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Date: Sun, 06 Jun 2004 23:43:19 -0400
Subject: [ASC] NEW: TNG Alone Inside 11/11 P/C
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Posted: Sun, 06 Jun 2004 14:06:06 GMT  
In: alt.startrek.creative 
From: "Heather Smyth" <picard5@bigpond.com> 
 

Title: Alone Inside
Author: Heather Smyth
Series: TNG
Part: 11/11
Rating: R
Code: P/C
Disclaimer: Paramount owns all Startrek and I derive no financial gain from
this story...just a little fun.
Summary: See part one.

           Two days later Jean-Luc found himself at a loose end. Having
finished therapy with Deanna for the day and still off duty, he decided to
take a wander through his ship.
The therapy sessions were, as Deanna predicted, gruelling. He was on an
unfamiliar emotional roller coaster and didn't quite know how to handle the
repercussions. Deanna helped, but he was still left feeling battered by the
sessions. His feet took him out his door and he wasn't surprised to
eventually find himself in the almost deserted lounge.
He fronted the bar and Guinan appeared as if by magic.
"Hello Picard, long time no see."
He nodded to the bartender and watched as she polished the bar top.
"So what brings you here.thirsty?"
"Not really."
"A cup of tea then?"
"Yes that would be fine, thank you."
Guinan retrieved the steaming brew and placed it before the thoughtful
Captain.
She waited a while and, when he wasn't forthcoming, she opened the
conversation.
"Tell me Picard, what do you make of it all?"
He looked up and straightened his arms on the bar.
"I.don't know."
Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he peered at the
bartender.
"You know.about the pregnancy."
"Yes."
"What do you think?"
"What's more to the point.what do you think?"
Jean-Luc screwed his eyes shut and sighed.
"I don't know about that either."
"Are you happy about it?"
"Yes! Definitely yes. I'm just not so sure this is the right time.that I can
be a good father."
"Let me tell you something Picard.there's no right time to have children.
They come along when they're meant to and I can assure you, you'll be a very
good father."
"You sound very sure of yourself."
"That's because I am. What else is bothering you?"
He sighed again and sipped his tea.
"These damn therapy sessions. I never know from one to the next what will
come out! Today I learned I'm capable of murder, or at least the emotion
that drives it. God I just wish."
"No point in that Picard and you know it. You know what you have to do."
"I'm doing it dammit!"
"As I was saying.trust your staff. Deanna knows what she's doing just allow
her to do her job and don't be obstructive."
"Obstructive? Guinan this is one of the hardest things I've ever done! I
think I."
"No, wrong again."
"What?"
"Being a parent will be the hardest.and most rewarding thing you'll ever do.
Trust me Picard, you haven't worked yet."
 He was silent for a time then drew himself up and addressed the computer.
"Computer, where is Ensign Amy Fullarton?"
"Ensign Amy Fullarton is currently in her quarters."
"Is she alone?"
"Affirmative."
Jean-Luc looked up at his friend and grimaced.
"Another of my.indiscretions."
"I was going to mention her."
"I know."
Guinan's eyes opened wide and she grinned at her friend.
"You're definitely on the mend."
He nodded, smiled warmly at her and left the bar.






            Amy was bored. Since taking herself off duty she'd soon
exhausted all the distractions in her quarters. Mark had been very
supportive, but even his patience was wearing thin. She was challenging the
computer to a game of Strategema when her door annunciator sounded. Rather
than remaining in her seat, she went to the door and pressed the opener.
Her visitor made her gasp, then gulp.
"Captain!"
"Ensign. May I come in?"
"What? Oh yes! Of course!"
She stood back at rigid attention, trembling right down to her boots.
Jean-Luc entered her quarters and tried not to sigh.
"At ease Ensign."
"Aye Sir!"
Jean-Luc closed his eyes and allowed a sigh to escape.
"Ensign.Amy, I need to talk to you and I don't want this.tension between us.
Relax.or shall I make that an order?"
Tentatively at first, Amy felt her shoulders inch lower and she found her
normal voice.
