| Released April 27th 2008 Back to Basics by Missbevcrusher Rated [16A] |
| Chapter 5
Jean-Luc woke up the next morning with the beautiful morning rays upon his face. He stretched slightly and noticed the book Beverly had brought was still on the bed beside him. He took it and set it down on the small table to his right. �I was wondering when you would wake up.� He looked up and smiled when he saw Beverly standing in the doorway. She crossed the room over to the bio-monitor and checked his readings. �Well, you seem to be in a much better shape than you were a few days ago.� �I do feel much stronger.� �How about we go for some fresh air later?� �I�d really like that actually.� �Good. Now why don�t you go take a nice shower and I�ll fix us some breakfast?� He nodded. �Your clothes are in the dresser over there.� Heading toward the doorway, she added, �I�ll be in the kitchen.� �I won�t be long.� �That�s okay. Take your time,� she said as she closed the door behind her. * * * * * Once he was done shaving, Picard went for his shower. As the hot water poured down, he could feel all the grogginess left over from his slumber fade away. After he was done, he wrapped a towel around his waist and went to the dresser. Selecting a pair of black trousers and a grey shirt, he quickly went about getting dressed. Before leaving his room, he decided to give himself a quick once-over in front of the mirror. He looked well rested and to his astonishment almost younger. He�d forgotten how quickly the radiation could regenerate a person�s genetic structure. Finally satisfied, he left his room, and as he turned the corner that led to the kitchen, he saw her. Beverly was pouring coffee for both of them, the filtered rays of the sun enhancing the red hues in her long hair. The table in front of her was set with some fruit and some hot biscuits. As she put the coffee pot back on the table, she looked up and saw him. Her expression warmed as soon as her eyes locked with his and she gestured toward one of the chairs. �Just in time. Have a seat.� Jean-Luc smiled and sat down. �This looks delicious.� �Thank you.� She sat down also and took a sip of her coffee. They ate in silence for the next few minutes. It�d been so long since they�d shared a breakfast like this. For both of them, it stirred many memories of their time spent serving together. Across the table, Beverly couldn�t help but admire her friend. He looked so handsome. How she�d missed those eyes. She took a bite from her biscuit and said, �How about we head out to the local market after? It�s not very far.� �That would be great.� �If ever you start feeling weak, let me know and we�ll turn around.� He chuckled slightly. �I think I�ll be able to manage just fine.� Smiling back she replied, �Well, you let me know just the same.� Both found breakfast to be quite enjoyable. It had seemed like an eternity since they had gotten together like this. After about a half hour of light chit-chat they headed out for their walk. It wasn�t long before the captain offered his arm to the lovely doctor. She in turn didn�t hesitate and took it. As they strolled about, they took in the lovely surroundings. The birds were singing and a warm breeze filled the air. After a few minutes, they arrived at the local market. The atmosphere was very relaxed, unlike most markets on other worlds. Since life stood still here, the people didn�t feel the need to hurry to get their errands done. Everyone around them seemed to be taking their time and just enjoying their day. It was quite refreshing to see for the two hardened officers who were used to pretty hectic lifestyles. Walking past the fruits and vegetables stands, Picard and Crusher found themselves in the middle of the artisan section of the market. Anything from quilts, to paintings and sculptures filled the area. The people of Bak�u were extremely talented when it came to the arts. While Jean-Luc admired one of the realistic paintings of the surrounding hillside, Beverly approached a rack that held a variety of garments. Most of them were traditional women�s attire. The fabrics were simple yet of very fine quality. Taking one of the garments, the doctor held it up to examine it further. It consisted of a cream colored dress with short peasant sleeves and a low round neckline. Delicate embroidery adorned it and the back was lined with a row of delicate buttons going all the way down to the waist. The skirt was made of the exact same colored fabric but it was layered and was somewhat flared. �This is gorgeous.� �It would look lovely on you.� Beverly hadn�t noticed that Jean-Luc was now standing just beside her. �Thank you,� She said as she put the dress back on the rack. �I don�t think I�d have an occasion to wear it though. I can�t believe the amount of talent these people have.� �Well, they have a lot of time to perfect their crafts.� �True. It�s hard to imagine isn�t it? Having practically all the time in the world to do what you want.� �It is truly remarkable,� he said as he looked at the people around them. Beverly smiled as she contemplated him. �I think it might be a good idea if we started to head back. I don�t want you to overdo it for today.� He started to protest. �Beverly�� �If everything goes well, you can do a bit more tomorrow. However, for now, you should try to take it easy. Remember, you were bed-ridden for a long time Jean-Luc. Give yourself a chance.� A doctor-knows-best look was on her face. Seeing he wasn�t winning this one, Jean-Luc smiled and put up a hand in resignation. �Alright. I won�t argue with you.� She took his arm and slightly jerked her head in the direction of the house. �Let�s go.� They walked in silence for a bit, but soon Jean-Luc started the conversation again. �In some ways, this place reminds me of my home back in France.� �How so?� Beverly asked as she looked sideways at him. �Well, the way my father kept our family�s traditions alive� the way he clung to a simpler way of life, far from the fast-paced, convenient lifestyle most people have nowadays. It was kind of like this place.� Turning her gaze to look ahead, she nodded. �I see. You know, Caldos was somewhat like that too. All the years I spent there with my grandmother. We truly lived like Scots did a long time ago.� �I guess we both know how to appreciate our heritage without being confined to it.� �As much as I loved it there, I couldn�t imagine not having pursued my career in Starfleet.� Jean-Luc nodded. �I feel the same way. Also I truly believe that by leaving the traditional way of life I was raised in, I somehow grew a stronger appreciation for it. Does that make any sense to you?� �It does, actually.� He smiled and patted the hand that rested on his arm. �Well, in any case�� Beverly felt him stop in his tracks. At first she didn�t know why he had paused so abruptly. However, as she looked further down the cobblestone street, the reason became as clear as water. Anij was exiting one of the houses ahead. As she started walking in their direction, she spotted them and at that exact moment she stopped. Beverly momentarily looked at Jean-Luc and realized the intensity with which he was now gazing at the other woman. She knew that he really needed to speak with her and, as his friend, she wasn�t going to stop him. However, she was still his physician and would remind him of that before she left. �I�ll be at the house if you need anything. Now try to remember what I told you about taking it easy, alright?