| Started January 2nd 2007
, posted March 7th 2007 Truth in Mirrors by Missbevcrusher This story was inspired by the seventh season episode �Parallels� which was initially supposed to be a Picard episode and ended up as a Worf storyline. So I decided to write my own version, one that has a P/C edge to it. Also, since I was only inspired and wasn�t copying, you shouldn�t expect the plot to run the same way. Hope you enjoy it. I'd like to thank Mackillian for beta reading for me. I really appreciate it. This story should be considered Alternate/Mirror Universe and is set late in season five. Captain Jean-Luc Picard walked down one of the many corridors on the Enterprise-D. The day had been uneventful, so far. He�d spent most of the morning in his ready room going over reports, then after a few hours of routine bridge duty, he�d let Riker relieve him. Their mission was rather basic. They were charting an unknown area of space and had come upon a highly unusual nebula. Although this meant a lot of research for the astrophysics department, it also meant a lot of down time for the bridge crew. It was now just about dinner time and the captain had decided do retire to his quarters to eat and rest. As he rounded a corner, the captain saw two officers chatting further ahead. It didn�t take long for him to register who one of them was. The blue science uniform and reddish locks were all it took to give it away. As Picard got closer, the woman in question turned to look at him and immediately smiled. �Captain.� Picard nodded in acknowledgment. �Doctor.� Dr. Beverly Crusher quickly turned back to the co-worker she�d been talking to and excused herself. She then took a few steps to reach the captain and fell into step beside him. �You haven�t forgotten the play tonight have you?� �Uh� no, of course not.� Picard was mentally kicking himself. He�d forgotten and he was certain it was written across his face. Beverly smiled, but shook her head. �You did� you forgot.� Picard stopped in his tracks and gave her an apologetic look. �I�m sorry.� How well she knows me. �That�s alright. Starship captains do have a lot on their minds.� She was teasing him. �What play is it again?� he asked as he resumed his walk. �Letters to Sarah.� The captain frowned slightly as he tried to recall the title. �I�m afraid I don�t know that one.� �It�s a piece that dates back to the twenty-second century by Emilie Beno�t. So will you be able to make it?� Picard turned to look at her. �I wouldn�t miss it for anything.� Beverly smiled at him with sincere happiness in her eyes. It meant the world to her that he was coming to see her. He was her best friend after all. And although he didn�t know it, he held a special place in her heart. As they neared one of the turbolifts, Beverly gestured to it. �Well, I have to go down to sickbay for a minute.� �Alright.� �I�ll see you tonight then.� She looked at him with a twinkle in her eyes as she stepped inside the lift. Picard nodded. �See you tonight.� With that, the doors to the lift closed and he resumed his walk down the corridor. * * * * * Beverly made some final touches to her makeup in the small area backstage where the whole theater group was hastily getting ready for the show, which was just about to start. She gave herself a quick once-over in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction. Her red hair was pulled back in a typical 1940s hairstyle. The outfit she wore was very simple in appearance, the cut was reminiscent of what an average north american housewife would wear during that time period. Her short sleeved blouse was made of a white cotton fabric with delicate blue and yellow flower prints all over. To match, Beverly also wore a yellow A-line skirt that went below her knees. The crisp white apron she�d put on finished the look quite well. �There are a lot of people out there,� said someone next to her. Beverly turned to see a very nervous looking lieutenant Daniel Wyman. He was to play the role of a young soldier during the turbulent times of World War II. It was his first time performing in front of an audience and he was experiencing a typical case of stage fright. �Well that�s a good thing, Daniel. It wouldn�t be a good sign if the room were half empty.� The doctor smiled encouragingly at him. �Don�t worry, you�ll do just fine.� �Thanks.� Beverly decided to take a quick peek at the crowd herself. Almost everyone was seated and only a handful remained standing. She enthusiastically scanned the crowd for Jean-Luc, but couldn�t spot him anywhere. He�s not here. She couldn�t help but feel disappointed. It�s not like him to go back on his word� Maybe something important came up. Yeah, that must be it. Just as she was about to turn around, the doors to Ten-Forward parted and in walked the captain. Beverly�s disappointed demeanor was immediately replaced by a wide grin. He�d come to see her after all. Turning to the whole theater cast and crew, Beverly asked, �So is everybody ready?� Picard made his way through the crowded room to try to find an empty seat. Crew members politely made room for him to pass. Some even offered their seats to him since the only ones left were at the far back. Picard politely declined their offers and finally found a place to sit. Almost just as soon as he�d settled comfortably, the lights became even more subdued as one side of the stage became lit. The scenery was of a simple country house with a porch swing in front. Then one of the cast members, whom he recognized as being ensign Johanna Maria, emerged from the house. He sat and listened intently as the play got under way. As it turned out, Ensign Maria played the role of a young woman who was waiting for word of her fianc� who was fighting overseas. The young woman in question was staying with her aunt, who was played by Beverly. When Beverly Crusher first made her appearance, the mere sight of her took Picard�s breath away. He�d always found her to be extremely beautiful and had been attracted to her since the very first day he�d set eyes on her. Furthermore, he�d always thought that she�d gotten even more beautiful as the years went by. Then as the scene drew to a close, the lights on that side of the stage went dark and the other side became lit by the stage lights. That half showed the barracks where the young fianc� was staying. It was a truly touching love story and Picard surprisingly found himself enthralled in it. Then as the play came to an end, all the actors came out from backstage and the audience burst into applause. Beverly and her fellow cast members stood hand in hand and bowed to the crowd. It wasn�t long before everyone got up to give them a standing ovation. As Picard applauded, he was filled with nothing but pride and admiration for his best friend. He knew that she�d put a lot of effort into making this production happen and furthermore, her performance was outstanding. After most people had started to file out of Ten-Forward, the captain headed toward the side of the stage where a few officers had gathered to personally praise the actors. As soon as Beverly caught sight of him, her smile broadened and she went over to him. �You looked amazing out there, Beverly.� �Well thank you, Jean-Luc. I�m so glad you could make it after all.� The pair talked for a bit. However, since Beverly had to go put the costumes away and start taking down some of the props with her theater group, she had to excuse herself and get to it. As Picard was about to leave, he ran into Lieutenant Commander Data. Needless to say, the android had much to say about the night�s performance. After about twenty minutes however, the captain gave Data his apologies and decided to turn in. He�d only been walking down the corridor for a minute or so when something strange happened. At first he could hear a very faint humming that didn�t seem to be part of the normal sound of the ship�s engines. The captain stopped in his tracks and frowned in puzzlement. The sound got progressively louder and he was engulfed in a brief flash of light. The captain then looked all around him, as everything seemed to have gotten back to normal. He immediately tapped his commbadge, �Picard to bridge.� �Riker here.� �Commander, is everything alright over there?� �Huh� yes. Why wouldn�t it be sir?