Path: news.ksu.ksu.edu!news.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsjunkie.ans.net!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: REPOST: THE RIFT- PART ONE Date: 27 Apr 1995 09:38:02 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 155 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Message-ID: <3no6nq$7t2@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com This is my first story and my first posting...It is intended for my fellow Picard/Crusher fans...you are forewarned! Forgive me if I have made errors in the use of technobabble, etc... I welcome all help and constructive criticism! Now, for the..... DISCLAIMER: PARAMOUNT OWNS EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN THIS WORK OF FAN FICTION...I, HOWEVER, OWN THE STORY. IT IS NOT FOR COMMERCIAL REPRODUCTION, HOWEVER, FEEL FREE TO PASS IT ALONG TO YOUR FRIENDS...BUT LEAVE MY NAME AND THIS MESSAGE ATTACHED, PLEASE. THE RIFT BY M.A. BOYD APRIL 1995 PART ONE Captain Jean-Luc Picard entered the conference room with a grim face. He was always uncomfortable when he was unable to fully disclose the details of a mission with his senior staff, but he had his orders from Star Fleet. He took his seat and surveyed his staff. Commander Will Riker was seated to his left. He knew that Riker would have questions that he could not answer, but that his number one would obey his orders without hesitation. Commander LaForge, Data, and Lt. Worf would also do whatever he asked of them. Deanna Troi would certainly sense his withholding of information; however, to her credit, she would not share this information with anyone. Then there was Dr. Beverly Crusher....her fiery hair and eyes (those eyes) revealed her determination for the truth...luckily for Picard, this was one mission he would be able to share with her. "Good morning. I know all of you have been enjoying our down time as we have been mapping this sector; however, I have just received orders from Starfleet. We are to proceed immediately to Rhondia V to assist in the evacuation of a team of scientists. Apparently the planet has become unstable and we are to assist them in evacuating their personnel and their equipment." "I can begin preparing away teams to assist on the planet," interjected Riker. "No, Number One. That will not be necessary. Dr. Crusher and I will beam down and coordinate the effort from the planet. I have been informed that the scientists are ready for our arrival. " Riker raised his right eyebrow at this unusual arrangement, but he did not question it. Worf, however, as chief of security did. "Captain, I must protest. Rhondia V is on the Romulan border. It would be dangerous for you and the doctor to be on the planet without a security detail." "I appreciate your concern, Lieutenant. However, because the planet is near the border, I need all security personnel on board the Enterprise, just in case a 'situation' develops. Security details will also be required to ensure the safety of the equipment removed from the planet. Starfleet does not expect any problems and I believe we can accomplish our mission quickly and without incident." Beverly's curiosity was now piqued. "Just what type of experiments are being conducted on the planet, Captain?" Picard had dreaded this question. He then repeated what he had been instructed to say. "It seems that they have been using the planet's unique atmosphere to experiment with new stasis fields. Their research could be of great help in the treatment of contagious viruses." Now Beverly knew that something was up. As chief medical officer of Starfleet's flagship, she would certainly have heard about this research. Beverly remained silent as she knew Jean-Luc was probably following orders. "Number One, you have the bridge until further notice. Set course immediately for Rhondia V. Dismissed." Everyone prepared to leave for their new assignments. "Dr. Crusher, I'll brief you in my ready room." Beverly followed Picard into his ready room. He gestured for her to take a seat by his desk. "Doctor, what we are about to discuss is classified and cannot be discussed outside of this room." Beverly nodded. She could tell by Picard's tone...and the fact that he addressed her as "Doctor," that this was a serious matter. "The scientists on Rhondia V have been developing a new power source. It is their hope that it could be used to reclaim resource depleted planets. They chose Rhondia V for two reasons. First, it is uninhabited and in an area of low travel. Second, its violent volcanic nature ensures a certain level of protection from detection by outside parties...including the Romulans. The frequent eruptions mask their power tests from normal scans." "So, then. What is our mission, Jean-Luc?" "They have neared the end of their experiments, unfortunately, the planet has now become too unstable for them to remain. Their research, if it were to fall into the wrong hands, could be modified to produce a very powerful weapon of destruction. Our mission is to retrieve all personnel, equipment and data and transport them immediately to Starbase 37. Your presence will be necessary on the planet to complete the guise that this is a medical mission." "Understood, sir." Picard's face now softened from its usual professional demeanor. "Beverly. This mission will be risky. Starfleet intelligence believes that Romulans are aware of the team on Rhondia V, although it is not believed that they know the scope of the project. In all likelihood, the Romulans are on their way there now. If they become a threat while we are on the planet, we are instructed to destroy all equipment and data on the project before leaving the surface. I cannot order you to accompany me on this mission...I can easily ask Lt. Worf to...." "No, Jean-Luc," Beverly interrupted. "That would raise too many questions. Besides...as you told me once...we must think positively. And, I certainly wouldn't want you to have all of the fun." Beverly revealed one of her famous sly smiles. Picard reflected for a moment on Beverly's allusion to their experience on Kes-Prytt. He always had known that Beverly was a determined, brave woman; however, his unique opportunity to be part of her..linked to her thoughts, showed him how deep her loyalty (and love) for him really was. He never doubted that she would go with him on this mission, but because of the love he felt for her, he knew he had to give her a chance to say no. As Picard sat silently in his thoughts, Beverly stared at him quizzically. "If only I could read his thoughts now, " she mused. Picard shook himself out of his daydream. He hit his comm badge. "Picard to Commander Riker. ETA to Rhondia V?" "Captain, we should arrive in two hours and thirty-four minutes." "Picard out." Picard then turned to Beverly. He crossed over to her and took her by the hand. "Well. It seems we have a little time. How about a late breakfast?" "What is this, Jean-Luc? If I didn't know better I'd say you were offering me a last meal!" She stood as Picard smiled. "Well, if it is, we better make it a big breakfast!" Picard led Beverly toward the door. All the while he was thinking that he intended it to be only one of many more meals that they would share in the future...their future. The evacuation had gone smoothly for the first several hours. Because of the severe atmospheric disturbances caused by the constant volcanic activity, a beam out zone had been established with the assistance of enhancement rods. All that remained on the surface now was the Away team, the lead