"No Sir that won't be necessary. Would you like to sit?"
Jean-Luc smiled warmly and nodded.
"Only if you do too."
They both sat and there followed a moment of uncomfortable silence, broken
when Jean-Luc cleared his throat.
"Ensign I've come to apologise."
"Sir you don't need to."
Jean-Luc blinked slowly and said softly,
"Please don't interrupt me Ensign."
"Yes Captain."
"As I was saying.I want to offer my apologies for my inappropriate behaviour
in regards to the accident. I overreacted and treated you most unfairly and
I want you to know I regret my actions."
Amy mustered a smile of her own.
"Thank you Sir, it means a lot to me."
"I hear you're off duty?"
"Yes Sir. I was doing so poorly.there wasn't much point in me turning up."
"I hope that can be rectified. You know we all make mistakes."
"Sir?"
"When I was an Ensign, my First Officer on the Hermes collected carnivorous
plants from Argus IV. I wanted to make a good impression so I fed them one
day. What I didn't know was.they only ate insects from Argus IV. He had a
supply of freeze-dried insects and I damn near killed the lot with
replicated meat. It was a very near thing."
"Oh dear."
"Precisely. The point is Ensign; I understand what you did and why you did
it. Whatever else happened was purely bad luck."
"Captain Picard.can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"Are you well now Sir?"
He regarded the Ensign for a moment then decided to be honest.
"My recovery is.progressing. I would be lying if I said it was easy."
"I see Sir, thank you. I hope you're fully recovered soon."
"As do I. Well I will leave now. I hope to see your name back on the duty
roster earning the same high grades we're used to seeing from you."
Amy beamed at her Captain and nodded vigorously.
"Yes Sir, you bet!"
Jean-Luc allowed an indulgent smile and left. He felt strangely light
hearted.






           Will Riker didn't often get the chance to be one up on Beverly
Crusher. He spied her across the room in Sick Bay and decided to have a
little fun.at her expense. He sidled up to her and whispered near her ear.
"Hi Mum."
Beverly's hands stilled, but her face showed no emotion. Her patient looked
up at the two senior officers and grinned. Beverly soon took the good humour
away.
"Now you listen to me Lieutenant. I've got better things to do than
autosuture cuts gained from the ill use of razor blades. I don't care what
your friend says.an isorazor does a better job! Now stay away from the
replicator and shave in a safe manner."
"Aye Sir."
She stood back and allowed the chastened officer to leave. Her next words
were directed at Will.
"In my office you."
He couldn't suppress a grin as they crossed Sick Bay. Once in her office he
raised his hands before she could remonstrate with him.
"Ok! I'm sorry.Deanna warned me and I ignored her."
"It's not funny Will!"
He lowered his head, his grin fading.
"I know, I'm sorry. I didn't think."
Beverly felt her anger dissipating at the sight of the repentant First
Officer.
"Oh Will.you big fool."
He heard the change in her tone and lifted his head.
"So.I'm forgiven?"
Beverly's frown melted into a smile.
"Yes, you're forgiven, though God knows why."
They both shared a chuckle and sat down.
"So Beverly how are you?"
"Oh you know.coping."
"Just coping?"
"Well I've got some medical issues, but it's all under control."
"Good, that's good. Beverly.does he know?"
Beverly sighed and ran her hands through her hair.
"Yes he knows."
 "And?"
"Let's just say.he's not.he's not sure."
 "Not sure? About what?"
"Oh about being a father. He's going through a lot right now Will, he needs
time."
"But he's happy about it.isn't he?"
"Yes."
"That's it? Just 'yes'."
"It's complicated! Look I think in time he'll be happy and
confident.eventually."
"Well as long as you're happy.?"
She smiled then and winked at her friend.
"Oh I'm happy, don't you worry."
Will grinned at her and rose to his feet.
"Ok. I'll see you, all right?"
"Yes Will, that's fine."
She watched his departing back and enjoyed a few moments peace in the
sanctuary of her office. It was, however, short lived. Deanna appeared at
her door and requested admittance.