� The commander�s voice sounded puzzled. �Please run a level one diagnostic on all major ship�s system and check the sensor for anything out of the ordinary on deck ten. I just experienced something very strange in one of the corridors here.� �We�ll get right on it.� �I�m on my way to the bridge. Picard out.� The captain resumed his walk but at a more brisk pace. �Jean-Luc, wait up!� The captain turned around and was surprised to see his chief medical officer walking up to join him. She was dressed in uniform and her hair was back to her usual hairstyle. That was fast. �Beverly, did you see or hear anything out of the ordinary just now?� Beverly shook her head. �No, why?� Picard pursed his lips and exhaled. �I just witnessed something very bizarre in this corridor just now. There was this sound and a brief flash of light. I notified Will and he�s overseeing level one diagnostics and checking the sensors to see if anything comes up. In any case, I should get to the bridge immediately.� �Alright,� Beverly said, �would you like for me to come with you?� �No, that will not be necessary. It�s probably nothing serious but we�re just going to make sure to be on the safe side.� �Okay, well, I�ll see you later then. Good luck.� �Thanks.� With that, the captain resumed his walk and made his way to the nearest turbolift. * * * * * �Status report, Number One.� Picard tugged at the base of his tunic as he made his way down the ramp of the horse-shoe shaped command center of the bridge. �The sensor logs do show a slight subspace disturbance of some kind but haven�t been able to identify a source so far.� �Perhaps something in the nebula has caused this disturbance to occur?� �It�s a possibility. Astrophysics is conducting its own research into that possibility.� �What about the ship�s systems? Have any of them been affected?� �Fortunately, so far none have shown any damage.� Picard nodded. �We�ll continue with the diagnostics and we�ll keep monitoring the sensors for anything unusual just in case.� �Aye, sir.� The captain stayed on the bridge for about an hour more. During that time, they concluded that the disturbance was just some localized phenomena caused by the nebula and in all evidence was no threat to them. After making his final log of the day in his ready-room, Picard left to go to his quarters once and for all that night. He was quite relieved to see the doors to his private sanctuary just ahead. After tapping the controls next to the door, they parted revealing a lit living area and soft music playing in the background. The captain was not only puzzled, but also slightly alarmed. He was sure the lights were turned off when he left that morning. Furthermore, he was certain there hadn�t been any music playing either. At first, he wasn�t sure if he ought to call security or not, but dismissed the idea as soon as he peeked inside and saw who was on the sofa. �Beverly?� The doctor looked up from the book she was reading and smiled. �I was wondering when you�d show up.� She set the book down and got up. �So have you figured out what caused that flash in the corridor?� �No, but it was probably nothing to worry about� huh� what�� Although he wasn�t angry at the fact that Beverly had let herself in to his quarters, he was curious as to why. Although they were quite close and would share many meals and quiet times together, seldom had he come home after a day�s work to find her making herself at home in his quarters. �I huh� didn�t expect to find you here.� �Oh?� Beverly walked over to the replicator. �Well I did tell you I was going to see you tonight didn�t I?� After thinking about it for a second or so, Jean-Luc remembered what she�d said just before he�d headed to the bridge. Perhaps she was just curious as to what had happened and had decided to get the information straight from him. �You want some tea?� �What? Oh huh� yes, that would be nice. Thank you.� Picard said as he was pulled away from his thoughts. He then went over to the sofa and sat down. �Tea, earl grey, hot.� Beverly took the steaming beverage from the replicator and brought it over to the sofa. All the while, Jean-Luc couldn�t help but stare at her. She looked so relaxed. He didn�t get to see her out of uniform too often. She was wearing casual pants and a comfortable looking grey sweater with a large neckline that fell off one shoulder. Underneath was a simple white tank top, the strap of which was showing on the exposed skin of her shoulder. She handed him his cup of tea and settled next to him, quite close actually. Her thigh was brushing against his, which the captain immediately noticed. He loved sitting this close to her, but yet things seemed kind of strange to him. He couldn�t quite put his finger on it. Beverly noticed that there was something a little off with Jean-Luc. He didn�t seem like his usual self somehow. �Is everything alright Jean-Luc?� She eyed him curiously as she took a sip of the tea she�d started drinking a while before. �Yes, I�m fine. Why?� He, too, took a sip of his beverage. Beverly shook her head. �I don�t know. You just seem a little out of sorts, that�s all.� �Well, it has been a long day. Perhaps it�s just fatigue.� Beverly set her cup of tea down on the coffee table and stretched slightly. �Speaking of long days, perhaps I should turn in. I�m pretty tired.� �What about your tea?� Beverly shook her head. �Oh I think I�ve had enough for tonight.� Picard nodded and got up as soon as she did. He was about to walk her to his door when he noticed she�d gone in the other direction and had disappeared into his bedroom. He just stood there wide-eyed. What the� Picard followed her to his bedroom, but she was nowhere in sight. �Beverly?� �What?� Her voice was coming from the bathroom. Shaking his head slightly, he continued, �Can you tell me what is going on here?� �What do you mean?� �Well� you know what I mean.� Frustration was starting to get evident in his voice. Just then, Beverly emerged from the bathroom wearing a simple knee length white nightgown with medium-sized straps. She walked over to the side of the bed and proceeded to pull back the comforter. �No, I don�t know what you mean.� She looked at him with her eyebrows raised in confused annoyance. Picard couldn�t believe what was happening. Beverly was there in his bedroom, obviously getting ready for bed, which was something that had never happened before. Not that he was against the idea, but this was too weird. Something wasn�t right. After a few more seconds of just staring incredulously at one another, Beverly spoke, �What�s gotten into you Jean-Luc?� �What do you mean what�s gotten into me? What�s gotten into you?� �Me?� Beverly was completely bewildered and a hint of anger now laced her voice. Picard took a steadying breath so he would calm down a bit. �Look, Beverly� I�m sorry. I don�t mean to be rude, nor do I want you to think that I am against the idea of having you spend the night but�� Beverly threw her arms up in the air. �But what?� �Why exactly are you in my room?� he asked in a much softer tone than he�d used previously. He wasn�t mad at her or anything. He was simply confused and the fact that she seemed oblivious as to why this would be getting to him. They�d flirted before, but nothing serious had ever happened between them. He had always been afraid of scaring her off if she ever found out how he truly felt. After all, her late husband had been his best friend and no matter how hard he tried to bury his feelings toward her, he�d never been able to get over them. And now there she was, standing before him in her nightgown, about to get into his bed. He should have been happy at the prospect, but it all seemed wrong somehow. If she wanted to be with him, why didn�t she say anything instead of just acting like they�d actually been together for some time already? �Is this a joke Jean-Luc? Because if it is, it�s not funny.� Beverly paused and waited for him to say something. After a few moments however, she realized he wasn�t going to. He was just staring at her, waiting patiently for her to answer his question. �Why wouldn�t I be here? I am your wife, after all.� �Wife?� The captain�s jaw almost dropped. He shook his head, unable to wrap his mind around what she had just said, �No, this� this isn�t right.� He turned away from her. What the hell is happening here? �So what are you saying? Marrying me wasn�t right? Marrying me was a mistake?