Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!slip-7-6.ots.utexas.edu!user From: A.Martens@mail.utexas.edu (Allison M. Martens) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: NEW TNG STORY: TREK NOIR 1/2 Date: Tue, 25 Apr 1995 18:38:59 -0600 Organization: The University of Texas at Austin Lines: 287 Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: slip-7-6.ots.utexas.edu Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:8974 Well everybody, here is the latest creation in my Picard/Crusher collection. You are forewarned that this is for fans of Bev and JLP, romance, holodecks, classic films, dancing, and Data in a tux. On a sadder note, I incorporate in this story an Astaire and Rogers dance routine. You could imagine my surprise today, when I learned that Ginger Rogers had died at 83 today, less than 12 hours after i finished my story. :-( Anyway, I dedicate this story to Ms. Rogers, "who did everything Astaire did, only she did it backwards, and in heels." Comments are always welcome at A.Martens@mail.utexas.edu I found this story especially complex to write so suggestions/comments are especially welcome, on this somewhat experimental work. Enough talk, Enjoy! TREK NOIR by Allison Martens PARAMOUNT OWNS EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN THIS STORY, HOWEVER THE STORY BELONGS TO ME. THIS IS FAN FICTION, AND IS PRODUCED SOLELY FOR MY AMUSEMENT, AND YOURS. IT IS NOT TO BE REPRODUCED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. FEEL FREE TO PASS THIS STORY ALONG TO YOUR FRIENDS, BUT PLEASE DO NOT SEPARATE IT FROM MY NAME AND THIS MESSAGE. Author's note: As you will see shortly, this story is not canon. I place it some time late in the series, but obviously prior to _All Good Things_ and _Generations_. A few special thanks must be made. First, to the incomparable Fred and Ginger, you will have no equal, even in the 24th century. I bow down to whomever now owns the rights to _Top Hat_. Likewise, I bow down before Billy Wilder, Fred MacMurray, and Barbara Stanwyck, one of the coolest women to ever grace the screen, big or small. Lo and behold, guess who made _Double Indemnity_? Thats right, Paramount. Could this studio get any cooler? I reiterate my statement that Paramount owns all the marbles. Enjoy! Part 1 Prologue Beverly Crusher awaited the arrival of her companion, as she moved about holodeck three. She was doing her best to loosen her limbs, but stretching in the costume she wore was difficult. Suddenly a shimmer of light appeared before her. Mr. Data had finally arrived. While it was unusual for crew members to use the transporter to reach the holodeck, Beverly had wanted to keep her holodeck activities with Data under wraps. Data, as always, was indifferent, but willing to accommodate the doctor's desire for secrecy. Ever since Data had requested a dancing lesson from Dr. Crusher to prepare for Keiko and O'Brien's wedding a few years earlier, the two had been meeting sporadically on the holodeck to dance together. They had experimented with many dance techniques, and they had always met discreetly, so as to protect Beverly from reacquiring the nickname of the 'dancing doctor.' However, their latest routine was quite special. Today, Data and Beverly planned to recreate a famous twentieth century earth duet, originally performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Beverly had heard of Astaire and Rogers during her dance academy days, and she had always harbored a secret desire to perform one of their numbers. She and Data had managed to locate a clip from the motion picture, _Top Hat_, in the computer's historical archives, which contained one of the most famous of all Astaire and Rogers' numbers. Of course, Data had mastered the steps just by watching the clip, but Beverly, being human, had required a few rehearsals. But, today was their debut, even if it was a debut without an audience, and they would be performing the number in costume. Beverly admired how handsome Data looked, as he finished materializing before her. His yellow hued skin stood out marvelously against the black of his tails, and the white of his vest and bowtie. His formal attire was perfectly accented by a white handkerchief peeking out of his breast pocket, and a white carnation boutonniere pinned just above. He carried with him a long, slender, rectangular box, which was elegantly trimmed in red ribbon. "What's in the box, Data?" Beverly asked. Fred Astaire had carried no such box in their number. "It is a surprise, doctor," he answered, as he placed the box gently down by the exit of the holodeck, where it would not be in the way of the program they planned to run. Data looked back