"Sure come in."
The Counsellor sat and frowned at the Doctor.
"What is it Deanna?"
"The session was pretty rough today."
"How is he taking it?"
"Outwardly.good."
"But?"
"He's resisting me."
"Damn!"
Deanna clasped her hands and rested them on her lap.
"Don't be too harsh Beverly, he's trying, he really is, but we're reaching
into feelings he's left buried for a very long time. It's going to take
time."
"Do you want me to talk to him?"
"No. The last thing he needs is to feel that he's being pressured."
"Ok, granted, but don't let him bully you Dee. You know how clever he can
be."
"Oh I know, don't you worry. He's already tried some mental gymnastics with
me. God he can be slippery when he wants to be."
"Tell me about it! Sometimes a simple discussion can turn into a complete
debacle if he so wishes. Moody.that's how he's been lately."
"Well that's understandable."
Beverly leaned forward, frowning.
"When's the next session?"
"Tomorrow morning. I left him to his own devices this afternoon. I thought
he could do with some time on his own."
Beverly nodded and smiled.
"Yes he would appreciate that."
"Beverly.when you see him tonight.be gentle with him. He's very fragile
right now."
The red head nodded and sighed.
"I hear you Deanna. Don't worry I'll take care of him."
Deanna left soon after, leaving a very thoughtful Doctor in her wake.





       After Jean-Luc left Amy's cabin he wandered aimlessly through the
ship, nodding greetings to his passing crew. His good feelings had faded and
his mind kept creeping back to his last session with Deanna.
He found an observation room on deck twelve and sat in one of the chairs,
staring out at the stars. As his mind furnished the images unerringly, he
drifted off into thought. It was over four hours later that he became aware
of another presence in the room.
Startled, he sprang up from his chair.
"Hey, take it easy, it's just me."
"Beverly!"
"It's getting late Jean-Luc. I asked the computer where you were.I didn't
think you'd mind.?"
He sat back down, his shoulders slumped.
"No.that's fine."
Beverly knelt at his knees and gently placed her hands on his thighs.
"What is it my love?"
He shook his head and closed his eyes.
"It's nothing.really.I'm fine."
Beverly felt her anger rising but pushed it ruthlessly aside. Softly and
patiently she asked again,
"Jean-Luc it's me. Tell me what's wrong."
Slowly, almost imperceptibly he leaned forward until his head rested on her
shoulder. His arms crept around her shoulders and she strained to hear his
roughened voice.
"Just hold me Beverly."
She frowned and leaned her face against his head. Her own arms surrounded
him as she felt him trembling. When she felt his tears she cried herself.
"We'll get through this Jean-Luc.I promise."
His only response was to tighten his embrace. Beverly reasoned he would not
like to be seen in this state and tapped her combadge.
"Transporter Room, two to beam directly to the Captain's quarters."
They rematerialised on the floor in the main room of his cabin. Not
bothering with moving to the chairs, Beverly cradled his head and began to
rock back and forth.
His hands gathered fistfuls of material on her back as he began to sob.
Beverly's own tears coursed down her cheeks as his heart broke.
They stayed like that for over an hour as the storm of emotion raged within
Jean-Luc. When it eased, Beverly helped him into his bedroom and together
they laid on his bed.  In the darkness Jean-Luc steadied his breathing.
"I'm sorry Beverly."
"What for? It's about time you released some tension my love."
"Perhaps but I didn't intend for you to witness such a display."
"Afraid I'll see you're only human?"
She felt rather than saw his smile.
"Hardly. It's just.I don't like being so.vulnerable."
"Jean-Luc considering what you've been through.what you're going through.I
don't know how you've held it in so long."
They were quiet a time, each comfortable in the other's company. Beverly
smiled tenderly when he spoke.
"I only know one thing my love.I couldn't get through all this if it wasn't
for you. The thought of returning to my quarters and having you here.in my
arms.means more to me than I can sufficiently articulate. I love you
Beverly, never forget that."
