"How often does the universe unravel?" Picard asked, coming to stand next to Virginia, who still sat at her desk.
"Two or three times a day, same as with you. And that's on a good day." She sighed and rubbed her temples, studiously avoiding looking at the still unclothed captain.
"You don't think you were too hard on her? She sounded like she's just a girl."
Virginia laughed. "That girl has three children and five grandchildren. Don't let looks, or the sound of a voice deceive you, Jean-Luc. She's a full-blooded Gandraleayian and while she is young by their standards, she is no child."
"I see. Is there anything you need to tell me?" he asked teasingly.
Her eyes twinkled as she replied, "My grandchildren's grandchildren have grandchildren."
Jean-Luc laughed boisteriously, which was a pleasant sound. "And no doubt you remember all their birthdays."
"And anniversaries." Virginia sighed. "Don't you have to be on the bridge?"
"Not for a while yet. I told Data not to expect me this morning and not to call me unless the universe was unraveling or the Borg were attacking."
"I know your track record, Jean-Luc...both those are liable to happen before noon."
"Not today." Picard reached out and caressed her hair. "Come back to the bed."
Virginia hesitated. She really wanted to...he was an excellent lover...and she missed this intimacy...but...he loved Beverly...enough that he spoke her name when being intimate with Virginia. He might have made up his mind not to pursue Beverly, but he had clearly forgotten to inform his heart. Didn't she deserve better?
Picard, unaware of her thoughts, moved to stand behind her. He pulled her hair to the side, lowering his head to kiss her neck. "Come, let me ease your worries."
If only he could. But she did nothing to stop him. She loved to have her neck kissed and nuzzled.
He nibbled her earlobe next. "Let me drive all thoughts of your mission away for a time."
That would be nice too. Already she could feel her body responding to his touch, no matter what her heart and mind was telling her. "Jean-Luc..." she murmured, her voice betraying her want.
"Yes, Virginia?"
Well, he still remembered her name so far. She stood, allowing her arms to wrap around him. "Kiss me..."
He kissed her, passionately. She let his kiss consume her until she was breathless and he was kissing and nibbling her neck again, drawing whimpers of desire from her. His hands untied her robe, and slipped in to ease it from her shoulders....just barely grazing her skin as he did so. He chuckled when she pushed her body into his hands for the touch she craved. She let him lead her back to the bed...allowed him to keep good on his word to drive all thoughts of the Borg from her mind, even if just for the morning...no matter whose name he called out...she needed this touch, this pleasure once more before she marched to her death.
September 05, 2007
September 03, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt 22
The man on the screen in front Virginia looked like a young Vulcan. However, Virginia knew him to be otherwise. James was a Vulcan/Gandraleayian hybrid, who was just past his first century. He was far too "human" for both species that had birthed him. He also served as the admiral's secretary.
"I hear you've been calling?"
"Quite," he answered. His voice was quite dry. "Ambassador Raven-Cloud arrived with a message from the Orion Council. Sovenal and Raven-Cloud both tried to Locate you after you failed to appear for our hails this morning. The Enterprise assured me that you were indisposed and the two began to panic."
"You mean Sovenal began to panic and Raven-Cloud got ticked off." Virginia leaned in closer to the screen. "What does it usually mean when I can't be Located?"
"That you are either dead or drunk." James rolled his eyes comically. "I told them that, but they instisted on multiple calls."
"Is either one of them nearby?"
"Raven-Cloud departed, but Sovenal is in her office."
"Put me through."
A young-looking woman with dark blonde hair replaced James on the screen. "Oh Admiral! You're all right! We were so worried." How a woman pushing fifty could manage to sound like a gushing teenager, Virginia had never quite figured out, and Sovenal had been on her staff for over twenty years now. "Ambassador Raven-Cloud arrived with a message for you and when the Enterprise crew wouldn't let us speak to you, we both tried to Locate you and couldn't!"
"First of all, I was unable to speak to you, so the crew is faultless. Second of all, what does it usually mean I'm unable to be Located, Sovenal?"
"Ma'am?"
"You've been on my staff for how long and you're telling me you don't know what that means?"
"Twenty-one years, ma'am."
"It means I am either dead...or drunk. If I'm dead, there's nothing you can do about it...and if I'm drunk, I'm probably having sex."
Sovenal blushed brightly. "I had heard rumors..."
"They're all true. I couldn't talk to you this morning, because I was getting laid." Virginia conveniently left out the part where she had been unconscious because she'd been punched by the ship's chief medical officer. No one needed to know that, not now, and maybe not ever.
"I am so sorry to have disturbed you..." Sovenal began to fidget.
Virginia let her, for almost a full minute. "Now, what was Raven-Cloud's message?"
"The Council was merely sending it's blessing for your current mission." Sovenal answered quietly, here eyes downcast...no doubt trying to rid herself of the image of her superior being intimate.
"That's it?! I have the Council's blessing? I'll rmember that when Deanna and I are staring down the Borg Queen." It was always so nice when the stuffy Council granted their blessing. "Now, I'm going to say something, and I want you to hear it...we're going into a battle zone...and I don't want this office calling me again unless the universe is unraveling."
"Yes ma'am."
Virginia terminated the call.
"I hear you've been calling?"
"Quite," he answered. His voice was quite dry. "Ambassador Raven-Cloud arrived with a message from the Orion Council. Sovenal and Raven-Cloud both tried to Locate you after you failed to appear for our hails this morning. The Enterprise assured me that you were indisposed and the two began to panic."
"You mean Sovenal began to panic and Raven-Cloud got ticked off." Virginia leaned in closer to the screen. "What does it usually mean when I can't be Located?"
"That you are either dead or drunk." James rolled his eyes comically. "I told them that, but they instisted on multiple calls."
"Is either one of them nearby?"
"Raven-Cloud departed, but Sovenal is in her office."
"Put me through."
A young-looking woman with dark blonde hair replaced James on the screen. "Oh Admiral! You're all right! We were so worried." How a woman pushing fifty could manage to sound like a gushing teenager, Virginia had never quite figured out, and Sovenal had been on her staff for over twenty years now. "Ambassador Raven-Cloud arrived with a message for you and when the Enterprise crew wouldn't let us speak to you, we both tried to Locate you and couldn't!"
"First of all, I was unable to speak to you, so the crew is faultless. Second of all, what does it usually mean I'm unable to be Located, Sovenal?"
"Ma'am?"
"You've been on my staff for how long and you're telling me you don't know what that means?"
"Twenty-one years, ma'am."
"It means I am either dead...or drunk. If I'm dead, there's nothing you can do about it...and if I'm drunk, I'm probably having sex."
Sovenal blushed brightly. "I had heard rumors..."
"They're all true. I couldn't talk to you this morning, because I was getting laid." Virginia conveniently left out the part where she had been unconscious because she'd been punched by the ship's chief medical officer. No one needed to know that, not now, and maybe not ever.
"I am so sorry to have disturbed you..." Sovenal began to fidget.
Virginia let her, for almost a full minute. "Now, what was Raven-Cloud's message?"
"The Council was merely sending it's blessing for your current mission." Sovenal answered quietly, here eyes downcast...no doubt trying to rid herself of the image of her superior being intimate.
"That's it?! I have the Council's blessing? I'll rmember that when Deanna and I are staring down the Borg Queen." It was always so nice when the stuffy Council granted their blessing. "Now, I'm going to say something, and I want you to hear it...we're going into a battle zone...and I don't want this office calling me again unless the universe is unraveling."
"Yes ma'am."
Virginia terminated the call.
August 27, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt 21
Guinan paused again, and looked around. Ten-Forward had a moderate crowd, a little large for this early in the morning, but that happened once in while. Everyone seemed calm and happy. She walked to the comm unit again, which sounded even as she reached for it.
"Guinan here," she said.
"You called earlier?" Virginia asked, her tone strained, though it sounded like an attempt to be cheerful.
"I did. I had a feeling ... and you know the feelings I get ... I felt a shift, and I was just wondering if everything was all right with you."
There was a pause, almost too short to be noticed, before the other woman answered saying, "Why wouldn't everything be all right?"
Guinan looked at the comm unit sharply. Virginia only ever said that when something was wrong. And usually when there was someone who could overhear her. It was a code phrase that dated back to the Third Earth War. Virginia had a tendency to get into what Marcus called 'scrapes'...and Marcus had had a tendency to be able to get her out of them. Guinan hadn't known the two then, but she didn't doubt the retellings one bit. Remembering the codes reply that let the other know that she knew it was the code, Guinan replied with, "No reason I can think of."
"All's well that ends well," remarked Virginia, too lightly. "I'll talk with you later. I have to call my office as they've been harassing the lines."
"Right. We don't want them sending someone to check up on you."
"I'm the one admiral in StarFleet with watchdogs that take their 'job' seriously. Keep the chocolate nearby, k?"
"You can count on it." The conversation terminated and Guinan was even more concerned that she had been before. Not only had Virginia given a code phrase...after Guinan had replied with the acknowledging response, Virginia had also given the countersign 'All's well that ends well'. The request for chocolate was part of a code as well, though separate...something Marcus had devised for her to say in a crowd, or when starting to feel stressed, to let him know that she wanted a drink. To hear the three phrases all within the same conversation could not be a good sign.
Could it be...that something had shifted in Virginia?
Guinan didn't know for sure, couldn't know until that woman got her butt down here to talk, but Guinan knew one thing...Virginia's voice had held a tone that she seldom heard...and the three times Guinan had heard it before had been when Marcus had died, when Jayden died, and when Ian had been named Q. Each time, Virginia had emotionally downspiraled and disappeared for a time...usually after doing something drastic...like taking a shuttlecraft and facing down the Romulan fleet during the Romulan war...challenging the Warlord King of Anfasiz to a duel...drastic things...
Guinan, usually the epitome of calm...began to pace Ten-Foward and fidget.
"Guinan here," she said.
"You called earlier?" Virginia asked, her tone strained, though it sounded like an attempt to be cheerful.
"I did. I had a feeling ... and you know the feelings I get ... I felt a shift, and I was just wondering if everything was all right with you."
There was a pause, almost too short to be noticed, before the other woman answered saying, "Why wouldn't everything be all right?"
Guinan looked at the comm unit sharply. Virginia only ever said that when something was wrong. And usually when there was someone who could overhear her. It was a code phrase that dated back to the Third Earth War. Virginia had a tendency to get into what Marcus called 'scrapes'...and Marcus had had a tendency to be able to get her out of them. Guinan hadn't known the two then, but she didn't doubt the retellings one bit. Remembering the codes reply that let the other know that she knew it was the code, Guinan replied with, "No reason I can think of."
"All's well that ends well," remarked Virginia, too lightly. "I'll talk with you later. I have to call my office as they've been harassing the lines."
"Right. We don't want them sending someone to check up on you."
"I'm the one admiral in StarFleet with watchdogs that take their 'job' seriously. Keep the chocolate nearby, k?"