� The captain nodded, but his gaze never left Anij�s. Beverly didn�t want to be there at that moment. It was just too awkward. So she let go of her companion�s arm and quietly started walking away in order to give them more privacy. After a few steps more, she looked over her shoulder and could see that they had closed the gap between them and were now talking. It didn�t take long for Anij to look down as Jean-Luc was slowly shaking his head. Beverly had no idea what he was saying to her and for now she didn�t want to know. She tried as hard as she could to bury the feelings of jealousy that were growing within her. It was very difficult seeing the man she loved with his former flame. Turning her back to them, she continued her walk with a bit more forcefulness in her steps. She would go about another route to get back to the house. �I see you�re feeling better,� Anij said softly. �Yes... much better.� Anij smiled sadly at him. �It�s good to see you again.� The captain smiled and momentarily lowered his gaze before responding, �It�s good to see you too.� �It�s been a long time.� �It has�� Picard paused, not wanting to say the wrong thing. �Anij I�� hesitating once more, he exhaled. �Would you, um� like to go for a walk with me?� Anij nodded and followed his lead. At first, the captain wasn�t entirely sure what to say to her. He just didn�t know where to start. So after pondering a bit, he went for it, �I don�t blame you if you�re upset with me. But know that I never meant to hurt you. For what it�s worth, I had every intention of coming back.� He stopped in his tracks and looked at her sincerely, �I guess that in the end, things just didn�t work out that way. It sounds lame, I know. But I�m sorry. I really am.� �For a long time, I waited� looked forward to the day you�d return. When you didn�t, I even started worrying that something bad had happened to you. It was the only thing that made sense.� The captain looked at her apologetically and sighed. �I wish it could have been different, but�� �But what?� she asked in a tone that was surprisingly calm. �My ship, my career�� He shook his head slightly. �My whole life has been devoted to Starfleet. I could have retired by now, or at least taken a posting as an admiral back on Earth� but that�s just not me. As more and more time passed, I realized that. I�m sorry if I caused you pain.� With nothing but understanding on her features, Anij smiled sadly. �You�re a man of the stars and always will be.� �I couldn�t ask you to leave here and come with me on the Enterprise. This place, Bak�u, it�s a part of you. It�s your home. I couldn�t let you trade all of this for what I could offer.� Anij didn�t reply immediately. Instead, she absorbed what he�d just told her and carefully pondered what to say next. Finally, she said, �I see� You know, a lot of time has passed since you were here last and I don�t think it would be good if I kept dwelling on things which could never have been in the first place.� With her features softening slightly, she continued. �And not knowing was worst� wondering everyday� It�s not in me to hold grudges. So if you�re willing, perhaps we could be friends?� Jean-Luc smiled. �Friends�� he echoed. * * * * * Beverly sat at the old wooden desk by the window in her room. For now, it was her makeshift office and she had hurried to it as soon as she came back from her walk with Jean-Luc. She�d been back for almost an hour now, but her companion had yet to arrive. She was uneasy, but was determined not to let it show. So in order to take her mind off of what might be happening between Jean-Luc and Anij, the doctor did her best to concentrate on some research she was conducting on the captain�s condition. Every now and then, she would lose her concentration and would exhale sharply. Okay stop it Beverly� Jean-Luc isn�t committed to you. He�s a grown man and he can do whatever he wants�Pushing a stray strand of hair from her face, the doctor set the pad she was holding down on the desk with a little more force than intended. You knew what would happen when you came here. So just try to calm down. Her self-motivating thoughts seemed to be helping, even if it was just slightly. Suddenly, she heard knocking on the door. Could that be Jean-Luc? Trying her best to look as though she was totally engrossed in her work, Beverly called out, �Come in.� The door opened slightly and Nurse Layton peered in. �Dr. Crusher, the captain has arrived back from his walk. I told him to get some rest as you instructed.� �Thanks for letting me know.� �No problem, Doctor.� The nurse smiled and closed the door once more. Turning her attention back to her work pad, the doctor sighed. Now, where was I? * * * * * Beverly had stayed in her room all day. What had initially started as an escape from the uncomfortable situation with the captain had eventually turned into a very fruitful day of research. She was very satisfied with her findings and some of the theories she had developed might prove to be key factors in finding a cure for her friend. However eager she was to pursue her work, the grumbling noises coming from her stomach reminded her that she had in fact skipped lunch and was now famished. It was no wonder, it was past 1900 after all. Making her way to the kitchen, Beverly saw Nurse Layton sitting in front of the fireplace. �Is the captain�s yacht back yet?� The pilot and one of the nurses had taken the yacht out of the Briar Patch in order to relay information to the Enterprise and get word from their end. �No ma�am, but they should be back later this evening.� Pointing to a large pot on the stove, the nurse continued, �We just had dinner and there�s some left for you.� Beverly opened the lid and saw that it was halfway filled with chicken stew. �Mmm, this looks really good.� After she was done eating, the doctor poured herself a cup of tea. �Is the captain asleep already?� �No, he went out back after dinner.� �I�d better go check on how he�s doing.� With her tea in hand, Beverly headed to the back door. It was dark outside. The dim light coming from the windows and the moon were the only source of illumination for the small private backyard. It was quite nice with its surrounding stone walls with vines that crept up them. And from what Beverly could tell, the grounds were very well kept with neatly cut grass and a few blooming flowerbeds. In one corner of the yard was an old tree with a wooden bench underneath. And it was precisely there that sat her friend. �Do you mind having some company?� Beverly asked as she approached him. �Beverly.� He seemed startled out of his reverie. �No, by all means. Please� have a seat.� She sat down and eyed him for a moment. �How are you feeling?� she asked softly. �I�m alright.� He gave her a concerned look. �What about you?� �What about me?� She quickly took a sip of tea to try to hide her discomfort. A part of her was afraid she�d let him see the jealousy she�d felt when they�d run into Anij. �Well, you didn�t come down to dinner...� He let the statement trail. She shook her head and tried to make light of the situation. �Oh� I just got carried away with some research. That�s all.� By the look in his eyes, Beverly wasn�t sure if he bought her explanation, but to her relief he didn�t press further. Instead, he broke his gaze from hers and took a sip from his own cup of tea. �It�s really nice out here isn�t it?� �It is.