scientist, Dr. Trevor, and a few of the most critical pieces of equipment and data. Dr. Trevor was personally carrying the data chips encoded with their research results. He would beam out first, then Picard and Crusher would follow with the remaining equipment. They watched as the last images of Dr. Trevor disappeared in the transporter beam. They then prepared to enter the beam out zone for their trip home. Picard silently let out a sigh of relief. Beverly had been right...think positively. The mission had gone smoothly... And then, with little warning, the earth beneath their feet collapsed. Beverly shoved Picard to the side as the rumbling beneath them expanded into a deafening roar. Beverly threw herself through the dust-filled air, desperately hoping that she would hit something solid...preferably at her current altitude. As she fell, she was amazed that everything was happening so slowly. "So this is how it all ends...," she thought. "But at least all of the scientists are safe on the Enterprise." She was vaguely aware that her medkit had slipped from her grasp. Then, suddenly, she was clawing through sand and dirt...trying to find some sort of handhold. The dust from the collapse clouded the air so that she could not see. She ignored the sharp pains she felt throughout her body as she continued sliding down into the abyss that had engulfed her. After what seemed to be an eternity, Beverly came to an abrupt halt as her right side slammed onto what felt like a shelf of solid rock. She smiled weakly at her good fortune. Dr. Crusher closed her eyes and welcomed the cool darkness that soon enveloped her. M.A. Boyd Path: news.ksu.ksu.edu!news.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uwm.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!pipex!uunet!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: NEW TNG STORY- The Rift- Part 2 Date: 22 Apr 1995 20:04:23 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 199 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Message-ID: <3nc5i7$hos@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com OK...Here's the second part of my first story posted...It is a Picard/Crusher story so you are forewarned....I welcome all constructive criticism. Hope you are enjoying it! DISCLAIMER: EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE IN THIS STORY BELONGS TO PARAMOUNT. THE STORY BELONGS TO ME. IT IS NOT FOR COMMERCIAL REPRODUCTION, HOWEVER, FEEL FREE TO PASS IT ON TO FRIENDS, BUT KEEP MY NAME AND THIS MESSAGE ATTACHED. THE RIFT Chapter Two "Sir, there has been a major disruption on the planet's surface." Data turned from his console to face Commander Riker. "It appears to be at the beam out site." "Riker to Transporter Room One....status of evacuation." "Commander, we have retrieved all of the scientists. We were unable to get a lock on Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher." Riker turned to Data. He knew what the answer would be, but he asked anyway, "Commander Data, scan for the Captain and Dr. Crusher." "Sir, there is too much interference. The enhancing rods are no longer operational, and there is no signal from their communicators." "What the hell happened down there?" "It would appear from the large volume of dust particles that have been emitted into the atmosphere, that a major rift has developed on the planet's surface at the coordinates of the established beam out site." "How long until we can scan for life signs?" "Factoring in the prevailing winds on the planet's surface as well as the periods of magnetic disturbance...approximately six hours, twenty-three minutes and ten seconds...if we modify our scanners to filter out the resonant images caused by the increased particle interference." "Make it so.....and do it faster." "Aye, Sir." Riker turned to Counselor Troi. Deanna sensed Riker's fear for his friends; however, she also felt his determination to get them safely back aboard the Enterprise. This determination gave her comfort. She had felt the shock on the planet as the Captain and Dr. Crusher were sucked into the rift. She had soon lost all sense of them. She hoped that the atmospheric interference was what prevented her from sensing them...and that contact had not been lost because they no longer were....Deanna shuddered. Her eyes latched onto Will. Silently he inquired. Deanna closed her eyes and whispered, "I feel nothing." "Commander Data, you have the bridge. Counselor...you're with me." Riker barked. Will and Deanna boarded the turbolift. Deanna turned to question him, but he interrupted. "It's about time we got some answers from Dr. Trevor." Picard slowly opened his eyes. The dust was gradually settling, leaving an orange tint in the air that still blotted out the sky. He rubbed his eyes to bring them into focus. His mind raced as he tried to recollect what had transpired. He recalled standing at the beam out point and watching the last of the scientists being transported to safety. Then the whole world collapsed. He felt a strong push...was that Beverly that had pushed him?....then he was falling...or rather, sliding. And now, he was here. But, where was here? And where was Beverly? Picard slowly sat up. His head cried out in protest. He drew his right hand across his forehead and found blood oozing from a gash on his temple. He tested all of his limbs and found that other than the wound on his head, he was apparently uninjured. Picard reached for his communicator and found that it had been ripped off of his uniform during his recent "travels." Picard was coming out of his initial daze and now could only focus on one thing: Where was Beverly? "Beverly! Where are you!" he called as loudly as his dust filled lungs would allow. The dust had now cleared enough for Picard to view his surroundings. He had landed on a large ledge, approximately 10 meters by 15 meters. He could see that he had fallen about 15 meters from where his ground zero used to be. Cautiously, he proceeded to the edge of his new world and peered into the abyss. Although he could not see the bottom, he could feel the intense heat rising and knew that the fault line had collapsed and fallen into the molten river that lay two kilometers beneath the planet's surface. He looked across the rift and saw that it was approximately 3 meters across. There was no sign of Beverly; but, if he had landed on a ledge, perhaps.... He called her name again but the only reply he received was an empty echo. It was that echo that completely awoke Picard from his daze as he heard the fear in his own voice as he called her name. The world was filled with blurry images. She moved her fingers gingerly. Then her toes. She gasped. She realized her mistake as she slowly forced her eyes open. There was something terribly wrong with her right leg. "Probably...most definitely broken," she thought...almost out loud. She was laying on her back. She was aware that her right leg was bent at a completely unnatural angle under her body. "I must set it straight....now, where is my medkit?" She then remembered how it had slipped from her grasp. "Damn." she muttered aloud. She began to roll onto her left side but stopped as she felt a more demanding pain in her right side. "I must have broken some ribs..." She knew that she still needed to straighten her leg. Beverly braced herself and quickly rolled to her left. She tried to scream, but the sound she emitted was a loud moan. She continued to roll and her right leg straightened out as she came to rest again on her back. Beverly could only view the world now