"You can count on it." The conversation terminated and Guinan was even more concerned that she had been before. Not only had Virginia given a code phrase...after Guinan had replied with the acknowledging response, Virginia had also given the countersign 'All's well that ends well'. The request for chocolate was part of a code as well, though separate...something Marcus had devised for her to say in a crowd, or when starting to feel stressed, to let him know that she wanted a drink. To hear the three phrases all within the same conversation could not be a good sign.
Could it be...that something had shifted in Virginia?
Guinan didn't know for sure, couldn't know until that woman got her butt down here to talk, but Guinan knew one thing...Virginia's voice had held a tone that she seldom heard...and the three times Guinan had heard it before had been when Marcus had died, when Jayden died, and when Ian had been named Q. Each time, Virginia had emotionally downspiraled and disappeared for a time...usually after doing something drastic...like taking a shuttlecraft and facing down the Romulan fleet during the Romulan war...challenging the Warlord King of Anfasiz to a duel...drastic things...
Guinan, usually the epitome of calm...began to pace Ten-Foward and fidget.
August 26, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt 20
Virginia sighed, her emotions tumultuously mixed with the pleasure that was slowly ebbing away. Picard might have called out the wrong name...more than once...but he certainly knew his way around a woman's body.
He still laid next to her, his arm holding her close. His fingers gently caressing her skin. "What are you thinking?"
She wondered if he really wanted to know. She decided not to find out. "That I ought to call Guinan and find out what she wanted. Then call my office and see what they want as well, before they decide to send in the calvary and someone just all of a sudden shows up."
"Virginia, tell me, why can't I make love to you when you're sober?" Picard asked.
It had been something long on the captain's mind, but out of the blue to Virginia. She tensed, and sat up. "Why must the sun rise in the east?" She got out of bed, rather abruptly to his way of thinking, and put her robe on. She ran her hands through her hair, and then stood there, just looking at him as she spoke. "Regulations. Some of them suck...but this one I agree with. Jean-Luc...Every couple bonds to some degree when they have sex...it's the way God made us. Some species, especially telepathic ones, can bond closer. The Vulcans actually start this bond with their betrothal ceremony. They have more control over the Bond that way. Gandraleayians have no control over the Bonding process...and ours is a deep Bond...and virtually unbreakable. It takes seven Gandraleayians to Break or Bind a couple's Bond, outside of death of course. Binding and Breaking this Bond is an extrememly painful experience, and not done lightly. It does cut down on promiscuity, adultery and divorce, though it does exist in our culture. Because alcohol renders my telepathy useless...makes me almost human...I cannot Bond with you, or anyone else, any more than a normal human."
"Does alcohol affect your entire race this way then?"
"No. And it doesn't even effect all hybrids the same way." She turned away and began to walk to her desk.
"Virginia..." He waited for her to pause and look back at him. "There are some planets where the sun rises in the west."
She turned back to him. "Yes, there are. Would you like to know what happened the last time I broke this regulation?"
"Were you punished?" How would they punish a person for something like that? Maybe he didn't want to know.
"Not by the Council. Jayden...couldn't handle the Bond that resulted. He loved me in his own way, but he wasn't prepared to have my presence always with him." Her voice faltered, but she went on, tears not quite leaking out of her eyes. "Even though he was human, and had no telepathic abilities of his own...the Bond does that Jean-Luc...he could hear me, feel me, even while with another woman...It's like a mind meld that never really terminates...there are whispers of each other in the back of our minds...Marcus loved me even more, for who I was...and he loved being Bonded with me that close. It saved our lives more times than I can count, especially during the Third World War. Jayden, after he had slept with other women...made sure I was paying attention...and killed himself. He found a transporter, set it for slow, wide disperal...and activated it."
Picard looked at her in shocked silence.
"That is why I will never violate that Regulation again."
"I don't blame you..." Words failed him.
Virginia turned around, and continued to her desk, the back of her robe gently swishing around her hips.
He still laid next to her, his arm holding her close. His fingers gently caressing her skin. "What are you thinking?"
She wondered if he really wanted to know. She decided not to find out. "That I ought to call Guinan and find out what she wanted. Then call my office and see what they want as well, before they decide to send in the calvary and someone just all of a sudden shows up."
"Virginia, tell me, why can't I make love to you when you're sober?" Picard asked.
It had been something long on the captain's mind, but out of the blue to Virginia. She tensed, and sat up. "Why must the sun rise in the east?" She got out of bed, rather abruptly to his way of thinking, and put her robe on. She ran her hands through her hair, and then stood there, just looking at him as she spoke. "Regulations. Some of them suck...but this one I agree with. Jean-Luc...Every couple bonds to some degree when they have sex...it's the way God made us. Some species, especially telepathic ones, can bond closer. The Vulcans actually start this bond with their betrothal ceremony. They have more control over the Bond that way. Gandraleayians have no control over the Bonding process...and ours is a deep Bond...and virtually unbreakable. It takes seven Gandraleayians to Break or Bind a couple's Bond, outside of death of course. Binding and Breaking this Bond is an extrememly painful experience, and not done lightly. It does cut down on promiscuity, adultery and divorce, though it does exist in our culture. Because alcohol renders my telepathy useless...makes me almost human...I cannot Bond with you, or anyone else, any more than a normal human."
"Does alcohol affect your entire race this way then?"
"No. And it doesn't even effect all hybrids the same way." She turned away and began to walk to her desk.
"Virginia..." He waited for her to pause and look back at him. "There are some planets where the sun rises in the west."
She turned back to him. "Yes, there are. Would you like to know what happened the last time I broke this regulation?"
"Were you punished?" How would they punish a person for something like that? Maybe he didn't want to know.
"Not by the Council. Jayden...couldn't handle the Bond that resulted. He loved me in his own way, but he wasn't prepared to have my presence always with him." Her voice faltered, but she went on, tears not quite leaking out of her eyes. "Even though he was human, and had no telepathic abilities of his own...the Bond does that Jean-Luc...he could hear me, feel me, even while with another woman...It's like a mind meld that never really terminates...there are whispers of each other in the back of our minds...Marcus loved me even more, for who I was...and he loved being Bonded with me that close. It saved our lives more times than I can count, especially during the Third World War. Jayden, after he had slept with other women...made sure I was paying attention...and killed himself. He found a transporter, set it for slow, wide disperal...and activated it."
Picard looked at her in shocked silence.
"That is why I will never violate that Regulation again."
"I don't blame you..." Words failed him.
Virginia turned around, and continued to her desk, the back of her robe gently swishing around her hips.
August 25, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - pt 19
Guinan paused in her activity.
She was gently wiping the top of the bar with cleaning rag, touching up after the reception and getting ready for the new day.
Only suddenly something had shifted.
Out of kilter.
A train ready to derail.
Slowly, Guinan looked around Ten-Forward. Nothing out of the ordinary. Yet...
She walked over to the comm unit and called the bridge. Data answered. "Data...is everything all right up there?"
"Yes," the confused sounding android replied. "We are presently maintaining our course at impulse speed."
"Is the captain there?" she asked, knowing that Picard would understand her asking, even if he didn't really understand.
"Negative. He has not reported in yet. Shall I attempt to locate him for you?"
Perhaps the android understood better than she thought. "No," said Guinan. "That won't be necessary. Thank you." She broke the link before he could reply.
That meant that he was either sleeping...or with Virginia. Or even sleeping with Virginia. Still at the console, she called Virginia. No answer.
Guinan walked away. Something was wrong. If she didn't know better, she'd think he was around...but it didn't feel like that.
Yet.
She had no love for the Q...him least of all...though Virginia did have a soft spot for him. But then, she was entitled...before he had been Exiled and named Q, Ian had been Virginia's teacher. This...felt different...but connected.
And it couldn't be the Borg.
Yet.
There was no way that Data would have sounded that calm without the captain on the bridge if there had been a Borg cube anywhere within sensor range. The fact that Data was an android notwithstanding.
She would be patient...and alert...because whatever it was...was big...and it wasn't going away.
She was gently wiping the top of the bar with cleaning rag, touching up after the reception and getting ready for the new day.
Only suddenly something had shifted.
Out of kilter.
A train ready to derail.
Slowly, Guinan looked around Ten-Forward. Nothing out of the ordinary. Yet...
She walked over to the comm unit and called the bridge. Data answered. "Data...is everything all right up there?"
"Yes," the confused sounding android replied. "We are presently maintaining our course at impulse speed."
"Is the captain there?" she asked, knowing that Picard would understand her asking, even if he didn't really understand.
"Negative. He has not reported in yet. Shall I attempt to locate him for you?"
Perhaps the android understood better than she thought. "No," said Guinan. "That won't be necessary. Thank you." She broke the link before he could reply.
That meant that he was either sleeping...or with Virginia. Or even sleeping with Virginia. Still at the console, she called Virginia. No answer.
Guinan walked away. Something was wrong. If she didn't know better, she'd think he was around...but it didn't feel like that.
Yet.
She had no love for the Q...him least of all...though Virginia did have a soft spot for him. But then, she was entitled...before he had been Exiled and named Q, Ian had been Virginia's teacher. This...felt different...but connected.
And it couldn't be the Borg.
Yet.
There was no way that Data would have sounded that calm without the captain on the bridge if there had been a Borg cube anywhere within sensor range. The fact that Data was an android notwithstanding.
She would be patient...and alert...because whatever it was...was big...and it wasn't going away.
August 19, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt 18
Warning: sexually explicit scene at the end. Kids, be good and skip this post.
Virginia awoke to a pounding headache, which was probably from the Romulan Ale she had imbibed the night before...shortly before the furious doctor had punched her. Still, it could have been worse...she could have drunk the Klingon Bloodwine.
Vaguely she wondered how long she had been unconscious. Her head felt like it would split in two, reminding her why she usually stayed away from Romulan Ale. Because it never helped. Oh, it had deadened her telepathy, along with her other powers, but it did nothing for the ache just below her breastbone.
Opening one eye, she saw with relief that she was in her own quarters and her own bed. The last time she'd been knocked unconscious, Billy and Zed hadn't noticed and had actually left her in the fields of Alpha Centauri. It had been hours before she had awaken, and another three for her to walk back to Headquarters where they had run. They never did apologize.
"You have the look of one lost in memory," a male voice interrupted her thoughts.
Virginia started and looked around, her other eye popping open.
"Over here," directed Captain Picard.
As she sat up, she came to the realization that she was naked beneath the sheet that covered her. Keeping it pulled close to her chest, she faced the captain with a red face. He sat with one leg crossed over the other, and his chin resting on his hand. "Who undressed me?"
Picard's eyes twinkled with mischief as he answered her. "I wish that I could say it was me, but it was Doctor Selar and her medics."
"What time is it?" Virginia refused to cover herself further. No doubt the captain had already had an eyeful, and to be honest, she was enjoying his admiring gaze.
"Seven in the morning, after the wedding. How do you feel?"
"I am reminded why Romulan Ale is illegal. Why do we let that slide, anyway? I mean, imagine how Kirk and his crew would have fared with Chancellor Gorkon and General Chang if they hadn't served Romulan Ale...they might not have ended up in Rura Penthe."