� She looked around them and then back to him. This time, when their eyes locked, she smiled. He did too and the warmth she saw in him made her heart rate go up. Just above them, the leaves on the treetop were rustling in the wind. The nights were so quiet here. There were no vehicles, no noise-making technology to disrupt the quiet scenery around them. They sat like that for another while further. Each just relaxing and watching as the steam emanating from their beverages swirled lazily in the night air. �You�re not curious as to how things went between Anij and myself today?� the captain finally asked. �Well, I didn�t feel as though it was any of my business,� she answered matter-of-factly. The captain smiled slightly. �Of course you wouldn�t.� He paused, gauging what to say next. Beverly sat there in silence and waited patiently for him to continue. �I hurt her, very much so. She waited for me, you know.� He was staring straight ahead, unable to look at her just yet. �When I saw her last, I had every intention of coming back. But as time passed, I sort of brushed it aside until it was too late� Then when I saw her today�� He paused and shook his head slightly. �And saw the look in her eyes. It broke my heart. But the most surprising thing for me was that she forgave me.� Jean-Luc finally turned to face Beverly with a faraway look in his eyes. �Well, she must have known that you would always be devoted to your career and that you never meant to hurt her,� she spoke softly, reassuringly. The captain took her hand in his and squeezed it momentarily. �Thank you, Beverly.� �What for?� �For being here for me. It�s been a long time since I was able to talk with anyone like this.� She smiled lovingly at him. �That�s what friends are for, right?� �I guess it is.� He exhaled and looked at her apologetically. �You know� I feel really bad for how I let things get so distant between us during these last few years.� �Don�t blame yourself. I probably had a hand in that as well.� �In any case� I�m sorry.� Fighting back tears, she replied, �I�m sorry, too.� �So can I have my best friend back?� He�d asked it lightly, but his eyes revealed nothing but sincerity. Beverly laughed softly. �Well, she was never really gone� just a little farther away than usual.� Relieved, he laughed also and gently put his arm around her shoulder. In response, the doctor momentarily leaned her head on his shoulder and smiled. Together in the darkness, the two friends had made a giant leap in their attempt to recapture the closeness they had once shared. It felt good� and it also felt right. * * * * * Chapter 6 The next week passed by quickly. First, Picard received the treatment of sopretna. He had awaited the results patiently, but was once again disappointed at its failure. Despite the setback, Beverly still felt positive and did her best to reassure the captain. As for the officers that had accompanied them? Well, since his condition was now fully stable and he didn�t need to stay bedridden anymore, it was decided that it was no longer necessary to keep the nurses around. Dr. Crusher was the only one capable of pursuing the necessary research, so having them just standing around doing nothing wasn�t at all productive. They�d boarded the captain�s yacht and were now well on their way to the Enterprise. Every two weeks, the craft would return to check if any progress had been made and would then report back to the ship. So for now, it was only Jean-Luc and Beverly. Within the last few days, Picard�s condition had improved immensely. He was feeling so good, in fact, that he felt able to resume a normal pace of activity. Not that there was anything normal about being confined to a planet, at least for him. It didn�t take him long to miss his ship� his bridge. He never was one to stay on a planet for too long. He belonged out in the stars. His only consolation was that Beverly was there with him. However, she was so busy trying to find a solution to his condition that he didn�t get to spend as much time with her as he would have liked. Oh well, he though to himself, the sooner a cure is found, the sooner I can get back to my ship. A sad thought then came to him. Beverly didn�t serve on his ship anymore. So many times he had wondered how he could have made her stay. A part of him wanted to beg her not to go, but when the time had come he hadn�t been able to. He didn�t feel it was his place to prevent her from advancing in her career. In any case, what did he have to offer anyway? Beverly had made it clear to him after Kesprytt that she didn�t feel comfortable pursuing a romantic relationship with him. Hell, it�s too late now� In the morning, when the sun hadn�t even reached the horizon yet and only a faint purplish hue over the tree line announced the upcoming sunrise, Picard woke up. He couldn�t sleep anymore. For some reason, he�d awoken about an hour earlier and hadn�t been able to go back to sleep. I might as well get up. The captain took a quick shower and got dressed. As he exited his room and passed in front of Beverly�s, he noticed the door was fully open and her bed neatly made. She must be having breakfast already. Continuing ahead, he reached the kitchen but found it empty. A hot kettle of tea had been prepared and was sitting on the stove. After taking a cup out of the cupboard, he poured some of the lhot beverage into it and headed to the back of the house. After he�d opened the door, he looked around the yard illuminated by the first rays of the sun and saw her. She was in the middle of the grassy area, wearing a white tank-top with light grey exercise pants. She was doing what he surmised was traditional Klingon martial arts. Her slow movements were controlled and precise. He couldn�t help but notice how fit she was� and gorgeous, too. Not wanting her to think he was spying on her, the captain cleared his throat. �Good morning.� She turned her face toward him and smiled but did not stop her routine. �Good morning. Care to join me?� Jean-Luc chuckled. �No, thank you. I think I�ll just sit down and enjoy my cup of tea.� �Suit yourself,� she answered lightly. Beverly shifted the weight of her stance from front to back and proceeded to execute a slow version of a defensive block. She felt so energized and was amazed at the ease with which she was executing her movements. Even though she�d always stayed active, she�d noticed in the last year or so that her stamina wasn�t what it used to be and neither was her flexibility. Since she got to Bak�u, however, it seemed a lot of the little kinks that had started to surface were gone. She truly did feel younger and she found that to be very exciting. After all, they�d been here far longer than their previous visit and the benefits were tenfold what they�d been the first time. Casting an occasional glance at the captain, the fact that the radiation had done him good didn�t escape her attention either. It was hard to believe, but he looked at least ten years younger. �So anyway, I�ve started a new series of analysis from one of the tissue samples that we�ve taken. However, it should take at least thirty hours to complete.� �Oh?� the captain responded. �So, I thought we could perhaps go for a walk in the hills today.� She smiled as she shifted position yet again. �You feeling up to it?� �I�d really enjoy that.� �Good.� Beverly ended her routine and went over to the bench by the tree to get a towel. Patting her face dry, she started heading toward the house. As she passed by the captain, she smiled. �I�m going to take a shower. Let�s say we leave in about a half hour?