through a dim tunnel. "I'm in shock....I have to wake up." She felt her ribs and a new world opened up in a flare of sharp pain. And this new world had a new sound echoing through it. What was that? "Beverly! Are you there?" She knew she was dreaming...Jean-Luc was there to save her. He would soon be beside her and they would finally be able to admit the truth that had lain unspoken between them for so many years. But there was no time for dreams right now. "Beverly! Answer me! That's an order!" Except, this was not a dream. "Jean-Luc, I'm here!" but, the words were stuck in her head, where they futilely echoed. She pushed herself up on her elbows, in spite of the agony she felt. She took a deep, painful breath..and called out. "Jean-Luc...I'm here!" The noise above her stopped for a moment. Then a hail of rocks came down on the other side of the abyss. An abyss that Beverly had just noticed. Picard slid to the far edge of his landing and peered to where he thought he had heard a voice. There....across from him and about five meters down. Beverly. He sighed as the relief flooded him as he stared at that red-haired figure below him. Beverly was alive. But as his vision adapted to the distance...something was terribly wrong. "Beverly...wake up! Are you all right?" The silence that followed seemed to last for hours. Slowly and faintly, Picard heard her reply. "Jean-Luc...so good to see you!" He thought he could see that familiar glint in her eyes...or was that wishful thinking? At least she still had her trademark sarcasm. "Beverly... " The words caught were caught by the lump in his throat, the lump that was also known as his heart. "Damn, " he thought...."even now I can't find the words I need." "Beverly. I'll find a way to reach you." By now, Beverly had surveyed her surroundings. "No, Jean-Luc. It isn't safe. Stay where you are. I'm all right." She hoped that she sounded convincing. Thank God he looked as though he was not injured. "Beverly, you're hurt...I'll find a way down." Picard looked frantically down at the sheer wall below him...there was no way to reach her. "Beverly...do you still have your communicator?" She tapped her left shoulder. Nothing but uniform. "No, Jean-Luc. Can you climb out of this....whatever this is?" "I don't know. But I need to get to you." "I wouldn't advise it. That last step is quite a thrill." She forced a grin, hoping Picard would see it. "Beverly, we are going to get out of here." "I know, Jean-Luc, that's why you need to stay where you are." With that last word, Beverly gasped. It was becoming difficult for her to breathe. And why was it so hot? "What's going on down there?" Picard could see that her mood had drastically changed. A change that was not good. Beverly slowly turned her head toward his voice...her eyes closed. "It's so hot down here...why is it so hot?" Picard actually felt her weakness in his heart. This was something he had not felt since their experience on Kes-Prytt. He knew she was slowly leaving him. He imagined that he could see her buoyant radiance leaving every part of her...even her once vibrant red hair. "Beverly...hang on. The heat is from a volcanic vent...but it should not get much worse. What's happening to you?" Beverly found it was becoming very difficult to respond. She began to revert to her medical facade as she mentally diagnosed her injuries. "Okay. Broken leg, broken ribs, probable internal bleeding...and shallow, painful breathing...I must have punctured a lung. This isn't promising." She heard his voice and it woke her up to the world around her once again. "Beverly...answer me, damn it!" "Jean-Luc....it's hard to ....talk....just talk to me....please..." Picard knew he was her lifeline. As a Starfleet captain, he always felt responsible for the welfare of each member of his crew; however, he was now faced with an almost unbearable weight. For Dr. Beverly Crusher was not just a member of his crew....she was...his best friend...his companion....his life. A life he had too often taken for granted, given their line of work. He stared down at her broken figure. A figure that he had often dreamed of holding close to him; but in spite of the electricity they felt between them, they had always denied their feelings for some reason...often under the false guise of professionalism. (Which was really only a convenient excuse for the real reason...fear.) He vowed he would never make that mistake again. "O.K. Let's see, I could tell you about my last shore leave...but you have to stay awake...even if it gets boring....promise?" Beverly smiled faintly. If that vacation was anything like his others..there would probably be some young woman in the middle of it...and now she'd be stuck listening to their adventures....Damn! But, then again, she loved that accent as it gently travelled across syllables. "O.K. I promise...." Beverly did not hear a single word about Vyton III. She was listening to the musical lilt of his voice as it danced across the words in his story. Their rhythm was slowly leading her to a peaceful sleep...something she really did not get enough of due to her hectic schedule. "Beverly!" The song stopped abruptly. She opened her eyes at the interruption. "Beverly! Please talk to me.!" Beverly could hear the alarm in the voice..."Is that Jean-Luc?" Picard was a man of decision and action. He was not used to feeling so desparately useless. He assessed their situation. There was no way to contact the Enterprise and it was unknown if and when he would be able to. Beverly was obviously dying and he was her only hope. There was only one way to reach her...to jump across the rift and hopefully land on the ledge where she lay. More than likely, he would miss and would plunge into the fire below. However, if he did not act, Beverly would most surely die...and he did not believe that he could bear a life without her smile, her wit, her grace...her love. Picard surveyed the distance between them. He backed up to the far side of his ledge...and with a strength that is only possessed for those one loves...he ran to the edge and jumped. Path: news.ksu.ksu.edu!news.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsjunkie.ans.net!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: NEW TNG STORY: The Rift - Parts 3-5 Date: 23 Apr 1995 16:36:17 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 204 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Message-ID: <3nedo1$3i7@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com Here are the next three chapters of my first posting. Be forewarned: This is a Picard/Crusher story! I welcome all constructive criticism...Hope you're enjoying it so far.... DISCLAIMER: EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE IN THIS STORY BELONGS TO PARAMOUNT...THE STORY BELONGS TO ME. IT IS NOT MEANT FOR COMMERCIAL REPRODUCTION, HOWEVER FEEL FREE TO PASS IT ALONG TO YOUR FRIENDS, BUT LEAVE MY NAME AND MESSAGE ATTACHED. The Rift by M.A. Boyd PART 3 Commander William Riker and Counselor Deanna Troi entered the hub of activity in Science Lab 3. Dr. Curtis Trevor was directing the placement of the numerous pieces of equipment that had been beamed up from the surface of Rhondia V. "Dr. Trevor, I'm Commander Riker and this is Counselor Troi. Can you tell us what happened down there?" "I'm sorry. I was unaware of the incident until one of your crew members informed me. Rhondia V has been extremely unstable for several weeks. I can only speculate that one of the many fault lines on the surface collapsed. I'm sorry for your