"Worf has commented that it was probably a good idea that you were absent for the Khitomer Accords."
"On the other hand, had I been present...would the conspiracy have gotten as far as it did? Their dislike of the Klingons stemmed from their fear that without an ever-present enemy, they would be mothballed. Kirk's dislike stemmed from the murder of his son at their hands. Mine is solely based on their religious godlessness. Nothing else...they drive me nuts. But I still wouldn't have let Gorkon die, he was an extraordinary man."
"How long until the alcohol wears off?" Picard asked, deciding not to comment further on the Klingons.
Virginia sighed and took a moment to concentrate. There wasn't so much as a whisper in her mind. "Probably the rest of the day."
"Your office has called three times this morning. They don't seem to take our word for it that you're all right."
"I don't doubt it. They rarely take my word for it. Have you figured out what set Beverly off?”
“She found out about Deanna’s mission.”
“But…I told Deanna to discuss it with her.”
“For reasons unknown to me, Deanna didn’t. Beverly has since been informed of all the details of the mission and is quite mortified that she hit you.”
“Where is she now? I hope you haven’t put her in the brig.”
“No, she is confined to her quarters. Unless you say otherwise.”
“I’ll see to her later. First, I’d better call my office.” Virginia looked to where her robe hung, over the back of the chair next to where the captain was sitting. Her powers were still rendered useless from the ale, so there was no transporting the robe onto her body or floating it through the air. And she was still naked beneath the sheet. Picard’s face showed his amusement over he predicament. Refusing to ask him to hand it to her, Virginia threw the sheet off and climbed out of the bed. Slowly, she walked towards him, watching how his eyes sparkled, as he looked her over before becoming riveted to her own.
For his part, Picard was momentarily speechless. The grace with which she moved across the carpeted deck…the lack of shame in her face over being naked in front of him…the sway of her breasts and her hips…the way her lips quickened in smile…the frank desire in her eyes as she stood before him. "Good God..." he whispered before standing to embrace her and kiss her passionately.
She responded by wrapping her arms around him and pressing herself close. With ease, she walked backwards as he guided her back to the bed. Her hands sought out the fasteners of his uniform as his lips traveled to her neck, his hands running down her back to brush across her buttocks. Nibbling on his ear, she disrobed him, her hands making more than a passing acquaintance with his body.
“You are beautiful,” Picard murmured, taking her breasts in his hands. His mouth dropping down to cover her right nipple.
Virginia couldn’t stop herself from moaning. It had been so long since she had been touched in this manner…held and kissed. She lowered herself to the bed, Jean-Luc following. His hands, his mouth, covering her body with caresses and kisses. And then he said her name.
No, not her name…the name he murmured low in his throat as he entered her…was another’s. But it was too late to go back now. Now, his hands were covering her breasts in the way she liked as he pressed her legs further open with his body as he thrust himself deeper, his lips nuzzling her throat...her hands splayed across the back of his shoulders. She shut her mind to nothing but the physical pleasure, shutting her heart away from the hurt of hearing him murmur Beverly’s name.
Virginia awoke to a pounding headache, which was probably from the Romulan Ale she had imbibed the night before...shortly before the furious doctor had punched her. Still, it could have been worse...she could have drunk the Klingon Bloodwine.
Vaguely she wondered how long she had been unconscious. Her head felt like it would split in two, reminding her why she usually stayed away from Romulan Ale. Because it never helped. Oh, it had deadened her telepathy, along with her other powers, but it did nothing for the ache just below her breastbone.
Opening one eye, she saw with relief that she was in her own quarters and her own bed. The last time she'd been knocked unconscious, Billy and Zed hadn't noticed and had actually left her in the fields of Alpha Centauri. It had been hours before she had awaken, and another three for her to walk back to Headquarters where they had run. They never did apologize.
"You have the look of one lost in memory," a male voice interrupted her thoughts.
Virginia started and looked around, her other eye popping open.
"Over here," directed Captain Picard.
As she sat up, she came to the realization that she was naked beneath the sheet that covered her. Keeping it pulled close to her chest, she faced the captain with a red face. He sat with one leg crossed over the other, and his chin resting on his hand. "Who undressed me?"
Picard's eyes twinkled with mischief as he answered her. "I wish that I could say it was me, but it was Doctor Selar and her medics."
"What time is it?" Virginia refused to cover herself further. No doubt the captain had already had an eyeful, and to be honest, she was enjoying his admiring gaze.
"Seven in the morning, after the wedding. How do you feel?"
"I am reminded why Romulan Ale is illegal. Why do we let that slide, anyway? I mean, imagine how Kirk and his crew would have fared with Chancellor Gorkon and General Chang if they hadn't served Romulan Ale...they might not have ended up in Rura Penthe."
"Worf has commented that it was probably a good idea that you were absent for the Khitomer Accords."
"On the other hand, had I been present...would the conspiracy have gotten as far as it did? Their dislike of the Klingons stemmed from their fear that without an ever-present enemy, they would be mothballed. Kirk's dislike stemmed from the murder of his son at their hands. Mine is solely based on their religious godlessness. Nothing else...they drive me nuts. But I still wouldn't have let Gorkon die, he was an extraordinary man."
"How long until the alcohol wears off?" Picard asked, deciding not to comment further on the Klingons.
Virginia sighed and took a moment to concentrate. There wasn't so much as a whisper in her mind. "Probably the rest of the day."
"Your office has called three times this morning. They don't seem to take our word for it that you're all right."
"I don't doubt it. They rarely take my word for it. Have you figured out what set Beverly off?”
“She found out about Deanna’s mission.”
“But…I told Deanna to discuss it with her.”
“For reasons unknown to me, Deanna didn’t. Beverly has since been informed of all the details of the mission and is quite mortified that she hit you.”
“Where is she now? I hope you haven’t put her in the brig.”
“No, she is confined to her quarters. Unless you say otherwise.”
“I’ll see to her later. First, I’d better call my office.” Virginia looked to where her robe hung, over the back of the chair next to where the captain was sitting. Her powers were still rendered useless from the ale, so there was no transporting the robe onto her body or floating it through the air. And she was still naked beneath the sheet. Picard’s face showed his amusement over he predicament. Refusing to ask him to hand it to her, Virginia threw the sheet off and climbed out of the bed. Slowly, she walked towards him, watching how his eyes sparkled, as he looked her over before becoming riveted to her own.
For his part, Picard was momentarily speechless. The grace with which she moved across the carpeted deck…the lack of shame in her face over being naked in front of him…the sway of her breasts and her hips…the way her lips quickened in smile…the frank desire in her eyes as she stood before him. "Good God..." he whispered before standing to embrace her and kiss her passionately.
She responded by wrapping her arms around him and pressing herself close. With ease, she walked backwards as he guided her back to the bed. Her hands sought out the fasteners of his uniform as his lips traveled to her neck, his hands running down her back to brush across her buttocks. Nibbling on his ear, she disrobed him, her hands making more than a passing acquaintance with his body.
“You are beautiful,” Picard murmured, taking her breasts in his hands. His mouth dropping down to cover her right nipple.
Virginia couldn’t stop herself from moaning. It had been so long since she had been touched in this manner…held and kissed. She lowered herself to the bed, Jean-Luc following. His hands, his mouth, covering her body with caresses and kisses. And then he said her name.
No, not her name…the name he murmured low in his throat as he entered her…was another’s. But it was too late to go back now. Now, his hands were covering her breasts in the way she liked as he pressed her legs further open with his body as he thrust himself deeper, his lips nuzzling her throat...her hands splayed across the back of his shoulders. She shut her mind to nothing but the physical pleasure, shutting her heart away from the hurt of hearing him murmur Beverly’s name.
August 10, 2007
Resistance is Futile - pt 17
On the other side of Ten-Forward, Lwaxana Troi stood near the drink table. Her drink dangled in her hand forgotten as her gaze drifted between two couples, her daughter and new son-in-law and Picard and Hamilton.
Lwaxana was happy, though she was careful not to let on. Her daughter was in love and nestled in the arms of her new husband. The Betazoid woman didn’t doubt for a minute that the two faced a difficult future. Honestly, what marriage didn’t have its difficulties? And as for Picard…while it was true that she’d once been attracted to him, they had since become friends…even if she did irritate the man, which he never seemed to realize she did on purpose! While Lwaxana had never cared for Gandraleayians, finding them to be an uppity and prideful race, she did happen to have a soft spot for this particular half-breed.
The admiral had a habit of coming to Betazed at least once a year, and the two of them had talked on several occasions. Only tonight though, was Lwaxana able to see…or rather ‘hear’…beyond the alien woman’s shields. Virginia Hamilton was everything she appeared to be, and several things that she didn’t. And all that was from things Lwaxana could hear freely broadcast by the other woman. Virginia was very smitten with the man she was dancing with. Whether Picard would move beyond being smitten with her in return, was something yet to be seen.
Beside Ambassador Troi stood Beverly Crusher…a woman whose thoughts were an angry rumble.
“Damn,” the doctor muttered out loud.
“Problem, dear?” Lwaxana asked unnecessarily as she spared the angry redhead a glance.
“She’s…No, Lwaxana, nothing’s wrong.”
“You’re lying, but I’ll let you.”
The Klingon matriarch Sirella approached just then. “I just want you to know,” the woman said to Lwaxana with grated teeth. “That I do not approve of this marriage or your daughter.”
“It matters very little whether we approve, Sirella, because it’s over and done with. They really don’t care.” Lwaxana pulled herself up to her full height and managed to look down her nose at the Klingon woman. “And I’ll have you know that my daughter is a Daughter of the 5th House of Betazed, holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, and heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed…AND she’s recently accepted a highly dangerous mission against the Borg which is why they hurried the wedding.”
There was a moment of silence between the women as the dance music played.
“Are you serious?” Beverly demanded.
“You didn’t know?”
“Excuse me.” Beverly left the two and strode out onto the dance floor toward Deanna.
Considerate mother that she was, Lwaxana telepathically warned her daughter of the approaching situation.
Deanna turned from dancing with her new husband as Beverly reached her.
“Is it true?” the doctor demanded in a harsh hiss. “You’re going on a mission against the Borg?”
“This is not the place to discuss it,” replied Deanna. “But yes.”
“Is this the reason why Admiral Hamilton is here?”
Deanna opened her mouth to reply, but her friend had already rashly turned away and was striding angrily across the dance floor toward the admiral, whom the counselor was pleased to see in Captain Picard’s arms. “Damn.” Deanna turned her gaze to her mother, who was already talking to her telepathically.
I’ve already told Jean-Luc, echoed Lwaxana’s voice in her head.
Deanna turned back to watch, even as her husband tapped his comm badge and began to talk to the security officers around the room. She watched as the captain looked up, startled, and began to inconspicuously move the admiral away.
He wasn’t fast enough.
Beverly literally pulled the other woman out of Picard’s arms and punched her solidly in the jaw…and chaos erupted.