� Tears were starting to fill her deep blue eyes. Jean-Luc turned to look at her once more and was heart broken by the look she bore. �Beverly, it�s not what you think� This shouldn�t be happening.� He was trying desperately to rationalize everything, but was having the hardest time doing so. Was he being tricked by someone for some yet unknown purpose? The more he thought about it, the less that made sense to him. Suddenly, something came to mind that could perhaps shed some light on the situation. �The subspace disturbance�� he said to himself. Beverly couldn�t believe what Jean-Luc was saying. He�d seemed just fine until tonight. At that moment, he was standing there, in front of her looking almost panicked and she couldn�t understand why. �I don�t belong here,� he finally said in a hushed tone. �You don�t belong here? What are you saying?� She was crying now. The captain slowly approached her and gently took her hands in his. �Beverly, listen to me.� He was trying to sound as gentle as he could, �The reason I�m saying those things is that� I don�t remember being married to you.� �You don�t remember?� She wiped her tears from her face, �So you mean to tell me that you�ve forgotten the past two years?� Picard shook his head. �No, what I mean is�� he said and gazed into her eyes with the sincerest look he could muster, �that I remember the past two years� vividly and that� we�ve never been anything but good friends.� Beverly�s anger quickly converted to serious worry. �Jean-Luc what� there must be something wrong with you.� The physician in her was starting to take over. She went over to her dresser and took out her tricorder. As she started to scan him, she said, �Now hold still. This shouldn�t take long.� Picard did as he was told for he knew that she would see that there was nothing wrong with him. She studied the readouts intently, not willing to accept that what he was saying was true. She wasn�t crazy and knew that. She remembered the past two years and they�d been together for all that time. �Look, even though my tricorder�s not revealing anything, I still want you to come down to sickbay. There might be an underlying condition that we weren�t aware of previously, one that would only show up on a level one neurological scan.� �I will undergo any test you see fit, but first I want an emergency meeting with the senior staff. I might know what is going on here after all.� The captain tapped his communicator. �Picard to Riker.� �Riker here.� �Will, please have the senior staff assemble in the observation lounge in fifteen minutes. It�s important.� �Aye sir,� Will�s voice sounded slightly puzzled, �Do I have to contact Doctor Picard as well or does she know already?� Jean-Luc looked at Beverly as he registered the obvious in what Will had said, �No, that will not be necessary. She already knows. Picard out.� Jean-Luc and Beverly left their quarters a few minutes after Will had been contacted. Beverly had wasted no time in putting on her uniform and now walked in silence beside the captain. The worry she felt was almost overwhelming. In one case, Jean-Luc might be suffering from a very serious medical condition, in another� well, she was even more afraid of that one, because she couldn�t understand how that would be possible. After a few minutes, they got to the observation lounge and took their respective seats. Then one by one, the members of the senior staff entered the room. Before speaking, Picard looked at each of the six officers gathered around the table, �Thank you for coming on such short notice, but it would seem as though we have a very serious situation. Mister Data, has your investigation shed any new light unto what that subspace disturbance was?� �Although the findings were not conclusive, we have theorized that it was simply a natural phenomenon within the nebula.� �Theoretically speaking, Mister Data, would a subspace disturbance be able to either alter one�s reality or simply create some sort of doorway into another dimension?� The android paused slightly as he calculated that possibility. �Theoretically, it would be possible sir, but highly unlikely.� �Captain, if I may.� Riker leaned forward in his chair. �Why are you asking?� Jean-Luc looked briefly at Beverly before answering, �Simply because I don�t think I belong here. I have no recollection of ever being married to Beverly. As far as I know, we have always been good friends and that is all.� Riker looked at Beverly with confusion. �Before you ask, I did check the captain for any obvious sign of psychotic delusions or amnesia and didn�t find any. However, there are still some more tests that I need to conduct in order to completely rule out any medical factors which could be affecting him.� �Counselor,� Picard said, �do you sense anything within me that would lead you to believe that I am lying about this?� The half-Betazoid empath shook her head, �No, sir, I am not sensing any deception from you. Furthermore, your mind seems to be very focused and lucid.� Picard looked at each of his officers. �I am telling the truth and somehow we have to find the answer to this mystery. Mister Data, Commander LaForge, please gather any information possible on what exactly happened earlier today. I seem to be the only one on board who experienced this phenomenon therefore it is logical to conclude that I am the only one affected.� Turning to Worf, he continued, �Mister Worf, please send a notice to the ship�s population to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary and have them report immediately to us if anything should turn up.� Then turning to Riker, he added, �Commander, since we still don�t know what is going on, perhaps it would be prudent if you took command of the Enterprise for a while. I�m sure my relationship with Beverly isn�t the only discrepancy in this whole situation and I wouldn�t want to jeopardize this ship or its crew if I�m not totally aware of all the changes that might have occurred.� �Of course, sir.� �Well then, if there isn�t anything else, I will be in sickbay and this meeting is adjourned.� * * * * * Dr. Picard shook her head as she went over the readouts of the last scan she�d conducted on her husband. She could find nothing that could explain his condition and it was starting to scare the heck out of her. What if he really doesn�t belong here? Walking back toward the biobed on which the captain sat, Beverly tried her best to keep a professional demeanor. �I have the results of the last scan, Jean-Luc.� �And?� he asked. �I couldn�t find anything that would explain this.� She looked at him with a guarded sadness in her eyes. �I�m not imagining things, Beverly. I just hope Data and Commander LaForge can find anything to corroborate my story and then perhaps help me get home.� Beverly�s gaze remained fixed on his, but she refrained from saying anything. Just then, they heard commander Riker as he was entering sickbay, �So have you found anything, Doctor?� Dr. Picard turned toward Riker with a worried look in her eyes. �I�m afraid I haven�t.� �I see.� Riker nodded slowly and said, �Well, I just spoke to Data. Apparently, they�ve discovered something that might be helpful to us. They�re on their way here right now� speaking of which�� Turning toward the doors, they saw Data and LaForge walk in with some testing equipment in hand. �What have you got, Data?� Riker asked. �Using Starfleet�s theoretical science database, I may have found an explanation for the captain�s current situation. The volatile nature of the nebula, combined with the unusual subspace properties in the region might have caused the expansion of a rift in realities.� �How can we be sure Data?� �That�s where this comes in,� interjected LaForge as he held up a small scanning device. �You see, in theory, all matter that originate from the same universe share the same basic signature. So if the captain does indeed come from a parallel reality, his signature should be different than ours. Now this little device here should be able to detect the smallest difference in matter signature.� Riker nodded. �Alright, let�s do it.� LaForge approached the captain and scanned him. After a few seconds of analyzing the data recovered, LaForge looked up. �My scan shows a definite difference between the usual matter in our universe and that of the captain�s.� �You really are from another dimension.