towards Beverly, and he took a moment to examine her costume. She wore a white, satiny, full length gown, which was festooned with white feathers. The feathers dropped down from the neckline to her waist, to be broken there by a bare bit of smooth, clingy material, and then feathers again running diagonally from mid-thigh to the floor. The back of the dress was totally cut out to reveal her creamy skin, which would have stirred the imagination, if Data had had one. Beverly's hair was pulled up in an elaborate braid that encircled her head. "Well doctor, I would say that you have admirably recreated Miss Rogers' look. The only flaw lies with the color of your hair." "Well thank you Data." Beverly laughed at this stab at a compliment. "Are you ready?" "I am ready," he replied, as they moved towards the middle of the holodeck to assume their positions. "Computer, run program Crusher 11." The holodeck came to life about them, as they found themselves standing on a dance floor. As the dancers swirled about them, they waited for the music to provide Data with his cue. He held her gently, as his cue came, and he began to sing. "Heaven, I'm in heaven. And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak. And I seem to find the happiness I seek, when we're out together dancing cheek to cheek...." Beverly listened with wonder, as she followed his lead around the floor. She was still amazed by Data's ability to imitate any sound, as he perfectly captured the lilt in Astaire's voice. While dancing cheek to cheek, Data led Beverly out on to an elaborate, and empty, art-deco terrace. Now, the number was in full swing, as there was no more singing, but instead only marvelous dancing. They glided about elegantly, like smoke moving over a smooth surface. And then, the music changed tempo, providing an interlude for a bit of tap. They clicked about with nimble airiness, showing incredible skill, before resuming their dancing cheek to cheek. The music built up to a great crescendo, as Data swung Beverly about, her dress rippling elegantly through the air, as if she was little more than a rag doll. And then, there came a lengthy, deep dip, that accentuated the long, fluid lines of Beverly's body. The number finally ended, as the music faded away, and the two-some spun around to finally rest, while leaning stylishly, against the back wall of the terrace. Beverly fought to catch her breath, which was short from both the exertion and the exhilaration. Data, naturally, showed no physical signs of fatigue. "Did you enjoy yourself, doctor?" Data asked, while displaying something close to a smile on his lips. In so far as Data *enjoyed* anything, he had enjoyed this duet. "Oh Data, this was absolutely marvelous. I don't know if I have ever enjoyed dancing more." The glee in Beverly's voice was easily detected. "I am glad this was an enjoyable experience for you. Would you like your surprise now?" Beverly nodded vigorously, as Data ended the program and retrieved the box he had brought with him. He handed the box to Beverly, and commenced with an explanation of his surprise. "It is customary to give the female lead of a theatrical production flowers at the close of each performance. I felt our program could be considered a production of sorts. I hope you find them to be suitable." Beverly lifted the bouquet from the box, and a wide smile broke across her face. "Data, these are exquisite." "They are Deltaxian roses," he offered. "I selected them in lieu of Terran roses, because I believed the shade of Deltaxian roses would be pleasant, as they are a virtual match for the color of your eyes." Beverly took another look at the roses, which were interspersed with sprays of white baby's breath, and secured with a brilliant blue ribbon at the bottom. They were indeed a good match for the shimmering blue of her eyes, and their color stood out beautifully against the crisp white of her gown. Beverly breathed their scent in deeply, as she thanked her partner. "Data, this was an incredibly thoughtful gesture. I am truly touched. Thank you." She finished by leaning over to give him a gentle kiss on his cheek. Data's face contorted a bit in an expression of curiosity and satisfaction, as her lips brushed against him. Not only was this another experience to file away in his eternal quest to understand human emotions, but it also assured him that his gesture had been appropriate, had been human. "You are quite welcome doctor," he replied evenly. "You know," Beverly continued, "I am eager to learn more about American cinema. The twentieth century must have been fascinating. I have seen only two motion pictures in their entirety, in my life, _Casablanca_ and _The Wizard