Forwarded by the ASC-VSO Posted: 19 Jan 2004 10:24:22 -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: 12/? Archive: yes Summary: An alternate universe story that picks up ten years after Disclaimer: no infringement meant, and comments welcomed. "Still There" (12/?) By: Louise Ellis "He'd appreciate it." Jean-Luc agreed as Beverly shook her head and sighed again. "We'll catch you up cherie." "That's all I do. That and answer questions." Beverly managed a tired smile in Kathryn's direction. Later that afternoon, Beverly was sitting on the edge of a biobed, absently staring out the window that overlooked the San Francisco Bay as Kate Pulaski finished reading through the results of her tests. When Kate touched her leg, she jumped, startled, one arm flinging up in a defensive action. Kate drew back at Beverly's automatic reaction. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." Beverly stared at her for a moment, then sighed. "No, I'm sorry. Did you ask me something?" "I did, you seemed entranced by the view." Kate glanced out the window. "We take it for granted." "I don't know if I'll ever take anything for granted again." Beverly stated softly, one hand picking at the sleeve of the blue Starfleet issue robe she had on. "What did you ask me?" "Physically you're in good condition, as long as you keep taking the supplements and continue to eat and gain weight." She hesitated. "You know they did do some surgery on you." "I know." Beverly nodded slowly. "I wasn't sure at first, but when I was able to scan myself…" She shrugged one shoulder. "Jean-Luc doesn't know. At least I don't think he does. Not that it would make much difference. They did it after Felisa was born." "Curiosity or cruelty?" Kate perched on a chair facing Beverly. "Both I suppose." She sighed. "Human physiology, their curiosity, as well as taking something from me that was a definite part of me, of being a woman, a human…I don't know." "Have you talked to a counselor about it?" Kate asked gently, knowing the answer. "No." Beverly wrapped her arms around her waist. "It's something that can't be changed, something that can't be fixed, and something I really don't need at this time of my life. One might even say I was done with it…" she stated in a weak attempt at humor. "Black humor doesn't suit you Beverly." Kate leaned back in her chair, still gazing intently at the other woman. "You need to talk to a counselor about it, even though it was done almost ten years ago." "It's one part of me." Beverly lifted an eyebrow. "The rest of me is fine. I'm fine. You did the tests yourself." "Indeed I did. And reviewed the psychological tests as well." Kate took a deep breath before continuing. "Beverly, I'm asking this as your physician. Have you slept with Jean-Luc since returning?" Beverly blinked in surprise, then narrowed her eyes. "We sleep together every night. Ask him, he's had the bruises and injuries to prove it after I have nightmares." "You know what I mean." Kate maintained her steady appraisal of Beverly until the other woman sighed and lay back, staring at the ceiling. "No." At the almost whisper, Kate stood and moved next to the bed, gazing down at her until Beverly continued, eyes closed and cheeks flushed. "We've come close, but…the timing, with my nightmares, Felisa's nightmares, odds and ends of things…" "I see." Kate nodded slowly. "It's a matter of timing…not…" Beverly's eyes flew open as she glanced at the doctor. "No. Believe me, the desire is there…on both sides. Even before I…when we…we'd spend hours just holding each other. Yes, the sex was incredible with Jean- Luc, but we share so much more that it's only one aspect…" Her voice trailed off as her cheeks flushed even deeper. "Believe me Kate, it's not a conscious or unconscious problem on either part. Felisa spent at least part of the night in our room until just the last few nights, and with everything…We're going to France as soon as this is over, Jean-Luc and I will most likely spend a day or so in Paris, alone, Felisa will stay with Will and Deanna at the house." "I want you to see a counselor. I can set you up with someone besides Deanna, if you'd feel more comfortable…" Kate offered gently. "Deanna's fine, for now." Beverly managed a weak smile in Kate's direction. "Don't worry, there's no conflict of interest, she's just as tough on me as she would be on anyone. When she and Will leave again, we'll see." "Sit up again please." Kate directed, then waited as Beverly obeyed. "And after France?" "I don't know." She sighed as Kate ran the tricorder along her body again. "You know they want to give me a promotion to Captain." "And?" Kate grimaced, "don't suppose you'd like to take over your husband's physicals. Or at least be responsible for getting him in here yearly without a fuss." "I don't know." Beverly glanced at Kate. "I'd like to catch up on the techniques I've missed, practice again, see where research has gone…My first inclination was to leave Starfleet, but Jean-Luc brought up the point that if I stay in, or even in the Reserves, that I'd still have access to all the medical logs and facilities, and he would have a better case for us to accompany him when he's sent away from Earth. Right now, I'm just not sure what and where I should be doing, I just want to be somewhere with Jean-Luc and Felisa, and make everything else just go away. At least for a while. However, I know realistically, it's not going to happen that way." "I'd be glad to have you in any capacity back here at Medical." Kate smiled. "You're welcome to have the position back…" "No thanks, two times being Head of Medical was quite enough." She shook her head and laughed softly. "Even if the second time around was cut rather short." "To be perfectly frank, I wouldn't mind using you as a seminar speaker when you're up to it." Kate offered with a shrug. "Do a series on that homeopathic medical work you do, utilizing herbs and plants, how to recognize them, that sort of thing. I think it would be beneficial for the students and all medical personnel going out on ships." Beverly smiled slightly. "I'd like that. Perhaps in a few months I'll be a bit more confident about being in front of groups again. Right now, I need to get back up to speed before anything else." "You let me know." Kate returned the smile. "Now though, I'm giving you a clean bill of health, with the restrictions I mentioned earlier. I'd like you back in two weeks just to check on your progress." Sliding off the bed, Beverly sighed. "I'll call your office. I'm free to go?" "As a bird. Go ahead and change, I'll let Jean-Luc know you're done." Kate touched Beverly's arm. "I am glad to have you back, both as a colleague and as a friend. And Beverly, tell him." "Yes Doctor." Crossing the room to the small changing cubicle, she glanced back over her shoulder. "Kate, thank you." "Just make sure Jean-Luc reports in for his physical on time from now on." She grinned over her shoulder as she left the room. (end part 12) -- Stephen Ratliff ASC Stories Only Forwarding In the Pattern Buffer at: http//trekiverse.crosswinds.net/feed/ Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASCL/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:ASCL-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. From ???@??? 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