Forwarded by the ASC-VSO Posted: 18 Jan 2004 18:37:58 -0800 In: alt.startrek.creative From: louiseell@aol.com (louise ellis) Title: "Still There" Author: Louise Ellis Series: TNG Rating: PG Code: P/C Part: 10/? Archive: yes Summary: An alternate universe story that picks up ten years after Disclaimer: no infringement meant, and comments welcomed. "Still There" (10/?) By: Louise Ellis "Not what I needed to hear." He groaned, then moved to the closet. A moment later, he passed her as they switched rooms. "Although, what did I expect from another Howard lass." "Exactly." Beverly brushed a kiss along his cheek, then laughed as he grimaced and closed the door. "Papa?" Felisa knocked on the door again a few minutes later. "Come in Felisa," Beverly called, then leaned forward and frowned at her reflection as she brushed her hair and pulled it back with a clip. "What is it cherie?" "There is an Admiral Davies on the com system for Papa. He said he needed to talk to him." She looked concerned. "Papa isn't going away is he?" "No, he's not." Jean-Luc emerged from the bathroom and exchanged a glance with Beverly. "Perhaps it's just a few questions about scheduling over the next few days." "Perhaps." She nodded, then fell in step with him as he passed her, both of them following Felisa out of their bedroom. "Felisa, let's you and I set the table while Papa takes his call." "I already started." Nervously, she watched Jean-Luc continue through the dining area to the office where the main com panel was located. "Papa and Aunt Deanna will be with me while I'm talking to them, right?" "They won't leave you alone." Beverly reassured her as she opened the cooling unit. "Can you bring me four glasses?" "I set out the tea set for you and Papa, as well as Uncle Will. Deanna will want her hot chocolate…" Felisa set the four glasses down on the counter next to Beverly, who glanced down with a smile. "Yes, you may have hot chocolate as well, as long as you drink your juice first." Pouring a glass, she handed it to her daughter, then filled the other three glasses. "We'll wait until Will and Deanna arrive to replicate the food." "Can I have waffles?" Felisa carried her glass to the table, then returned for another as Beverly replaced the juice in the cooling unit and carried the other two glasses to the table. "You may have waffles with whatever you would like on them, except chocolate chips." Beverly raised an eyebrow, anticipating the next question. "Hot chocolate is quite enough for one meal." Felisa sighed. "Very well. Papa and Uncle Will said they would take me to explore along the beach again today." "And today you'll wear sunscreen." Beverly began, then glanced up as Jean-Luc entered. "That was fast." He shook his head and moved to the replicator. "Tea, Earl Grey, hot, one pitcher." Retrieving the tea pot, he carried it to the table and poured a cup before looking up at Beverly. "Paul wanted to let me know…" As the house sensor sounded, he glanced at Felisa. "Cherie, why don't you go let Will and Deanna in." She blinked at him curiously, then nodded. "Yes, Papa." As she left the room, Beverly moved to face Jean-Luc, "what did Paul Davies want to tell you?" He took a deep breath and raised one hand to cup her cheek. "The media knows you're back." Beverly paled and stepped back. "Know what?" "They are aware that you have returned after ten years, and that those years were spent in the hands of the Cardassians." He glanced toward the door as Will and Deanna entered. "The Admiral contacted you as well?" "Yes sir." He nodded slowly. "They do only seem to be aware of Beverly however." "We'll transfer directly there today." Deanna smiled as Felisa handed her a steaming mug. "Thank you Felisa." "What do people know?" Felisa looked up at them curiously. "Just something I expected, but was hoping wouldn't happen." Beverly blinked, then managed a weak smile down at Felisa. "Cherie, why don't you and Papa and Uncle Will go ahead and have breakfast. Aunt Deanna and I need to do something." "Beverly…" Jean-Luc stepped forward. "I'm all right." Leaning toward him, she kissed him gently, then glanced at Deanna. "Shall we?" "All right." Confused Deanna followed Beverly to the bedroom. "What are we doing?" "I've considered that this might happen, and what I'd do. I will not hide, and I will not let anyone dictate what I do. Not any more." She turned to face the younger woman. "They know about me, fine. But, what they get will be on my terms." Deanna nodded slowly. "Very well. What do you need me to do?" Beverly turned back to face the mirror on the wall. "I need you to…do whatever it is you do. To me. Like you used to when I'd let you." A smile slowly formed on Deanna's face. "Well, I suppose it's a good thing we had Mott touch up your hair before we left the ship." Beverly sank down, still staring at the mirror. "I suppose." Thirty minutes later, Deanna returned to the dining area, where Will and Jean-Luc were talking with Felisa as they finished their breakfast. "Gentlemen." "Is she all right?" Jean-Luc started to stand, then froze, staring at the woman who entered behind Deanna. As his eyes ran from her feet up to her face, he began to chuckle. "They won't know what hit them." "No," Will agreed, blinking. "They won't." "Jean-Luc, get your uniform on." Beverly ordered softly. "I'd like