of Oz_." "Yes doctor, the advent of sound technology marked the development of talking motion pictures, or 'talkies', which in itself marked the start of a rich period in Earth's cultural heritage, emanating mainly from a place known as Hollywood. Cinema had many fascinating genres." Data droned on, happy to share his wealth of knowledge with the good doctor. "The musical, the romantic comedy, science fiction, the biblical epic, film noir..." "Film noir?" Beverly interrupted. "Ah, yes, film noir. It means 'dark cinema'. It refers to a suspense genre popular in American cinema in the mid-twentieth century. The themes of these films centered on the instability and moral corruption of urban society." "Sounds positively fascinating," Beverly offered. "I would love to learn more about this film noir Data." "Doctor, I would be happy to download from the ship's library some of the examples of this genre for you." Excited and intrigued, Beverly accepted his offer. They transported to her quarters, and Data headed to her computer terminal. As he took a seat there, he flared out his tails before sitting, so as not to rumple his suit. Beverly could not help but grin at this affectation, as she went about putting her flowers in a vase. She could not wait to watch her first example of film noir. Chapter 1 Jean-Luc grumbled a bit, as he went to work again on trying to tie his tie. Twentieth century clothing could be terribly exasperating to wear. Finally, he looked in the mirror, and was reasonably satisfied with the reflection. Picard sat back down in front of his computer terminal. He wanted to go over his instructions one more time, before he left to meet Beverly on the holodeck. Everything about this holodeck program she had planned was mysterious. All Beverly had told him, when she had invited him to join her, was that it was a program inspired by a film, called _Double Indemnity_ , that hailed from the same general period of American history as his beloved Dixon Hill novels. Beverly had given him this bio to study, and had told him that the trick was to play out the story, according to his interpretation of the character, and try to see if they couldn't end up the same way the movie did. Of course, the catch was that Beverly had seen the movie, and he had not. As he reviewed his bio, Picard wondered just what was in store for him. In any event, it was an opportunity to be with Beverly, and Jean-Luc enjoyed any chance to spend time with her. His bio informed him that his name was Walter Neff, an insurance salesman. This information was followed by a brief explanation of what insurance was, and how to sell it. The only character clues were that he was single, in his late thirties, Picard smiled at that, intelligent, and a sharp-tongued ladies man. He was a straight and narrow kind of guy, and successful at selling insurance, but one could only be so successful doing that, and Neff knew it. Beverly was going to be playing a character named Mrs. Didrickson, who was married to one of Neff's clients. The program was to start with Neff trying to renew Didrickson's auto insurance. 'Intriguing,' Jean-Luc muttered to himself, as he put on his hat, and headed towards the door. Chapter 2 Picard arrived and saw that the program was already running. Beverly was waiting for him. He took a deep breath, and then he entered Los Angeles, circa 1944. He found himself at the front door of a large, Spanish style house. He rang the bell. A rather sour faced woman answered the door. "My name is Walter Neff. I am from the Pacific All- Risk Insurance Company. I am here to see Mr. Didrickson about his auto policy." Picard spoke hesitantly, hoping he didn't ruin the game in the first scene. The woman gave him a harumph, as a voice suddenly rang down from above. "Nettie, who is it?" It was Beverly. Picard followed the voice to the top of the stairs with his eyes, and then he felt his heart leap into his throat. Beverly stood at the top of the staircase, clad only in a towel. After a few moments of stunned silence, Picard found his voice. He reintroduced himself, and Mrs. Didrickson ordered the maid to show him into the living room. Picard surveyed the living room. He noticed two photographs sitting on the piano. One was obviously Didrickson, the other was a young girl, presumably his daughter. He dropped his hat down on the side table and proceeded to wait for Beverly. She swept into the living room, wearing a fabulous white dress, with ruffles and big dark buttons running down the front. It was belted tightly around her waist, accentuating every inch of her attractive figure. Her hair was styled with tightly curled bangs in the front, and then it dropped