If it's Thursday it must time for a new P/C story. Actually this another
one written some time ago but just now offered for public consumption.
Anyways, here's the Ear Story, so named b/c someone made me turn the
original idea on its ear to come up w/the reversed scenario and I really
hate making up titles. - BaL
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The Ear Story
by B.A. Lopez
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"Computer, halt lift.." He turned to his adversary and took a step
toward her. Their noses just inches apart. "No," he repeated evenly.

She laughed in his face, He was the Captain of the Federation and she
just laughed right into his beautifully chiseled face. "If you honestly
believe you're right then what do you have to lose?"

"Computer restart lift," he said stepping back.

"You're not *afraid* are you?" she asked knowing full well he couldn't
resist her challenge.

"Of course not. I just don't see any point in continuing this argument."

"So then simply admit that I'm right and you're wrong," she retorted.

"I am not wrong," he shot back.

"It's a very simple question. We can solve this whole *discussion* if
we just ask the right authority. If you're right then I'm wrong but if
I'm right, then you're wrong- it's a simple yes or no issue."

He opened his mouth to speak but the lift doors parted to reveal the
bridge level of his ship. Stepping aside to allow her to exit first he
followed on her held down the sloping ramp leading to his command chair.
Finding comfort and strength from it he looked to his First Officer for a
status report. His Chief Medical Officer took a seat to his left.

"Status Number One." he called.

"All system operational, still scanning the system for any signs of activity."

"Excellent. How long until we can be under way?"

"Not for another 30 minutes. Geordi asked for the extra time to
re-configure the scanners after we finished here," replied Will Riker.

Beverly couldn't help but interject at this point, "So in half an hour
we'll be ready to leave for- where is it we're headed next Captain?"

"You know very well we're headed next, Doctor," he replied trying to
indicate his objection to her question but a small smile formed on his
lips. "And the answer is still no."

She crossed her arms over her chest and began to sink into her chair.
"Chicken," she whispered soft enough so that only he would hear her.

He stood and tugged his uniform jacket into place. "Number One you
have the bridge." Then with a slight glare at her he walked toward his
ready room. As if an afterthought he turned and said, "Commander may I
have a word with you?"

"Sir," nodded Riker as he stood.

"Commander Crusher," he corrected as the hint of smile tugged at the
corners of his lips.

"Of course *Captain*," she said rising and walking toward his office.
As she passed him she just brushed against him. He followed the scent of
her perfume into his office and took refuge behind his desk.

She stood in front of his desk and began a half-hearted attempt at an
apology, "I'm sorry I called you a chicken on the bridge."

"No you're not," he said as he locked his finger together over his desk.

She let out a deep sigh, "You're right, I'm not sorry about it. I'm
sorry you won't settle this thing once and for all. All you have to do is
ask the computer to look it up for you."

"And if I remember the conditions of the bet- if I lose then I have to
allow a one-night leave for the crew on Ignarus before proceeding onto our
next assignment."

"Not that that would be a bad idea even without the bet," she said
taking a seat on the sofa.

He stood and came around to lean against the front of his desk. She had
drawn her legs under her in her usual fashion and he couldn't help but
drop all pretense of formalness. "Beverly, I know it's been awhile since
the crew has had leave but given the timetable for our next mission it may
be prudent to wait until after we reach Starbase 24 to grant shoreleave."

"A Starbase isn't the same thing as a planet, Jean-Luc. And this planet
is so quaint it's like steeping back to the 19th Century- but with the
luxury of modern conveniences." Her eyes were pleading softly and he knew
he was about to give in- how could he refuse her anything? But he
preferred to keep up the charade for a little while longer.

"Beverly," he began as she moved to his side.

"Please?" she asked taking hold of his arm.

He sighed softly and relented, "Fine but now can we drop this silly bet?"

"Do you admit you're wrong?"

"No," he stated flatly.

"Fine, believe what you like," she said walking toward the exit. "But
since you did agree to the leave, How about I buy you dinner on the
planet?"

"That sounds like an admission that you were wrong," he responded.

"Never. But we can discuss that over dinner- on Ignarus."

He smiled as she left the office. This was one bet he wasn't going to
mind losing.