� As Beverly said it, the enormous reality of the situation began to hit her. After hesitating somewhat, she swallowed with difficulty and continued, �So that means that my Jean-Luc is lost in another reality�� A deafening silence followed the doctor�s statement. They all knew what was on the line. They had to figure out a way to return the captains to their respective realities, but doing so might prove to be an insurmountable challenge. �So the rift caused us to change places somehow,� the captain said. �Not necessarily,� Data replied. �Even though both of you were transported inter-dimensionally, there is no guarantee this universe�s Captain Picard ended up in your reality.� �Do you think there�s a way for me to get back home?� �Theoretically it would be possible, however it will require further study. I must warn you, Captain, the chances of success are slim at best.� Jean-Luc nodded. �I have faith in you Mister Data.� �I will try not to let you down sir.� * * * * * Jean-Luc awoke in the early hours of the morning in his assigned quarters. He had made the request to get a separate room from Beverly right after leaving sickbay the night before. The captain�s quarters were as much hers now and he never would have intruded on her during this difficult time. After getting ready, he had immediately headed toward engineering, where Data would surely still be hard at work finding a solution to this mess. As Jean-Luc walked in the corridors, thoughts of Beverly haunted him. The Beverly from this universe must have been worried sick for her husband. She had in a sense lost him and there was no guarantee she would get him back. Then, he started wondering. How similar had this Beverly�s life been from the one in his own universe? Had she in fact married Jack Crusher and subsequently ended up being his widow? If it were the case, fate was turning out to be quite cruel to her. He prayed they would find a way to resolve this so she could resume a normal life with this ship�s rightful captain. Picard entered engineering and immediately saw Data at one of the workstations. �Any progress Mister Data?� The android turned toward the captain and responded, �Upon closer investigation, I was able to identify how a specific sequence in energy release from the nebula combined with fluctuations within the subspace fabric of the region would have reacted together and opened the rift that brought you here.� �Is there a way we could replicate the event so as to open the rift again?� Data cocked his head to one side. �For the moment, I am afraid we cannot. It will take further calculations and analysis.� Picard nodded. �Alright. Well, keep at it Data.� �I will sir.� The captain soon left engineering so that the android could progress with his research. As he walked down one of the corridors and passed many crew members, an unexpected feeling came over him� isolation and loneliness. Although there were many familiar faces around him, they weren�t really his crew. Then he started wondering. How was his Beverly doing? Knowing her, she must be worried sick but trying her hardest not to show it. Beverly had always been strong that way. For the longest time, she had been his rock. The one he could turn to when he needed support. His instincts right now were to go to Beverly and talk to her. But he didn�t feel like he could do that. This universe�s Beverly had enough on her plate already. She had in essence lost her husband and wasn�t sure if she�d ever see him again. As Picard was about to step inside one of the turbolifts, a familiar voice called out to him. �Captain, wait up.� Jean-Luc turned and saw Counselor Troi trying to catch up to him. He smiled and politely stepped aside so she could enter the lift first. �Deck ten,� Picard said to the computer. �Main bridge,� Troi added. As the lift started moving, the two remained silent. Picard felt sort of awkward for he knew that she was probably trying to assess his emotional state. �If you want to talk about it, I�m here you know,� Troi finally said. �What is there to say?� �What you are going through right now would be difficult for anyone. Sometimes, just having someone to lean on can help.� As soon as she�d said that last sentence, the counselor felt an instant emotional reaction from the captain. The counselor�s features softened even more as she began to put the pieces together. After a few more seconds of silence, she spoke once more, �You miss her don�t you?� The captain tried to act as if he didn�t know what she was talking about, �Miss who?� �That special someone in your life back in your own universe.� The captain smiled sadly. �I don�t really have a� special someone. Well huh�� the captain paused slightly as he saw a skeptical look in Troi�s eyes, �We�re just really good friends, that�s all.� �Is it Beverly?� asked Troi softly. The captain lowered his gaze slightly and exhaled. �Computer hold.� The lift immediately came to a stop. Pacing slightly, the captain pondered his words, �Beverly and I have always been close. She�s � always been there for me. I just wish I was able to talk to her� but as we all know, that�s quite impossible right now.� �What about the Beverly from this reality?� The captain shook his head. �I don�t want to bother her with any of my problems right now. She�s been through enough.� �You know, it might not be such a bad idea, Captain. Talking to you might even help her during this difficult time.� The captain still looked unconvinced. Troi put a comforting hand on his shoulder and added, �You should go to her, Captain.� �I�ll think about it,� the captain finally answered. The counselor nodded with a look of satisfaction in her eyes. �Good.� The captain smiled ever so slightly and shook his head. �Computer, resume.� * * * * * Since it was getting close to lunchtime, the tables in Ten Forward were almost all taken. Picard approached the bar where a familiar face stared back at him. �Guinan.� The El-Aurian looked at him and smiled. �Hello, Captain.� As the captain took a seat at the bar, the hostess took out a glass and a bottle filled with a bluish liquid. As she finished pouring his glass, Guinan said, �I heard about what happened.� Taking the glass from her, the captain chuckled slightly, �Everyone on board probably knows by now.� After eyeing him for a few moments, Guinan added, �You�re very similar to him. I can tell.� Guinan was unlike anyone the captain had ever met before. She was a mysterious alien with knowledge about the universe he couldn�t even begin to fathom. �How are you holding up?� she asked. �I�m optimistic Data will find a way to get me back home. It might take some time though.� �Beverly must be having a hard time with all of this.� The captain looked down at his drink. �I didn�t really get to talk to her about it. I haven�t seen her since I left sickbay.� �You know, there�s an empty seat at that table over there.� Guinan said as she pointed toward the far corner of the lounge. Looking over his shoulder, Picard saw Beverly sitting at the corner table by herself. Turning back toward the hostess, the captain shook his head. �I appreciate what you�re trying to do Guinan but�� �But what?� �I don�t want to cause her further pain by reminding her of what she�s lost.� �I think you�re underestimating her.� Looking back toward Beverly, Jean-Luc sighed. Getting up from his stool, the captain shot a quick knowing look toward the hostess. Beverly seemed lost in thought as she gazed at the drink before her. She still couldn�t believe what had happened and was scared beyond belief at the prospect of never seeing her husband again. �May I join you?� Beverly looked up startled out of her reverie. Surprise quickly filled her features. �Oh� of course.� She gestured toward the chair across from her. The captain sat down and started fidgeting with his drink somewhat. �How�ve you been holding up?� Beverly smiled sadly, �As well as can be expected.� Jean-Luc nodded, feeling slightly awkward. �What about you?� As the captain�s gaze locked with hers, the concerned look he saw in her eyes reminded him exactly of the look his Beverly always gave him when she was worried about him. �I�m alright� I�m hopeful Data will be able to restore things as they should.