The news that there was a dusty old ghost town that the two crews could take refuge in spread quickly, and sooner than later there was a massive exodus from the camps to the town. Thaleen, human, Klingon, Vulcanian, and much more trekked across the red sands until they were greeted by the mountain range and the small town at the base of the geographic beauty.
The Q greeted the crews, showing them around the town. Alongside Q, T'Q, and Quintessa were two other Q- one man and one mallard duck. A duck who could talk.
"Ducks are superior beings, captain," the duck Q explained to Picard, who was looking down at him with slight bewilderment, "I admire them, they have a certain charm to them."
"Agreed," Data said, "Ducks are very unique creatures with even more unique social lives."
"If you say so," The duck Q nodded, "now excuse me, I am going to take a swim in the fountain."
Picard found himself busy with helping the two crews get situated in the town, much to the distress of Q.
Q tried to look for Q when the first waves of the crew came to the town, yet Picard was nowhere to be found. He did his best to not look desperate when he was asking around for Picard, and luckily no one seemed to pick up on anything.
Then Q saw Picard talking to Dux, near the fountain in the town center, but it looked like the two captains were discussing something very important. Something about the freshwater river that flowed nearby the town. He wanted to jump into the conversation, maybe ask the captain about his barely concealed limp. But as soon as Q worked up the courage to talk to the captain, Dux and Picard were gone.
Later that week while Q was 'helping' repair the bakery- more like gossiping with Quintessa- Picard walked in. The two both locked eyes for a brief moment, before Picard turned away without a single change in expression and asked one of the ensigns assigned under Quintessa for a few slices of bread. Q wanted to approach Picard and ask why he was avoiding him, but he didn't want to seem needy. He was a Q, after all. Picard took his food and walked out without even glancing over at Q.
A couple weeks had passed, and Q had only seen Picard a handful of times. Not a word was exchanged, and Q was starting to feel like he had done something wrong.
Did Picard not like what we did? Is he mad at me? Q pondered, What did I do?
The next time Q saw Picard, the captain, alongside Captain Dux Solis, and an engineering team were heading to the river. They were to observe an old bridge being repaired to reach what looked to be a good area to begin growing food on the other side.
He followed them from afar, hoping that maybe he could possibly talk to the captain. Or at least look into those spectacular hazel eyes again.
He could at least take a peek at the bridge that everyone was talking about
Q watched from afar as Picard and some people discussed the bridge- which was so far a really old bridge that was being repaired by a few engineers. Wood, brick, and rope all came together to construct the structure sitting above a short gorge in the rocky, craig filled landscape. The river flowed tumultuously at the bottom, hydrating the otherwise dry area. Trees and small green bushes grew along the watery wonder, giving a wonderful contract to the red landscape.
Q tried to listen into the conversation, which was rather boring but at least he was able to hear Picard's voice.
Being almost lovesick did that to a person- or a Q.
Q stood in the distance for a while, hearing them talk about growing crops beyond the bridge where there was wonderful soil and an old farmhouse full of seeds that were in good condition. Q even picked up on Picard saying he had some old vineyard knowledge that may pair well with the botanics crew's knowledge of crop growing.
"That old man is stranded on a strange new planet and he's still thinking about fermented grapes," Q chuckled to himself.
Q stood there a little longer, watching the group watch along the riverbank, discussing plants and soil and other rather boring things. He wished that Picard wasn't standing so close to the bank, a rather protective thought from the ex-almighty.
His mind then went to Picard's limp, something that originally Q didn't pick up on when Picard arrived at the town on Thaleen-back. It wasn't too noticeable, but Q still noticed after all this time staring at the man. He mostly noticed it when he was staring at Picard's butt, that is.
He found himself hoping that it wasn't too serious, which was also a rather strange thought from Q. His mind whirled, realizing that if Picard was to become injured- again apparently- Q couldn't do much.
After all, all his attempts to conjure up anything major in a snap were fruitless.
He felt he had some of his power, but it was so miniscule. It wasn't enough to do anything with.
Longing mixed with a strange protective feeling, becoming a dull ache in the Q's chest.
"Q," A zephyr-like voice called out.
Q turned around to see T'Q standing a few feet from him, her face emotionless and yet still judgmental in piercing. The sunlight from noon washed around her hair, making it almost sparkle.
Even powerless, she looked magical.
"Q, I needed your help with some bunk arrangements," she started, her voice quiet and elegant, "Some of the Thaleen engineers are having difficulties with lodging with the humanoid engineers, is there a way you can see into that? I suspect it's the horns causing the troubles, but I'm currently working on rebuilding what seemed to be the clinic."