As he walked through the ship's corridors he was thankful that the cool
night temperature made overcoats a necessity. The 'costume' required by
all visitors to the planet was a bit too starchy for his tastes but
Beverly seemed to be looking forward to the experience of donning 19th
century formal wear and stepping out for an evening on the town. He
couldn't wait to see what she had chosen for the evening.

His outfit consisted of a black formal suit over a white vest and
shirt. It was similar to the one he had seen on Professor Moriarty in the
Holodeck but with silk accents on the lapel and a tie that seemed designed
on the gordian knot. He finally approximated the display from the
terminal after listening to the computer's instruction at least a dozen
times.

Ringing the door chime he prepared himself for the sight of Beverly- his
mind already placing her in several dresses she might have chose for the
evening. The door slid open.

"Right on time," she said adjusting her cape. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, let's go he said offering his arm." Unfortunately the cape
covered everything but her ankles and head. He could just catch a glimpse
of the white lace that flashed underneath as she walked in step with him.

They entered the transporter room and she gave the coordinates to the
lieutenant on -duty. Taking their places on the transporter pad he
couldn't help but wondering how long before news of the Captain and CMO's
dinner reached throughout the ship.

He pulled up his collar as they emerged on the planet's surface. A cool
but gentle breeze greeted them. He looked around and could see that they
were still a ways from the village. The replicated gas lamps giving off a
warm glow as they flickered in the distance. "Beverly, couldn't we have
transported a little closer to the restaurant?"

She smiled and pointed behind him, "I took care of our transportation."
The Ignarians prefer visitors to approach in this manner. It helps
prepare them for the experience."

"I see," he responded as he turned to look over the horse-drawn carriage
that waited for them. The driver was holding the door open waiting for
them to board.

The man smiled as he assisted Beverly into the coach, "My lady."
Jean-Luc climbed aboard and took a seat opposite her facing the rear of
the vehicle. He was rewarded by a glimpse of her creamy skin when the
cape parted as she crossed her legs. He quickly averted his eyes out the
window as the carriage took an abrupt start.

"Does the driver know where we're going?" he asked his companion.

"Yes, so just sit back and enjoy the ride."

He looked out the window turning his head to try and get an idea of
where they were headed. "It's difficult to see where we're headed when
I'm facing backwards."

She smiled and offered, "Then why don't you some over here." She patted
the narrow space next to her encouragingly.

His eyes looked hesitant but he squeezed next to her. He had to lean
forward a bit as his shoulders were to broad to fit comfortably. His
other option was to put his arm about her but he resisted- she was already
too close.

"Is that better?" she asked as she opened her cape to adjust the dress
underneath. He could see how the lace was dotted with shimmering sequins
that sparkled whenever the a light came in through the windows. And they
way the dress revealed the silky skin of her shoulders and cleavage....
"Jean-Luc?" she repeated, "Can you see better now?"

"Yy-es," he stammered, "just fine thank you." And quickly cast his eyes
out the window.

The ride took them through the main street in the village and they
watched as the scene straight out of a Dicken's novel passed by. Men &
Women dressed in their finest Victorian. Jean-Luc saw several tophats and
wondered if he should have had one replicated for the evening. He was
beginning to relax and enjoy himself for the first time in along time.

The carriage lurched roughly as they hit a pothole. The passengers
reached out for something to steady themselves. Picard braced himself by
grabbing the handles on either side of the carriage. One was to his left
but the other was over Beverly's shoulder. She reached for the same
handhold but found his arm instead. Her cape slid off her shoulders and
Jean-Luc watched her bosom move along with the carriage.

He took a deep breath as she pulled the cape back over her shoulders.
He let his left arm return to his side but his right was still clutching
the handle over her shoulder. He released his hold but let his arm rest
on the top of the seat still around her shoulder. She settled back into
his embrace as the coach began an upward climb.

Looking out the window he could see that they were now headed away from
the village. "Beverly are you sure we haven't passed up our destination?"

She nodded forward and said, "We're almost there."

He could just make out the glow of lights up on the top of the hill.
Smoke rising from two chimneys in the distance gave the promise of warmth-
not that he wasn't very comfortable in his current position.