Admiral Hamilton staggered backwards into the captain. The surrounding couples moved away quickly, even as security officers moved in. Beverly had landed another blow before Picard was able to place himself between the two women and security could lay hold of her.
Normally, Virginia could take a beating and keep on standing, largely due to her alien heritage. However, this night she had foolishly downed a tall glass of Romulan Ale and was unconscious after the first blow.
Picard lowered Virginia to the floor and tapped his comm badge. “Medical team to Ten Forward.”
Data, the ever-present security chief, appeared and asked, “Shall I confine Doctor Crusher to her quarters?” She was, after all, a ranking officer.
“Yes, fine. Just get her out of here.” Picard didn’t even look at Beverly. He had never seen the doctor in such a state before and to be honest…it was more than a bit disconcerting.
With unprecedented speed, the medical team had arrived even as security was escorting the CMO out of the room. The medical team didn’t even hesitate at the odd site, although Doctor Selar raised her elegant Vulcan eyebrow at it.
“What happened?” asked Selar as she knelt across the prostrate woman from her captain, already aiming a tricoder at her.
“Doctor Crusher belted her in the jaw, twice.”
As the Vulcan doctor took her readings, Picard was struck be the unconscious woman’s look of helplessness. What an irony…the powerful alien woman, defenseless in the arms of the human captain.
“She is also drunk,” Selar stated. “There is no serious injury. She might have some bruising and tenderness until the alcohol is out of her system and she can heal herself.”
“You can’t…”
“Regulations. Her injury is not life threatening. The most we can do is move her to her quarters and let her sleep it off.”
Regulations again. Picard did well at hiding his disgust at the word. “Very well.”
As the attendants to Selar situated the unconscious admiral on a stretcher, Picard went to speak to the bride and groom.
“Captain,” began Deanna, standing with Worf at the refreshment table, with Guinan nearby. “Is she all right?”
“Yes. She’ll be fine. I’d like to apologize…”
“Nonsense Jean-Luc!” exclaimed Lwaxana, joining them, a glass of wine in her hand. “It was hardly your fault.”
“Still…”
“Captain…it’s all right,” said Deanna.
Picard sighed in relief. He wondered if his absence would be noticed if he were to leave with the admiral. Even as her thought that, he remembered that he was in the same room as a telepath and shot Lwaxana a guarded look.
“Now,” Deanna continued, “Don’t you think you ought to go see to the admiral?”
“Yes, thank you,” replied Picard with a smile. He nodded to the group, “Ladies, Worf, good evening.” With a smooth motion, the captain turned and briskly left Ten Forward.
“That went well,” Guinan said dryly.
“The admiral has always had a habit of livening up parties,” cpmmented Worf. “We should be glad there was no fire.”
Lwaxana was happy, though she was careful not to let on. Her daughter was in love and nestled in the arms of her new husband. The Betazoid woman didn’t doubt for a minute that the two faced a difficult future. Honestly, what marriage didn’t have its difficulties? And as for Picard…while it was true that she’d once been attracted to him, they had since become friends…even if she did irritate the man, which he never seemed to realize she did on purpose! While Lwaxana had never cared for Gandraleayians, finding them to be an uppity and prideful race, she did happen to have a soft spot for this particular half-breed.
The admiral had a habit of coming to Betazed at least once a year, and the two of them had talked on several occasions. Only tonight though, was Lwaxana able to see…or rather ‘hear’…beyond the alien woman’s shields. Virginia Hamilton was everything she appeared to be, and several things that she didn’t. And all that was from things Lwaxana could hear freely broadcast by the other woman. Virginia was very smitten with the man she was dancing with. Whether Picard would move beyond being smitten with her in return, was something yet to be seen.
Beside Ambassador Troi stood Beverly Crusher…a woman whose thoughts were an angry rumble.
“Damn,” the doctor muttered out loud.
“Problem, dear?” Lwaxana asked unnecessarily as she spared the angry redhead a glance.
“She’s…No, Lwaxana, nothing’s wrong.”
“You’re lying, but I’ll let you.”
The Klingon matriarch Sirella approached just then. “I just want you to know,” the woman said to Lwaxana with grated teeth. “That I do not approve of this marriage or your daughter.”
“It matters very little whether we approve, Sirella, because it’s over and done with. They really don’t care.” Lwaxana pulled herself up to her full height and managed to look down her nose at the Klingon woman. “And I’ll have you know that my daughter is a Daughter of the 5th House of Betazed, holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, and heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed…AND she’s recently accepted a highly dangerous mission against the Borg which is why they hurried the wedding.”
There was a moment of silence between the women as the dance music played.
“Are you serious?” Beverly demanded.
“You didn’t know?”
“Excuse me.” Beverly left the two and strode out onto the dance floor toward Deanna.
Considerate mother that she was, Lwaxana telepathically warned her daughter of the approaching situation.
Deanna turned from dancing with her new husband as Beverly reached her.
“Is it true?” the doctor demanded in a harsh hiss. “You’re going on a mission against the Borg?”
“This is not the place to discuss it,” replied Deanna. “But yes.”
“Is this the reason why Admiral Hamilton is here?”
Deanna opened her mouth to reply, but her friend had already rashly turned away and was striding angrily across the dance floor toward the admiral, whom the counselor was pleased to see in Captain Picard’s arms. “Damn.” Deanna turned her gaze to her mother, who was already talking to her telepathically.
I’ve already told Jean-Luc, echoed Lwaxana’s voice in her head.
Deanna turned back to watch, even as her husband tapped his comm badge and began to talk to the security officers around the room. She watched as the captain looked up, startled, and began to inconspicuously move the admiral away.
He wasn’t fast enough.
Beverly literally pulled the other woman out of Picard’s arms and punched her solidly in the jaw…and chaos erupted.
Admiral Hamilton staggered backwards into the captain. The surrounding couples moved away quickly, even as security officers moved in. Beverly had landed another blow before Picard was able to place himself between the two women and security could lay hold of her.
Normally, Virginia could take a beating and keep on standing, largely due to her alien heritage. However, this night she had foolishly downed a tall glass of Romulan Ale and was unconscious after the first blow.
Picard lowered Virginia to the floor and tapped his comm badge. “Medical team to Ten Forward.”
Data, the ever-present security chief, appeared and asked, “Shall I confine Doctor Crusher to her quarters?” She was, after all, a ranking officer.
“Yes, fine. Just get her out of here.” Picard didn’t even look at Beverly. He had never seen the doctor in such a state before and to be honest…it was more than a bit disconcerting.
With unprecedented speed, the medical team had arrived even as security was escorting the CMO out of the room. The medical team didn’t even hesitate at the odd site, although Doctor Selar raised her elegant Vulcan eyebrow at it.
“What happened?” asked Selar as she knelt across the prostrate woman from her captain, already aiming a tricoder at her.
“Doctor Crusher belted her in the jaw, twice.”
As the Vulcan doctor took her readings, Picard was struck be the unconscious woman’s look of helplessness. What an irony…the powerful alien woman, defenseless in the arms of the human captain.
“She is also drunk,” Selar stated. “There is no serious injury. She might have some bruising and tenderness until the alcohol is out of her system and she can heal herself.”
“You can’t…”
“Regulations. Her injury is not life threatening. The most we can do is move her to her quarters and let her sleep it off.”
Regulations again. Picard did well at hiding his disgust at the word. “Very well.”
As the attendants to Selar situated the unconscious admiral on a stretcher, Picard went to speak to the bride and groom.
“Captain,” began Deanna, standing with Worf at the refreshment table, with Guinan nearby. “Is she all right?”
“Yes. She’ll be fine. I’d like to apologize…”
“Nonsense Jean-Luc!” exclaimed Lwaxana, joining them, a glass of wine in her hand. “It was hardly your fault.”
“Still…”
“Captain…it’s all right,” said Deanna.
Picard sighed in relief. He wondered if his absence would be noticed if he were to leave with the admiral. Even as her thought that, he remembered that he was in the same room as a telepath and shot Lwaxana a guarded look.
“Now,” Deanna continued, “Don’t you think you ought to go see to the admiral?”
“Yes, thank you,” replied Picard with a smile. He nodded to the group, “Ladies, Worf, good evening.” With a smooth motion, the captain turned and briskly left Ten Forward.
“That went well,” Guinan said dryly.
“The admiral has always had a habit of livening up parties,” cpmmented Worf. “We should be glad there was no fire.”
June 28, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt 16
Already Virginia was beginning to feel the effects of her hastily swallowed drink. As she and the android danced, the voices that constantly hammered at the edge of her awareness slowly faded away to nothing.
Silence. Blessed silence.
Except for the chattering of her dance partner. With some effort, she focused on what he was saying.
"...but the Ferengi has to go."
What?
"Did you not understand the joke?" Data asked, his face crinkling in a fair resemblance of polite concern.
"Oh...No...It's just that I'm feeling the Romulan ale I just drank," she answered honestly.
Before he could reply, the music ended, with a pause to allow changes in dance partners.
"You are an excellent dancer, Mr. Data," the admiral said in compliment.
"Thank you; Doctor Crusher would be pleased to hear that she has been a good teacher. You had an excellent teacher as well."
"Yes, I did..."
"May I have this dance?" interupted Picard as a spirited waltz began.
Virginia hestitated in indecision, allowing Data to nod at them and take his leave. Before she knew it, she and the captain were dancing.
"I never said yes," she protested.
"You didn't say no either."
Her eyes locked with his, but Virginia could still see out of the corner of her vision how the good doctor watched them...along with several other people...but only one of them was angry with her.
"She loves you Picard," the admiral said evenly. The spot between her eyes was beginning to feel fuzzy. Maybe she shouldn't have gulped that ale down like she did. "I can't come between you."
Picard's eyes had a somber twinkle to them. "And what are my feelings towards her?"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm assuming you must have had complete Access to her at some point during the play, or just after; am I right?"
Virginia nodded. "I didn't realize the full extant of her feelings until she spoke with us."
"I see. Admiral...Virginia...You Accessed me earlier than that. Do you by any chance recall my feelings for her?"
"Uhm, no. I was rather distracted." By his attraction to her, if she was honest, coupled with being caught up in his Borg experience.
Picard smiled. "I consider her a friend, though an exceptionally close one. There was a time when I loved her, still do to a degree. But...several years ago...when Q shifted me around in time, I realized that a deeper relationship would not end well...so I decided never to pursue one."
"I see. Does Beverly know this?" She was beginning to feel a little dizzy...but she was beginning to feel a little more hopeful.
"Not precisely everything, but she knows that I've decided not to pursue a romantic relationship."
Silence reigned for the remainder of the waltz, when the two stopped rather abruptly with the music.
"Where do we go from here?" Virginia asked quietly, not moving from his embrace.
"Where ever we want to," Picard asnwered.
The music started again...softer...slower...and decidedly romantic.
"Come closer," whispered Picard.
Virginia hesitated only a heartbeat before stepping closer, deeper into his arms. Her arms wrapped around him, and she rested her head against his shoulder. He responded by tilting his head so that his cheek rested against her forehead. His arms were firm about her, one hand slipping up her back to rest on the bare skin on the back of her neck, and she could hear the soft beating of his heart. Even though she knew it was an artificial heart, the sound still brought comfort to her. She sighed contendedly and nestled closer.