straight down around the rest of her head. After offering Jean-Luc a drink, Beverly sat down in the armchair, and crossed her legs. Picard could not help but notice the anklet, prominently displayed by the leggy Mrs. Didrickson. It caught the light, as it flashed at him. She struck a match, and lit a cigarette. Picard marveled at how Beverly smoked it without coughing. She must have been practicing. Finally, this divine creature spoke again, and Picard noticed that Beverly had highlighted the already breathy quality of her voice. "You will have to excuse my prior appearance, but I was sunbathing. My husband is not home. Is there anything I can help you with, Mr. Neff?" Picard responded that he was here to renew her husband's auto policy, and that he would have to come back another time. Picard could not help himself. He had to know what was engraved on that anklet. "I'd love to know what that anklet says?" he asked, trying to sound like a sharp- tongued ladies man. "Oh would you now?" she teased seductively. "Did your husband give you that anklet?" Picard retorted, trying to keep up. "Yes he did. It says Phyllis." "Phyllis, hmm, I like that. So, Phyllis, why don't you tell me when your husband is due home." "Not for several hours." "Left you all by your lonesome did he? How awful for you." "Yes, I spend most of my time alone. My husband is a very busy man. Picard was really starting to enjoy his role, and every word Beverly said, and every move Beverly made, caused more adrenaline to pump through him. "Maybe you'd like me to stick around and keep you company," he said with a leer. "I think you're speeding, Mr. Neff," she asserted, as the throaty bass in her voice resonated in the air. "How fast was I going?" he shot back. "Definitely over the limit," she breathed. "Why don't you arrest me?" "Perhaps I will. You look like you could use some punishment." A little voice screamed 'please do' in Jean-Luc's head, as he fought to keep his growing physical and emotional response to her seductive flirting in check. He merely grinned lasciviously at her last remark, as he took a swig of his drink. "So tell me, Mr. Neff. Do you sell all kinds of insurance?" "Yes, Mrs. Didrickson. All kinds." Picard was sorry they were moving away from the flirting, and back to the plot line. "Even accident insurance?" she queried with painful innocence. "Yes, accident insurance too." "I worry so about my husband, but he says he doesn't want accident insurance. Tell me Mr. Neff," Beverly said, batting her eyelashes furiously, "could I get him some accident insurance, without having to bother him with it. He is, after all, a frightfully busy man." Picard became suddenly well aware of the direction this game was headed in. 'Remember, you are an honest guy, at least for the time being,' Picard told himself. 'Besides, I want to see her work for it just a little bit harder.' It was hard to know if that was Neff or Picard speaking. Picard told her that he had to go, and to have her husband call him about the auto policy. Beverly followed him to the door, her eyes twinkling. "Tell me Mr. Neff, what is your name?" "Walter," Jean-Luc answered with a wink, as he slipped out the door. Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!slip-7-6.ots.utexas.edu!user From: A.Martens@mail.utexas.edu (Allison M. Martens) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: NEW TNG STORY: TREK NOIR 2/2 Date: Tue, 25 Apr 1995 18:39:31 -0600 Organization: The University of Texas at Austin Lines: 321 Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: slip-7-6.ots.utexas.edu Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:8975 Well everybody, here is the latest creation in my Picard/Crusher collection. You are forewarned that this is for fans of Bev and JLP, romance, holodecks, classic films, dancing, and Data in a tux. On a sadder note, I incorporate in this story an Astaire and Rogers dance routine. You could imagine my surprise today, when I learned that Ginger Rogers had died at 83 today, less than 12 hours after i finished my story. :-( Anyway, I dedicate this story to Ms. Rogers, "who did everything Astaire did, only she did it backwards, and in heels." Comments are always welcome at A.Martens@mail.utexas.edu I found this story especially complex to write so suggestions/comments are especially welcome, on this somewhat experimental work. Enough talk, Enjoy! TREK NOIR by Allison Martens PARAMOUNT OWNS EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN THIS STORY, HOWEVER THE STORY BELONGS TO ME. THIS IS FAN FICTION, AND IS PRODUCED SOLELY FOR MY AMUSEMENT, AND YOURS. IT IS NOT TO BE REPRODUCED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. FEEL FREE