� Jean-Luc nodded. �Sounds good.� He couldn�t help but stare at her as she retreated into the house. Just the thought of her in the shower was enough to make his mind race. Shaking his head briefly, he tried to regain control of his thoughts. Come on Jean-Luc, you have to stop that. * * * * * While he waited for the doctor to get ready, the captain decided to go in the kitchen and prepare a light picnic. He could hear the water running from her bathroom. Then, just as he finished packing their lunch, he heard the water stop. Not too long after that, Beverly emerged looking refreshed and ready to go. Her hair flowed down her shoulders in loose curls. The buttons of the white shirt she was wearing were undone just enough to reveal a grey tank top underneath. �Sorry it took so long.� �That�s quite alright. So are you ready to go?� Beverly nodded. �Ready.� They headed toward the front door, where Jean-Luc opened it and in his usual gentlemanly manner, gestured for her to go first. After a few minutes of walking, the pair spotted Sojef amid the natives going about their business. As the man caught sight of them, he smiled warmly. �Sojef,� Beverly greeted him as she approached him. �Good morning, Doctor.� Sojef turned his gaze toward Picard and nodded in acknowledgement. �Captain.� Picard smiled. �Hello, Sojef. How have you been?� �Good.� He gestured toward Picard and continued, �And I�m happy to see that you seem to be doing a lot better.� Picard cast a glance at Crusher. �Well, I have my doctor to thank for that.� Though brief, the eye contact Beverly had shared with the captain had caused a slight butterfly sensation in her stomach. The look he�d given her had been so sincere, so caring. Trying her best to calm herself, the doctor responded, �Well, I can�t take all the credit. It was the metaphasic radiation that made a difference.� Sojef nodded. �Well, I�m glad it was able to help. We do owe you a debt of gratitude Captain. If it hadn�t been for your help, we would have lost all of this.� He gestured toward the scenery about them as he finished his statement. �Well, I�m just glad we were able to help.� Picard said modestly. �Captain Picard?� As the captain turned slightly to his left, he caught sight of the person who had just called out to him. Picard immediately smiled. �Artim?� When Picard had last seen him, Artim had been but a child. In the years since, he had grown considerably into a tall, strong young man. �I heard you were sick, but I�m glad to see you�re doing a lot better.� �Thank you.� Picard shook the young man�s hand. �You sure have grown since I last saw you.� Artim smiled. �I heard you came in a small spacecraft. When is the Enterprise getting here? I�d really like to see Data again.� Jean-Luc hesitated a bit and exchanged a brief look with Beverly. �Huh� well�� Taking a breath, the captain�s features softened and an evident sadness shone in his eyes. �I�m afraid Commander Data will not be joining us this time around. You see� he was lost in the line of duty close to a year ago.� Artim looked back and forth between the doctor and the captain. He just couldn�t believe Data was gone. He thought that he would have lived forever. �I�m really sorry, Artim.� The captain put a comforting arm on the young man�s shoulder. �Well, if you�ll excuse me� I really want to be alone right now.� Artim quickly turned and left. Picard and Crusher remained silent for the next few moments, each not knowing exactly what to say. Sojef was the first one to speak. �I�m really sorry to hear about Commander Data. If it hadn�t been for him, the whole plan to relocate us might not have been uncovered at all.� �He was a fine officer,� Picard stated somberly. �He was also a good friend. We all miss him terribly,� Beverly added. �He had made quite an impression on Artim when he was here. For the longest time after you left, Artim would often speak of him.� �Is he going to be alright?� Picard asked. �He just needs time that�s all. He�ll come around, don�t worry.� Seeing he always lived on Bak�u, Artim wasn�t used to the concept of death. After all, aside from the rare occurrence of accidents, the villagers here seldom passed away. The captain and doctor couldn�t help but feel sorry for the young man. * * * * * Chapter 7 Picard and Crusher had set out on foot about two hours earlier. During that time, they had passed through a wooded area and were now walking on a hillside that provided a spectacular scene of snow-covered mountains in the distance. �This place reminds me of those old fashioned postcards,� Beverly said without looking back at the captain, who was trailing a few steps behind her. �The scenery is truly breathtaking.� �Do you mind if we stop for a bit?� �No, that�s fine.� Beverly pointed ahead of her. �There�s a tree over there. Why don�t we go sit beneath it?� �Lead the way.� The pair walked toward the old tree and sat down beneath. The lush canopy of leaves overhead provided some shade that was a nice respite from the hot sun. �It�s been a long time since I�ve been hiking. It�s a nice change from my usual routine.� Beverly closed her eyes momentarily and inhaled deeply. �It sure smells nice out here.� The breeze carried a wonderful scent of wild flowers. �I�ve been cooped up in starships and research facilities for too long.� Beverly opened her eyes and looked over at the captain, �Even while on Earth this past year, I haven�t taken nearly enough time to just relax and enjoy myself. I mean the world is literally at my finger tips and I haven�t taken advantage of it.� The captain nodded. �I know what you mean.� As he settled back, he got a faraway look in his eyes. �Although I don�t regret my career, I�ve begun to realize how much I�ve sacrificed for the sake of duty.� Beverly silently contemplated her friend as she waited for him to continue. �I remember you practically had to order me to take a vacation. For some reason, I just couldn�t tear myself away from the big chair. I�ve devoted my entire life to Starfleet and although I�ve accomplished many things in my years as captain� I�ve�� Jean-Luc shook his head slightly, but said no more. Instead, he just sat there and looked over the horizon. �You�ve what?� Beverly asked softly. The captain looked back at her and smiled ruefully. �I�ve never really experienced anything else and sometimes I wonder if I�ve really missed out.� �It�s never too late, Jean-Luc.� Picard chuckled slightly, �I�m not as young as I used to be, Beverly.� �Uh-uh, that�s not true.� Beverly smiled mischievously. �We�re growing younger remember.� The captain started laughing. �I guess I really didn�t think of that.� Not wanting to rush themselves, the two spent about a half hour or so just talking about this and that. After checking the tricorder one last time to verify their location, the pair got up and resumed their hike. Crusher was still leading the way. They had made their way down the hillside and found a small path that lead into the forest. The birds were singing and the leaves were rustling in the wind. Although quite narrow, the path was well worn and was undoubtedly often used by the Bak�u. As he walked behind her, the captain couldn�t help but steal glances at the beautiful doctor. The sunlight that filtered through the leaves made her hair shine in the softest hues of red. Then, without slowing her pace, she had gathered her hair in a ponytail. �The trail is a bit steeper just ahead,� Beverly said as she slowed down a bit. �Do you mind if I go first?