Beverly snuggled into his embrace and kissed his chin.
"Then that makes two of us. I'm kinda keen on you too."
He chuckled, the sound thrilling Beverly. She allowed her hand to slip under
his shirt where she dallied in the hair of his chest. He sighed and released
one arm, lying back on the bed, completely open to his lover. Beverly rose
up on her knees and slowly undid the three buttons of his shirt. Encouraging
him to sit up, she slipped the garment from his body then gently pushed him
back down to the bed. Next she moved to his feet and took his shoes and
socks off, discarding them over the side of the bed to join the shirt.
Moving back to his head, she kissed him languidly while her hands tweaked
his stiffening nipples.
His own hands slid up her sides and cupped her breasts, kneading them
through the material of her uniform. She let her hands leave his chest and
wander down his torso. She smiled into their kiss when his stomach fluttered
as her fingers tickled him. At the waistband of his trousers, she hesitated,
taking time to gently outline his erection through the fabric.
In the silence of his bedroom, he began to undress her, pieces of her
uniform joining his clothes on the floor. By mutual agreement, they parted
from the kiss. Beverly sat up, still softly caressing him through his
trousers. She stared at him intently, thrilled as his eyes glittered in the
dark. Dressed now only in her underwear, she made an alluring image as she
fondled him, the light from the passing stars picking up highlights in her
hair.
Slowly she undid the closure of his pants and watched as the zip undid
itself under the pressure of his straining erection. She gathered the
trousers at his hips and pulled them down the length of his legs, pleased
when they landed on the floor. She crawled up his body and paused at his
groin where she bent low and kissed him forcibly, wetting the fabric of his
briefs. In silence he thrust up rubbing himself over her face. She smiled
sultrily and slipped her fingers under the waistband. Slowly,
centimetre-by-centimetre, she lowered the briefs exposing his throbbing
penis bit by bit. She cast a glance up and found him watching her. As their
eyes met he licked his lips slowly, making her heart flutter. Once his
underwear had found the floor, Beverly returned to his penis and slowly
dragged her tongue up the length of the shaft. His hips bucked but still
silence reigned.
When she slipped her lips over the head and swirled her tongue around him,
she noticed his hands grabbing at the sheets. She released him and slid her
body up his. His arms immediately embraced her and his mouth found hers in a
searingly passionate kiss.
They parted gasping as his hands deftly rid her of her bra and panties. They
lay together, their hands exploring each other until Jean-Luc gently eased
Beverly onto her back.
He gazed lovingly into her eyes as his hands moved down her body to dally in
the copper curls of her mons. She parted her legs wide and he made himself
comfortable between them. He looked down at her moist sex and inhaled her
unique scent as his fingers began to trace her outlines. Again he stared at
her while he explored her folds. His eyes never leaving hers, he found her
entrance and slid first one, then another thick finger into her heated
depths before slothfully sliding them in and out.
One of her hands went to her nipples; the other went down and spread her
labia for him.
It was a blatantly erotic thing to do and his penis twitched in response,
growing harder. His free hand joined hers and together they gently caressed
her clitoris.
Beverly's eyes drifted shut and her mouth opened silently. Arching her neck,
she pressed her head back into the pillow as her hips undulated in time with
his thrusting fingers.
Seeing her so wantonly sexual, so utterly desirable.he could no longer wait.
He withdrew his fingers and spent a short moment watching her pleasuring
herself before he took her hand and moved it aside. He then took his penis
and slid the head through her folds, pushing up and over her swollen
clitoris again and again.
Beverly raised her hand and he gripped it, entwining their fingers. He
spread his knees, nudging her legs further apart and positioned himself at
her opening. Her eyes snapped open and she watched him as he penetrated her
slowly, her interior stretching to accommodate him.
When his hips met hers he took their hands and placed them beside her head
as he started to slowly thrust. She lifted her head and they met in a deep
kiss, their eyes still locked.