Silence. Blessed silence.
Except for the chattering of her dance partner. With some effort, she focused on what he was saying.
"...but the Ferengi has to go."
What?
"Did you not understand the joke?" Data asked, his face crinkling in a fair resemblance of polite concern.
"Oh...No...It's just that I'm feeling the Romulan ale I just drank," she answered honestly.
Before he could reply, the music ended, with a pause to allow changes in dance partners.
"You are an excellent dancer, Mr. Data," the admiral said in compliment.
"Thank you; Doctor Crusher would be pleased to hear that she has been a good teacher. You had an excellent teacher as well."
"Yes, I did..."
"May I have this dance?" interupted Picard as a spirited waltz began.
Virginia hestitated in indecision, allowing Data to nod at them and take his leave. Before she knew it, she and the captain were dancing.
"I never said yes," she protested.
"You didn't say no either."
Her eyes locked with his, but Virginia could still see out of the corner of her vision how the good doctor watched them...along with several other people...but only one of them was angry with her.
"She loves you Picard," the admiral said evenly. The spot between her eyes was beginning to feel fuzzy. Maybe she shouldn't have gulped that ale down like she did. "I can't come between you."
Picard's eyes had a somber twinkle to them. "And what are my feelings towards her?"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm assuming you must have had complete Access to her at some point during the play, or just after; am I right?"
Virginia nodded. "I didn't realize the full extant of her feelings until she spoke with us."
"I see. Admiral...Virginia...You Accessed me earlier than that. Do you by any chance recall my feelings for her?"
"Uhm, no. I was rather distracted." By his attraction to her, if she was honest, coupled with being caught up in his Borg experience.
Picard smiled. "I consider her a friend, though an exceptionally close one. There was a time when I loved her, still do to a degree. But...several years ago...when Q shifted me around in time, I realized that a deeper relationship would not end well...so I decided never to pursue one."
"I see. Does Beverly know this?" She was beginning to feel a little dizzy...but she was beginning to feel a little more hopeful.
"Not precisely everything, but she knows that I've decided not to pursue a romantic relationship."
Silence reigned for the remainder of the waltz, when the two stopped rather abruptly with the music.
"Where do we go from here?" Virginia asked quietly, not moving from his embrace.
"Where ever we want to," Picard asnwered.
The music started again...softer...slower...and decidedly romantic.
"Come closer," whispered Picard.
Virginia hesitated only a heartbeat before stepping closer, deeper into his arms. Her arms wrapped around him, and she rested her head against his shoulder. He responded by tilting his head so that his cheek rested against her forehead. His arms were firm about her, one hand slipping up her back to rest on the bare skin on the back of her neck, and she could hear the soft beating of his heart. Even though she knew it was an artificial heart, the sound still brought comfort to her. She sighed contendedly and nestled closer.
June 14, 2007
Resistance Is Futile -Pt 15
The wedding was held in 10-Forward.
The bride wore a sleek white gown, loosely formfitting and low in the neckline. In her long hair amongst the curls, Deanna wore a wreath of pearls, moondrops, and white lilies. Her smile shown brightly.
The groom wore his dress uniform, and of course his traditional Klingon sash.
The bride’s mother, as was her style, wore a voluminous gown that was a pallet of brilliant rainbow hues.
Worf’s foster parents, the Rozhenko’s, had been unable to attend, due to the Enterprise’s distance from Earth. However, the matriarch of his Klingon family, Sirella had indeed made it in time for the ceremony. Dressed in staunch Klingon garb, her sour expression matched Lwaxana’s.
Admiral Hamilton had been asked to officially marry the couple, not only as the highest ranking officer on board, but also to allow Captain Picard to serve as Worf’s Best Man. She was dressed in a conservative lavender outfit; an ankle length pant-skirt, with sheer sleeves that had almost as much fabric as the pant-skirt. She wore her hair up, decorated with pearl and diamond pins to keep it in place.
The captain, of course, was in his dress uniform. His gaze was often focused on the admiral.
The matron of honor, Dr. Crusher, had chosen to wear a daring dress: a close fitting sleeveless dress that was brightly hued with as many colors as Lwaxana’s. Her gaze was on the captain, so she was well aware of the looks he was giving the admiral {who was looking everywhere and nowhere}.
Although the ceremony was short and to the point, there was a sizable crown gathered to witness it, with more showing up afterwards to attend the extravagant reception.
As soon as the formalities were over and the dancing had begun, Virginia made a beeline for the drinks counter.
She looked over the large variety of drinks. Someone, no doubt Sirella, had brought Klingon bloodwine. No matter how badly Virginia wanted to get drunk, she wasn’t about ready to drink a Klingon beverage; something about them made her sicker than regular alcohol did. Just as she had made her choice, and had picked up the glass of Romulan ale, she was joined by Guinan on one side, and Picard’s second officer Lt. Commander Data on the other.
There was a moment of awkward silence, each waiting for the other to speak first.
Guinan, having seen Data’s nod of deference, spoke first. “Virginia, don’t.”
“Why not?” She demanded, her tone with underlying anger in it. “I won’t need my powers until the mission, which is days away. And I’m tired of hearing all these voices!” Still, the glass in her hand trembled.
“You’re hurt and you’re angry, two very good reasons not to.”
“Guinan…I can’t interfere with a current relationship. You know that.” The anger in her voice was now mingled with despair. “The Orion Council would have my hide.”
“There is no current relationship. As I told you earlier, they’re friends. I know I don’t have the same gifts as you, but I have one you don’t.”
“What’s that?” Virginia asked, irritated but curious.
“I listen.”
Virginia made a disgusted sound. She ended the conversation by looking at Data. “Yes, Commander?”
“I was wondering if you would like to dance, Admiral,” the android asked, intrigued by the women’s conversation.
Out of the corner of her eye, Virginia saw Picard leaving Beverly as they had danced the formal bridal party dance and heading in her direction. “Yes Commander, I’d love to.” She downed the tall glass of Romulan ale in one shot, much to the amazement of Data and the dismay of Guinan. She set the empty glass back down on the table and left with the android just as Picard arrived.
Picard’s face was one of frustration, and a little anger. The admiral had ignored his hails for the rest of the afternoon, and had not answered her door either. “Guinan,” he said in greeting.
“Captain.” Guinan’s eyes were watching her friend as she twirled around the dance floor in Data’s arms. She was well aware that the captain was also riveted to the same scene. “Jean-Luc…Virginia’s been my friend for a long time. I was there for her when Marcus died, and later when Jayden left her. I don’t like to see her hurting.”
“I have no intention of hurting her,” Picard assured the 10-Forward hostess.
“But she is. She’s somehow gotten it into her head that you already have a relationship with someone else – and the Rules that choke the life out of her expressly forbid her from interfering with a current relationship.”
Picard picked up the glass that Virginia had discarded and looked at it for a long moment. “Beverly just told me she’s interested in a deeper relationship with me.”
Guinan listened.
“There was a time, I would have already left with her to begin exploring that desire. But that time has long since passed, and I told her so.”
“Don’t you think you should tell Virginia that?”
The captain smiled ironically and set the glass back on the counter. “That was my intention, and as you can see, she ran away. Just as she’s ignored me all afternoon.”
Now Guinan smiled. “She’s hurting and confused. However, she’s also just downed a glass of Romulan ale. Not only will you be able to sneak up on her by now, but she should also be falling down drunk in less than half an hour.”
“Are you serious?”
“Very. I tried warning her. Romulan ale always takes her out quickly.”
“My God,” Picard said softly.
“If you want to talk to her, I’d suggest you hurry.”
The bride wore a sleek white gown, loosely formfitting and low in the neckline. In her long hair amongst the curls, Deanna wore a wreath of pearls, moondrops, and white lilies. Her smile shown brightly.
The groom wore his dress uniform, and of course his traditional Klingon sash.
The bride’s mother, as was her style, wore a voluminous gown that was a pallet of brilliant rainbow hues.
Worf’s foster parents, the Rozhenko’s, had been unable to attend, due to the Enterprise’s distance from Earth. However, the matriarch of his Klingon family, Sirella had indeed made it in time for the ceremony. Dressed in staunch Klingon garb, her sour expression matched Lwaxana’s.
Admiral Hamilton had been asked to officially marry the couple, not only as the highest ranking officer on board, but also to allow Captain Picard to serve as Worf’s Best Man. She was dressed in a conservative lavender outfit; an ankle length pant-skirt, with sheer sleeves that had almost as much fabric as the pant-skirt. She wore her hair up, decorated with pearl and diamond pins to keep it in place.
The captain, of course, was in his dress uniform. His gaze was often focused on the admiral.
The matron of honor, Dr. Crusher, had chosen to wear a daring dress: a close fitting sleeveless dress that was brightly hued with as many colors as Lwaxana’s. Her gaze was on the captain, so she was well aware of the looks he was giving the admiral {who was looking everywhere and nowhere}.
Although the ceremony was short and to the point, there was a sizable crown gathered to witness it, with more showing up afterwards to attend the extravagant reception.
As soon as the formalities were over and the dancing had begun, Virginia made a beeline for the drinks counter.
She looked over the large variety of drinks. Someone, no doubt Sirella, had brought Klingon bloodwine. No matter how badly Virginia wanted to get drunk, she wasn’t about ready to drink a Klingon beverage; something about them made her sicker than regular alcohol did. Just as she had made her choice, and had picked up the glass of Romulan ale, she was joined by Guinan on one side, and Picard’s second officer Lt. Commander Data on the other.
There was a moment of awkward silence, each waiting for the other to speak first.
Guinan, having seen Data’s nod of deference, spoke first. “Virginia, don’t.”
“Why not?” She demanded, her tone with underlying anger in it. “I won’t need my powers until the mission, which is days away. And I’m tired of hearing all these voices!” Still, the glass in her hand trembled.
“You’re hurt and you’re angry, two very good reasons not to.”
“Guinan…I can’t interfere with a current relationship. You know that.” The anger in her voice was now mingled with despair. “The Orion Council would have my hide.”
“There is no current relationship. As I told you earlier, they’re friends. I know I don’t have the same gifts as you, but I have one you don’t.”
“What’s that?” Virginia asked, irritated but curious.
“I listen.”
Virginia made a disgusted sound. She ended the conversation by looking at Data. “Yes, Commander?”
“I was wondering if you would like to dance, Admiral,” the android asked, intrigued by the women’s conversation.
Out of the corner of her eye, Virginia saw Picard leaving Beverly as they had danced the formal bridal party dance and heading in her direction. “Yes Commander, I’d love to.” She downed the tall glass of Romulan ale in one shot, much to the amazement of Data and the dismay of Guinan. She set the empty glass back down on the table and left with the android just as Picard arrived.
Picard’s face was one of frustration, and a little anger. The admiral had ignored his hails for the rest of the afternoon, and had not answered her door either. “Guinan,” he said in greeting.