loss." "Dr. Trevor, we don't know that anyone was lost. We were hoping you could assist us in the search for our captain and chief medical officer. We are unable to scan the planet because of atmospheric interference. I am preparing to send an away team..." "That's impossible, Commander..." Trevor interrupted abruptly. "We have direct orders from Starfleet to proceed immediately to the nearest starbase. We cannot stay here any longer." Riker took a deep breath and looked at Deanna. This was getting on his nerves...and he was going to get some answers. "I'm afraid you'll have to explain the reason for these 'orders' before I will abandon two of my crew members on that planet." "I'm not at liberty to discuss my orders. I suggest you take the matter up with Admiral Tarkenton. And now, if you'll excuse me. I have a lot of work to do here." With that, Dr. Trevor turned away from them and began directing his staff, leaving Riker and Deanna to find their answers on their own. Riker stormed off the turbolift onto the bridge. "Commander Data, get me a secure channel to Admiral Tarkenton at Starbase 37, priority one and send it into the Ready Room." Riker did not wait for Data to reply as he marched into the Ready Room and stood by, waiting for the connection. "This is Admiral Tarkenton. We have received your priority transmission." "Admiral, this is Commander Riker. We have transported Dr. Trevor and his staff onto the Enterprise with most of their equipment. There is a problem, however; Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher have been lost on the surface. I need to send a away team to the planet to search for them..." Admiral Tarkenton paused. "I am sorry to hear that, Commander, but you must proceed immediately to Starbase 37. There is no time for delay." "Admiral, I need some answers. If there is a threat I am unaware of..." Minutes later, Riker was briefing what remained of the senior staff in the conference room. Deanna could sense his frustration and anger as she studied his determined face. "We have been ordered to leave immediately for Starbase 37 with Dr. Trevor and his staff." "But, Commander, what about the Captain and Dr. Crusher?" protested Geordi. "It seems as though we were not completely informed as to the nature of Dr. Trevor's experiments. They have been researching some sort of new power source that could be used to rejuvenate resource depleted planets. Unfortunately that same research could also theoretically be used to create a very destructive new weapon..." "And we are sitting on the Romulan border," concluded Worf. "Exactly, Lieutenant. Starfleet believes that the Romulans are already on their way to Rhondia V. We must leave immediately to avoid any confrontation with them." "But, sir, if the Romulans are on their way, we cannot leave the Captain and Dr. Crusher on the surface..." "I agree Worf. Admiral Tarkenton is concerned also. Not only about our crew, but also about the equipment that still remains on the surface. It cannot fall into Romulan hands. He has authorized me to send a small away team to the surface, via shuttlecraft, to destroy any remaining equipment...and to locate the Captain and Dr. Crusher. As soon as the shuttle is launched, the Enterprise will leave for Starbase 37. We will return for the away team as soon as Dr. Trevor and his staff are delivered." "Sir, as chief of security, I am responsible for the Captain's safety. I will take the shuttle to the planet." Worf was forceful. He did not want any argument. "Agreed Mr. Worf." Deanna turned to face Will. "I request permission to assist Lt. Worf in the search." Riker was taken by surprise. "Counselor, I..." "Our scanners may not function on the planet...I may be able to sense some sign of the Captain and Beverly once I am on the surface..." Riker was torn. He knew Deanna was right. He also knew how dangerous this mission could be; however, he was very aware of Worf's feelings for Deanna, and knew he would look after her. In any case, there was no time to waste while he sorted out his personal feelings on the matter. "Permission granted. Lieutenant, Counselor...prepare to leave immediately." PART 4 Picard floated for a moment in the air...at first not believing he would make it...then with jarring suddenness, he was rolling across the ledge next to Beverly. He heard a loud snap as his left ankle twisted beneath him. He came to a stop...gasping for his breath. It returned slowly in fiery bursts. And then he was beside her. As he surveyed her shocking injuries, he reached with a trembling hand and brushed the hair from her face. "Beverly," he whispered. His voice was hoarse...not from the dust that still settled around them, but from the fear that she would not hear him...that he was too late. Beverly could feel herself floating. She opened her eyes and could see a brilliant light before her. In the distance she could hear an echo..calling someone. Calling....She gasped for air. Picard grabbed her hands. She was alive! "Beverly!" She gazed up at him...this was not a dream. "Jean-Luc! What are you doing here?" "You didn't think I'd let you have all of the fun down here did you?" Beverly smiled...but she was also aware at how cold she was becoming. "Jean-Luc, It's so cold here." Beverly was now visibly shaking with cold. Picard had enough medical experience to know that Beverly was in shock and that he had to keep her warm. He lay down beside her and gingerly cradled her broken body in his arms, trying not to worsen her injuries. "There now, this should help." They lay together on the ledge, Picard absorbing each shudder as Beverly responded to the new warmth surrounding her. He lost all track of time as he only focused on Beverly's erratic breathing. How many times had he dreamed of laying beside her, caressing that face...that beautiful face. Beverly could feel Jean-Luc's soothing breath on her face. She had told him not to try to reach her. But, in her heart, she knew he would...and she was relieved that he was beside her. She began to dream about all of the times that they had faced danger together...the virus from the Tsilkovsky; the Dixon Hill holodeck program that had gone awry (Jean-Luc was so dashing in that hat...); the cavern on Minos; their abduction on Rutia IV; his assimilation by the Borg; the warp bubble; her experience as "captain" of the Enterprise; and then, of course, their capture and escape on Kes-Prytt. Each time, in each desperate situation, they had overcome any fear and were driven to action not only by their strong sense of duty, but because of the love, albeit unspoken, that they felt for each other. Their link on Kes-Prytt had finally given them the chance to admit to each other how they felt...at least in their thoughts. Beverly was hurt and disappointed that night by the fire, when Jean-Luc had said that he no longer had 'those' feelings for her. She could feel the truth and she could not understand what Jean-Luc was trying to protect her from when he said those words. She had told him (or "conveyed" to him) her love at that moment when they faced each other across the border...Jean-Luc safe...Beverly facing death; and she had felt his heart as it was torn in half at that moment. Later, in his quarters, she had surprised herself when she turned down his suggestion that they explore their feelings. She knew exactly how he felt, but she was confused by his inability to say it aloud. The moment she left him that night, she had regretted her actions...perhaps she should have given him the chance; but, wasn't it safer