Q sighed dramatically.
"Can't some commander, or maybe Q-uack deal with it?" He asked, exasperated, "I'm rather busy at the moment."
"With what- checking out Captain Picard?" A sly smile formed on T'Q's face.
Q grimaced.
"No that was not what I was doing," Q found himself snapping at the fellow Q. "I was merely observing how the bridge repairs were going."
"Of course." T'Q said, "Yet I find it hard to believe after seeing you looking more at him than the bridge."
Q crossed his arms with a sigh. This Q was always so intuitive about these things.
"I'm right, you know." T'Q said, giving Q a knowing look, "Yet I've been wondering why you and Captain Picard have been so distant for the past few weeks."
"Well wonder as much as you want, T'Q," Q sassed, "Because I myself am unable to find any answers to such a thing."
"Oh I bet you know the answer," T'Q sassed back. She brushed a strand of her hair out of her face, taking a moment to think. "I have a hunch that you are just being awkward about your feelings for the captain- as you always are."
"Awkward?" Q pointed to himself, "Me, awkward?"
"Well for one, you had Picard walk out on you after a close love making session," T'Q stated, "and it seems that you two haven't talked after that."
"So?"
"Then go talk to him if that's the issue," T'Q stated, "Talking to one another is a pretty simple solution to a lot of issues."
"So is violence."
"That's besides the point."
Q stood there, glaring at the Vulcanian woman standing in front of him. She gave him a rather knowing look, one that made Q feel defeated.
"Well what if he doesn't like me?" He snapped, balling his first, "What if he hates me for ruining our friendship because I think we should be lovers instead."
"As if you were friends in-"
"Nevermind that-" Q waved his hand to shut up T'Q, "It doesn't matter. I ruined our relationship, or what little we had, by-"
"Making out with him?" T'Q asked.
"Yes- exactly,"
The two stood there silently, just looking at each other. A light breeze was blowing through the air, brushing against T'Q's silvery hair in a magical sense. Q stared at her down, as he expression softened into one of gentle knowing. Q felt his fists relax.
"Q," T'Q gently started, placing a hand on Q's shoulder, "Don't assume you ruined anything. If you truly want answers, you need to talk to him."
"As simple as that sounds-"
"There's no excuses when it comes to relationships, friendly or romantic." T'Q said.
"Sure there is." Q stated matter-of-factly.
T'Q exhaled in a semi-defeated way, "There may be, but in this case- there isn't."
Q looked at her, giving her a dejected look.
"And what if my suspicions are true?" he asked softly.
"Then move on," T'Q shrugged, "people do it all the time, that's just how mortal -and immortal- life is."
"Fine," Q threw his hands up, bested by T'Q, "You win, I'll go talk to Picard," he stopped for a moment, giving her a mischievous look.
"What now?" T'Q groaned.
"Do I still have to go figure out what's wrong with the bunking arrangements?" Q asked with a feigned innocent smile.
"Yes." T'Q rolled her eyes, "You've got to help out somewhere- this isn't a vacation."
"But-"
There was a short yell, then a splash.
Q and T'Q whipped their heads around to the river, trying to figure out what happened. They looked around for a moment, until they spotted the group near the riverbank in the distance.
Then someone started screaming.
"It seems to be that someone fell in." T'Q stated, grabbing Q's wrist, "Let's go." She and Q began to dash over to the group.
The screaming continued, and someone shouted something that made Q's blood run cold.
Picard fell in.
Q dashed ahead of T'Q, reaching the group before her.
He looked over them all, then looked to the river. He stared for a moment into the white water, rushing rabidly.
"What happened?" He turned and shouted at the people standing there, frozen.
"P-Picard-" There was no need for the person to finish the sentence.
Q felt his heart stop, and he looked to the stretch of rapidly rushing water beyond them.
"Where is he?!" He shouted, anger and fear mixing into a volatile mess.
"I don't know!" someone whimpered.
Q cursed himself, the planet, everything. He started into a frantic sprint down the edge of the river, looking down into the rapids.
Shit shit shit shit shit shit was the chorus in Q's mind as he raced the river, looking for any sign of the overboard captain.
His heart was in overdrive, his legs running as fast as one could go. His legs burned as if he were bathing in the core of a young sun. Adrenaline ran through his human body, making him feel powerful yet powerless. He wished he could just snap and have Picard standing in front of him, sopping wet but found.
He heard the frantic run of T'Q behind him, her expression yelling distraught profanities into the day.
Q kept looking into the river, stopping for brief seconds to see if he missed something. Yet there was no sign to be seen of the frenchman.