� �No, go right ahead.� The doctor stepped aside, letting him pass. Jean-Luc surveyed the trail. For the next four feet or so, the rocky trail descended sharply. Taking his time, the captain descended to where the trail resumed in flatter terrain. Turning around, he reached out to where Beverly stood. �Take my hand.� Beverly reached out carefully and took his hand. Slowly, she then started to make her way down to where Jean-Luc stood. �There you go,� Jean-Luc said as finally reached him. As she did so, she fell slightly forward and ended up practically in his arms. They were both laughing as Beverly tried to regain her footing. When she finally straightened, her face was mere inches away from his. Jean-Luc smiled and gently pushed a stray strand of hair out of her face. �Are you alright?� Beverly returned the smile and said, �Yes, I�m fine. Thank you.� She felt like her voice had gone and it was not because she�d been startled by her false step. Rather, it was because he�d taken her breath away. His eyes were so gentle, the way he�d brushed her hair aside so tender. They stayed like that for a few moments more. Their gazes locked together. The captain wanted nothing more than to pull her chin toward him and kiss her. He somewhat felt like a teenager again, no doubt thanks to the effects of the radiation. The hesitation, the nervous anticipation and excitement all reminded him of how he felt when he�d had his first kiss as a young man. Quickly, Jean-Luc realized that Beverly was still holding his hand. If you only knew what you do to me Beverly� Beverly was doing her best to steady her breathing. Does he know the affect he has on me? What she wouldn�t give to kiss him. Get control over yourself, Beverly. A small part of her was cursing the effect this planet was having on her. Yes, it was causing her to grow younger which wasn�t half bad, but it was also causing her to lose some of the control she�d always exercised when it came to the man standing in front of her. Jean-Luc was losing himself in her. There was something in her gaze, hidden just below the surface. What he wouldn�t give to know what she was thinking. Even after all the years he�d known her, there were still many things he didn�t know about her. For that moment, it was as if they were in a dream. A pair of white butterflies flew in past them, as the filtered sunlight created a dancing pattern on their faces. It was a perfect moment, the two of them, so close to� something. Deep inside, both were still fighting a very familiar battle however. It was one that had been much easier to fight before their arrival here, for it was simply their efforts not to give in to the feelings that existed between them. They both wanted something to happen between them, but neither was certain they should. It was like a never-ending merry-go-round that they�d been on time and time again. Reluctantly, Beverly was the first to back away. She did so slowly, never letting her gaze part from his. Swallowing, Picard tried to shake off the effect she had on him. �Well� if we continue down the path, we should be at the river pretty soon.� Fighting her way out of her reverie, Beverly replied, �Yes, if I remember correctly, the tricorder said it was about a fifteen minute walk from here.� The pair resumed their walk in silence until they reached a rock ledge that overlooked the sparkling water of the slow-moving river. The sunshine created the most beautiful shimmering patterns on the calm water. It was absolutely beautiful. The rock ledge was shaped so that it was easy to climb lower. It was as if nature had intentionally provided a set of steps for people to be able to enjoy this beautiful spot fully. Walking carefully down the rocky steps of sorts, the pair soon found a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the scenery. A few feet above the water, the rock ledge eased into a sort of little plateau. It was a perfectly nestled flat stoned area of about eight to ten feet in circumference. Sitting down again, Beverly gestured toward the water below them. �This place is absolute heaven, Jean-Luc.� �It is. The Bak�u are very lucky people.� He sat down beside her and proceeded to unpack a blanket onto which to picnic on. The pair enjoyed their meal that consisted of a nice pasta salad, some fruits and a bit of wine. They now sat quietly with their half empty glasses looking out at the scenery. With the afternoon sun came a slow rise in temperature. It was a rather hot day to say the least. The soft breeze did offer some respite, but barely so. Setting her glass down on the blanket that lay beneath them, Beverly said, "Whew, it's really hot today, isn't it? Not at all like the climate controlled offices of medical that I'm used to." Undoing the buttons of her white shirt to reveal the grey tank top beneath, she added, "I hope you don't mind." "No, go right ahead." Picard smiled and looked away. It wasn't only the sight of her in her form-fitting top with thin straps that made his mind race, but it was seeing her undo the tiny buttons of her blouse and finally setting it down beside her. He couldn't help but feel rather silly, for an experienced Starfleet captain who had stared down the worst of enemies was buckling at the mere sight of his former chief medical officer disrobing, even if only partially. You're acting like a silly teenage boy Jean-Luc. Get a grip will you... Not wanting to look too stupid by averting his gaze from her for too long, he looked at her once more. God, she's gorgeous... Crossing her stretched-out legs, the doctor leaned back on her hands for support. Taking in the sunshine, she said, "That's much better." Small wisps of her long bangs flew in the breeze. "More wine?" asked Jean-Luc as he poured himself another glass. "Please." Taking her glass once again, she outstretched her hand toward the captain and let him fill it. "It�s been a long time since I got to enjoy a fine vintage like this," he said as he looked at his glass. Between sips she asked, "Don't you have a stash of Chateau Picard on the Enterprise?" Picard shrugged. "I do, but I usually save it for special occasions. I guess I didn't see the sense of drinking it alone." Something in the way he said it that gave his companion pause. Beverly regarded her former captain carefully, trying to divine his thoughts. He seemed distant all of a sudden, lost in himself. Then Guinan's words came back to her. "He hasn't been the same since you left... Just thought you'd like to know." Breathing out in what turned to be a small sigh, the doctor said, "Jean-Luc?" Her voice sounded almost hesitant. Turning to her, free of the cloud that had momentarily descended on him, he replied, "Yes?" Her gaze firmly held his, the blue of her eyes as gentle as the look she gave him. "How have you been... really... this past year?" He seemed to have been caught off guard by her question for his brows shot upward momentarily and he looked away. "Well, I've been doing okay, kept myself busy. Along with the repairs to the Enterprise following our encounter with Shinzon, and with the many subsequent missions we've had, there's been much to do,� came his carefully calculated response to her question. Seeing he wasn't opening up just yet, she decided to prod deeper, her manner still cautious. "I mean personally." Looking to her once again, he tried his best to keep his expression guarded. For he hadn't done so