“Captain.” Guinan’s eyes were watching her friend as she twirled around the dance floor in Data’s arms. She was well aware that the captain was also riveted to the same scene. “Jean-Luc…Virginia’s been my friend for a long time. I was there for her when Marcus died, and later when Jayden left her. I don’t like to see her hurting.”
“I have no intention of hurting her,” Picard assured the 10-Forward hostess.
“But she is. She’s somehow gotten it into her head that you already have a relationship with someone else – and the Rules that choke the life out of her expressly forbid her from interfering with a current relationship.”
Picard picked up the glass that Virginia had discarded and looked at it for a long moment. “Beverly just told me she’s interested in a deeper relationship with me.”
Guinan listened.
“There was a time, I would have already left with her to begin exploring that desire. But that time has long since passed, and I told her so.”
“Don’t you think you should tell Virginia that?”
The captain smiled ironically and set the glass back on the counter. “That was my intention, and as you can see, she ran away. Just as she’s ignored me all afternoon.”
Now Guinan smiled. “She’s hurting and confused. However, she’s also just downed a glass of Romulan ale. Not only will you be able to sneak up on her by now, but she should also be falling down drunk in less than half an hour.”
“Are you serious?”
“Very. I tried warning her. Romulan ale always takes her out quickly.”
“My God,” Picard said softly.
“If you want to talk to her, I’d suggest you hurry.”
May 20, 2007
Restitance Is Futile - Pt 14
“It’s quite all right,” Picard said in diplomatic response to Beverly’s question as to whether or not she was interrupting. She was, but there was no way he would let on. “Doctor, may I introduce Admiral Virginia Hamilton. Admiral, this is my Chief Medical Officer, Beverly Crusher.”
“I am familiar with the doctor’s reputation,” Virginia said with a smile as the two women shook hands and exchanged formal greetings.
Picard continued. “Beverly is an old friend of mine, her former husband served with me on the Stargazer.”
“I know,” Virginia said softly. She had ‘read’ the doctor as she had performed on stage, but even if she hadn’t, the admiral would have been able to discern the jealousy in the other woman’s eyes. “I never had a chance to play Queen Gertrude, Doctor, I always played Ophelia. You’re quite an excellent actress.”
“Thank you,” Beverly replied, honestly pleased at the alien woman’s praise despite her present ill feelings. “Shall I see you at Counselor Troi’s wedding tonight?”
“Yes,” the admiral answered. “I have yet to decide whether to wear my dress uniform though, they are so uncomfortable.”
“I know what you mean.” Beverly looked at the captain. “So, Jean-Luc, I’ll be ready around 18:30…will that work for you?”
“Ah…” Picard, the diplomatic captain who had performed numerous first contacts with countless different alien species, floundered as he sat between two distinctly different women. The admiral’s face was smooth and devoid of expression, but Picard could feel her sinking emotions as clearly as if he were Deanna with her empathic abilities. Doctor Crusher sat there looking at him with an innocent expression of expectation, but her facade didn’t fool him. “Doctor,” he began cautiously, “I had thought to escort the admiral”
“Oh, how rude of me. Of course you would. I’d forgotten you wouldn’t know anyone on board, Admiral.”
“I’m sure,” answered Virginia, hating what she was going to say next. “Captain, you should escort your friend. Far be it from me to interrupt a tradition. Don’t worry, I’m quite used to going to parties on my own. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a communication to send to my office.” The admiral rose to her feet as she spoke. “It was nice meeting you, doctor. I’ll see both of you later.” She turned and walked away with a quick militant gate.
The silence that ensued was not comfortable.
“I will see you at the wedding, Doctor. Not before.” Picard stood and walked in the same direction that the other woman had left in, his back stiff.
“Damn,” Beverly muttered to the empty chairs.
45 minutes later, Beverly was recounting the incident to Deanna Troi.
“Beverly,” Deanna began matter-of-factly once her friend was done. “I’m not sure I understand. You’ve never had a problem with the captain previous romances. You’ve even fixed him up a time or two. Why now?”
The redhead crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “None of them have had the potential of permanence like this one does.”
“You can’t know that…it’s only in the beginning stages. You’re acting like he’s asked her to marry him.”
“Admiral Hamilton is not known for casual love affairs. She’s had 2, maybe 3 affairs since her husband died…almost 2 centuries ago! The lives of the men that she’s chosen was changed forever!”
“I’m quite certain that the captain knows what he’s getting into to…if that is what he chooses. Beverly, when you and the captain became aware of your feelings for each other during your captivity on Kesprytt, weren’t you the one to tell him you were comfortable with the relationship and didn’t wish to pursue anything romantic?”
Beverly grudgingly admitted, “Yes.”
“And have you ever given him any indication you were ready for your relationship to change?”
It was several long seconds before Beverly conceded, “No. Deanna, I don’t know that I am ready. I’ve just always expected him to be there when I was.”
“I see.” Deanna was introspectively quiet for a moment. “That was Commander Riker’s attitude as well. And I waited…and waited…and waited…and then he died. Worf and I had already begun dating before his mission, but will never expected it to last. Shortly before Doctor Soran killed Will, I had made the decision to let go of my romantic feelings for him and move on with Worf. Needless to say, Will was hurt by my decision and claimed that he was going to try to change my mind, but he never got the chance.”
“I…didn’t know all of that,” Beverly said softly.
“Beverly, if Captain Picard has decided to move on, then you either try to change his mind…or you let him go and move on.”
The other woman cursed.
“Now, we both need to get ready for tonight. You are still coming, aren’t you?”
“Of course! I’m honored you chose me to be your attendant. And…thanks for taking the time to listen to me.”
Deanna smiled. “What are friends for?”
“I am familiar with the doctor’s reputation,” Virginia said with a smile as the two women shook hands and exchanged formal greetings.
Picard continued. “Beverly is an old friend of mine, her former husband served with me on the Stargazer.”
“I know,” Virginia said softly. She had ‘read’ the doctor as she had performed on stage, but even if she hadn’t, the admiral would have been able to discern the jealousy in the other woman’s eyes. “I never had a chance to play Queen Gertrude, Doctor, I always played Ophelia. You’re quite an excellent actress.”
“Thank you,” Beverly replied, honestly pleased at the alien woman’s praise despite her present ill feelings. “Shall I see you at Counselor Troi’s wedding tonight?”
“Yes,” the admiral answered. “I have yet to decide whether to wear my dress uniform though, they are so uncomfortable.”
“I know what you mean.” Beverly looked at the captain. “So, Jean-Luc, I’ll be ready around 18:30…will that work for you?”
“Ah…” Picard, the diplomatic captain who had performed numerous first contacts with countless different alien species, floundered as he sat between two distinctly different women. The admiral’s face was smooth and devoid of expression, but Picard could feel her sinking emotions as clearly as if he were Deanna with her empathic abilities. Doctor Crusher sat there looking at him with an innocent expression of expectation, but her facade didn’t fool him. “Doctor,” he began cautiously, “I had thought to escort the admiral”
“Oh, how rude of me. Of course you would. I’d forgotten you wouldn’t know anyone on board, Admiral.”
“I’m sure,” answered Virginia, hating what she was going to say next. “Captain, you should escort your friend. Far be it from me to interrupt a tradition. Don’t worry, I’m quite used to going to parties on my own. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a communication to send to my office.” The admiral rose to her feet as she spoke. “It was nice meeting you, doctor. I’ll see both of you later.” She turned and walked away with a quick militant gate.
The silence that ensued was not comfortable.
“I will see you at the wedding, Doctor. Not before.” Picard stood and walked in the same direction that the other woman had left in, his back stiff.
“Damn,” Beverly muttered to the empty chairs.
45 minutes later, Beverly was recounting the incident to Deanna Troi.
“Beverly,” Deanna began matter-of-factly once her friend was done. “I’m not sure I understand. You’ve never had a problem with the captain previous romances. You’ve even fixed him up a time or two. Why now?”
The redhead crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “None of them have had the potential of permanence like this one does.”
“You can’t know that…it’s only in the beginning stages. You’re acting like he’s asked her to marry him.”
“Admiral Hamilton is not known for casual love affairs. She’s had 2, maybe 3 affairs since her husband died…almost 2 centuries ago! The lives of the men that she’s chosen was changed forever!”
“I’m quite certain that the captain knows what he’s getting into to…if that is what he chooses. Beverly, when you and the captain became aware of your feelings for each other during your captivity on Kesprytt, weren’t you the one to tell him you were comfortable with the relationship and didn’t wish to pursue anything romantic?”
Beverly grudgingly admitted, “Yes.”
“And have you ever given him any indication you were ready for your relationship to change?”
It was several long seconds before Beverly conceded, “No. Deanna, I don’t know that I am ready. I’ve just always expected him to be there when I was.”
“I see.” Deanna was introspectively quiet for a moment. “That was Commander Riker’s attitude as well. And I waited…and waited…and waited…and then he died. Worf and I had already begun dating before his mission, but will never expected it to last. Shortly before Doctor Soran killed Will, I had made the decision to let go of my romantic feelings for him and move on with Worf. Needless to say, Will was hurt by my decision and claimed that he was going to try to change my mind, but he never got the chance.”
“I…didn’t know all of that,” Beverly said softly.
“Beverly, if Captain Picard has decided to move on, then you either try to change his mind…or you let him go and move on.”
The other woman cursed.
“Now, we both need to get ready for tonight. You are still coming, aren’t you?”
“Of course! I’m honored you chose me to be your attendant. And…thanks for taking the time to listen to me.”
Deanna smiled. “What are friends for?”
May 18, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt 13
Not a morning person, Virginia slept late, especially since she had spent another two hours talking with Guinan before going to bed. She had little work to do, but what she had to do she did from her quarters. Her office in StarFleet Headquarters called once at noon to check in, and all was well. Then, her work done, she checked the Enterprise’s daily recreation schedule and saw several for that afternoon, ranging from exercise classes to a craft class and a presentation a portion of Act 5 of “Hamlet”. Having portrayed Ophelia several times in her acting days, Virginia decided to attend.
Though she wasn’t required to wear her uniform, she did so anyway. She wasn’t technically on duty, but one thing she had learned in her 50 years as an admiral, was that a StarFleet admiral was never off-duty. She had tried over the years, once going so far as to not tell anyone where she was going on vacation. It hadn’t worked of course. There were 3 others Gandraleayians in StarFleet service, and one Gandraleayian/Vulcan/Human hybrid. Any one of them were able to locate her without so much as blinking an eye during the process. The only time they couldn’t locate her, was when she was drunk. But then, she couldn’t get drunk on vacation without getting in trouble with her superiors.
Leaving her uniform jacket hanging open, she gave her hair once last finger combing and left her quarters. She took her time getting to the rec room where the play was going to be held, just meandering through the different corridors, greeting the people. Finally she found herself seated in the middle of the rows of chairs talking with an ensign on her left, when she felt someone sit next to her on the other side.