"There!" a voice cried out from behind him, and Q whipped around to see T'Q pointing at something in the river. He looked to where she was pointing, and gasped.
For a brief moment, he saw a quick flash of red- the same red of Picard's tattered uniform.
Q inhaled, praying to anything more powerful than a Q. He ripped off his robes, tossing them to the ground and only leaving him in a pair of black pants.
Then he jumped in.
The cold water felt like a jolt of electricity, almost paralyzing the adrenaline filled man. Q found himself under the water, being pulled by the quick and violent currents.
He struggled for a moment, but was able to resurface for a moment to take in a gasp of air, only to return back under the water.
Q swam frantically, trying to stabilize himself alongside looking for Picard. Water kept beating against him, forcing the air out of his lungs.
He blindly reached around as he was pulled around, his hands grasping at everything. He kept grabbing at rocks and plant debris until he had to resurface for another breath of air.
When he went back in, he grabbed at something blindly before he found his vision going dark.
Everything was a blur.
Q found himself on the banks of the river, grasping Picard tightly in his arms. He was lying on his side, gasping for air all while holding the person he rescued to his chest. The Q didn't know how he got there, but for one thing, he was glad he was out of the frigid waters and on the red sands.
He let go of Picard and rolled on his back, dazed.
Q coughed, trying to clear the water from his lungs. It felt like there were a million needles inside them, or fire. He hacked up as much as he could, then slumped down back on the dusty red ground.
He turned to Picard, who still lied next to Q. Q didn't think much of it for the moment. He elbowed Picard, but that elicited no response. He tried again, jabbing Picard even harder in the side. Still no response from the captain.
"Jean-Luc?" Q asked, his voice raspy- as if he had gargled tacks, "Are you alright?"
Still there was no response, not a peep. Not even an exasperated breath escaped his lips- lips that were an appalling shade of pale blue.
Q began to panic. He sat up despite the agonizing pain jolting through his accursed human body. He knew that humans were not supposed to be like that, even in sleep. He looked up and down Picard, his mind working on solutions for this issue. Yet he was unable to think of anything. He tried to shake Picard, yet that didn't rouse him either.
He heard footsteps behind him and turned around. T'Q was running up behind him, her face contracted into one of worry and exertion. She was lifting her dark robes as she ran, as if she were a bridesmaid chasing after a thrown bouquet.
"T'Q!" Q shouted before turning back to Picard. He cupped Picard's face in his hands, squishing his cheeks together. Still no response. The captain's face was cool and clammy, alongside looking surprisingly peaceful. Yet the peaceful expression was not one that meant anything good.
It was an expression that Q had seen way too many times.
"Oh god he's dead!" Q cried out, his voice breaking.
T'Q kneeled beside him, looking over the captain. She placed a hand to his clothed chest, keeping it there for a few short minutes. She whispered an obscenity to herself, which only exasperated Q's mental state. She looked at Q, and the two Q's eyes met. Her eyes told Q the truth of the situation, one that shattered his heart.
"I was too late…" Q whispered, voice full of barely disguised anguish. He bent down wrapped his arms around Picard's chest, lifting the lifeless captain to his chest. "This is all my fault,"
T'Q watched, trying to keep her tears from coming to her eyes. She did her best to regain her angelic composure, but she felt it breaking at the sight of the limp man that her fellow Q loved.
"I'm so sorry Jean-Luc," Q was starting to sob, an ugly noise full of agony, "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything," He lifted a hand and tried to snap, but the snap was fruitless, as usual. That caused the Q to ugly cry harder, burying his face in Picard's shoulder. "I love you, Jean-Luc, I'm so sorry I never got to tell you that." He sniffled, chest heaving, "I truly love you."
T'Q stifled a sob, trying to swallow down the horrible lump forming in her throat. She stood up, and placed a hand on the whimpering Q's shoulder. She couldn't find the right words to say. She wanted to do something- it wasn't fair.
It wasn't fair for Picard to die like this. It wasn't fair for Q to suffer like this. Even know T'Q modeled herself after the Vulcanians, she wasn't one. She was a Q who had emotion and a sense of justice and what was fair and not. Before finding herself on the desolate planet, she controlled fairness in the ways she deemed right.
She was a fair goddess.
One that wasn't going to let this slide.
Q heard a brief yet powerful snap behind him, then the sound of someone hitting the ground.
He turned around to see T'Q sprawled out on the ground. She fell in such a serene way, looking as if she had just fallen asleep. A limb was splayed out in front of her, her hand still in a post snap position.
Picard gasped.