well during the dreadfully long year she had served on Earth. Her absence was like a big empty hole in his life that he could not fill, however hard he tried. "I've... managed..." Lifting her glass to her mouth, the doctor nervously said, "What if I told you... I was managing too..." With that, she quickly took a drink of wine in an attempt to hide the blush on her cheeks. Oh, what have you started, Beverly... "Really?" He was actually surprised by that admission, for he had the impression that she had adjusted quite well to her new life on Earth. Smiling in embarrassment, her gaze fixed on her drink, she answered, "I guess old habits die hard and having you around day after day was one of them." By way of a response, the captain took her hand and squeezed it affectionately. "When you first left for Medical, I knew that I was going to miss having you around. I guess I just wasn't prepared for how much, you know." Smiling sadly, she replied, "I felt the same way." They shared a look, as if something buried deep inside was re-emerging, stronger than ever. "Ooh!" A particularly strong gust of wind blew past them and with it carried the white blouse that lay beside the doctor. Futilely, Beverly reached for it but it was too late. It fluttered lazily in the air until she lost sight of it as it went over the side of the rock ledge. Approaching the edge, Beverly crouched and looked at the water below, where the little white blouse floated on the calm water. She was about to say, "The hell with it..." and leave it there, but before she knew it, the captain spoke. "I'll go get it." He was now standing, taking his shirt off. "Oh, you don't have to." She tried her best not to stare too much. "That's quite alright. Besides, the weather's perfect for a quick little dip," He playfully told her. Beverly didn't even have time to say anything else for he had already started down the side of the little rock ledge. A few seconds after, she heard a splash as he jumped in. Looking back down at the water, she saw the blouse was gone and the calm water was replaced by a series of circular waves where the captain had jumped. Smiling in amusement, she waited for him to surface. A few seconds passed, and then a few more, until finally Beverly started to frown in concern. �Jean-Luc?!� Afraid he�d been hurt when he jumped, Beverly instantly reverted to physician mode. With quick efficiency, she made her way down the rocks and scanned the water. She couldn�t see him so she went in headfirst. It took a second or two for her eyes to adjust to the blur of being under water. The water was at least twelve feet deep where she was and so with arms carefully treading water, she looked around as best she could. Popping back up for air, Beverly�s heartbeat started racing. Dear god� Then just as she was about to dive under once more, she heard a splash nearby as Jean-Luc emerged from the water safe and sound. Furthermore, he seemed oblivious to the fact that she�d been worried about him. �Beverly,� he said in delighted surprise. �I thought I�d heard something when I was down there. I didn�t know you were planning on joining me.� The doctor was not amused, splashing water in his face she said, �You scared the living daylights out of me. I thought you�d been hurt or something. So while you were down there holding your breath, I was frantically looking for you.� Jean-Luc tried his best not to laugh. �I�m sorry. But at least I got your blouse.� As he handed it to her, Beverly�s mood began to lighten. �Thank you.� Watching her as she swam back toward the rock ledge, Picard asked, �So am I forgiven?� Looking back toward him in a teasing fashion, she replied, �We�ll see.� He smiled. �Oh, so that�s how it goes.� Putting her blouse on a spot just above the water line, Beverly turned to him once more and started swimming. �Well, this water sure feels good.� Turning to her back, she continued, �It�s been such a long time since I went swimming.� Lazily, she made her way toward him and without warning, began to splash him relentlessly. Of course, Jean-Luc just as soon retaliated with carefully timed splashes so as to get her square in the face. It was hysterically funny, two very well known Starfleet officers playing like small children in a river. After all splashing had ceased, the two swam face to face, still laughing. �That was for making me worry,� said Beverly. �So now we�re even?� he asked lightly. �We�re even,� she replied, humor still in her voice. For the next few minutes, they kept swimming. They were both having a wonderful time simply relaxing in the water. �The water�s pretty deep here,� said Beverly, who was now at least ten feet away from the captain. Looking down, Picard could see that there was some sort of rock formation almost directly beneath him. Carefully, he checked to see if his feet could reach it and they did. It wasn�t very large, maybe two feet wide, but it did offer him a little break from treading water. �If you need to take a little break, there�s enough room here to stand.� �Sounds great.� With graceful strokes, Beverly quickly made her way toward him. When she got within an arm�s reach from him, she noticed his outstretched hand and took it. Swiftly, he pulled her to him. �Here you go. Careful.� Easing her feet down on the rocks, she held on to him to gain her balance. When she looked up, she found she wasn�t prepared for the close proximity she was to him. And in that moment she froze, lost in the hazel of his eyes. Seeing the way the beautiful doctor was now looking at him, Jean-Luc found he had trouble even just swallowing. The rhythm of his heartbeat increasing rapidly, he tried to keep his breathing in check. It was as if a million butterflies were trapped in a whirlwind in the pit of his stomach. At that moment, he couldn�t remember the last time he�d been this nervous. With a thousand emotions soaring through them, Picard and Crusher were in full debate with themselves. A part of them was still hesitant, unsure if this was wise. But another part, one that was turning out to be even stronger than usual, was telling them to give in. To just stop this pretense that between them lay only platonic feelings of friends and co-workers. So finally, nose to nose, with water dripping from their skin, they gave in. It happened so quickly that it didn�t register with neither of them right away. Swiftly, Jean-Luc had put his hand on the small of her back and pulled her to him. With her hands on each side of his face, Beverly leaned in and kissed him passionately, fully. As their kiss deepened even more, Jean-Luc lifted her up so that her shoulders emerged from the water, bringing with it the sound of falling droplets of water against the calm surface. His arms felt so strong around her, his embrace so inviting, she felt as though she was melting into him. The moment stretched on, unlike any they�d ever shared before. With more and more effort needed to just keep their breathing in control, Jean-Luc and Beverly became oblivious to the world around them. Slowly, one of Jean-Luc�s hands glided downward until it reached her thigh and then lifted it up slowly to his side. Suddenly, it was as if the insanity of the moment caught up with them and with it brought a sense of hesitation. Without pulling away from him, Beverly stopped kissing him and whispered, �Wait�� With her eyes still closed and her nose still touching his, she tried to calm herself. �What are we doing?