With each sliding invasion and retreat, Beverly moved ever closer to her
climax. Already very close, she lifted her legs up and over his hips meeting
every thrust with a motion of her own. Jean-Luc felt her juices bathing his
penis and began to quicken his pace. Time and time again he pulled almost
all the way out then plunged back into her quickly sending a shiver of
sensation through both their bodies. Her hands left his and gripped his
shoulders, gasps beginning to burst from their mouths.
Suddenly Beverly felt the onrush of orgasm. She arched up from the bed and
raked her nails down his back, her mouth open in a silent scream. As she
pulsed around him he pumped into her furiously sending her over the edge
again as he spasmed through his own release. It surged through his body, his
heightened senses reaching out and touching Beverly's.
Together they clung to each other, briefly, fleetingly touching each other's
soul before collapsing onto the bed panting and gasping.
Later as they lay in each other's arms, Jean-Luc spoke, the first words for
a long time.
"Thank you my love."
Beverly nuzzled his neck and sighed happily.
"You're welcome."






              The next day found Jean-Luc once again in the Counsellor's
office. He was seated and decidedly uncomfortable.
"Look Counsellor I really don't think."
"Well I do! Captain please believe me what you're feeling is natural after
what you've been through. If you didn't have these feelings I would have
cause to worry. Now take some time and centre yourself as I've shown you and
think about what you just said."
Jean-Luc sighed and reluctantly closed his eyes, feeling vaguely silly.
Nevertheless, he went through the mental exercises Deanna had taught him and
felt calmer for it. When he felt ready he spoke.
"When I said I wanted to kill them all, I didn't mean."
"Yes you did! You're forgetting I can sense your emotions. Your desire to
rid the universe of all Borg is understandable, if a little extreme. It is,
however, a valid emotion and you shouldn't deny it. It's as much a part of
you as anything else you might feel and you're not diminished in any way for
feeling it."
"But really Counsellor.genocide?"
Deanna shook her head.
"Captain those feelings encompass much. You aren't just trying to protect
yourself, your trying to protect all of us. You know what assimilation is
like. You know, above everyone else what that kind of rape is like and you
don't ever want anybody else to go through it. I'd say that was a very
altruistic thought."
"Still."
"Captain Picard give yourself a little room to move. Admit to yourself that
these feelings are valid and move on. Denying them only sets you back."
He sighed and ran his hands over his head.
"All right Deanna, but I'm not sure we're getting anywhere. Yesterday it was
murdering one Borg.now it's wiping out the entire race. I'm not so sure that
's an improvement."
Deanna smiled and clasped her hands between her knees.
"Well it is for you, at least you're admitting it. Tell me how are you
sleeping?"
He flushed slightly at that, causing Deanna to grin slyly.
"Ah.I'm sleeping quite well actually. With Beverly there.it helps."
"I'm sure it does. Would you like to talk about the pregnancy?"
"I'm not sure it would help."
"How do you feel about it?"
"On a basic level I'm delighted. I never though I would ever have a child.I
thought my family line would die out with me and the fact that the child is
the product of Beverly and myself is a matter of joy for me.it's just that I
'm not so sure I will make a good father, I've had absolutely no
 experience."
"What about the Kataan probe? How much do you remember about Meribor and
Batai?"
"I have a complete memory of them."
"So why do you think this will be any different?"
"Because this is real."
Deanna stood, went to the replicator and retrieved drinks for them both.
Regaining her seat, she blew on the hot Valerian tea.
"Captain your memories of Kataan are real to you. Just because it never
really happened doesn't invalidate the experience. I think you know a lot
more about being a father than you think."
Jean-Luc looked thoughtfully into his Earl Grey.
"Perhaps Counsellor, perhaps."
"Captain there's something I would like to try.something to do with your
recovery, but it may be stressful for you."
"What is it?"
"I'd rather not say right now. Would you meet me at Holodeck Three this
afternoon, at about 1400 hours?"
Jean-Luc frowned and hesitated, but demurred.
"As you wish."
"Good, I'll see you there."
Placing his cup on the table, he rose to his feet and looked down at his
Counsellor.
"Deanna.I do appreciate everything you do for me."