to just continue as they always had...as best friends? None of that mattered now. At this moment, Beverly could feel everything Jean-Luc had never been able to say. The strength of his arms wrapped around her, his heart beating rapidly against her, the gentleness of his voice...she had no more doubts or fears. PART 5 Worf had a difficult time piloting the shuttle through the clouds and debris that covered Rhondia V. Some navigational controls were lost, but, because of their careful plotting for atmospheric entry, Worf was able to land the shuttle within two kilometers of the away team's original beamout zone coordinates. As Worf and Deanna prepared to leave the shuttle to begin their search, Deanna was suddenly hit by a wave of emotions. She staggered back and almost fell, but Worf was quickly beside her, steadying her on her feet. "Deanna, are you all right?" Deanna took a deep breath to clear her head. An avalanche of emotions had entered her mind. Powerful emotions.... "Yes, Worf. I can sense them. But something is terribly wrong. We must hurry!" Worf strapped on his rescue kit. They quickly exited the shuttle to begin their search on foot. Jean-Luc Picard was scared. Beverly had responded to his warmth and had stopped shaking; but, her face was ashen...devoid of her usual glowing color. Now, her hands were ice cold and her lips had a slight bluish tinge to them. Damn! Where is her medkit? He rubbed her hands and her body bent slightly. Beverly moaned. "Beverly, can you hear me?" Beverly gazed up with half-open eyes. "You're still here?" She smiled weakly. Picard was amazed that she could keep up this facade. "Beverly...what can I do to help you? I have to do something!" "Jean-Luc...I lost my medkit in the fall....there's nothing...I'm bleeding inside...lung punctured....please, just keep holding me." She closed her eyes and smiled again. She knew how much Jean-Luc hated to not have control in a situation. Beverly knew how serious her injuries were...and that they probably would not get help in time...however, she was surprised to find that at that moment...none of that mattered. Dreamily, she could only focus on one thing: Jean-Luc Picard. He was beside her...and he was saying something to her..... Jean-Luc looked down at his partner. He had no medical equipment to help her. He did, however, have one thing to attend to. He bent down and kissed her forehead. Then he gently touched his lips to hers. The words that had always run away from him took him prisoner at that moment. "Beverly. You're my best friend. Since the day I met you, you've been a part of every breath I have taken. You've been a part of all of my thoughts and dreams....and I've been a fool. A fool because I've never said what I always knew....Beverly, I..." ....more to come soon.... Path: news.ksu.ksu.edu!news.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsjunkie.ans.net!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: NEW TNG STORY: THE RIFT- Parts 6-8 Date: 24 Apr 1995 23:27:49 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 189 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Message-ID: <3nhq7l$cb@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com For the Picard/Crusher fans among you...here are the next three parts of my first story....thanks for the many notes of encouragement you've already sent. Again, I welcome all constructive criticism. I should be posting the ending sometime tomorrow.....Enjoy! (p.s.- I do not profess to be an expert at technobabble...so please forgive any errors I have made...I welcome help in this area!) DISCLAIMER: PARAMOUNT OWNS EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN THIS WORK...THE STORY IS MINE. IT IS NOT FOR COMMERCIAL REPRODUCTION, HOWEVER, FEEL FREE TO PASS IT ON TO FRIENDS, BUT PLEASE LEAVE NAME AND THIS MESSAGE ATTACHED. PART 6 Picard's confession was interrupted by a shower of dirt and debris. "Captain Picard! Dr. Crusher! Are you there?" It was the voice of Deanna Troi! "Counselor...down here!" Picard looked up to see the concerned faces of Deanna Troi and Lt. Worf. "Captain, are you all right?" cried Deanna. "We have to get Dr. Crusher out of here. Do you have a medkit?" Worf quickly responded. "I'll lower it to you now!" Deanna turned to Worf. "Worf, I can sense that the Captain is in no condition...I must go down and help. I'll take the medkit." Worf knew it was pointless to argue with Deanna, in spite of the danger she was placing herself in. "Captain. I'm on my way down!" Worf slowly lowered Deanna with the climbing rope from his rescue pack. In moments she was at Picard's side and was rushing over to help her friend. Picard repeated Beverly's self-diagnosis to Deanna. Deanna was unnerved by the grave condition of her friend and confidante. She quickly removed the tricorder from the medkit and passed it over Beverly. She looked up at Picard. "Captain, we do not have the equipment to treat all of her injuries here....We can put her in stasis, but I don't know exactly how long this portable unit will last. We need to get her back onto the Enterprise." Deanna did not tell Picard that the Enterprise was no longer in orbit. She would wait until they were off of this ledge. "Do it, Deanna. Please hurry!" Deanna placed the unit on Beverly's forehead and made the appropriate adjustments. She then activated the unit. Deanna checked the unit again and scanned Beverly with the tricorder. She looked up at Picard and noticed that he was still holding the doctor's hand. She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to interrupt the Captain's thoughts. "Captain, the unit is working. Beverly is stabilized for now...I just don't know how long it will last." Picard looked up after a moment. "Understood, Counselor." "Captain, we have to get off of this ledge and back to the shuttle, but first, you must let me tend to your injuries." Picard was reluctant to break his contact with Beverly. He felt that by doing so he would be letting her slip away... "I'm fine, Deanna. There's no need..." Deanna needed no empathic ability to sense what the Captain was feeling as she gently interrupted. "Captain...please. The best thing for Beverly right now is to be back at the shuttle. Your ankle is injured...it will be difficult for you to help us unless you let me tend to it.." Picard could see that Deanna was correct. He sat still, although impatient, as Deanna scanned his ankle. She removed a hypospray and administered a dose to him. "You're lucky, sir. It's not broken, just badly sprained. The hypospray should help..at least you'll be able to walk." "Thank you, Deanna. Now, let's get the hell out of here." Worf pulled the Captain up first so that he could assist in raising Deanna and Beverly. Deanna had fashioned a splint on Beverly's leg and, using items from the rescue pack, she was able to create a stable harness so that she would suffer no further injuries. Worf and Picard raised both women together so that Deanna could ensure that the stasis unit was not jostled while Beverly was pulled to safety. Their trip to the shuttle was silent. To Picard, it seemed to take an eternity. They carried Beverly into the shuttle and placed her on a berth. Deanna then turned to Picard. She knew she had to fill him in on the Enterprise now. "Captain, now that Beverly is safely aboard, we need to discuss our current situation." "What do you mean, Counselor?" Deanna filled him in on their mission. Picard sat in silent thought for a moment. "When will the Enterprise be back in orbit?" Worf responded, "In