you to accompany me today." As he nodded, she turned to Will, "I hope you won't mind Deanna remaining with you today." "The company of two lovely women?" He raised an eyebrow. "If that meets with your approval, Miss Felisa?" "We can still go to the beach?" Felisa waited for his nod, then turned back to Beverly. "Maman, you look so different." Beverly arched an eyebrow. "Good different or not so good different?" Felisa tilted her head, considering before she decided. "Good different. I didn't know you had a uniform like Aunt Deanna's." "You're actually out of uniform, Commander." Will grinned and moved to the replicator, returning a moment later and stopping in front of her. "With your permission?" Beverly simply tilted her head, allowing him to attach her rank pins to the collar. "Much better." "Thank you Will." Beverly knelt in front of Felisa. "I'm glad you approve." "You look so…pretty. You have makeup on. And," Felisa reached out and touched Beverly's hair, "you didn't brush out the curls or pull it back." "Deanna talked me into letting them remain." Beverly glanced up as Jean- Luc returned, then back at Felisa. "Cherie, this is very important. I need you to stay with Aunt Deanna or Uncle Will all the time today, alright?" When Felisa nodded, she smiled again. "Bon. And if anyone comes to the house or the beach today, you do what Deanna and Will tell you to, immediately." "Maman?" Felisa frowned. "Who would come?" "Some people wanting to find out things about both you and me, things that we need to tell Starfleet first." Beverly answered softly, then held out her arms. "Hug?" "Hug." Felisa fell into her mother's arms and hugged her tightly. "Will we still go the special place for dinner tonight?" "Perhaps." Jean-Luc knelt next to them. "We'll do something special tonight though, no matter what." "Good." Felisa hugged him. "You will be with Maman all day?" "I won't let her out of my sight." He nodded solemnly. "I promise." "Good." She stepped back as they straightened. "Thank you Will, Deanna." Beverly glanced at them as her hand slid into Jean-Luc's. "We'll call you later." "You're still transporting in?" Deanna asked softly. "Yes." Jean-Luc nodded. "We'll leave the ground car for you." "We'll see you tonight." Will bent and picked up Felisa. "And as for you, shouldn't you be going to get your swimsuit on?" She nodded, still gazing at her parents. "I'll wear sunscreen, Maman. Promise." "Good." With a final smile, Beverly allowed Jean-Luc to lead her to the study, where he hesitated before activating the communications control. "You do look incredible Beverly." Reaching up, he traced her cheek. "Are you sure…" She raised an eyebrow. "Jean-Luc, I gave Deanna one of her favorite things, full permission to play with my hair and makeup. And, we managed to replicate a uniform that fits. Technically, I am an officer reporting for debriefing. The press being aware only means that I not only have to convince Starfleet that I'm of sound mind and confident state of being, but all of the Federation. If…certain people should see anything, I want them to know I'm not cowering in fear somewhere. I'm not living recklessly, but I do have a solid existence." With a chuckle, he leaned forward and kissed her gently, then waited as she removed the lipstick from his lip. "Well then, Commander Crusher…" He blinked as she removed her hand from his and held it up between them so he could see the ring on her finger. "I stand corrected, Commander Picard. Are you ready?" "Indeed I am, Admiral Picard." She smiled as he turned away and contacted Starfleet for transport. Minutes later, they rematerialized in the lobby of Starfleet Headquarters and turned to face the man meeting them. "Admiral, Doctor…" Paul Davies voice trailed off in shock as he stared at her. "Oh my." "Good morning Admiral." Beverly nodded slightly, her lips twitching in amusement. He smiled slowly. "Admiral, I was expecting Commander Riker." "I decided to accompany my wife this morning, in light of your earlier call." Jean-Luc raised an eyebrow. "Your…" Davies blinked, then stared at Beverly, who silently raised her hand so he could see the ring. "We were married before Beverly…" Jean-Luc hesitated a moment then continued, "it was kept private, and only a few people aware of the ceremony. It was my hope to prevent exactly what ended up happening." "And so we've decided to not hide anymore." Beverly finished for him. "Admiral, I believe I have more questions to answer? And following that, if Starfleet would care to prevent the rumors that the press will begin on their own, I will make myself available to them through an approved conference before reporting to Medical this afternoon. Of course, Admiral Picard will remain with me through all sessions, as he has the necessary security clearance and I am entitled to representation at all times." Davies gazed at her levelly for a long moment, then chuckled, shaking his head. "Jean-Luc, I take it this is the legendary Doctor Crusher…I'm sorry, Doctor Picard, that I've heard tell of?" "I'd say, for all intents and purposes, indeed she is." He slid an arm around her waist. "Shall we?" (end part 10) -- Stephen Ratliff ASC Stories Only Forwarding In the Pattern Buffer at: http//trekiverse.crosswinds.net/feed/ Yahoo! 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