How was it possible that she knew it was him without a telepathic bond between the two of them? That phenomenon had happened three times before in her life; once with Marcus before they were married, often with her foster father Luther, and a few times with Ian before he had become her teacher. Both Marcus and Luther had loved her unconditionally.
“You really think I should transfer to the medical field?” Ensign V’Hazna was asking her. “Oh, hello Captain!”
“Ensign,” acknowledged Picard with a nod of his head.
Virginia answered the ensign, playfully ignoring the captain. “Ensign, it doesn’t take telepathy to see that you’re unhappy in engineering.”
“But my dad, ma’am…he’s had his heart set on me being chief engineer someday.”
“Your father wanted to be an engineer himself and since he couldn’t, he’s trying to live out his dreams through you. We can’t live out our parents’ dreams, ensign. It just doesn’t work.”
“Yes ma’am. I’ll…”
“Good. When you decide, let my office know and we’ll see that the transfer goes off without a hitch.”
“You...thank you ma’am!”
The lights dimmed and conversation cut off across the room. Verbal communication cut off.
Virginia turned to face the stage and positioned her right hand conveniently so that if Jean-Luc wanted to, he could take it into his own. With the lights so dim, they were practically invisible, so it wasn’t long until his hand enveloped hers. For the rest of the play, the couple flirted with their fingers.
They regretfully let go as the applause began and the lights brightened. As the bows were given, and the audience began to break up, Virginia turned and smiled widely at the captain of the Enterprise.
“I see why I haven’t seen you yet today. You’ve been busy given advice to my crew,” said Picard gruffly.
“Just Ensign V’Hazna. I did my work from my quarters this morning, you know – the necessary checking into the office to make sure the kids aren’t partying too much while I’m gone. So, did you come all the way down here because you missed me, or was it just your love of Shakespeare?”
Picard was smiling now, his eyes alive with laughter. “I had already intended to attend the play, but when the computer told me you were here, it was an added bonus. I didn’t have to call you and ask if you could.”
“You have some excellent actors among your crew,” Virginia said to redirect the conversation. “If they had been around in the late twentieth century, they’d have given us a run for our money.”
“Oh yes, you started out as an actress didn’t you? I’d forgotten.”
“Five movies and three Broadway plays before I switched to directing. Between the competition and the critics, I found it an excellent training ground for politics.”
“Did you ever do anything of Shakespeare?”
“I was Ophelia one on Broadway. You know, I never bought that she committed suicide. I always thought that she was murdered.”
“Really? I’ve never…”
“Jean-Luc! I wasn’t sure you’d made it!” intruded a delighted female voice. Doctor Beverly Crusher sat in the row of chairs in front of the admiral and captain. “I’m sorry…am I interrupting?”
Though she wasn’t required to wear her uniform, she did so anyway. She wasn’t technically on duty, but one thing she had learned in her 50 years as an admiral, was that a StarFleet admiral was never off-duty. She had tried over the years, once going so far as to not tell anyone where she was going on vacation. It hadn’t worked of course. There were 3 others Gandraleayians in StarFleet service, and one Gandraleayian/Vulcan/Human hybrid. Any one of them were able to locate her without so much as blinking an eye during the process. The only time they couldn’t locate her, was when she was drunk. But then, she couldn’t get drunk on vacation without getting in trouble with her superiors.
Leaving her uniform jacket hanging open, she gave her hair once last finger combing and left her quarters. She took her time getting to the rec room where the play was going to be held, just meandering through the different corridors, greeting the people. Finally she found herself seated in the middle of the rows of chairs talking with an ensign on her left, when she felt someone sit next to her on the other side.
How was it possible that she knew it was him without a telepathic bond between the two of them? That phenomenon had happened three times before in her life; once with Marcus before they were married, often with her foster father Luther, and a few times with Ian before he had become her teacher. Both Marcus and Luther had loved her unconditionally.
“You really think I should transfer to the medical field?” Ensign V’Hazna was asking her. “Oh, hello Captain!”
“Ensign,” acknowledged Picard with a nod of his head.
Virginia answered the ensign, playfully ignoring the captain. “Ensign, it doesn’t take telepathy to see that you’re unhappy in engineering.”
“But my dad, ma’am…he’s had his heart set on me being chief engineer someday.”
“Your father wanted to be an engineer himself and since he couldn’t, he’s trying to live out his dreams through you. We can’t live out our parents’ dreams, ensign. It just doesn’t work.”
“Yes ma’am. I’ll…”
“Good. When you decide, let my office know and we’ll see that the transfer goes off without a hitch.”
“You...thank you ma’am!”
The lights dimmed and conversation cut off across the room. Verbal communication cut off.
Virginia turned to face the stage and positioned her right hand conveniently so that if Jean-Luc wanted to, he could take it into his own. With the lights so dim, they were practically invisible, so it wasn’t long until his hand enveloped hers. For the rest of the play, the couple flirted with their fingers.
They regretfully let go as the applause began and the lights brightened. As the bows were given, and the audience began to break up, Virginia turned and smiled widely at the captain of the Enterprise.
“I see why I haven’t seen you yet today. You’ve been busy given advice to my crew,” said Picard gruffly.
“Just Ensign V’Hazna. I did my work from my quarters this morning, you know – the necessary checking into the office to make sure the kids aren’t partying too much while I’m gone. So, did you come all the way down here because you missed me, or was it just your love of Shakespeare?”
Picard was smiling now, his eyes alive with laughter. “I had already intended to attend the play, but when the computer told me you were here, it was an added bonus. I didn’t have to call you and ask if you could.”
“You have some excellent actors among your crew,” Virginia said to redirect the conversation. “If they had been around in the late twentieth century, they’d have given us a run for our money.”
“Oh yes, you started out as an actress didn’t you? I’d forgotten.”
“Five movies and three Broadway plays before I switched to directing. Between the competition and the critics, I found it an excellent training ground for politics.”
“Did you ever do anything of Shakespeare?”
“I was Ophelia one on Broadway. You know, I never bought that she committed suicide. I always thought that she was murdered.”
“Really? I’ve never…”
“Jean-Luc! I wasn’t sure you’d made it!” intruded a delighted female voice. Doctor Beverly Crusher sat in the row of chairs in front of the admiral and captain. “I’m sorry…am I interrupting?”
Resistance Is Futile - Pt 12
Later that night, nearing midnight, Captain Picard and Admiral Hamilton dropped hands as they exited the holodeck. They even stepped apart so that they were not walking closely together. Both had agreed, that for now, in public they should refrain from being romantic. For now.
Both were relaxed from their time in the holodeck. Picard's uniform jacket was slung over his shoulder, and Virginia carried her soft shoes in her hand.
"We have a wedding to attend later tomorrow," Picard commented.
"I wonder if there will be dancing," Virginia wondered.
He looked own at her, a smile on his face. "If there is, shall we dance?"
"As long as it isn't the chicken dance."
"The chicken dance?" The very sound of it caused Picard to laugh.
"I'll have Data demonstrate for you." The admiral yawned, and wished that she could lean on the arm of the man next to her. "It's the single most embarrassing dance next to the hokey-pokey."
"The hokey-pokey?" Picard wondered if she was making this up.
"I like your laugh," Virginia said with a content sigh. "You don't even know the hokey-pokey?" She shook her head in amusement. "What do kids do these days? I'll have Data demonstrate the hokey-pokey for you too.
Once in front of her quarters, the door opening at her presence, the two stood face to face. Each wondered what was going to happen next. Would she invite him in? Would he kiss her?
“I have an early morning,” Picard said, and instantly regretted it.
Virginia smiled. “All mornings are early.”
“I have a confession to make,” said Picard, stepping closer to her. “I’m as nervous as a schoolboy on his first date.”
“Why is that?” she asked, trying not to blush and failing.
“I don’t quite know, except that our time together has been…wonderful.”
“I agree.” She waited. “Uhm…Jean-Luc…”
“Yes?”
“You kissed me once, and there’s no one here, aren’t you…” She leaned into him as he answered her with a kiss. By the time they were done, Virginia had been backed up against the door jam. Not the most comfortable position, but she wouldn’t have moved for the entire quadrant.
The sound of footsteps caused them to disengage.
“Good night, captain,” Virginia said, winking at him as she ducked inside her quarters.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Admiral,” Picard replied formally as he walked away from the shutting door.
Once alone, Virginia, a being hundreds of years old, giggled like a giddy schoolgirl herself. She pressed the communicator pad nearby the door. “Guinan?”
The answer came a moment later. “Come on down Virginia.”
Breaking the rules that bound her for the first time in too many years to count, Virginia disappeared from her quarters in a flash of light.
Both were relaxed from their time in the holodeck. Picard's uniform jacket was slung over his shoulder, and Virginia carried her soft shoes in her hand.
"We have a wedding to attend later tomorrow," Picard commented.
"I wonder if there will be dancing," Virginia wondered.
He looked own at her, a smile on his face. "If there is, shall we dance?"
"As long as it isn't the chicken dance."
"The chicken dance?" The very sound of it caused Picard to laugh.
"I'll have Data demonstrate for you." The admiral yawned, and wished that she could lean on the arm of the man next to her. "It's the single most embarrassing dance next to the hokey-pokey."
"The hokey-pokey?" Picard wondered if she was making this up.
"I like your laugh," Virginia said with a content sigh. "You don't even know the hokey-pokey?" She shook her head in amusement. "What do kids do these days? I'll have Data demonstrate the hokey-pokey for you too.
Once in front of her quarters, the door opening at her presence, the two stood face to face. Each wondered what was going to happen next. Would she invite him in? Would he kiss her?
“I have an early morning,” Picard said, and instantly regretted it.
Virginia smiled. “All mornings are early.”
“I have a confession to make,” said Picard, stepping closer to her. “I’m as nervous as a schoolboy on his first date.”
“Why is that?” she asked, trying not to blush and failing.
“I don’t quite know, except that our time together has been…wonderful.”
“I agree.” She waited. “Uhm…Jean-Luc…”
“Yes?”
“You kissed me once, and there’s no one here, aren’t you…” She leaned into him as he answered her with a kiss. By the time they were done, Virginia had been backed up against the door jam. Not the most comfortable position, but she wouldn’t have moved for the entire quadrant.
The sound of footsteps caused them to disengage.
“Good night, captain,” Virginia said, winking at him as she ducked inside her quarters.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Admiral,” Picard replied formally as he walked away from the shutting door.
Once alone, Virginia, a being hundreds of years old, giggled like a giddy schoolgirl herself. She pressed the communicator pad nearby the door. “Guinan?”
The answer came a moment later. “Come on down Virginia.”
Breaking the rules that bound her for the first time in too many years to count, Virginia disappeared from her quarters in a flash of light.
March 17, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt 11
"But Little One...why so soon?" Lwaxana Troi inquired of her daughter in her usual demanding way. "The ceremony and reception will be thrown together! Barely fitting for a woman of your station. I'll barely have time to change after I arrive!"
"Then the sooner you get started packing, the sooner you'll get here," Deanna replied.
Lwaxana made a disgusted sound. "Mr Homn is already packing. You didn't answer my question."