� �If anyone can help us, it�s Data,� Beverly said with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. The next few moments were spent in silence. �You know, I never really had a chance to apologize for the way I reacted toward you back in my quarters,� Beverly said quietly. �Oh, don�t worry about it. It�s perfectly understandable. When I was still unsure of what was going on, I didn�t act so calm myself. I�m really sorry if I hurt you.� �You don�t have to be sorry, Jean-Luc.� It felt strange talking to him like this. He looked exactly like her husband, but this Jean-Luc Picard was in essence a pure stranger to her. �This sure is strange isn�t it?� Jean-Luc scoffed slightly, �Tell me about it.� �I�m finding it hard to wrap my brain about it. You really are Jean-Luc Picard, but at the same time you�re not.� �I know what you mean. It�s the same thing when I look at you.� Beverly smiled sadly and then looked back down at her drink. Picard could see how much she was hurting. Not wanting to make things worse, he said, �It might be best if I left. You look as though you could use some time alone.� �No, don�t,� Beverly replied softly. �Don�t go. I� would really like it if you stayed here with me for a while.� Jean-Luc nodded and gave her a look that assured her he wouldn�t be leaving her if she needed him. They sat together in silence for a little while longer, neither really sure of exactly what to say. Finally, Beverly looked up from her drink. �Would you mind telling me a little about yourself?� Raising his eyebrows slightly, the captain cleared his throat, �Well, let�s see�� Picard then went on telling her about how he grew up on his family�s vineyard in France and how he subsequently went to Starfleet Academy and made his way up to the position of captain. The whole time he was talking, Beverly listened attentively to his every word. She was astonished at how similar his life had been to that of her husband�s. After he�d finished telling her the most basic facts about himself, the doctor took another drink from her glass. She took a second or so pondering her next question then asked, �You know how you said that you and I are close friends in your reality?� Picard nodded. �Huh-huh.� �How did we meet?� As he went back to that time so long ago, Picard couldn�t help but seem lost in his thoughts. �It was almost twenty years ago. You were seeing my best friend at the time, Jack Crusher. He was my first officer on the Stargazer. The ship had been in repair dock and so we had a few days of leave to spend on Earth. Jack asked me to join him for some drinks at one of the local pubs in San Francisco. That�s where he introduced us.� Beverly smiled. �Matt�s Place.� Nodding, Jean-Luc said, �Yes, that�s right. That was the name of the pub.� �Wow, this is� remarkable. Tell me more?� Picard went on to tell her how she�d married Jack and that they�d had a son named Wesley. The look on Beverly�s face and the way she nodded her head in agreement told him that her life had been identical so far. Pausing briefly, the captain�s expression became more somber as he described how Jack had died while under his command. �You brought his body home to me�� Beverly lowered her gaze. �You were by my side for the funeral, but afterwards�� �I left,� Jean-Luc finished her sentence. His voice full of remorse he continued, �And I didn�t come back.� At that moment, he felt Beverly�s hand on his. Looking up, he saw forgiveness and understanding in her eyes. �It�s alright, Jean-Luc. I understood.� With a look that showed nothing less than admiration, the captain continued, �Despite everything, you requested to be assigned to my ship.� Beverly smiled. �I did.� Shaking her head slightly, she teased him, �I never thought you�d try to block me though.� Letting out an embarrassed breath, the captain replied, �I�m really sorry about that Beverly. I� really underestimated you back then.� �We quickly became friends though, didn�t we?� �Close friends, yes.� The two shared a look of understanding. Moments before, they�d felt like strangers in a way, but not anymore. For the next hour or so, they sat there talking further. They shared stories of their time serving together as well as stories from their pasts. Then, before they knew it, the busy lunch hour in Ten-Forward had passed and they were practically by themselves now. �I should get back to work now,� Beverly finally said. �Of course, don�t let me keep you.� Together, they got up and strode out of Ten-Forward. * * * * * After spending most of the afternoon with Data down in engineering, the captain decided to return to his assigned quarters to get some rest. After taking a shower, he ordered his meal from the replicator and sat down to eat. Looking up at the empty chair opposite his, Picard couldn�t help but think of Beverly. She�d been his regular breakfast companion for many years now. Furthermore, he�d often ask her over for dinner. Their time spent alone together was always something he�d cherished. Despite always keeping their relationship on the platonic side, Beverly Crusher had always been his ideal woman. He had loved her from the moment he�d first met her. Will I ever see you again? As he started putting away the dishes in the dispenser, the chime sounded. �Come.� The doors parted and there stood Beverly just outside. �Is this a bad time?� �No, not at all, please come in.� �Thank you,� she said as the doors closed behind her. �Please have a seat. Would you care for some tea?� �Sure, that sounds wonderful,� Beverly said as she sat down on the sofa. After making his order, the cups materialized. Taking them, he headed back toward the seating area where he sat in the chair opposite the sofa. �I�m sorry for just showing up here like this� I just didn�t know where else to go.� �Don�t be sorry Beverly. I�m always here for you, no matter what universe you belong to.� He smiled softly, trying to make her feel better. She tried her best to smile, too. �Thank you.� Her voice was but a mere whisper. Some of the control she had on herself started to crumble away. With tears in her eyes, she looked directly at him. �I�m scared Jean-Luc�� Getting up from his chair, the captain made his way over to the sofa where he sat down next to her, �Don�t be scared Beverly.� His voice was low, reassuring. Turning abruptly toward him, Beverly continued, �What if Data can�t find a way to fix this?� Jean-Luc put a hand on her shoulder. �He will Beverly. We have to believe that.� �I know, it�s just�� her voice caught in her throat and a tear fell on her cheek. Wiping it away, the captain spoke gently, �You can�t give up hope.� Smiling once more through her tears, the doctor nodded. �Alright. I�ll try not to� thank you Jean-Luc.� Beverly leaned toward him and rested her head on his shoulder. Hesitating slightly, the captain finally wrapped one of his arms around Beverly in an attempt at comforting her. After a few minutes, Beverly straightened again. Picard took her cup of tea from the coffee table and gave it back to her. �Here, this will do you some good.� Beverly took it and thanked him. After taking a soothing sip, she turned back toward him, �Tell me about her�� Beverly smiled sadly as she tried to explain herself better, �� about your Beverly.� �Well, what can I say? She�s a devoted doctor. Absolutely loves theater and dance. In fact, she�s always trying to get me involved in one of her plays.� Beverly laughed slightly. �She sounds a lot like me.� �She�s also a wonderful mother who managed to raise a fine young man practically by herself.� Shaking his head, Jean-Luc continued, �In fact, I often find myself in awe of her. She�s accomplished so much, yet she never put her own needs ahead of anyone else�s.� �Do you mind if I ask you something personal?� �No, go ahead.� �Why is it that the two of you never got together?� Picard found himself a bit taken aback by that question. After all, he�d never really figured out that answer for himself, �Oh, I don�t know. Too much history between us maybe�� �I�m sorry, I didn�t mean to pry. I guess� it�s just hard for me to imagine that there�s a place where you never loved me.� �Oh, but I do�� as soon as the words came out, Jean-Luc almost wished he hadn�t said them. It was after all something he�d always kept to himself and had vowed to keep secret forever. �You do?� Shaking his head, the captain got up. He couldn�t really bring himself to look at her. �Jean-Luc�� He felt her hand on his arm. �It�s okay. Look at me,� she whispered to him. Turning, his eyes met hers in a look filled with trust. �I�ve never told her how I felt.