approximately ten hours, sir. Because of the Romulan threat, it would be unwise to leave the planet until the Enterprise is due to return." Picard pulled on his tunic. "Then that should give us ample time to search for any equipment that may have survived the collapse. Counselor Troi, remain with Dr. Crusher. Lt. Worf, you and I will conduct the search and destroy any equipment that remains." Picard took one more look at Beverly, then he marched out of the shuttle. Deanna turned to Worf. "Worf, I'm concerned about the Captain. In spite of what he says, his mind is not clear..." She glanced to Beverly. "Keep an eye on him." Worf placed his hand on Deanna's shoulder. "I understand his anger. It is hard to find honor in having to wait. I will 'keep and eye out' for him." Worf grabbed his gear and followed the Captain outside. Deanna turned her attention to her unconscious friend. PART 7 Picard and Worf had searched the area for many hours. Before they returned to the shuttle, they had ensured that all of Dr. Trevor's equipment had been destroyed in the collapse. Even Picard's injured ankle could not prevent him from almost running back to the shuttle to see Beverly. Worf understood and did not try to hold him back. Beverly's condition was unchanged. There was little to do now but wait the remaining four hours until they were due to rendezvous with the Enterprise. Deanna sensed Picard's need to be alone with Beverly. She turned to Worf. "Worf, could you give me a hand with this outside...." Worf gave her a puzzled look. Deanna stared at him with her best 'don't question me now' look. She couldn't help but think that, really, men from every planet shared one quality...a certain density when it came to the matters of the heart. "I know you wanted to recheck the exterior navigational controls." Worf suddenly clued into the Counselor's plan. "Yes, Counselor. That would be wise." She turned to the Captain. "Captain, we'll be outside if needed." Picard barely heard Deanna. He mumbled that he understood. For Jean-Luc Picard, the world now consisted of only two things...Dr. Beverly Crusher...and a clock that was ticking down from 3 hours and 45 minutes. He took Beverly's hand in his own. He leaned toward her so that his lips were inches from her ear. He spoke, knowing she could not hear him, but hoping that she would anyway. He spoke, unsure if he would ever be able to say the words to her again. He spoke, and finally said three words that always conveniently removed themselves from his vocabulary. "Beverly,....I love you." PART 8 Jean-Luc Picard was awakened by a tender hand on his shoulder. Where was he? Had all of this merely been a bad dream? "Captain. Wake up. It's time for us to leave." It was Counselor Deanna Troi. Picard opened his eyes and noted his surroundings. He was aboard the shuttle. Beverly was laying on the berth before him. He had fallen asleep, seated beside her. It wasn't a dream. "Thank you, Counselor." Deanna was moved by her Captain's emotions. But, Picard quickly put the walls back up as he abruptly stood up and, again, pulled his tunic. He twisted out the slight 'crick' in his neck and turned to the shuttle controls. "Mr. Worf, we have an appointment to keep." "Aye, sir." They maneuvered the shuttle through the still-boiling atmosphere and into the peaceful calm of space. As they approached the rendezvous coordinates, Worf began to scan for the Enterprise. "Sir, the Enterprise is not here. I can find no sign of the ship." Suddenly, their attention was drawn to a movement in their own craft as Beverly began to stir. Deanna rushed to her side. "Captain, the stasis unit is failing." Deanna tried to keep her voice from sounding too alarmed...for the Captain's sake, as well as her own. "Can you boost the unit's power using the shuttle's power banks?" "No, sir. It would cause an overload in the unit." Picard stood from his console. "Mr. Worf, send a message to the Enterprise. We'll have to risk the possibility of the Romulans intercepting it." "Aye, sir." "Counselor, let me see if I can adjust the stasis unit." Picard moved to Deanna's side and she stepped back. He gently removed the unit from Beverly's forehead and began to examine it. He was almost relieved that he had something in his hands to work on..at least, he might be of some use. Deanna returned to Beverly's side and held her hand. She was trying to talk, but Deanna could not understand her. ("Jean-Luc...where are you?") Deanna tried to reassure her friend. "Beverly, it's Deanna. You're going to be all right...we're on our way back to the Enterprise...We'll be there soon." Worf called out, "Sir, the Enterprise is dropping out of warp. I'm hailing them now." Commander Riker stood on the bridge, behind Data. "Commander, we have reached the rendezvous coordinates and are being hailed by the shuttle." "On screen," Riker barked. Riker was relieved to see Lt. Worf on the viewscreen. He was even more relieved to see Deanna and the Captain in the background. "Lt. Worf, was your mission successful?" "Yes, sir. The Captain and Doctor are aboard; however, we have a medical emergency." Riker wanted to ask Worf for more details, but knew there were more important things than satisfying his curiosity. "Understood. Prepare to dock in Shuttle Bay 3." An alarm at Tactical suddenly went off. Data quickly assessed the situation. "Commander, a Romulan warbird is uncloaking to port." [To be continued..... : ) ] Path: news.ksu.ksu.edu!news.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsjunkie.ans.net!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: NEW TNG STORY: THE RIFT-Parts 9-12 (THE END) Date: 26 Apr 1995 12:31:45 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 315 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Message-ID: <3nlshh$s3e@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: mabtng@aol.com (MABTNG) NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com O.K. I'm finally ending this thing. Warning: This is a story for Picard/Crusher fans....Thanks for all of the encouragement and threats : ). Again, I welcome all constructive criticism. Hope you've enjoyed it! DISCLAIMER: PARAMOUNT OWNS EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN THIS STORY, BUT THE STORY IS MINE. IT IS NOT FOR COMMERCIAL REPRODUCTION. FEEL FREE TO PASS IT ALONG TO FRIENDS, BUT, PLEASE LEAVE MY NAME AND THIS MESSAGE ATTACHED. And now, the conclusion..... PART NINE "Riker to Transporter Room One...get our crew off of that shuttle!" "Aye, sir." "Data, the moment they're aboard, shields up!" "Aye, sir...and I've notified sickbay to send a team to the transporter room." "Transporter room to Commander Riker...we have them aboard." Picard was relieved to feel the familiar tingling sensation of the Enterprise's transporter. He had grabbed Beverly immediately when the transport order was given, and now, the away team gradually appeared on the transporter platform, Beverly in his arms. A medical team was rushing in and moving toward him. He reluctantly released Beverly to them. Deanna moved toward him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "They'll take good care of her, Captain." Picard nodded. He wanted to go directly to sickbay...to stay by Beverly's side...but he was needed on the bridge. "Counselor,...." "Don't' worry, sir. I'll be in sickbay...I'll let you know what's happening." "Thank you, Deanna. Lt. Worf, with me." Picard and Worf rushed out and headed for the bridge. There was a flurry of activity in sickbay as everyone rushed to the aid of Dr. Selar as