"Mom!" Wesley bounds through the hydraulic doors. "We did it! We transmitted the signal!"

The air rushes out of my lungs. "Did it work?"

A huge smile indicates the affirmative, "Yes." He looks back, "Data compiled the evidence while Geordi, Leah and I sent the signal. Every console and padd in this sector should be broadcasting as we speak."

Breath hasn't returned as I stare aimlessly at the carpeted floor. "So now we wait…"

"Yes," a warm, familiar embrace encourages. "Da-Jean Luc will be alright. Now that people know the truth, they're not going to convict him. It's going to be obvious that it was self defense and hopefully the charges will be dropped."

I nod against his shoulder. "You know, Wes. It's okay if you call him Dad. You don't have to call him Jean Luc."

"You don't think he minds?" He muffles against my hair.

With a laugh I shake my head, "He's honored." I take another breath, "His face lights up when you say it."

/

You would think I'd be used to it by now. The waiting, I mean. But no matter how many times I'm forced to wait, it never gets easier… this time especially. We should have heard by now. Something. We should have heard at least something!

Knowing that Jean Luc is in the next room facing a judge and being harassed and barraged by lawyers does nothing to calm me. We haven't even been allowed to see him. As soon as the signal was sent from the Titan, the lot of us arrived at the courthouse and fought the press to get inside. By the time we showed up, he was already embroiled in the proceedings. No one is allowed to bear witness at this sham of a trial. So here we are, waiting, agonizing, dwelling, and hopelessly churning up worst-case scenario after worst-case scenario.

"Mom!" Wesley gets up to join me "Stop pacing. It's going to be fine."

Anxiety has become akin to a blood antigen made naturally by my body. And I can't get rid of it no matter how hard I try to calm myself. My hand nervously rubs my forehead, reddening and irritating the skin. "We should have heard by now. Anything. Something, Wes; we should have heard something. It's been an hour!"

Two hands insinuate themselves firmly on my shoulder. "Mom!" He again halts my gait and forces me to look at him. "It's going to b-"

The hydraulic doors to the holding chamber open and again my pulse speeds up as the court aid arrives breathless. My hands are shaking as I regard the skinny young boy. "What is it?"

A massive, goofy grin spreads and lights up his whole face. "They've dropped the charges. He's being released!"

Relief floods my body so much so that my legs fail to support me. Wesley catches me, though, as I regain my footing. Huge tears of relief build behind my eyes and soon a deluge has been released. "Oh thank goodness!" I sob through saline and overwhelming elation.

"Thank you," I look at Data, Geordi, Leah, Will and Deanna through bleary eyes as I hold onto my son. "I don't ever think I can repay any of you for this."

"Nonsense, Beverly," Deanna hugs me close. "Now, Carrot Top" she laughs and fusses with my too-long hair, a serene smile gracing her face. "Go get your husband."

:) Lads, that was quite a ride. I don't know if my adrenal glands can handle any more of this!