Q jerked away from Picard, shocked. He looked over Picard as the captain began to cough, trying to dislodge the water in his lungs. Q sat there, trying to figure out what was happening. Picard's cold body began to warm, and his eyes had opened- half lidded and tired.
To Q, it is as if Picard was back from the dead.
The events in the last few moments finally lined up for Q, and he realized something.
T'Q snapped.
That meant that T'Q used her powers.
That meant the Q did have their powers here.
Q audibly gasped at that realization- along with the fact that the man that he held in his arms went from being at death's door to coughing and sputtering like a young person after they drank their first shot of hard liquor.
He was alive and well- as well as one could be on this strange, deity-forsaken planet.
"Jean-Luc?" Q asked, his voice wavering. He held onto Picard, feeling the man's chest heaving against his own. There still was no response from the captain- but he was at least moving.
Picard finally pulled himself from Q's arms and sat down on his haunches. He was still gasping for air, his lungs working over time.
"What…" Picard's voice trailed off, dazed and confused, "happened?"
"Jean-Luc," Q said, reaching over and grasping Picard's warming hands, "oh mon capitaine, I thought I lost you."
"That gives me no explanation of what happened," Picard wheezed, "Except that I was in a near death experience." He looked down at himself, then to Q, then to their hands. He instinctively jerked his hands away, but winced in pain as a jolt of pain spread across his body. He repressed the urge to duck down and lay his face on the ground.
"You had drowned," Q explained, pulling his hands to himself. He looked at Picard, taking in the sight of the pitiful capitaine. He wanted to hold him to his chest, feel his soft breaths against his neck, take in his sweet scent.
But now was not the time to do so.
"Drown?" Picard asked, unsure of what Q meant, "Then how am I still alive?" He put a hand to his chest, wincing at the pain of his own inhalations.
"T'Q," Q said in realization. He looked over at the woman passed out on the ground. He saw she was still breathing, and sighed in relief. "She must have used some power to save you."
"But I thought you all were powerless." Picard asked, slightly cocking his head in confusion.
"As I thought too," Q said, "But she must have had some-" Q waved his hands as he noticed T'Q started to stir, "But enough about that- you're alive."
"Yes?" Picard nodded, "and I feel horrible," he looked over to T'Q, "is she okay?"
"I think so," Q said, glancing over at T'Q.
"That's good,"
"Classic Jean-Luc Picard, always thinking about others before himself," Q shook his head, a small smile cracking across his face, "Even after a near-death experience."
Picard had no idea how to respond to that statement. He only looked down at himself, noting that he should probably change into something that wasn't sopping wet. He felt like a cat that had fallen into the bathtub- if that cat was a sphynx.
"Look," Q started scooting closer to Picard. Picard wasn't sure whether he should back up or not. Q looked deep into his eyes, peering into their dark depths. "Jean-Luc, I seriously thought that I lost you for a moment." He sighed, and looked away from Picard, only to turn back and stare into those deep, mesmerizing hazel eyes. They glittered in the high sunlight, making Q's heart leap in his chest.
"And?" Picard asked, reciprocating the stare. He found himself getting lost in Q's dark brown eyes, something that he was unsure he should do or not. He found himself giving in to those dark portals, already exhausted and weary.
"I have been wanting to talk to you for a while now, about us." Q explained, twiddling his thumbs. He pursed his lips, and went back to his explanation, "I have happened to fall for you, in a romantic sense." He looked at Picard, watching for his next reaction with great interest.
Picard's eyebrows shot up. His breaths quickened, and the pain in his body seemed to disappear for a moment. He felt as if a flash of lightning had just ripped through his body, in a non-violent way. It was dizzying.
"I love you, Jean-Luc Picard."
Picard's stomach tied itself into knots. He was still unsure of what he was to say. His mind was in a frenzy, both screaming at him that this was all an elaborate Q-style prank- or that this was real and he should let himself express his feelings.
All these emotions made Picard want to puke.
He stared back into Q's eyes, noticing a new look had overcome the god's face. A face of genuine love? Adoration? That strange new flicker in Q's eyes was not missed by Picard.
"You don't have to feel like you need to like me back, Jean-Luc," Q hesitantly said, "I just wanted to let you know my true intentions." He paused to draw a breath, "I was terrified that I'd lost you when you fell into the river, and I was heartbroken when I realized I had not gotten the chance to-"
"Shh," Picard's hushed the rambling Q, lifting a finger to Q's lips. The slumped over captain looked up at Q, a small, weary grin on his lips. A few words escaped his hazy mind and frozen lips before he slumped over into an unconscious slumber.