� Not letting go of her, Picard was having a hard time wrapping his mind around everything that was happening. Not yet knowing what to say, he set her back down so that her feet once again rested on the rock below the surface. Then, they just looked at one another, trying to make sense of everything. Feeling really awkward, the captain was the first one to speak. �Look, I�m� sorry if I overstepped my bounds�� Seeing that he was feeling bad, Beverly put her hand on the side of his face and tried to reassure him. �No, Jean-Luc. Please� don�t be sorry. I wanted this just as badly as you did.� Looking down at the water, she continued, �I was just debating the wisdom in it.� Puzzled, he shook his head. �I�m sorry, I�m afraid I don�t understand�� With a hint of fear in her eyes, she explained, �Well, what if this is just the effect of the metaphasic radiation.� �Tell me if I�m mistaken, but something tells me you�ve wanted this for a long time too. In fact, long before we came here. Am I right?� She swallowed. �You are, but� I don�t know, I guess there are a lot of unanswered question between us. Perhaps, the smart thing to do would be to slow down and think about things.� Sadly, Jean-Luc nodded. �Alright, let�s take our time with this� think it through. The last thing I want is to damage our friendship again.� She gave him a reassuring smile. �That won�t happen. I promise.� Turning away from him, Beverly started swimming toward the rock ledge. As she did so, she fought the tightening in her throat. She didn�t want to pull away from him, but there were things that needed to be sorted out before they jumped into anything. With chagrin in his heart, Picard watched her as she got out of the water. Not feeling as though he could face her right away, he opted to stay in the water for a few minutes longer�a time during which he tried to get a hold on his emotions. Finally, he too headed for the rock ledge and started to climb out of the water. Beverly, who was turned away from him, was wringing the water out of her hair, her wet clothing hanging on to every curve of her figure. She then headed for the very edge of the ledge and sat down, looking out at the water. Slowly, he made his way over and sat down beside her. Gazing at the slow moving water before them, they contemplated what had just occurred between them, each trying to straighten things out within them. With a heavy silence, the seconds stretched on for minutes until finally, Beverly put her hand on his. Momentarily, they looked at one another with a sad smile pulling at the corners of their mouths. The tension between them gradually dissipated as more time passed. Eventually, the two of them even got around to drinking the remainder of the wine they had brought with them. And while they sat there, the warm rays of the afternoon sun had even had time to partially dry their clothing. �All in all, this was a very nice day,� said the doctor. �You really think so?� he was surprised, given the uncomfortable situation that had occurred between them earlier. �I do.� He smiled warmly. �I had a good time as well.� Together, they then went about packing everything up for their hike back to the village. Then a scream broke out in the distance. �Help!� cried someone. Chapter 8 �It�s coming from further down the river,� Beverly said, hurrying in the direction of the plea for help. Jean-Luc quickly ran after her to see what was going on. After running for about thirty seconds or so in another small path that longed the river, the pair emerged from the forest onto the banks. On the other side was a young woman tending to someone lying at the bottom of a very steep rock-face. Turning toward Picard and Crusher, the young woman cried out once more, �Please help him, he fell.� �Don�t move him, we�re coming over,� said Beverly as she started crossing the river. She hurried as best she could, but the knee-deep water slowed her down quite a bit. When the two officers finally made it across, they immediately ran over to the injured young man. �Artim�� said Picard. The distraught young woman who sat by him was holding the young man�s hand. �Will he be okay?� Beverly knelt beside the unconscious teenager and put her fingers on the side of his neck. �He�s got a pulse. Artim, it�s Doctor Crusher. Can you hear me?� No response. Continuing her assessment, the doctor addressed the captain, �Don�t you have a tricorder in that backpack?� Thankfully, they had brought a standard tricorder with them in case they�d gotten lost on their hike. The captain immediately removed the straps from his shoulder and rummaged through the bag. �Here you go.� He handed it over to her. Beverly proceeded to scan Artim. �He�s got some internal injuries, but I believe we can move him safely.� �Shouldn�t I get someone to help us?� asked the teenage girl. Beverly shook her head. �We can�t wait. He has to be treated right away and I don�t have the necessary medical equipment to do it here.� Together, the three of them managed to fashion a makeshift gurney and then proceeded slowly to bring him back to the village. It was a long and arduous hike back. Beverly kept assessing him as they went along to make sure he didn�t take a turn for the worse. Darkness had fallen when they finally reached the village. Many villagers ran over to them to find out what had happened. �We need to get him back at the house,� Beverly quickly stated as people started to offer their assistance. Among the many villagers that had gathered around them were Sojef and Anij. Sojef grabbed hold of the side of the gurney to help them carry the load. �What happened?� Aree, the young woman who had been with Artim when he fell, spoke first, �I followed him to the river. He started climbing rock-face there. It was dangerous and I asked him to come back down, but he didn�t listen to me.� A few minutes later, they arrived at the house and Beverly had Artim placed on the biobed she had on hand. There were a lot of people in the room, so Beverly politely asked them to leave so she could do her job. �Jean-Luc, I�m going to need you here if you don�t mind?� �Of course.� * * * * * For the next hour or so, Aree, Sojef, and Anij waited patiently in the small living room for word on Artim. Sojef was particularly worried, as any parent would in that situation. Artim was all he had. His wife had drowned more than a decade before, leaving him to raise the young man by himself. Anij, a close friend of theirs, had always been there for them, just as she was at that moment. She tried her best to comfort the distraught father. �He�s going to be alright, Sojef. Doctor Crusher is a very capable physician and if anyone can help him, it�s her.� Just then, Beverly emerged from the other room and smiled. �Your son is going to be just fine, Sojef. I�ve repaired all of his internal injuries as well as a broken leg.� Sojef breathed a sigh of relief as he approached Crusher. �Can I see him?� �Of course, come with me.� Beverly gestured toward the room where Artim rested. Anij sat down by Aree and put a hand on her shoulder. �I told you he was going to be alright.� �I was so scared today. Artim had seemed kind of upset when he�d headed for the river. When he realized I was following him, he told me that he wanted to be alone. I knew he was going climbing. That�s what he does when he wants to be alone. He�s told me many times that when he�s up there, he can just forget about everything. But this time, I had a bad feeling. I tried to convince him not to climb, but he just wouldn�t listen.