"I know Captain, I know."
He left her office a feeling of disquiet deep in his belly.





              At 1145 he turned up at Sick Bay and entered, taking a moment
to watch his lover at work. He marvelled at how easily she went about her
tasks, always bringing a smile to those around her.
Rousing himself, he wandered over and stood to one side, waiting to gain her
attention.
Nurse Alyssa Ogawa saw him and raised her eyebrows at her boss. Frowning,
Beverly turned, her frown disappearing to be replaced by a wide smile.
"Hello Captain. What can we do for you?"
He smiled and glanced down at his shoes, marvelling at the fact she could
make him feel like a teenager again.
"Actually I was hoping we could have lunch together. I seem to be at a loose
end."
"Lunch sounds delightful Jean-Luc. Why don't you wait in my office? I'll be
free in a few minutes."
He grinned his agreement and made his way to her office, taking a seat and
making himself comfortable. Beverly joined him soon after and together they
left Sick Bay.
"Where are we going?"
"Oh the lounge I think."
"Won't it be crowded at this time of day?"
Jean-Luc's feet stopped and he considered her question.
"You know.you're right. Well, where would you like to go?"
Beverly thought for a moment and came up with an idea.
"Why don't we replicate a picnic and go to the Arboretum?"
"Splendid! I can order the staff to give us some privacy."
"Jean-Luc.that might be better as a suggestion."
"Hmm. Agreed. There should be a replicator in here."
They entered a utility room and spent some time conjuring up their picnic.
Thus armed, they made their way to the ship's Arboretum. Karl Stynes the
head Botanist greeted them personally and noted their accoutrements. He led
them to a new exhibit area and left them, subtly signalling to his staff to
leave them alone.
Jean-Luc spread the blanket at the base of a tree and placed the basket upon
it. He and Beverly seated themselves and enjoyed taking out their food and
drinks. They ate slowly savouring the delights and lingering over the
chilled wine. Beverly propped her back against the tree trunk and invited
Jean-Luc to lie with his head in her lap. They had been quietly
contemplating their thoughts, Beverly idly stroking his head when he softly
spoke.
"Beverly?"
"Mmm?"
"I've been thinking about the baby."
Beverly's hand stilled and she looked down at her best friend and lover.
"And?"
"I think it's going to be all right."
Beverly let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. She bent
forward and kissed his forehead.
"Thank you my love. What made you come to that?"
He was silent a while then sighed.
"My therapy's helping.I'm getting better at coping with the memories.and
Deanna reminded me about Meribor and Batai. I remember being a father to
them and I recall the mistakes I made and I realised I've got the chance to
do something very few people get to have."
"What's that?"
"Well I can be a better father. As I said I remember the mistakes and I've
learned from them. I don't think I'll be likely to repeat them. How many
parents get that chance?"
Beverly chuckled and shook her head.
"None that I know of."
"See what I mean?"
He sat up then and looked at her belly.
"Do you know the sex?"
"No."
"When is your next examination?"
"The day after tomorrow."
He scooted up next to her and placed a tender hand on her abdomen.
"Can I be there?"
Beverly's eyes began to fill with tears. She smiled lopsidedly and nodded.
"Of course you can."
Jean-Luc sighed with happiness and leaned in to kiss his love sweetly.
They stayed happily in each other's company for another hour before duty
called. Beverly reminded him that she had to return to Sick Bay and together
they packed up their picnic. As they exited the Arboretum his hand sought
and held hers, shocking Beverly by the overt nature of the gesture.
He returned to his quarters and read for a while, setting his computer to
call him at 1345.
This it duly did and he left his cabin and made his way to the Holodeck.






                Deanna was waiting for him as he rounded the corner, her
hands behind her back.
"Hello Captain."
"Counsellor."
He looked at the closed doors of the Holodeck and frowned.
"You said this may be.unsettling."
"Yes Sir."
"Very well.let's get on with it shall we?"