"I…I love you too, Q."
Dr. Beverly had been told there was an incident by the river, and had rushed her way down to the river as fast as she could. She was hoping that it wasn't too serious, she and her crew were already stretched thin taking care of the crash injuries and the new injuries that were popping up from renovations.
Then when someone ran up to her by the river and told her that Captain Picard fell in, she realized how serious the situation was. The water was frigid and full of rapids- a watery ride to death. She asked if he had been pulled out of the water yet, and someone said that Q and T'Q where working on that.
"Well, did they pull him out of the water yet?" She asked, fiddling with the handle on her emergency supplies set.
"Someone's going down the river to check-"
"Fine-" Dr. Beverly turned around, and started down the river, "I'm going to see for myself."
She left in a haste. She knew that if they were able to pull him out of the water, she'd have very little time to resuscitate him.
She ran down the banks, looking out for the two Q and the captain.
And after a few minutes of running, she found them. It was a sight for sure.
T'Q was flopped on the ground, slowly lifting herself with her elbows. She looked out of it.
Then there was Q and Picard- soggy yet okay. Picard was even awake and aware- not showing any sign of being in the water minus his drenched outfit.
But what shook Dr. Beverly to her core was the words that just left Picard's lips.
"I… I love you too, Q."
She just about dropped her medical bag on the ground.
Picard, Q, and T'Q were brought to the infirmary back at the town to be checked out. The infirmary was located near the town square, and was a large red brick building that after a little TLC had been almost fully restored. The insides were quickly renovated with the medical supplies and sanitary furnishings of the Enterprise, alongside some from the Moonlight Shadow that the Thaleen had salvaged.
The patient, operating, and exam rooms were nice, clean, and tiled. Everything smelled like sanitizer, which was also salvaged from both the Enterprise's stores and the old building itself. It was beginning to become a proper little hospital.
T'Q was placed in a private patient room for observation under Dr. Crusher herself. T'Q had regained consciousness, but had reported feeling extremely weak and light headed. She expressed that she wanted to talk to the other Q privately, but Dr. Crusher still had a few more examinations she wanted to do before letting T'Q see the others.
Besides, one Q was currently unavailable.
Q sat on a chair in a shared patient room, picking at some bandages on his hands. He sustained a few cuts and bruises on his body, but nothing that needed more than a few stitches.
It was still annoying to Q, having to deal with injuries and wound healing as if he were human. Normally, this stuff would be below him, but his current situation was bringing all these annoyances to light.
Yet he found himself being less concerned over his own body and more over someone else: Picard, who was laying in the bed next to him. He was going to be staying the night there due to the near-death drowning experience, which made sense to the both of them. He had also sustained some other injuries- including a few broken ribs and some strains. Typical for someone who was dragged into some rapids and tossed around like a ragdoll.
Picard looked helpless, fragile.
It was almost painful for Q to look at him. He wished that he could take Picard's pain, and he would in a heartbeat if it wasn't for his absent powers.
Q stayed by Picard's side, listening to the few nurses who attended him talk about his few injuries and how he should stay overnight for observation. Q found himself agreeing- as if he had any say over Picard- he had his own autonomy, after all.
Picard found himself fading in and out of sleep, his battered body and mind exhausted from all the physical healing it had been doing in the past weeks. The intensity of this survival situation was enough to put someone into a coma.
Yet sleep wasn't coming to him, and he knew why.
Q sat near him, looking over him with what looked like an expression of worry on his face. It was a surprising thing, Q being worried.
Picard found himself being used to Q's unreadable or sassy expressions, so seeing him with a genuine look of concern was something that gave Picard mental whiplash. It was a new strange thing, that soft look on his face.
Picard found himself thinking through the confession that happened earlier in that hectic day. A moment of weakness- shields down- lead to a path of unfamiliar unknowns. Love was a strange thing, and was a strangeness that Picard was unsure he could deal with at the moment.
He did love Q, strangely.
Q seemed to love him, strangely.
Fates intertwined, strangely.
What was to be done? Picard had no idea.
All he knew is he had to keep his crew alive- that was his number one responsibility.
The next day Picard walked out of the infirmary into the bright sunlight of midday. The town square nearby was bustling with energy and action. Raw materials and scavenged ship parts were being carried about, being used in the various repairs of their hopefully temporary living spaces. Picard found himself wandering the sunlit town square, marveling at the work done by the three groups becoming one. The fountain was working, and crisp, clear water flowed from it. There were benches constructed nearby, with people taking their breaks on them. The few trees that adorned the area were pruned nicely, and the massive gazebo at the end of the park was cleaned up and partly reconstructed.
