Chapter Six
Picard was speechless. Admiral Janeway mulled the idea over for a moment and said, "Why not indeed Jean-Luc? Naturally, it's up to Starfleet Command and you of course." Picard took a sip of wine to gather his thoughts and said, "I'm flattered beyond words Armis, but surely you would prefer a career diplomat. While I have made several first contact missions and helped negotiate several treaties, it was simply the only available option at the time."
Admiral Janeway spoke, "Don't be so modest Jean-Luc. You have been instrumental on numerous occasions in helping preserve the Federation itself. I believe it a logical next step in your career. Of course, if you do this, you'll have to accept a long overdue promotion to the Admiralty." Picard said, "My duties to the Enterprise . . . ", Janeway cut off his objection, "Can be delegated to another. That's why the Chain of Command exists in the first place. I'm sure you've been contemplating a competent officer to succeed you." Picard dropped his gaze a moment before looking at her again and addressing her, "I'll admit, on occasion, I have thought of retiring and taking over my family's vineyards in France but then I think about the advice a good friend gave me some time ago with regards to promotion."
Janeway asked, "What did this friend say to you Jean-Luc?" Picard took another sip of wine and said, "He told me 'Don't let them promote you, don't let them transfer you. Don't let them do anything that will take you away from the bridge, because while you're there, you can make a difference.' I took this advice to heart because he was right." Armis spoke now, "Ah but you can make a difference Captain. Where I come from, we have over six million known forms of communication." Picard stammered, "S-six million?!" Armis continued, "The Galactic Senate on the capital planet Coruscant has over one thousand member worlds and just as many territories and protectorates between them. You, Jean-Luc Picard would be the Federation's first Ambassador to the Galactic Senate. I imagine that of the many reasons you joined Starfleet at least one of them had to be to seek out new life and new civilization; to boldly go where no one has gone before. Truly, this opportunity is the quintessential stuff of that reason."
Picard closed his mouth with an audible snap as he digested what Armis just said and knew himself interested. Hell, more than interested. He could almost feel himself chomping at an imaginary bit. The worlds to visit, the people to meet, the customs and languages to encounter. He felt his pulse jump at the very thought of being the first Starfleet officer to see and hear and meet and see everything Armis just spoke of. "Let me think about it and seek the counsel of those I trust most for guidance." Armis felt in the Force that Picard was already half-way to accepting but said nothing of it. He did say, "Take all the time you need. The rift has become stable on my side and will remain so according to the scientific community charged with studying it. I can understand any hesitation you may feel Captain. The Force tells me you would be ideally suited to this but I also understand your larger responsibilities to Starfleet, your ship and your crew. I will not think less of you if you decline. I just want you to know that the offer is open if you are interested."
About an hour later, Armis and Ryu led the Starfleet officers back to the V.I.P. bay as that Commander Mythril had returned to the command deck. Everyone got back aboard the shuttle as Janeway thanked Armis again for the wonderful meal and conversation. Picard hung back a moment. He shook Armis's hand and said, "Again, I'm honored by your offer and I will think about it. We'll talk again soon Armis." Armis said, "May the Force be with Captain Picard. I look forward to our next meeting."
Picard got back aboard the shuttle and it departed a few minutes later. On the return trip to the Enterprise, the fighter wing from before formed up around the shuttle and escorted it back to the Enterprise. Back aboard, after escorting Janeway, Chakotay, Riker and Troi to the transporter room and bidding Commander Worf goodnight, a weary Jean-Luc Picard made his way back to his quarters, took off his dress uniform and hung it back up in the closet he shared with Beverly who was still on duty in Sickbay. After changing into his favorite off-duty pants and shirt, Picard sat down in his lounger and tried to read for a time but found it too hard to concentrate because his mind kept mulling over the offer made to him by Armis. When he felt his mental wheels spinning in place and going nowhere, he decided to place a call and get some advice.
As he sat down at his desk to place his call, Picard performed some mental math and found that it would be early afternoon for the person he was about to call and gave a million thanks to the subspace communication network that allowed for real-time communication with almost any part of the Federation. The screen lit up and the face of James T. Kirk appeared. He said, "Good to see you again Jean-Luc! You caught me just as I walked in the door, good timing." Picard said, "I can call back later if it's more convenient Jim." Kirk said, "Now is a good a time as any. What's on your mind?" Picard smiled tiredly and said, "Do you remember the conversation we had in the Nexus? When you told me that I should never leave the bridge for as long as I make a difference?" Kirk said, "Of course I do. What's going on Jean-Luc? Now that I really notice it, you look to be on the horns of a dilemma." Picard said, "How right you are. I'm still happy with my command of the Enterprise and I know I can still make a difference out here but I've been made an offer, a very tempting offer that would require me to leave the Enterprise, leave command and accept promotion but this offer will still let me make a difference. I am truly confused right now. Would you help me by playing devil's advocate?" Kirk smiled the smile that broke so many hearts or equivalent circulatory organs and said, "Happy to help Jean-Luc. Fire away."
Later, as Beverly came off duty in sickbay and entered the quarters she shared with Jean-Luc to find him sitting in his lounger, listening to some music. The book he was reading lay across his chest as that he was sound asleep. Ever so gently, she took the book from his hands and set it on the end table next to him. Walking softly across the room, she got a light afghan from the couch against the wall and draped it gently across the man she loved and then sat down on the floor for a time and watched him sleep. He seemed at peace somehow and she didn't want to disturb him, so she just sat there and watched him sleep for a time before turning off the lights and going to bed herself.