Deanna went to the computer interface and called up a programme. The
computer bade them entry and they went in, only to see the usual black and
yellow grid in the cavernous room. Deanna raised her voice and called,
"Computer run programme Troi Delta Two."
In an instant their surrounds changed to that of the interior of a Borg
cube. Jean-Luc gasped and spun around, reeling with the memories that
hammered in his head.
"Captain."
His eyes fell on the Counsellor and he followed her pointing finger. He
turned to be confronted by a Borg Drone. He cried out and stepped back,
grabbing Deanna's shoulder and pulling her with him. She halted him after a
few steps and in a gentle voice, spoke to him.
"It's all right Captain.it can't hurt you."
Jean-Luc, panting and savagely suppressing the urge to flee, looked askance
at the Counsellor.
"What the hell is this about?" he hissed.
"This."
Deanna bent and picked up a heavy wooden club from the floor and handed it
to the sweating Jean-Luc.
"You have the opportunity to do whatever you want to this drone. Kill it,
maim it.smash it to pieces.anything you wish."
Jean-Luc stared at the drone, it's blinking lights and ghastly green pallor
so real. He took a hesitant step forward and raised the club. The drone didn
't react. He stepped closer and raised the club higher, growling with fury.
Then he stopped, frozen in place as he fought the battle in his mind.
Deanna watched silently, a part of her curious to see what he'd do.  She was
not surprised when he slowly lowered the club and dropped it to the floor.
He stepped up to the drone then walked warily around it, inspecting it
minutely. When he finished the inspection he turned his back on it, cast a
glance at Deanna and called for the arch.
"You're leaving Captain?"
He stopped and turned his head.
"Yes Counsellor. I have better things to do with my time."






           The next day he met with Deanna in her office.
"So Captain, how do you feel?"
He smiled and shook his head.
"Liberated."
Deanna nodded, also smiling.
"You took a large step yesterday, I'm very proud of you. Do you know why you
didn't act out your fantasies?"
"Not really.I just knew it wouldn't help.that in the end I had to come to
terms with myself, not the Borg."
"Yes. I'm sorry it was so.confrontational, but I think it was necessary."
He shook his head and smiled ruefully.
"You know if you had told me what was waiting for me.I wouldn't have gone
in."
"I know, but sometimes we have to face our worse fears in order to conquer
them."
"So that's your new counselling technique.confrontation?"
Deanna laughed and stood, bringing the session to an end.
"Well let's just say I'll reserve it for recalcitrant Captains. I'll see you
next week."
"Next week? Not tomorrow?"
"No Captain you're well on the road to recovery now."
Jean-Luc left her office feeling like a reprieved man. He tapped his
combadge and called Beverly.
"Picard to Crusher."
"Crusher here Captain."
"Beverly I have some good news."





         Seven months later Jean-Luc and Beverly were once again in Sick
Bay. Beverly was reclining in a birthing chair as Jean-Luc wiped the sweat
from her brow. He held tightly to her hand as she grimaced in pain. Selar
sat between Beverly's legs, encouraging her.
"One more push Doctor.the head and shoulders have appeared."
Beverly panted and looked up at her concerned partner. She was about to say
something to him when another contraction took her.
"Oh God."
Her back arched and Jean-Luc supported her as the spasm overtook her. She
gasped and cried out, her body writhing with effort.
"I have the baby!"
Beverly let out a large breath as the pain subsided and tried to remember to
ease her grip on Jean-Luc's hand. She looked up to see him staring at her
intently. With her eyes on him she asked Selar.
"What is it?"
"You have a son Doctor. Congratulations to you both."
Selar got to her feet and proffered the bundle to Jean-Luc. He dragged his
eyes away from his lover and disengaged his hand from Beverly. Lifting his
arms, he took his son and showed him to his mother.
"Hello there little one."
Beverly winced as another contraction took her and Selar went to tend to her
needs. Jean-Luc gazed down at his newborn son, tears misting his eyes.
"Welcome aboard Jean-Jacques."


--
Forwarded to ASCL by:
Stephen Ratliff
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