The red hued ghost town was becoming one full of life and hope- even for those who were stranded.
Picard noticed out of the corner of his hazel eye that someone was following him. He knew exactly who was behind him, and he just ignored him.
He kept walking around, giving compliments to the humanoids and Thaleen, all while pretending to not know that Q was following him like an obedient- yet broken- horse.
It was embarrassing.
It seems that you are in good condition, Captain Picard. A familiar voice beckoned to Picard, making him turn to the source of the internal voice.
Dux walked up to Picard, a content look on their face. They fluffed up their wings, shifting them over their back and sides.
"I am doing well after yesterday's events," Picard said, nodding to the Thaleen captain, "How are you doing, K'll'ii?"
I am well, K'll'ii, Dux responded, shrugging their neck, My crew has been working around the clock to restore this little town of our own- some of my engineers have talked to yours and are working on the possibility of bringing rudimentary electricity to this dark town.
"That would be spectacular," Picard said, looking away from Dux and scoping out the town square, "That may aid our survival here,"
And more, possibly.
"What do you mean by that?" Picard asked, turning back to the brown white alien. Dux let out a small click, as if they were clicking their tongue.
We may be in a survival situation, yet we can do things to uplift each other's spirits. Dux suggested, We have food, water, shelter, and technology now. We could possibly do things for fun while we wait for rescue. Maybe we could have a dance.
"Why a dance?" Picard asked, a corner of his mouth lifting. He lied where this was going.
A common Thaleen pastime is dancing. We very often put on large dances for little to no reason, since it's good for uplifting the spirits and helping bond each other. Dux looked over Picard's shoulder to Q, who had been listening in this entire time. Dux gave Q a knowing look, raising their eyebrow. Q looked at the Thaleen, almost annoyed.
I figure it would aid some tensions currently. Dux said, turning from Q to Picard.
"I agree," Q said, stepping out from behind Picard. Picard found himself holding back a palm to his face.
"What are you up to now, Q?" He asked through gritted teeth.
"I was wanting to discuss some things with you, privately," Q explained, stopping to lean on Dux's shoulder.
Dux grimaced, and shifted their weight- making Q lose his balance and teeter for a moment. He swore for a moment that he heard Picard chuckle at his misfortune. Actually less misfortune and more annoying Thaleen third wheel.
Picard din't say anything. He just stood there silently, watching Q make a fool of himself. It was much better than if Picard spoke up and made a fool of both of them.
"I wanted to talk to you about yesterday," Q explained, steadying himself. He looked around at the busy plaza, then back at Picard, "Somewhere not in public, I don't want anyone over hearing us."
"Why?" Picard was finding himself becoming annoyed again. Q's charming self and annoying traits were divided by such a fine line for Picard, and currently Q was crossing over into the annoying side.
"Can we talk in private?" Q almost demanded, stepping closer to Picard. Picard backed up, clenching his jaw.
"Can this wait?" Picard asked, agitated, "I have some responsibilities to get to- I can't just goof off." Picard's voice raised, attracting the attention of some people nearby. He didn't seem to notice though.
"I just want to know-" Q found himself being cut off by Picard, who almost lunged at the powerless being aggressively.
"Can't you get it through your head Q? I have responsibilities!" Picard shouted, his voice hoarse. His fistsballed up and his face turned red and heated, "This isn't some holiday for me, this is life and death for my crew- it always has been! I need to keep my crew alive here, I do- me! It's all on me." He felt tears stinging at the corners of his eyes as all his pent up frustration came spilling out, "Their deaths are on me! I need to keep them alive- and I need to find a way to get us off this planet! It's all on me!"
Q backed up, distancing himself from the rage filled captain. He placed his hands in front of himself, as if to tell Picard to back up. He found himself feeling genuine fear for a moment.
"I don't have time for your games or your charms, Q." Picard snapped after taking a moment to breathe, "If things were different then maybe I would indulge your romantic advances, but this is not the time!"
Q felt Dux place a wing on his back, something he had not expected the Thaleen to do. He felt tears start to burn at the corners of his eyes as a suspicion of his seemed to come true.
Picard didn't truly love him.
"If I wasn't mistaken," Q hissed through clenched teeth. He glared at Picard through the hidden tears, "You seem to be the one playing games here," He took a panged breath in and continued, "Accepting my advances, even telling me you loved me- you could have just told me the truth. I'm powerless after-all, I'm no threat to you if you reject me- if that's how you think of me."