The driver came around to hold the door and assist Beverly again.
Jean-Luc stepped down and took in the building before him. It was
something straight out of the English countryside and he could smell the
smoke from the fires. He smiled as Beverly took his arm and led him
inside.

The Innkeeper came forth and offered to take their coats. They obliged
as the Captain was finally able to a proper look at his companion's
costume for the evening. She was stunning; her fiery locks resting
against the creamy skin of her shoulders. The gauzy dress hugging her
body in just the right places. The shimmering dots of sequins dancing in
just the palest shades of color.

"You look lovely, Doctor." She looked at him crossly indicating her
displeasure at being reminded of her profession. "You look lovely,
Beverly," he quickly amended.

She smiled at him this time, "Thank you, Jean-Luc. You look rather
'spiffy' yourself."

"Thank you, I think?" as he was unfamiliar with the term 'spiffy.'

"If both of you will follow me, I'll show to your table." The host said
indicating the dining room.

It was a small room but the windows along the back wall went from the
floor to the ceiling providing a spectacular view of the village below.
One table was set against the window with a single golden candle burning
brightly upon it. It took him a minute to realize they were the only two
people in the room other than their host and two musicians set up in a far
corner.

The Innkeeper held Beverly's chair as a woman entered with a bottle of
Champagne. "Ah, Salana, perfect timing as always." He took the bottle
from her and popped the cork. With a practiced hand he didn't allow a
single drop to be wasted as he quickly filled the glasses.

Jean-Luc was unsure of the situation so he just sat quietly looking
about the room. The woman let them taste their drinks before announcing,
"Dinner will be out in a few minutes." Then turning to her husband, "Come
on Ry, I need your help in the kitchen." He nodded and followed her out.

From the far corner a soft waltz drifted their way and Beverly looked at
the small dance floor dreamily. Jean-Luc wasn't sure if he trusted
himself holding her so close for a dance but decided to chance it for her
sake. He stood and offered his hand. Without a word they moved onto the
floor and were gliding across the room in perfect synchronization.

She matched his steps effortlessly as they covered the floor in graceful
elegance. As they song wound to a close he couldn't resist dipping her
back in his arms. He fought the urge to kiss her bare neck as she held
onto him for support. Their eyes locked and he leaned towards her unable
to resist just the lightest kiss to her inviting mouth. He pulled her
back to her feet as he noticed the dinner being brought to their table.

They ate in silence as the appetite they were more interested in
satisfying wasn't one for food. Beverly tried to keep a conservation
going but it seemed as though Jean-Luc was becoming more distant as the
evening progressed. This wasn't the effect she wanted as she tried to
discern what was bothering him so much.

"Jean-Luc, you've hardly touched your desert. Is everything all right?"

"It's fine. I'm just not very hungry," he said turning to stare back
out the window.

"Would like some more wine?" she said offering to refill his glass.

"No thank you. I think I've had enough this evening," he said somewhat
abruptly. Now Beverly knew something was wrong; she studied his face
trying to read the emotions behind the mask.

"If I've done something wrong I'd sure like to know about it. Or do you
intend to ruin my evening also?" she said evenly.

He sighed heavily and turned back to look at her. 'She was beautiful
and that was the problem. She knew damned well just what effect being so
close to her had upon him so why was she torturing him this way. He was
going to put an end to it.'

"Beverly, why did you bring me here?" he began.

"Because I owed you dinner and I thought you might enjoy it and ..."

"And what?" he asked insistently.

"And nothing," she answered sharply. As she took a drink of wine he
could see the muscles in her jaw tighten with suppressed anger. But her
eyes held something more- a pain he knew he caused.

'Perhaps he had misinterpreted her actions. She hadn't overtly tried to
make him feel uncomfortable had she?' He suddenly felt like a fool for
acting so childish. "Beverly, I'm sorry it's just that I thought... well
... I think I had the wrong impression about tonight."

"And what impression was that?" she said still rather stiffly.

He cast his eyes down and admitted, "Well, to be perfectly honest, I
thought you were trying to seduce me?"

"And what makes you think you were wrong?" she said as her pulse shot
up into the danger zone.

His eyes quickly came back to meet hers and he held her gaze for what
seemed like an eternity. "Dammit," he said slamming his hand down against
the table. The dishes rattled noisily as she flinched from his sudden
display of anger.