� �Why haven�t you?� �I�m not sure� A part of me feels as though I don�t deserve her, another part doesn�t believe she could ever feel that way about me.� �Oh, Jean-Luc� if she�s anything like me, I�m sure she�s crazy about you.� �How did�� Picard hesitated a bit. �Yes?� she asked softly. �How did you two� end up together?� Beverly looked away as she recalled that fateful day. �It was while we were being held captive on Rutia IV.� Jean-Luc remembered that mission quite well. They�d brought medical supplies to the government of Rutia after a group called the Ansata Separatists initiated multiple terrorist attacks. While on the surface, Beverly had disobeyed a direct order to get back to the ship and had subsequently been kidnapped. Picard remembered how helpless and scared he�d felt after learning of her abduction. Later, Picard himself was abducted when terrorists used a trans-dimensional jump to penetrate the Enterprise�s defences. �I remember that mission. We were being held captive by Kyril Finn.� �I wasn�t sure if we were going to make it out alive. It scared me to think that we might die and that I�d never get the chance to tell you how I felt.� As Picard thought about it more and more, something seemed to dawn on him. �She was about to tell me something important when the lights went out�� �Maybe that�s where things ceased to be same in our universes,� Beverly went on, �because the lights only went out after I told Jean-Luc I loved him.� The captain just looked at her, but said nothing. �We�ve been together ever since.� Is it possible? Could my Beverly have been about to tell me she loved me? After a few more seconds of lingering silence, Jean-Luc spoke, �And you�ve been happy with him?� Smiling through her tears, Beverly responded, �Oh yes, very happy. Never once did I regret my decision to tell him how I felt.� Picard smiled sadly. If only things had turned out that way for them as well. �Data to Picard.� �Picard here,� he answered, not breaking his gaze with Beverly�s. �Sir, we might have found a way to get you back to your own universe. You should come down to engineering as soon as possible.� �I�m on my way. Picard out.� Just as they were about to leave, Beverly put a hand on his arm. �Jean-Luc, wait.� �What is it?� �If this works and you get back home�� Beverly seemed to hesitate slightly, �You should tell her how you feel.� Picard shook his head slowly. �That�s easier said than done�� His voice was laced with a hint of sadness, �The last thing I want to do is damage our friendship. If she doesn�t feel the same way, it might scare her off.� �I understand�� Beverly�s disappointment quickly disappeared as an idea came to her. �You know, there might be another way to go about this.� �Oh?� He was now curious. �I�ll tell you on the way to engineering.� She smiled at him, �Let�s go.� * * * * * When Jean-Luc and Beverly arrived in engineering, they found Data, LaForge and Riker looking over the information that scrolled down the screen of a workstation. As they approached them, Jean-Luc asked, �What have you found Mister Data?� Turning toward the captain, the android replied, �After analyzing all the variables, I have concluded that we might be able to open a threshold that leads to your own universe.� The android then went about explaining in further detail how they would go about to make this possible. After Data had finished his explanation, Picard had one more question, �What are the chances of success?� �If everything goes as planned, the odds of you getting back to your own universe would be seventy percent.� The captain nodded in satisfaction. �Considering the difficult nature of this problem, I would say the odds are good enough.� �What about my Jean-Luc? What are the chances he�ll come back?� Dr. Picard asked with a hint of worry in her voice. The android seemed to hesitate before answering, �I cannot give you an approximation since I have no way of knowing the variables present in the universe is he trapped in. However, I can say that the chances of getting both captains to their respective realities are� slim at best.� The doctor nodded but said nothing. �Sir,� LaForge interjected, �we�ve established that in order to maximize our chances of success, we should initiate our attempt within the next hour.� The captain nodded. �I see.� �We�re going to go over some final calculations just to make sure and if everything goes well, we should be able to start the process in a few minutes,� LaForge continued. As Data and LaForge concentrated on their work, the captain put a comforting hand on Beverly�s shoulder. Although she was trying to put on a brave face, Picard could see right through her. She was deathly afraid of never seeing her husband again. Turning to meet his gaze, Beverly smiled sadly. His looked conveyed understanding, support and encouragement. A part of her was trying to memorize every detail in his face, especially the depth of his hazel eyes. She might not get to look at that face in real life ever again after all. As that realization sank in, a feeling of nausea started to overwhelm her. Turning away abruptly, she muttered, �I�m sorry.� Picard sighed as he watched her stalk off. �I can�t imagine what she must be going through,� said Riker. �I�ll be right back, Commander.� Riker nodded. �Of course, sir.� Picard started to walk in the direction the doctor had left. He didn�t have to walk for very long before catching a glimpse of her. The corridor she was in lead only to a few storage rooms and wasn�t very long. Since traffic in this area was rare, it was probably one of the most secluded spots on the whole deck. It was the obvious place to come if one wanted to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the engineering section. As the captain slowly approached her, his heart ached. She was leaning on a wall, her face in her hands. Getting closer to her, he could hear her sob softly. �Beverly?� his voice was but a mere whisper. Wiping the tears from her face, the doctor looked somewhat embarrassed. �Jean-Luc� sorry, I� didn�t know I was going to lose it like that.� �Don�t be sorry, Beverly.� �This can�t all be happening.� She looked up. �I can�t go through this again.� She closed her eyes and took a steadying breath. Picard didn�t know what to say. Heck, what was there to say? So he waited patiently. Without opening her eyes, the doctor shook her head slowly and said, �I can�t lose another husband�� Picard touched the side of her face. �Bev, look at me.� She opened her eyes and swallowed in an attempt to get rid of the lump in her throat. With his eyes, the captain tried to give her hope. �There�s still a chance he�ll come back to you. Don�t lose faith.� Although she wasn�t able to find her voice to respond, the captain could make out the words thank you as he read her lips. Beverly then threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. She wanted to remember how it felt to be in his arms, how much strength she could gather from them. His scent� it was the same as she remembered. She was trying to take it all in. A desperate attempt at holding on to his memory in case she never saw him again. Pulling away slightly, Beverly gently kissed him on the cheek. Even if he wasn�t her husband, he�d proven to be a great friend to her during this difficult time. She was grateful for that. Pulling back even further, she looked in his eyes and managed a small smile. �Now, remember what you promised me. You need to give it a shot when you get back home.� Jean-Luc smiled sadly and nodded. As she parted from him, the doctor said, �I must look like a mess.� Beverly wiped her reddened cheeks once more. �You look beautiful, Beverly.� She managed to laugh a little. �I seriously doubt that, but I�ll go with it.� �Are you ready to get back out there?� �I think I am, yes.� The captain extended his hand to her. �Come on.� She took his hand in hers and let him lead her back up the corridor. * * * * * As the pair emerged from the corridor and walked over to the main workstation, LaForge called out, �We should be ready to initiate the sequence any minute now.� �Very well, Commander,� Picard replied. Data tapped a few additional commands and then turned toward the captain and doctor. �We are ready, sir.