"Q," Picard found himself growling as if he were a rabid dog. But Q turned away from him and stormed off, leaving Picard with Dux and a throng of people who listened into the encounter. He noticed the people who had gathered nearby, and felt his stomach drop. He froze, his mind freezing with his body. He let his emotions get to him in the worst way possible.
He would much rather have his crew see him making out with Q than have them see him snapping at someone who- in a way- was aiding them with their survival.
Jean-Luc.
He turned to Dux, who had lowered their head to face Picard eye-to-eye. They had a disappointed look on their face, one that matched a mother who had just watched their child slap another child. Picard felt his face burn with shame.
Follow me, please.
Geordi stood in the town center, taking a short break under the hot sun. He had been working all morning taking apart tech from the Enterprise to repurpose it, alongside other tasks. He had become weary after the weeks of hard work and surviving this strange planet, and it was taking a major toll on him.
He had also noticed he wasn't the only one who was finding themselves affected by being stuck on the strange planet.
Geordi watched from afar as Picard and Q got into a short shouting match, one that had both confirmed a suspicion of his but also tore all his suspicions apart. He couldn't tell if it was romantic tension or Picard's weariness that he was seeing in action- but either way, it seemed to Geordi that Picard wasn't doing so well.
He wanted to approach him, ask him what was going on- but he also didn't want Picard to think he was prying into his personal life.
And Picard was right- survival was their top priority. Drama and romance were taking the passenger seat on this trip.
Yet drama and romance were happening- and there was nothing that could stop it.
Geordi knew that for a fact- after all, there was a little romance he was dabbling in at the moment.
Geordi walked out of the town square, successfully dropping off some materials needed for repairs. It was midday- meaning he was due for a short break. He needed some rest they all did- and their little midday breaks helped keep people from horribly burning out. The sun was the highest and brightest during this time- which heated up the land. It was logical to rest during this time- since working during this heat could cause serious injury and illness.
Plus he needed to meet with someone, a special someone who made his days so much brighter.
He saw him across the plaza, standing still. He was right where he told Geordi he would be. He stood under a tree, shading himself from the intense rays of sunlight. He stood still and silent, looking over at where the Picard/Q drama had just occurred. Geordi smiled and walked over to him- hoping that his gate seemed normal and not giddy.
"Data!" Geordi smiled as he took his place next to data under the tree. Data looked over to him, his yellow eyes flashing.
"Hello Geordi," Data greeted the engineer. There was an optimistic cheer in Data's voice, one that may be artificial yet it was genuine to the engineer.
"How was your day, Data?" Geordi asked, sneakily taking hold of Data's hand and intertwining his fingers with his.
Data squeezed back and smiled, "Today has been very productive. I aided some of the Moonlight Shadow's crew in creating a Thaleen wing of the infirmary. It was a strange task, since their bodies are very different from humanoids. And as such they needed different accommodations with the infirmary."
"That would make sense," Geordi said, looking over at a few Thaleen who were standing in the plaza. They were stretching out their wings and legs- obviously exhausted from the intense work they all were doing.
"So, how was your day so far, Geordi?" Data asked, turning to the man.
Geordi let out an exhausted sigh.
"It's been chaotic," He said, exasperated, "I've been trying to repair all sorts of things- like the distress beacon. It's online, but the beacon still can't get past the lower atmosphere."
"Do you think something is blocking it?"
"Possibly- but it's impossible to tell with our scanners being barely functionable. The only things functioning are our medical equipment and a few of our engineering tools."
"Has there been any success in repairing the Enterprise?" Data asked, almost hopeful.
"No- the warp core may never be online again, and most of the ship's main systems are also beyond repair."
"Oh." Data said, almost sadly.
"Hey," Geordi said, giving Data's hand a little squeeze, "On the bright side, my team has found a possible way to get power to this city,"
"What do you mean by that?" Data inquired.
"Well, we have already been able to power a generator to get power to the hospital, and we think there may be a way to generate enough power to get electricity to the rest of the town."
"That's fascinating."
"Just imagine," Geordi said, "This town square lit up like Las Vegas, full of life and energy while we stayed here."
Geordi and Data looked around at the dusty town square, their minds imagining a bustling square of life and love.
"That would be wonderful," Data said.
"I know it will." Geordi gave Data a quick peck on the cheek, "It'll be nice, no matter how long we're stranded here."
So, what happened?
Dux and Picard found themselves standing outside of town, perched up on a rock face looking out upon the little civilization and the desert stretching out into the distance. The sun was still very high in the sky, painting the scenery in a bath of orange light. The whole scene was beautiful and serene, yet Picard wasn't paying any attention to it. Picard wasn't even looking at Dux, instead looking down at the town, his face twisted into a grimace. The view from the high up cliff was spectacular, yet Picard's mind was not on the awe of this view.