TO PASS THIS STORY ALONG TO YOUR FRIENDS, BUT PLEASE DO NOT SEPARATE IT FROM MY NAME AND THIS MESSAGE. Author's note: As you will see shortly, this story is not canon. I place it some time late in the series, but obviously prior to _All Good Things_ and _Generations_. A few special thanks must be made. First, to the incomparable Fred and Ginger, you will have no equal, even in the 24th century. I bow down to whomever now owns the rights to _Top Hat_. Likewise, I bow down before Billy Wilder, Fred MacMurray, and Barbara Stanwyck, one of the coolest women to ever grace the screen, big or small. Lo and behold, guess who made _Double Indemnity_? Thats right, Paramount. Could this studio get any cooler? I reiterate my statement that Paramount owns all the marbles. Enjoy! Part 2 Chapter 3 As he took about ten deep breaths, he noticed that he was standing in an office. He watched as a short, pudgy man chewed on a cigar, and interrogated a suspicious claimant. 'Keyes, the insurance investigator,' thought Picard, as he watched this hard-boiled man expose his visitor as a fraud. Picard exchanged a few words with Keyes, and then he left to find his office. When he went inside, he found a message waiting for him. It was from Phyllis. She told him to come to the house to meet her husband tomorrow afternoon. Of course, that meant to come now, as they had to condense their entire adventure into a single afternoon. He stepped through the door, and once again found himself standing outside the Didrickson house. Phyllis answered the bell this time. She led him to the living room, and explained that it was the maid's day off. She also apologized, as she informed him that her husband had been unexpectedly called away on business. "Convenient," Picard remarked, not trying to sound innocent. He studied her, as they took their respective places on the couch and chair. *Today*, Beverly was wearing a long black skirt, and a blouse with black flowers printed on it. Her outfit was accentuated with large, chunky jewelry. Picard also managed to notice that the blouse was cut in a very low V in the front, which was anchored with a stylish brooch. It conveniently revealed Beverly's cleavage. Picard thought to himself that he wouldn't mind a return to these ancient fashion styles, even if it meant a daily struggle with a tie for him. "So what can I *do* for you Mrs. Didrickson?" Beverly launched once again into her routine about the accident insurance. Picard knew that he was going to give in, and help her with her obviously nefarious plot, but he knew that it just wasn't time yet. An honest insurance salesman wouldn't take this dangerous bait that quickly, regardless of how seductively it was dangled before him. He once again took his leave, parting with a few sharp words about how her plot would never work, for it was too dangerous, and too easy to detect. He thought of the little man, Keyes, as he said that. This time, when he passed through the door, Picard found himself in an apartment, obviously his. He took off his coat, and loosened his tie. He sat down and thought about Beverly. He could still smell her perfume, as it lingered on him. He pondered the way she looked, and the way she talked. He had never seen her look quite so beautiful, nor had she ever made him feel quite this turned on. Jean-Luc hated to admit it, but he was completely into this program, and into the concept of Beverly as a kind of black widow spider. She was dangerous, and he desperately wanted to get into trouble. The buzz of the door roused Picard from his daydream, and he scrambled to his feet, and set his mind to work on controlling his body. Being a mature and disciplined man, he was able to shake off his fantasy quickly, and answer the door. There she stood, almost completely obscured in a shadow. "You forgot your hat," Phyllis stated coyly. She strode into his apartment, empty handed. "I'm glad I have you around to look out for me," Picard retorted, with a wink. He helped her off with her coat. He had to take a deep breath, when he saw how tight the white sweater she wore was. Beverly just wasn't going to give him a break. Beverly commenced with the woe-is-me act, as she stood very close to him. Beverly was also distracted at this moment, but it wasn't by the clothes her counterpart was wearing. She was nervous, although she didn't show it. Here was the point where she had to turn up the heat between the *characters*. She was not entirely sure that the captain would feel comfortable with *this* kind of acting. For that matter, she wasn't sure she did either. Their friendship was so complicated, and Beverly was hesitant to tinker with its delicate chemistry. But she wanted to