� As the captain turned to look at her, Beverly smiled sadly and nodded. Picard then turned to look at the other three officers. �Thank you, for all you�ve done to try to get me back home.� �You are welcome, sir,� said Data. �Good luck, Captain,� Riker added as he shook Picard�s hand. �In order to ensure none of us end up in your universe, you will have to stand at least seven meters away, Captain,� Data added. �I understand.� Turning to look at Beverly, the captain added, �I guess that�s it then.� As Jean-Luc walked away from her, Dr. Picard bit her lower lip nervously. Stopping when he was far enough, the captain turned to look at them once more. His gaze finally locking with Beverly�s he said, �I�m ready.� Data started to tap his controls at an amazingly fast pace. At first, nothing seemed to be happening. A few seconds later however, a bright flash started to appear sporadically around the captain. Dr. Picard held her breath as the bright flash of light finally seemed to consume the captain and made him disappear. To her horror, nothing seemed to happen after that. Her husband hadn�t materialized. With eyes wide, she looked frantically back and forth between Data, who was still hard at work, and the empty space where the captain stood moments before. At that moment, Beverly felt as though she couldn�t breathe. Tears started to well up in her eyes. No� Suddenly, another bright flash of light appeared and left a very confused-looking captain in its wake. Beverly gasped and almost froze in place. She couldn�t bring herself to get her hopes up just yet. After all, this might be the same version of Picard who had disappeared a few moments before. Looking toward LaForge, she could see that he was scanning the captain. �What the�� said a bewildered looking Picard. A few tense seconds later, LaForge smiled and nodded. �He�s back. Our captain�s back.� Beverly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled through her tears, �Jean-Luc? Is that really you?� The captain quickly made her way over to her and lifted her up in his arms. �Beverly, dear god, I can�t believe it�s you.� Beverly kissed the side of his face and closed her eyes as she snuggled even closer. Pulling back, the captain looked at her. �You wouldn�t believe where I�ve been, Beverly.� The captain then went about explaining that he�d been on another Enterprise and that he�d encountered another version of himself. He�d been horrified when he�d been told that in that reality, Beverly had been killed a few years prior. �Wait �til you hear about who was here while you were gone,� Beverly finally said after the captain was done telling his story. �Let me guess� another me?� Beverly nodded. �I just hope he found his way home also.� * * * * * Meanwhile, in a more familiar universe� Commander Riker sat in the captain�s ready-room, he�d just updated Starfleet command about their progress or lack-there-of in the search for the captain. Since Picard�s disappearance, the first officer had assumed command of the ship and had worked tirelessly with the crew to find their captain. Despite the initial lack of evidence, Data and LaForge had come up with a few theories regarding the circumstances of Picard�s disappearance. They were now both down in engineering trying to determine if a rift in space could have been the cause. Riker however, still wasn�t sure. For all he knew, the captain might have been kidnapped by an unknown third-party. There were many possibilities and he was determined to examine every angle. The commander hadn�t slept much in the past few days. Rubbing his tired eyes, he got up and exited the ready-room. As he strode on to the bridge, he went straight to Deanna. �Any news from engineering.� The counselor shook her head. �I�m afraid not.� �This doesn�t make sense Deanna. How can a man just disappear like that?� �I wish I knew.� �Bridge to engineering.� said Riker. �LaForge here.� �Geordi, any luck down there?� �Well sir, Data and I might have a working theory. We just need to analyze it further.� �How long is that going to take?� �I�d say a few hours at the least. Data is trying to�� For some reason LaForge stopped talking mid-sentence. �Geordi?� Riker frowned slightly. �Huh� Commander? I think you�d better get down here.� �What is it?� Riker asked in concern. �The captain�s here, sir.� Riker and Troi looked at each other, neither quite believing what they were hearing. �We�ll be right down.� * * * * * �Captain� are you alright?� Picard seemed a little unsure at first. He looked around and quickly realized that Will and Beverly were no longer in the room. It worked, I�m no longer in the same reality� But am I in the right one? Clearing his throat, he responded, �I think I am.� �My readings here indicate that the captain was indeed transported through a spatial rift.� Data said as he looked at the readings on the workstation viewscreen. The captain looked over at LaForge. �Geordi, if you can believe it, I was just in another universe. While I was there, you scanned me with some sort of device to determine if I actually originated from another dimension. Would you be able to do the same thing? I need to know if I�m in the right place or not.� LaForge nodded. �I do know of a device which could check for a basic signature that everything originating from this universe has. Give me a moment.� As Geordi hurried to one of the storage rooms, Riker and Troi arrived. �Captain, it�s good to see you again,� Riker said as he caught sight of Picard. Just then, LaForge came back and immediately started scanning the captain. A smile slowly started to etch itself as he read the results. �Welcome home, sir.� �You must have some story to tell,� Riker said. Picard smiled. �Let�s just say that I�ll have one heck of a report to file, number one.� �Dr. Crusher should look you over captain. Just in case...� The captain nodded in agreement. He was anxious to see her again. �She�s sure going to be happy to see you. We�ve all been worried sick since you disappeared.� �You think we should give her a heads up before I go over there?� Picard asked. �Might not be a bad idea.� Tapping his commbadge, Will continued, �Riker to Dr. Crusher.� �Crusher here.� �I have a patient here, whom I�m sure you�d like to see.� �The captain?� Her voice sounded nervously hopeful. �We�re on our way up from engineering. Riker out.� Turning to the captain, the first officer smiled. �We shouldn�t keep her waiting.� �I agree.� As they made their way up to sickbay, the captain felt immense relief. He was finally home. He was going to see Beverly again. As Riker, Troi and Picard exited the turbolift and started to make their way up the corridor, Dr. Crusher rounded a corner up ahead with steps so hurried, they border-lined running. When she caught sight of the captain, she froze momentarily. Resuming her steps with a huge smile on her lips, she said, �Jean-Luc.� When she finally got to him, she couldn�t help but hug him. Not wanting to seem too unprofessional however, she kept it brief. The relief in her eyes however, conveyed easily how much she�d been worried about him. �It�s good to have you back.� Jean-Luc smiled. �It good to be back.� �I should look you over right away. Let�s go.� Together, they all made their way to sickbay. Once there, Dr. Crusher had the captain placed on a biobed, where she went about conducting various tests on him to make sure he was really okay. During that time, Jean-Luc went about telling her about what had happened to him. For the moment however, he chose to keep some of the details to himself, especially the one about them being married in that other reality. After about an hour, the main treatment area of sickbay was deserted except for Picard, who was waiting for his results. Riker had left to contact Starfleet command to inform them of the captain�s return, while Troi had a preset appointment with one of her patients. While waiting for Dr. Crusher to come back, the captain just sat on the edge of the biobed, lost in thought. He couldn�t help but wonder about what had happened in the mirror universe after he�d left. Did Beverly get her husband back? There was no way of knowing for sure, but he wanted to think that she had. He couldn�t bear the thought of Beverly being unhappy� even if it wasn�t his Beverly. Just then, Dr. Crusher came back with a happy look on her face. �Everything checks out Jean-Luc. You�re free to go.� �Thank you.