"A disagreement, Dux."
I was able to infer that. Dux replied, rolling their eyes, I want to know exactly what led to that outburst.
Picard was silent, still looking to the town in the distance. He didn't want to answer his fellow captain at all, yet he knew Dux was going to get an answer out of him sooner or later.
I figure you do love Q, is that correct? I heard that you admitted to that after he saved you from drowning.
Picard's shoulders slumped forward, and he finally faced the questioning Thaleen.
"I believe I do love him- but you of all people here should know we don't have the time for that."
How come?
Picard bit his tongue, not wanting to shout at the Thaleen who was pretending to be stupid.
"We are in a survival situation- that means we are needing to work on surviving, not relationships."
Understandable… Dux circled around to look over the cliff, their eyes upon the vast blue skies and red land.
"But?"
Dux chuckled to them self, and turned back to Picard. They lifted their wings into the air, letting the light winds flutter the took a deep, content sigh.
But even in a survival situation, you need breaks, relationships, things that lift the quality of life. Dux explained to Picard as if they were explaining this to a toddler, We need relationships to survive, survival while being alone is difficult.
"What's this got to do with my relationship with Q?" Picard asked, annoyed.
It's got everything to do with your relationship with Q. Dux flicked their tail, touching Picard's back. You need him, and it seems that he needs you. Perhaps if you give having a romantic relationship with him a try, maybe things will be easier for you while we're stranded here. You won't have to worry about dodging him at every turn and stuffing those emotions down while caring for our crews.
Picard sighed, looking out to the land around them.
Dux had a point.
Picard was silent for a few moments, soaking in what Dux had told him. Perhaps things would be easier.
Captain, Dux interrupted the silence, do you know how I found this little place?
"No?"
I was taking a break and did something that I enjoy- exploring. And flying, of course, because I know that taking breaks and caring for oneself helps these situations. If everyone is busy only working they become burnt out and cannot work anymore- and that decreases all out chances of surviving and getting off planet.
You, K'll'ii, need a break.
Dux trotted over to the edge of the cliff, their front hooves almost hanging over the edges. Picard looked at them, a little confused.
Get on, captain, I'm about to give you a new perspective.
Picard hesitantly climbed up onto Dux's back and grasped at the Thaleen's neck, almost knowing exactly what Dux was going to do. He swallowed the lump in his throat, feeling his purse thundering in his neck.
Dux turned their neck to shoot a mischievous look at Picard. There was a playful sparkle in their eye, a sign of what was to come.
Hold on.
Dux backed up from the edge of the cliff, stopping about 10 yards away. They stood there for a moment, their massive lungs taking in a deep breath.
After a moment, they started into an intense gallop. Their hooves pounded into the red rock, the beats of hooves matching the beats of heart. The bright blue sky and orange scene became a blur around the two, matching the feeling of a ship going to warp. Light streaked around them, flashing and ebbing with the mountains and clouds.
Picard grasped their neck and mane, eyes wide open as he finally accepted what was happening.
Suddenly there was no ground underneath Dux's hooves.
Picard's stomach jumped into his throat as they descended into a freefall, the cool crisp air whipping around the two's bodies.
It seemed like forever that the two were falling through the air- gracefully- but still falling. Picard had a white knuckle grip on the thick mane of the Thaleen, and his legs were tight against the brown coat of Dux. He felt his body trying to fall away from Dux's, with only his legs and hands keeping the two together. Fear and a little exhilaration were coursing through his body, making him feel frigid even in the warm desert air.
The thought of dying became present for a moment.
Then Dux spread their massive wings.
The freefall stopped, and turned into a straight shot into the sky, the two speeding into the blue. Picard felt his body fall back onto Dux's, giving him a sudden sense of security. He wasn't falling anymore, he was soaring.
He looked out beyond Dux's head, seeing the blue skies and white clouds dance around him. The strong flapping of the equine alien's wings became a heartbeat shared by the two creatures, binding them to the skies and air. Binding each other together as one creature- a creature of flight.
Picard suddenly was hit by a feeling, one that he had not felt in all his time on the planet. He felt a sense of peace, a sense that things were going to turn out alright.
The fights, the worried knot in his stomach, the tenseness, it all melted away into a blissful state, one induced by the feeling of flight. The feeling of freedom.
The land beneath them seemed so far away, yet visible.
Yet beautiful.
"Is this what being a god is like?"
I'm not sure, K'll'ii.
But it sure feels wonderful.