play the game right, and they were adults, weren't they? And, maybe, in the back of her mind, Beverly really wanted to know what kissing Jean-Luc Picard would be like, even if he was pretending to be somebody else. Surely, it would be more exciting than the time she kissed somebody else, pretending to be him. She resolved to go forward, the worst that could happen is he would refuse to continue. "Aren't you going to kiss me?" she whispered. Jean-Luc allowed those words to dance on his ears, as he thought the proposition through. This charade was calling for some rather intimate behavior. Picard wasn't as worried about the delicate nature of their relationship, as he was about the ability to control himself. Clearly, Beverly was okay with the physical implications of this program, she had after all designed it, so he should be okay with it too. Hell, he was having too much fun to be a prig. He leaned over and kissed Beverly. The kiss was not as passionate as he would have liked, nor was it near what Walter and Phyllis had shared, but they both needed to start slow, to test the waters. Jean-Luc marveled at the softness of Beverly's lips, and the sweet taste of her, as he suddenly pulled back, recognizing the strong response of his body to her touch. 'Its just a program. Its just a game.' He was desperately trying to keep things in perspective. Similar thoughts raced through Beverly's mind, as she remembered to stay in character, and smile back at him seductively. Or was that her smiling back? She sat down on his couch, pulling her legs up under chin. Phyllis proceeded to whine about her husband's meanness, about how he ignored her, and slapped her around. She complained about how her horrid step daughter, Lola, was to get all the life insurance money, about how the girl hated her after her mother died, Phyllis conveniently being the woman's nurse. Picard stood firm in his refusal to help her knock of her husband, but he was having difficulty subduing her play on his male sympathy, which was, of course, located somewhere just south of his belt. She moved over to him, and began to cry softly on his shoulder. Picard thought about what Neff would do. Being a clever, hard-edged guy, he'd want the challenge of pulling off the perfect scam. To outsmart that Keyes fellow, would provide quite a rush, and the money and the dame would do nicely too. Picard decided that it was in character to go along with her dastardly plan. Beverly looked up through her teary eyes and kissed him, and that sealed it. They made a pact to do the husband in, and plan the perfect set up. Now, Picard looked forward to the thrill of trying to plot the perfect scheme, and outwit the cagey detective who smoked cheap cigars. When it was all done, Picard resolved to applaud Beverly on her brilliant idea for a holodeck program. He also planned on viewing this film. He wanted to see how he rated against the real Walter Neff. Meanwhile, Beverly was ecstatic at how closely they had followed the plot of the movie. Jean-Luc had fallen into every snare she'd set, and there was still plenty to look forward to. The best was yet to come. Chapter 4 The plot moved along nicely, as the two went about planning the kill. Neff got Didrickson to unwittingly sign off on the policy. He even artfully dealt with Didrickson's unexpected broken leg. This meant he would have to take the train to his school reunion. An accident on a train meant double indemnity, big money. Picard prepared for every contingency, as he ensured his alibi would stick. Then came the moment of truth. Picard hid in the back seat of the Didrickson's car. He was dressed in a dark blue suit to match the victim, and he had bandaged his leg to look like a cast. Phyllis opened the door and put in his bags. She smiled devilishly at Jean-Luc, and then she backed out the car. Didrickson climbed in. They moved along, and Beverly was glad she was able to program these holographic cars to drive themselves. Picard's heart pounded in his chest, as he readied himself. He had to keep reminding himself, that it was only a hologram that he was about to murder. It still gave him the chills. The car turned off onto a dark, deserted road, and that's when it happened. Picard jumped up, snapping Didrickson's neck from behind. He felt a wild surge of adrenaline, as he sensed, with his bare hands, the holographic life ooze out of his victim. Beverly simply looked straight ahead, but she too could feel the excitement. They reached the train station, and Picard climbed aboard dressed as Didrickson. He hobbled on the crutches out to the back of the train, where he was perturbed to find a man sitting and smoking. Trying to keep his face