� �Well, if you hadn�t stayed with him, it might have taken too long for someone to find him.� �Maybe, I don�t know. Anyway, I�d better head back home now. I want to let my parents know Artim�s going to be fine.� �Alright, sweetie. I�ll see you tomorrow then.� Aree got up and headed for the door. Just before she left, she turned back toward Anij. �When you talk to Artim, tell him I�m glad he�s okay.� �I will.� With that, the young woman walked out of the house and closed the door behind her. Just then, Jean-Luc entered the living room. Anij got up at once and walked toward the captain. �Thank you so much for what you did for Artim. If it weren�t for you, he might not have made it.� Jean-Luc put up his hands. �I can�t take the credit for this one. Doctor Crusher was the one who took control of the situation and managed to save him.� �She�s a good doctor.� �Yes, she is,� Jean-Luc said as he cast a glance toward the other room, where they could see Beverly as she spoke reassuringly to Artim. When Anij looked back at Jean-Luc, she saw that his gaze was still fixed on the doctor. There was something in the way he looked at her, a kind of silent, almost imperceptible longing. Suddenly, it became very clear. Why haven�t I noticed before? Work wasn�t the only reason Jean-Luc hadn�t come back to her. In all that time, Beverly had filled a place in his heart, a place that she herself probably never could fill. When Jean-Luc finally turned back toward her, Anij decided to act as if she hadn�t noticed anything. �What do you say I change out of these damp clothes and afterwards I�ll make you a nice cup of tea?� Jean-Luc asked. Anij nodded. �That would be great, actually.� In his bedroom, the captain went to the dresser and took out the clothes he needed. The chill within him started to dissipate almost as soon as he put on his pants and sweater. It felt good to finally be in dry clothing. Once he made his way in the cozy kitchen, Jean-Luc went about putting a kettle of water on the stove to boil. In the meantime, Anij, who was sitting at the table, contemplated the captain. �You two have known each other for a long time, haven�t you?� �Who?� Jean-Luc asked as he took out two cups from the cupboard. �Beverly and me?� �Yes.� The captain set the two cups down on the counter and opened the lid of the small clay jar that held the tea bags. �For a long time, yes.� �You seem very close.� �We�re good friends.� Taking a peek at the water in the kettle, Jean-Luc concluded that it wouldn�t take very long for the water to start boiling. Turning back toward Anij, he saw a curious expression on her face. �What?� Anij shrugged. �I�m not sure. It�s just�� she let the statement trail a bit as she eyed him carefully. �I just sense that there might be something more.� �Between Beverly and me?� Jean-Luc shook his head and smiled. �We�ve never been a couple, if that�s what you�re asking.� Anij smiled at him knowingly. �But you have strong feelings for her. It�s obvious just by the way you look at her.� Before the captain could respond to that, the teakettle started to whistle as the steam from the boiling water rushed out of the small hole on the lid. Good timing, he thought to himself. With the tea bags in the cups, he proceeded to pour the boiling water carefully in each of them. As the water hit the tea bags, small swirls, the color or warm terra cotta, began to spread around the cup until finally the whole of the water took on the color of the newly steeped tea. Carefully, he brought over the steaming beverages and set them down on the wooden table. �Be careful, it�s very hot.� �Thank you.� She said with a smile. Bringing the cup close to her lips, Anij closed her eyes slightly as she took in the scent of the soothing liquid. �You�re welcome.� Jean-Luc slowly took a sip, truly savoring it. �Does she know?� At those words, the captain almost spit out his tea. He wiped his mouth with one of the cloth napkins that was neatly folded on the table. �What?� �Does she know that you�re in love with her?� Anij asked in a low voice so as not to be heard by the doctor working nearby. Jean-Luc shook his head and smiled. �You�re not going to let this go, are you?� �You know me quite well.� Lowering his gaze at the cup before him, the captain took a moment before responding, �She does, yes.� He let out a breath. �In a manner of speaking.� �Does she feel the same way about you?� �There are times when I think she does� when I think that we might have a chance at developing something more. But in the end, it never works out that way. There�s a lot of history between us, too much perhaps. So much pain.� Lifting his gaze once more, he added, �I guess things have always been too complicated when it comes to the two of us.� �Sometimes, people have a way of making things complicated when they don�t need to be.� Leaning a bit closer she continued, �You should talk to her Jean-Luc.� Putting his hand on top of hers, he smiled sadly. �I appreciate what you�re trying to do, but�� �Just consider it. You never know, it might turn out to be the best thing for both of you.� �Well I can�t promise anything� but, thank you, Anij.� �You�re very welcome,� she replied with a warm smile. After talking at further lengths to Sojef about the details of Artim�s injuries and his recovery process, Beverly decided to give father and son a few minutes alone. �Just try to keep it brief. He�s going to need some rest.� �Alright, Doctor,� Sojef replied from Artim�s bedside. Beverly smiled and retreated from the room. As she made her way toward the kitchen, she could hear talking, but she couldn�t make out the words. She expected that perhaps Jean-Luc had taken Aree and Anij to the kitchen for a bite to eat while they waited, but the scene before her wasn�t exactly one she was prepared for. She stopped in her tracks just before she reached the doorway. At the table sat both Anij and Jean-Luc, both looking very comfortable with one another. They were smiling at one another as the captain rested his hand atop of hers. Whether rational or not, after what they�d shared earlier that day, the sight of the captain with his former flame still evoked slight jealousy within her. She even debated whether or not to go into the kitchen, but when the captain looked up and saw her, he smiled. �Beverly.� He gestured toward the tea cups on the table. �Would you care to join us for a cup of tea?� Trying to look like everything was fine she smiled back. �No, thanks.� �Artim was very lucky you two were nearby when he fell today,� Anij said Nodding, the doctor responded, �Yes, he was. But if it hadn�t been for Aree, nobody would have known he�d been injured.� �Well, thank you for taking care of him.� Anij raised her cup of tea halfway to her mouth. �You�re a wonderful doctor.� Beverly smiled humbly. �Thank you.� Then looking down at her damp clothes, she said, �I should change. Well� you two enjoy your tea.� With that, she retreated from the kitchen, grateful she had a good excuse to leave. Jean-Luc frowned in puzzlement, if only for a second. There was just something about Beverly�s demeanor that seemed off. He couldn�t quite put his finger on it. Maybe their lapse in control at the river had bothered her more than she�d cared to admit. �Are you alright, Jean-Luc?� �Oh�yes. I�m fine.� He smiled at her and took another sip. �If you say so�� Anij wasn�t buying it, but opted not to push further. continue to chapters 9 to 12 Library |