� At that moment, neither of them knew exactly what to say. They�d just gone through a period of uncertainty where they didn�t know if they�d ever see each other again. Without tearing her gaze from his, Beverly finally said, �I�m so glad you�re home Jean-Luc. I was very worried about you.� �I�m really glad to be back.� The captain exhaled as he took in the sight of her. He then put a comforting hand on her shoulder. �For a while, I didn�t know if I�d ever see you again.� �I thought the same thing.� The two friends remained silent for a few seconds afterward. Picard couldn�t help but remember the promise he�d made to the mirror-version of the woman standing before him now. And as he looked in the clear blue eyes of the only woman he ever truly loved, he came to the realization that the time had come for him to get over his insecurities. He had no idea if she did in fact feel the same way about him, but he couldn�t let the matter sit. It was too important. Being acutely aware that she might not feel that way however, he knew he�d have to tread lightly so as not to scare her off. �Beverly, may I ask you something?� �Of course, Jean-Luc.� Hesitating slightly, he finally managed to ask, �You remember our mission to Rutia IV?� Beverly frowned in puzzlement. �Yes, why?� The captain didn�t answer right away. Instead, he gazed at her in such a way it seemed he was trying to reach the very depths of her soul. His hazel eyes, on the verge of revealing so much, were locked with hers. It was as if time had stopped. At that moment, they were so focused on one another that neither of them heard the main doors of sickbay hiss open. �Excuse me, Captain?� Picard and Crusher turned and saw Commander Riker walking in the treatment area. �I�ve contacted command about your return. Admiral Nacheyev wants you to contact her as soon as you�re released from sickbay.� Picard nodded. �Alright.� �I see no reason to keep you here, Captain,� Beverly added. Getting up from the biobed, Jean-Luc replied, �Well, I better get going then.� Just as he was about to exit sickbay, the captain discretely turned toward the doctor once more with a look that hinted regret. Beverly couldn�t help but feel slight disappointment at the interruption. She really wanted to know where their conversation had been leading. Smiling softly at him, she silently mouthed the words, I�ll see you later. When the doors finally hissed shut behind the two men, Beverly exhaled softly and headed toward her office. * * * * * Picard sat by the viewport in his ready-room. After a lengthy conversation with Admiral Nacheyev, he had spent the following ninety minutes writing his report on the whole situation. He still had a few loose ends to tie up, but he needed a break. Furthermore, his mind kept wandering. However hard he tried to concentrate, he couldn�t keep his chief medical officer out of his mind. When the chime sounded, the captain turned slightly so he could see the door. �Come.� Not surprisingly, Beverly Crusher stood just outside the entryway. Picard immediately got up and turned completely to face her as she walked in. �Beverly.� The doctor remained silent as she approached him. As hard as he tried, Picard couldn�t exactly read her expression. She wasn�t smiling, but her expression wasn�t entirely serious either. Her features were soft, the look in her eyes suggesting she was trying to divine his thoughts. After a few more seconds of silence, Beverly spoke softly, �Why did you ask me about Rutia, Jean-Luc?� The captain knew full well that she was going to ask him that. For some reason however, he wasn�t able to answer right away. �It was such a long time ago,� she added. The captain shook his head and managed to smile somewhat. �I�m sorry. I know that it must have sounded strange to you when I asked you about that mission.� �Well, I just didn�t expect you to bring it up. We�ve never really talked about it since. So why are you asking about it now?� Not revealing anything with her expression, she waited for him to continue. Gesturing toward the small sofa, the captain asked, �Have a seat?� Settling down on the sofa, the doctor looked at the captain as he sat down next to her. As he leant forward, Picard unknowingly fidgeted with his hands. �I don�t blame you for being puzzled by all this. The situation in itself doesn�t really make a lot of sense.� �That�s alright.� Her tone was soft and understanding. Exhaling, the captain continued, �Well, shortly before we were rescued� just before the lights went out� you were about to tell me something important�� As he spoke, Jean-Luc could swear he�d seen Beverly stiffen slightly. Although her expression revealed nothing, he was certain he�d hit a nerve. Beverly shook her head. �That was a long time ago Jean-Luc�� Not backing down, the captain pressed further, �What was it that you wanted to tell me?� She remembered that moment vividly. Their lives had been in danger and she�d debated over and over in her mind whether or not she should tell him what he never knew about her. It had been a secret she�d never intended on revealing to him, but with the prospect of not making it out of there alive, she�d finally made the ultimate decision. If it hadn�t been for the power failure that cut her off mid-sentence, she would have undoubtedly revealed everything to him. After the mission was over, a part of Beverly had been grateful that she hadn�t had the chance to finally open up to him. But every now and then, especially when she lay in the darkness of her quarters, a part of her regretted that she never told him. It was a conflict that remained with her to this day and she didn�t know if it would ever go away. The silence in the ready-room was heavy. Words had escaped her so instead of answering, Beverly turned the questioning his way, �Jean-Luc, what happened while you were in the mirror universe?� �Let�s just say that I�m� keeping a promise to a very dear friend of mine.� Beverly pondered her next words carefully. �May I ask who this friend is?� With his gaze firmly locked onto hers, Jean-Luc answered, �It�s you.� �I see,� was all she could think of saying. �Let�s just say that my experience there has opened my eyes to other possibilities.� �Possibilities that involve me?� Jean-Luc nodded. �Yes.� Swallowing, the doctor looked down. �And those possibilities� would they frighten me?� �They might,� he answered. �Hence the reason why you�re so vague, am I right?� Speaking in a low voice, Jean-Luc replied, �The last thing I want to do is push you into a conversation you�re not ready to have. The ball is in your court, really.� Beverly understood now and was very grateful that he was so considerate to her. She was almost certain the possibility he was referring to was the two of them being together. And by going about it the way he was, was leaving her the option of answering his question any way she wanted. She could avoid the subject altogether by coming up with an alternate answer. For all he knew, she might have been about to tell him that she was simply honored to have had a chance to serve with him, �Jean-Luc, I�� God, I wish I could tell you� Seeing how she was struggling with this, the captain took her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly. �I understand if you don�t want to answer, Beverly, and I will not hold it against you.� �I know you wouldn�t.� As she gazed in his eyes, the conflict within her started to appease itself. It seemed as though the regret she�d felt over the years at not having had the guts to tell him had become too heavy, much too heavy. So she took a deep breath and simply said, �That�s why I love you so much.� Jean-Luc blinked a few times as her words sank in. He tried to speak, but the words wouldn�t come out right, �You... uh� is that�� Beverly nodded with tears in her eyes, �That�s what I was about to tell you back then. For a long time, I kept going back and forth. I never had the courage to tell you� until now.� Closing his eyes momentarily, the captain felt a huge wave of relief and happiness wash over him. Feeling her hand on his cheek, he slowly opened his eyes. �You�re so wonderful, Beverly. I love you�� Smiling through their tears, they closed the small gap between them and kissed tenderly. What amazed them the most was how right this all felt. The two of them, together as fate had always intended them to be. The End BACK TO LIBRARY |