obscured, Picard asked if the man would go and buy him some cigars. The man agreed, and went inside the car. Picard tossed the crutches over, and jumped. Beverly was there waiting with Didrickson's body, as they dragged it onto the tracks. They ran for the car and took off. They drove in silence, with only the noise of their labored breathing. She dropped him at his place, and as he climbed out, she smiled and said, "I love you Walter." Oh, how he believed her, and oh, how he wanted it to be Beverly, and not Phyllis, talking. By this point, Picard had surrendered himself totally to the experience, as he wished that they could live in 1944 forever. Once the program ended, Picard wondered how he would go back to just being friends with this beautiful, clever, dangerous woman. It wasn't just an act, there was a big part of the real Beverly Howard Crusher in this creation, and he was hopelessly and wildly in love with her. Sure, Jean- Luc admitted to himself, he had been in love with Beverly for a long time before today, but now he knew he just couldn't live without her. Just how it was he was going to handle the situation, he couldn't be sure. But, first, he wanted to see how their little plan would end. Chapter 5 The next scene began in the insurance office. So far, Keyes had been fooled, but the president of the company was not eager to pay out $100,000. Beverly entered the office dressed in black, and wearing a veil. She gave Jean-Luc a knowing look as she sat down. The company president launched into a harangue, that included desperate accusations that her husband had killed himself, voiding the policy. He refused to pay, and dared her to sue. Beverly took it all in, waiting for the appropriate time to tell the man to stuff it, and that she planned on fighting for what was hers. As she waited, she watched Jean-Luc out of the corner of her eye, he looked so adorable trying not to look guilty in front of Keyes and his boss. She was so happy to see him enjoying himself, as he had really thrown himself into his character. If only they could stay on this holodeck forever. Beverly had been right to worry about the delicate chemistry of their relationship, when she began this program, for the subject of this experiment had just boiled over. Beverly had fallen in love with, or rather admitted her long-time love for, Jean-Luc, just as he had with her. Beverly recognized her cue, as she lashed out at the president, and then turned and stormed out of the office. Beverly met Jean-Luc at Neff's apartment. They experienced a pre- programmed close call, as she nearly ran smack into Keyes, exiting Walter's apartment. She hid behind the door, obscured in the shadows, and she was sure she could hear Jean-Luc's heart pounding, as he watched Keyes climb on the elevator. They went inside, and Beverly let him know, that she planned on suing to get the money. Picard, as Neff, saw that as bad strategy. Going into court only meant the chances of getting caught went way up. He tried to get her to be satisfied with just being rid of her abusive husband. She wasn't buying what he was trying to sell. The scene changed, and now Picard found himself in his office, staring at Lola Didrickson. She had a few interesting stories to tell. Lola told him how she believed that Phyllis had killed her mother, by leaving her helpless in her room, while recovering from pneumonia, with all the windows open, and no blankets on a freezing night. She also told him how she had come to suspect that Phyllis was currently having an affair with her boyfriend, Nino. These revelations hit Picard like a ton of bricks, for, somehow, he believed this innocent, wide-eyed girl, even though he was filled with Phyllis' poison. He tried to play it cool, as he told her to go back to the apartment she had rented, and let him handle things. Shortly after she left, Keyes came in, and proclaimed that he had cracked the Didrickson case. He explained his wildly accurate theory to Neff, and finished by saying, "all I need is to find the 'somebody else,' and we're in business." Chapter 6 The jig was about to be up, and Picard needed to do something. He felt incredibly betrayed, and he had to keep reminding himself that this was just a game. But, more so, he felt the fool. He had fallen hard for Phyllis Didrickson, and she had used him in the worst way. 