she treated the chief medical officer...their boss. Lt. Alyssa Ogawa-Powell was firmly planted at Beverly's side. She was extremely upset at the sight of Beverly's injuries; however, Dr. Crusher had trained her staff well to deal with medical emergencies...and Alyssa was determined not to let her boss...her friend...down. She switched to automatic and responded to every request from Dr. Selar...sometimes before the orders were given. Deanna stood back, against a partitioned wall, watching helplessly as everyone ran back and forth, bringing equipment and supplies to the team around Beverly. She was overwhelmed by the emotions emanating from the room. She could not help but be impressed, however, that every person, in spite of their strong feelings, was entirely professional...almost acting detached...as they continued their work...It was a defensive reaction on their part, she realized. Captain Picard was tired....and very angry...as he marched off of the turbolift onto the bridge with Worf. Worf immediately headed to his station. Will Riker turned at his captain's entrance and was shocked at his commanding officer's haggard appearance, but then he saw the look in Picard's eyes. "Sir, we've been hailing the Romulan ship. They are not responding." "Thank you, Number One." Picard signaled to Worf and began to hail the vessel. "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise. You have entered Federation space. State your business." A moment later, Worf looked up. "Sir, they are answering our transmission..." "On screen." The Romulan commander filled the viewscreen. "Captain Picard, I am General Voltek, commander of this vessel." "General, please state your business in this sector." Picard knew that the game of tightrope, with all of its guises and bluffs, had begun...and they were both walking without a net. "Captain...we were on our side of the border when we "received" the distress signal sent by one of your shuttlecraft. We were merely responding to see if we could be of assistance." "I see, General. We are grateful for your assistance; however, as you can see, there is no longer any emergency. You may return now to your own side of the border." "Captain, we can detect severe disturbances on the surface of the planet. Can we be of any assistance in evacuating any of...your personnel that may be down there?" "No, thank you, General Voltek. The planet is uninhabited. Thank you again for your offer. I will report your assistance to Starfleet." "There is no need for that, Captain Picard. We were only doing what I'm sure any Starfleet vessel would do in our place. Until we meet again, Captain." The viewscreen went blank and was then replaced by the view of the Romulan ship leaving the area. Data looked up. "Sir, sensors indicate that the Romulan ship is scanning the planet..." Picard could not hide the disgust in his voice. "Let them. There's nothing for them to find. Mr. Data, as soon as the Romulans are out of this sector, get us out of here." "Aye, sir." "I'll be in my ready room. Number One, you have the bridge." Picard wearily walked into his Ready Room. He knew he needed to immediately contact Admiral Tarkenton. He also knew that he would be expected to spend several hours debriefing Starfleet and filing the perfunctory reports. While he ached to go down to sickbay, he knew what his duties were at this moment. Besides, Deanna had promised to notify him of any change. PART TEN Dr. Beverly Crusher was slowly coming around in sickbay. "Jean-Luc," she called softly. Beverly opened her eyes. After a moment of disorientation, she quickly recognized the lights above her. She was on board the Enterprise, and in her own sickbay. She blushed when she realized what she had called out moments before. She looked around and saw Deanna and Alyssa beside her, concern on their faces. No one else was near. She silently gave a sigh of relief. No one else had heard her. She trusted that Deanna and Alyssa would not mention it. "Deanna...what happened?" Deanna briefly reminded her of the mission on Rhondia V and the collapse of the fault line. Alyssa then continued by briefing the Doctor on her injuries. "Your leg was broken in two places, you had three broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a nasty concussion...not to mention numerous lacerations and bruises....Dr. Selar was able to mend all of the damage..." "Thank you, Alyssa...now, I have work to do..." Beverly tried to sit up and quickly realized her error. Her muscles screamed and her head began to spin. Alyssa and Deanna grabbed her and helped her to lay back on the biobed. Deanna frowned at her friend's lack of judgment. "Beverly, you suffered serious injuries and you lost a great deal of blood. You won't need to attend to anything, except getting better, for a while." "But, Deanna, I...." Beverly protested. Alyssa realized it was time to put her foot down. "Doctor Crusher, you will stay on that bed and rest until I tell you otherwise...if you keep acting up, I'll be forced to give you a sedative!" Deanna smiled as she took Beverly's hand. It was interesting to see her friend receive the same treatment that she so often dispensed. "Beverly, for once, listen to the advice that you have frequently given." Beverly sighed. "I'm too tired to argue the point." She glowered at Alyssa, but there was the hint of a smile behind it. "And, I'll discuss this tirade toward your superior officer later, Lt. Ogawa." Alyssa smiled and began to leave. Beverly stopped her for a moment. "Alyssa, ....thank you." Alyssa exited into the main area of sickbay. Beverly turned to Deanna. "Where is Je....Where is Captain Picard? Is he o.k.?" Deanna had to smile. When were these two friends of hers going to admit to each other what she had known for such a long...long time? "Don't worry, Beverly. The Captain is fine. He had to attend to a situation on the bridge....and, Beverly,...he wouldn't leave you until I reassured him that I would stay here." PART ELEVEN Captain Picard had a determined step as he exited the turbolift and headed toward sickbay. It had taken an eternity for him to finish his debriefing and reports to Starfleet. He asked the computer for the time. Had it really been eight hours since he had been forced to release Beverly to the custody of the medical team? His last report from sickbay had been promising...Beverly was stabilized and recovering. But, that had been several hours ago. He entered sickbay and was surprised by the dim lights and the lack of personnel. But, he reminded himself, it was the late shift. He walked to the alcove where Beverly was reported to be recovering. He was hoping his entrance would remain unnoticed as he slipped by the bed. The bed was empty! For a moment, he was panic-stricken. Where was Beverly?! He searched the other beds...still, no Dr. Crusher. Surely if something had happened they would have notified him...He looked across the room and saw a bright light in the main office. He approached and saw the duty lieutenant at the computer, his back to him. "Lieutenant..." The young lieutenant jumped and spun around. He quickly stood when he realized who was addressing him. "Captain! I'm sorry...I didn't hear you come in..." "At ease, Lieutenant. I came here to....debrief Dr. Crusher...but I could not find her..." "Didn't anyone tell you, sir?" A large weight sank into Picard's heart. "Tell me what, Lieutenant?" "Um....Dr. Crusher was transferred to her own quarters about an hour ago." Relief began to wash through him. "Transferred?" "Yes, sir. She was less