"Not quiet the reaction I was hoping for," she said straightening her
silverware.

He looked around the room and noticed the back door leading to a small
patio off the dining room. "Come on," he said taking her arm firmly, "we
need to talk."

Her plans were falling apart before her eyes but she refused to let him
know how disappointed she was. They stepped into the cool night air
letting it clear their heads before speaking.

"Beverly, why are you doing this to me?" he asked with a painful
expression in his eyes.

"I thought you might enjoy it," she retorted. "But I can see now I was
wrong. You're feelings toward me have obviously changed." She was
fighting to hold her emotions in check. 'She had waited too long and she
only had herself to blame.'

"Yes, they've become stronger, more intense." He turned to look at the
lights from the village. "That's why I can't take being so close to you.
Do you know how difficult it's become to *just* be your friend? You have
to know how deeply you affect me- these bittersweet evenings that we spend
together and then part as *just friends* are killing me." Now he turned
and faced her his voice full of anger and pain, "Do you know how it felt
to watch you go off with Ronan after everything we'd been through. I
can't watch you fall in love with someone else again." His voice was loud
but it was his words that frightened her.

She sat on one of the benches lining the edge of the patio and dropped
her head into her hands. "I'm sorry," she whispered hoarsely- never
looking up. She had it all planned out so clearly before. They were
going to enjoy a wonderful dinner, dancing in the small room and she was
going to tell him- no ask him ....

He had come to her side- she hadn't even noticed. The sight of her
tears broke his heart as he cursed himself for being so rough with her.
'It wasn't her fault that he couldn't control his emotions.' Moving the
copper strands away from her face he tenderly wiped away the moisture from
her cheeks.

"Beverly, I'm so sorry," he began. "I didn't mean - "

"It's not your fault. I've hurt you and I've taken our friendship for
granted- you have every right to be angry with me."

But he wasn't anymore. All he could think about was somehow going back
to the way things were. He just wanted her in his life and was willing to
pay any price. Even if it meant suffering in silence again. Anything so
she wouldn't walk out of his life forever. He sat next to her and held
her close as she the gentle sobs subsided.

"I'm sorry," he whispered over and over until she finally heard him.

"This isn't the way I thought this evening would end up," she said
still leaning against his chest.

"I'm sorry Beverly, but a casual affair is not what I had in mind."

She moved back to look at him, "Nor did I."

"Then what did you have in mind?" he asked even though he wasn't sure
he wanted to know the answer to that question.

She smiled in that devilish way that she had sometimes and said, "Oh,
I'd thought I wine you, dine you and dance with you until midnight."

"And at midnight? Send me home alone?" as some of the old anger
appeared in his voice.

"No I figured we'd get the sex thing out of the way and then in the
morning I'd ask you to marry me." She knew it was a risk to throw it out
so flippantly but something in her told it was the right way to way to get
his attention.

He looked at her incredulously and stammered, "What did you say?"

"I said we should go ahead and get the sex thing out of the way," she
repeated.

"No, after that- the part about in the morning?"

"Oh, I was going to ask you to marry me."

"Really? You're not just toying with me?"

She stood up and took a few steps before turning back to kneel in front
of him. "Jean-Luc I love you and it scares the hell out of me." She took
his hand in hers and continued, "But the thought of losing you to someone
else is even more frightening. I don't *just* want one night. And if
you'll give me the chance I promise I'll never walk away again."

He stood and pulled her up into his arms. His heart was racing and the
lump in his throat was growing. Searching her eyes he tried to find the
words he was looking for- the feelings were there but no words were
adequate. He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips.

They drew back to look at each other and this time when they kissed
there was nothing tentative about it. Their lips parted as they hungrily
explored each other's mouths. He moved his arms tighter around her waist
pressing their hips together. Gasping for air they broke the kiss to look
at each other for confirmation that this was really happening.

"Beverly, is it midnight yet?" he asked resting his forehead against hers.

"Almost," she whispered back. "Would you care to dance?"

"I'd love to," he answered leading her back to the dance floor.

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Copyright 1995 B.A. Lopez

Oh yeah, and add the stuff about threats for unnatural Zining and
distribution by angry ex-boyfriends.