'If only Beverly hadn't looked so good in that sweater,' he cursed to himself. He knew that what he should really do is run, but Neff needed to settle things with Phyllis, and Jean-Luc couldn't stay away from Beverly. Sure enough, when he stepped through the office door, he found himself standing on the Didrickson's lawn. He knew he was acting just as Neff had. He entered, without ringing the bell. He found Beverly sitting in the darkened living room, smoking a cigarette. She was expecting him. Picard laid out all that Keyes had said for her, and asked her, one more time, to not sue. He was giving her one last chance to achieve a happy ending. Beverly refused, not surprisingly. Picard lashed out at her. Telling her all that he knew, and threatening to clear himself, and pin it all on her and this Nino fellow. He moved away from her, wondering what was meant to happen next. It was hard to know where Neff ended and Picard began, as he stood there and pondered his next move. Should he run away, should he come clean just for the satisfaction of seeing her go down with him, or should he turn and break her neck with his bare hands, like he had with the holographic husband? He saw her stand out of the corner of his eye, as she reached for something under the cushion of the chair. Picard turned towards Beverly, and saw the gun pointed at him. Before he could think, it fired. Picard jumped back and reached for his shoulder, pretending to be hit by the bullet. He hadn't given this kind of performance since he was a boy, playing phasers with his brother, Robert. He moved towards Beverly, loving the dark ending that was playing out. She watched him with cold eyes, as he dared her to finish the job. She could not. "Walter, I can't bear to kill you," she cried. "I'm rotten, Walter, I admit it. I can't kill you. I love you, Walter, can't we work this out?" She tried to hug him, but he did not buy her act, this time. "Its no good Phyllis. I won't play your fool again," he barked. Locked in this embrace, they could feel their hearts pounding against the other's flesh. A shot suddenly rang out. He wasn't her fool anymore. Picard watched, mesmerized, as Beverly dropped to the floor, and proceeded to die spectacularly. He stood over her, breathing heavily from the excitement. He dropped the gun down beside her, and waited. After a moment, Beverly opened her eyes and grinned at her fellow thespian. They stayed frozen in those positions for a few moments, taking the opportunity to collect themselves. Today had been so much more than just a holodeck program. Beverly broke the silence, while still lying flat on her back. "Well, Jean-Luc, you did it. You played out your part just as you should have." "You mean I was supposed to kill you for double crossing me? This must be one hell of a movie," he exclaimed. "It certainly is," she quipped. At that moment, Picard decided that he was about to burst. He ordered the computer to freeze the program. He didn't want any interruptions. Raw energy pumped through Jean-Luc, as he dropped to one knee beside Beverly, who still lay prone on the ground, but had now propped herself up on her elbows. Her eyes gleamed, as she watched him move closer to her. She wanted so desperately for him to kiss her, that she could almost taste him. Beverly's chest still heaved ever so slightly from the excitement of their big finale, and Picard could not help but notice the undulations. He also noticed that her face was not covered with the pallor of death, but rather, all of the splendid fire of life. "Well, Jean-Luc, are you glad you came?" she asked suggestively, as she maintained the throaty tenor of her Phyllis voice. Jean-Luc made no verbal response, but instead reached out his hand. He needed to touch her. He caressed her side, feeling the heat of her flesh burning through her blouse. Jean-Luc then grasped Beverly more tightly, as he brought her towards him, kissing her passionately. She responded with a physical intensity that matched his own. When their lips finally parted, she whispered into his ear, "I'll take that as a yes." He needed her absolutely, and she planned on offering no resistance. They had begun this passion, as the ghosts Walter and Phyllis, but, by the end of that second, lingering kiss, these spirits had been resurrected. Now it was Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher locked in this steamy embrace. Jean-Luc kicked away the gun that lay beside Beverly, as he pushed her down, and moved over her. The gun spun away. It, like so many other things, would no longer stand in their way. Epilogue It hardly seemed that six months had passed since their visit to the holodeck. They smiled at each other from across the breakfast table, looking forward to the fact that, due to a particularly boring and routine mapping mission, they had the entire day off. "So what is on the agenda for today, Madame Picard?" he asked, smiling again at his companion. Her eyes lit up naughtily, as she answered his question. "Have you ever heard of Hepburn and Tracy?"