in resplendent colours.
Jean-Luc was captivated by her smile. Unconsciously he moved closer to her, enjoying her delight at her first contact with the Omnians. He had been similarly awed by the almost mythical beings.
Formal introductions were made, the Omnia-Upper Ambassador introducing his team, the Omnia-Lower Prefect presenting his, and the Captain indicating Doctor Crusher, Commander Data, and the Security Detail. Introductions were acknowledged with a slight bow. Beverly imagined human contact with the Omnian talons could be disastrous.
The Captain was whisked away with diplomatic efficiency. A tall, slender Omnian, dressed in a simple tunic of browns and muted greens graciously directed Data and the Doctor to a land shuttle to take them to their first destination, the main city's botanical gardens.
The morning passed all too quickly for Beverly. Even counting for the longer time between breaks thanks to the twin suns, she was regretful when their escort returned for them. They were shuttled to the Capitol, and shown to a cool room with a long table set for lunch.
Jean-Luc looked up when she entered. The radiance in her smile helped ease some of the morning's weariness. She was obviously enjoying her work more than he was enjoying his. Not wanting to be rude, he continued the conversation he had been having with one of the Prefect's First Councillors. When the Doctor inconspicuously slid into the empty chair next to him, he absently reached out with his hand to acknowledge her presence without turning from the question the First Councillor was asking. His hand rested for long moments on her thigh.
The unexpected-but far from unwelcome-contact set the Doctor to low simmer. She was sure the Captain had not even been aware of his gesture. She was aware of it from the roots of her hair to her toenails. His reluctant utterance had given her hope that she had not ruined her last chance.
They were served a lunch of incredible roasted vegetables, with a crusty, chewy bread. The fruits for dessert were reminiscent of tropical fruits and melons from Earth. As usual, the Doctor endeared herself to her hosts with her genuine appreciation and interest in their planet.
So it came as no surprise when she was invited to the formal dinner planned for the evening. She glanced at the Captain, saw the slightly panicked entreaty in his gaze, and smiled, "Of course," to their hosts.
When they had a few moments before the afternoon session, they stood close enough so he would not be overheard by anyone. "You do not have to come to the dinner tonight..."
She knew how much he hated such affairs. "I said I would, and I will." The smile she gave him was knowing.
"Thank you." He said, quietly, his voice laden with meaning.
Her smile grew and her eyebrow rose. "I think you will owe me... "
A matching eyebrow rose in return, his hazel eyes sparkling, "Really, Doctor..."
They were almost touching, intimately alone in a hall full of people. "Really, Captain." Her blue eyes darkened, her grin turned devilishly mischievous. Clearing her throat, she continued, "I will have to beam up to clean up and change, since I'm going to tramp around the flora and fauna this afternoon. What time will you be picking me up?"
He uncharacteristically had to clear his throat before speaking. "1845 ship's time."
"Good." She nodded. "Have a fun afternoon," she finished with that devious grin as she turned to find Data and their escort.
He watched her walk away, not noticing the Ambassador's Aide who had been apparently trying to get his attention. He sternly marshaled his thoughts away from a certain Doctor's backside, and back to the treaty.