than cooperative here...she insisted on being moved, so Dr. Selar made a deal with her. Dr. Crusher promised to remain quiet and stay in bed if she was moved to her own quarters. Lt. Ogawa was assigned to stay with her and monitor her." His relief was complete. He smiled slightly. "You know what they say, sir....Doctors do make the worst patients..." Picard remembered the many times that he had faced the ire and determination of that fiery red-head. Combine that with her profession... "Yes, Lieutenant. I can imagine." PART TWELVE The corridors of the late "night" Enterprise were deserted as Jean-Luc Picard approached Beverly Crusher's quarters. He paused outside of her quarters and leaned beside the door. His thoughts were poised on Beverly's stubbornness. For once, he was very thankful for that pervasive quality of hers. It meant that he could go inside and be with her...alone...without interruption. But, he realized it also meant that, once again, he would have to participate in that ongoing battle between what he felt and his inability to convey those emotions in words. "Damn! Why is this so hard!" His throat was dry. His chest was now pounding so hard that he thought his heart would burst. Suddenly, the door opened. Picard almost gasped in surprise. Deanna Troi was standing in front of him. "Captain...forgive me for startling you....Come in." Picard could only nod. He took a deep breath to collect himself. "Counselor,...I just wasn't expecting..." "I know, Captain. Forgive me for being blunt, but I could sense you at the door." "How is she?" "She's doing well, sir. They were able to repair her injuries; however, it will be awhile before she is ready to go back to her duties. They replaced the blood that she lost, but she will be weak for a few days. It will take some time for her body to recover from the trauma she suffered. I must say, though, that she was much more cooperative once she was transferred to her own quarters. She's asleep now. Lt. Ogawa gave her a sedative." Picard glanced around the room for Lt. Ogawa. "I sent Lt. Ogawa to get some rest...she was exhausted...I promised her that Beverly would not be left alone." "I see....Counselor, thank you for staying with her all this time..." "Captain, Beverly is my friend. I only did what she has done for me, and many others, countless times." Picard nodded his understanding. Deanna prepared to leave, but hesitated as she passed Picard. "Sir,...I would like to speak to you now...as your friend." "Yes, Deanna?" "I know what you are feeling....and I don't need any empathic abilities to realize that you and Beverly have a very special bond. You're concerned about what to say and do....if I may make a suggestion...for once, listen to your heart. I was nearly overwhelmed by the sadness both of you felt after your experience on Kes-Prytt. You have another opportunity now...don't waste all of your todays for the sake of tomorrow....or...because of yesterdays..." Deanna blushed at her own forwardness. She put her hand on Picard's arm. "Captain, you are both very special to me...you both deserve some happiness..." Picard smiled. He was touched by the compassion Deanna showed for him. "Thank you, Deanna. I think that maybe you are right." Deanna then quietly exited to leave Picard face his future. Picard silently moved toward Beverly's sleeping quarters. He paused at the entry and gazed at the figure on the bed before him. He had already memorized her every feature, but he now took time to account for each one...the outline of her figure, those legs....her graceful yet strong arms...the curve of her neck...her porcelain face...the shape of her lips...the slight lines on her brow...and that silken red hair. He watched her chest rise and fall with each peaceful breath and found that he had unconsciously begun to breathe with her in rhythm. He moved slowly to the chair by her bed. He inched it forward so that it touched the sheets. He sat down in the chair and was amazed at the sudden exhaustion he felt. His ankle was beginning to throb...he had forgotten to have it examined...He slid his legs up on the bed next to Beverly's...so that they were just touching. He felt the electricity flowing from her into him. He reached out and placed his hand on her arm. He closed his eyes and fell asleep. There was no reason for him to dream...he was where he wanted to be...where he needed to be. Beverly awoke to the sound of Jean-Luc's slow and steady breathing. She sighed with relief. Jean-Luc was really all right. She could feel the warmth from his hand on her arm, the strength in his legs beside her. She had already memorized his every feature, but now, she took time to account for each one...his strong but tender hands...his arms, that always made her feel safe...his chest and shoulders, which he held so straight when there was a mission to be completed...his lips....the lines in his face, she knew the history of so many of them. She gazed at him, hoping to freeze this moment of peace. In his slumber, Jean-Luc felt Beverly's gaze upon him. He stirred and opened his eyes. "Jean-Luc, you're here..." "Where else would I be?" He laced his fingers in hers. "How are you feeling?" "Like I was caught in the middle of a Naussican wrestling match... What happened? I can only remember bits and pieces...but I had some very interesting dreams..." Jean-Luc smiled. "You'll have to tell me about them..." "Well, there was one recurring dream..." Jean-Luc raised his eyebrow. "Oh?" "We were on a ledge...and you were holding me...and you were saying some very...intimate...things; but, as I recall, in my dream, you were interrupted." Jean-Luc leaned over her and captured her eyes. "You know, sometimes what we think are dreams are the reality before us..." Beverly reached out to caress his face. "I've suspected this all along, Jean-Luc." He held her outstretched hand to his lips and gently kissed it. "When I looked down and saw you on that ledge, with that rift between us....Beverly, I know you've had doubts in the past...but at that moment, I knew I could never let anything or anyone separate us again." Jean-Luc moved forward and placed his lips upon hers. Beverly wasn't entirely sure whether her lightheadedness was from her injuries or from the flood of emotions Jean-Luc was injecting her with at this moment. Jean-Luc wanted to be swept away at that moment and to show her all of the passion that he had for her, but he hesitated, afraid of hurting her. He knew he would have to wait. He pulled back. Beverly moaned and it seemed to Jean-Luc that his fears had been justified. "I'm sorry, Beverly..." Beverly grabbed his arm. "No, Jean-Luc. I'm o.k. Right now, I need you here, beside me. I don't want to be apart from you tonight." Jean-Luc then understood that she had the same need that he did. He laid down on the bed beside her and wrapped her in his arms. Beverly's head rested upon his chest, his legs were entwined gently around hers. Beverly smiled. "That's much better." "Whatever the doctor orders...." Beverly caressed his arms with her fingertips. Jean-Luc was intoxicated by the scent of her hair, the warmth of her body, and the look in her eyes. With his lips, he touched her back, her shoulders, her neck...He began to whisper in her ear... "Beverly, for the longest time, there's been something I've wanted to tell you..." But, for Beverly, the words were no longer necessary... "Captain Picard, for once, would you just shut up and kiss me!" "Whatever the doctor orders..." THE END...........[for now, anyway...] M.A. Boyd