"No, I didn't." Deanna sighed. "Mother, all I can tell you is that I have a mission to go on shortly and I wish to marry Worf before I go."
The formidable Betazoid woman on the screen grew silent. "A dangerous mission then," she said at last. "One you're afraid will kill you."
"Actually, my safety is guaranteed."
"If it's Starfleet, safety is never guaranteed." It didn't take telepathy or empathy to hear the anger in her mother's voice.
"Mother...please...I'm going to be married...Can't you please be happy?"
"Happy? How can I be happy when you're determined to go off and get yourself killed?"
"I told you..."
"Yes, I know...your safety is 'guaranteed'. We will discuss this further when I arrive."
The screen cleared and showed its usual 'End of Transmission' logo.
"Great," muttered Deanna.
"Do not expect Sirella to be any happier," Worf commented from behind her. "She will be furious not to be able to approve you through the Bre'Nan ritual first."
"No, I don't expect she'll be thrilled." Deanna stood and moved gracefully across the room to sit next to her beloved on the couch. "They really ought to be glad that we're allowing them time to get here - we could be married first thing in the morning."
"Agreed," said the Klingon. "However, I doubt they would see it that way."
"You're right, they wouldn't." Deanna snuggled close to her soon-to-be husband. "Is there any chance that Sirella will cast you out of your Klingon family?"
"There is a possibility," Worf admitted. "However, I believe that when Sirella learns of your mission...your courage to face such a dishonorable challenge with honor...she will approve of our marriage."
"And if she doesn't?"
"Then the House of Martok will be short one Klingon."
Deanna kissed his cheek. "Do you want to finish our plans tonight, or wait till morning?"
Worf sighed contentedly, but was unable to answer as the comm warbled.
"Commander Worf," said Data. "You have an incoming communication from the Blade of Honor. Shall I put it through to Counselor Troi's quarters?"
"Yes, please." Worf rose and went to the console Deanna had just left. He pressed a key, and the matriarch of the House of Martok appeared on the screen. "Lady Sirella, I have been trying to reach you."
"So I have heard. I am on my way to meet your prospective bride. I will be rendezvousing with the Enterprise in 21 hours. Be prepared. Sirella out."
The screen darkened and Worf groaned.
"Just in time for the wedding," Deanna commented. "How convenient."
Worf groaned again. "She will not be happy."
Deanna chuckled. "You said as much earlier. So...about those plans..."
The Klingon turned to her, his face relaxing with a smile. "Later...I have other things in mind for right now..."
"Then the sooner you get started packing, the sooner you'll get here," Deanna replied.
Lwaxana made a disgusted sound. "Mr Homn is already packing. You didn't answer my question."
"No, I didn't." Deanna sighed. "Mother, all I can tell you is that I have a mission to go on shortly and I wish to marry Worf before I go."
The formidable Betazoid woman on the screen grew silent. "A dangerous mission then," she said at last. "One you're afraid will kill you."
"Actually, my safety is guaranteed."
"If it's Starfleet, safety is never guaranteed." It didn't take telepathy or empathy to hear the anger in her mother's voice.
"Mother...please...I'm going to be married...Can't you please be happy?"
"Happy? How can I be happy when you're determined to go off and get yourself killed?"
"I told you..."
"Yes, I know...your safety is 'guaranteed'. We will discuss this further when I arrive."
The screen cleared and showed its usual 'End of Transmission' logo.
"Great," muttered Deanna.
"Do not expect Sirella to be any happier," Worf commented from behind her. "She will be furious not to be able to approve you through the Bre'Nan ritual first."
"No, I don't expect she'll be thrilled." Deanna stood and moved gracefully across the room to sit next to her beloved on the couch. "They really ought to be glad that we're allowing them time to get here - we could be married first thing in the morning."
"Agreed," said the Klingon. "However, I doubt they would see it that way."
"You're right, they wouldn't." Deanna snuggled close to her soon-to-be husband. "Is there any chance that Sirella will cast you out of your Klingon family?"
"There is a possibility," Worf admitted. "However, I believe that when Sirella learns of your mission...your courage to face such a dishonorable challenge with honor...she will approve of our marriage."
"And if she doesn't?"
"Then the House of Martok will be short one Klingon."
Deanna kissed his cheek. "Do you want to finish our plans tonight, or wait till morning?"
Worf sighed contentedly, but was unable to answer as the comm warbled.
"Commander Worf," said Data. "You have an incoming communication from the Blade of Honor. Shall I put it through to Counselor Troi's quarters?"
"Yes, please." Worf rose and went to the console Deanna had just left. He pressed a key, and the matriarch of the House of Martok appeared on the screen. "Lady Sirella, I have been trying to reach you."
"So I have heard. I am on my way to meet your prospective bride. I will be rendezvousing with the Enterprise in 21 hours. Be prepared. Sirella out."
The screen darkened and Worf groaned.
"Just in time for the wedding," Deanna commented. "How convenient."
Worf groaned again. "She will not be happy."
Deanna chuckled. "You said as much earlier. So...about those plans..."
The Klingon turned to her, his face relaxing with a smile. "Later...I have other things in mind for right now..."
March 15, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt 10
The lighting in the Holodeck was muted, the 'light' coming from a programmed moon that rode low on the horizon of a peaceful sea.
"Picard," Virginia said with a sigh as she tugged her shoes off. Followed by her socks so that she was wiggling her bare toes in the sand. "I've lost count of how long it has been since I've had a moonlit stroll along the beach. Even a holographic one."
"Virginia, please...call me Jean-Luc." He was lost in her eyes as he spoke, admiring how the moonlight added an extra glimmer. At least, he thought it was the moonlight. Even in the dim lighting, he could see her blush.
"All right, Jean-Luc." Virginia looked up and down the stretch of beach that had been programmed in. To their right, the moonlight reflected off sheer rock cliffs that climbed the sky. "I don't recognize this place. Is it real, or a fabrication?"
"I believe it is a fabrication based on several different real places, but I don't know which ones," Picard answered.
"It's pretty," she said softly. "For a simulation."
Picard chuckled. "Come, let's walk." He offered her his arm, smiling broadly when she put her hand in the crook of his arm. "Virginia," he said after walking several yards in comfortable silence.
"Yes, Jean-Luc?"
"How telepathic are you?"
Her sigh was audible over the sound of the gentle waves lapping the beachfront. "Too telepathic. Before you came into 10-Forward earlier, I was complaining to Guinan about how telepathically noisy this ship is."
"You can't shield it out?" He knew that Troi often kept her strong shields in place as often as she could because of this same reason.
"I can shut the worst of it out. Most of the time though, it's a soft roar...like a bee buzzing against the screen wanting to get in...a constant wind...waves against the shore. It's why I spent almost twenty years of my life drunk."
"Counselor Troi told me of the effect that alcohol has on you."
"Yes, I know. It's a struggle not to abuse that effect. It was easier when Marcus was alive, he..." Virginia bit her lip and trailed off.
Picard glanced down at her. "It occurs to me, you have me at a distinct disadvantage. You know all that there is to know about me, at a moments glance, while I know nothing more about you than the common man."
"You're hardly a common man. But you're right, it's a pretty rotten deal," she said, agreeing with his assessment. "I didn't ask for it, didn't ask to be born to an alien father...part of a powerful race that doesn't mind if everyone thinks they're as omniscient as God when they're not. I don't know everything there is to know about you...for an instant I did, but most of that knowledge fades within minutes. And to be honest, I was rather distracted by your Borg experience, that I noticed little else at the time. Your thoughts are strangely silent to me...even know, I can hear the buzz of the rest of the ship, but my sensing of you is...quieter. Almost like you're a Vulcan or another telepath. Their thoughts are often much quieter." She stopped walking and as the captain turned to look at her, she looked up at him accusingly. "And I can not believe how you let me ramble on!"
Picard smiled, reaching up to touch her cheek with his fingers. "Perhaps it is because I like the sound of your voice."
Virginia clearly didn't have an answer for that.
Gently, he drew his fingers along her jawline. "You are a beautiful woman, in or out of uniform. You live up to your reputation of being a bold, confident woman...but when you 'ramble', as you call it, you reveal your vulnerable side. And I find that an intriguing paradox...a mystery even...and I love a mystery..."
Virginia stood there, listening as the buzz of the ship left, hearing only his voice, feeling the touch of his fingers against his skin, seeing only the intensity of his gaze. "Are...are you going to kiss me?"
Jean-Luc stepped closer, his hand moving to cup her face in his palm. "Do you want me to kiss you?"
"Ye..." His lips covered hers, and she was lost in the moment. Her arms went around him, pulling him closer. He deepened the kiss, his arms wrapping tightly around her, trapping her in a wonderful embrace. When he pulled his lips back, she pressed forward, not wanting to end the kiss. The resulting kiss, left them both breathless. "Wow," she whispered.
"I'm glad you liked it," he murmured in her ear. This time, instead of offering his arm, he took her hand in his. "Come, walk with me. Talk to me, tell me your fears, your hopes...tell me even about Marcus..."
"Is that all you want?" teased Virginia.
"For now. But perhaps, before long, we will find that we both want more."
"Picard," Virginia said with a sigh as she tugged her shoes off. Followed by her socks so that she was wiggling her bare toes in the sand. "I've lost count of how long it has been since I've had a moonlit stroll along the beach. Even a holographic one."
"Virginia, please...call me Jean-Luc." He was lost in her eyes as he spoke, admiring how the moonlight added an extra glimmer. At least, he thought it was the moonlight. Even in the dim lighting, he could see her blush.
"All right, Jean-Luc." Virginia looked up and down the stretch of beach that had been programmed in. To their right, the moonlight reflected off sheer rock cliffs that climbed the sky. "I don't recognize this place. Is it real, or a fabrication?"
"I believe it is a fabrication based on several different real places, but I don't know which ones," Picard answered.
"It's pretty," she said softly. "For a simulation."
Picard chuckled. "Come, let's walk." He offered her his arm, smiling broadly when she put her hand in the crook of his arm. "Virginia," he said after walking several yards in comfortable silence.
"Yes, Jean-Luc?"
"How telepathic are you?"
Her sigh was audible over the sound of the gentle waves lapping the beachfront. "Too telepathic. Before you came into 10-Forward earlier, I was complaining to Guinan about how telepathically noisy this ship is."
"You can't shield it out?" He knew that Troi often kept her strong shields in place as often as she could because of this same reason.
"I can shut the worst of it out. Most of the time though, it's a soft roar...like a bee buzzing against the screen wanting to get in...a constant wind...waves against the shore. It's why I spent almost twenty years of my life drunk."
"Counselor Troi told me of the effect that alcohol has on you."
"Yes, I know. It's a struggle not to abuse that effect. It was easier when Marcus was alive, he..." Virginia bit her lip and trailed off.
Picard glanced down at her. "It occurs to me, you have me at a distinct disadvantage. You know all that there is to know about me, at a moments glance, while I know nothing more about you than the common man."
"You're hardly a common man. But you're right, it's a pretty rotten deal," she said, agreeing with his assessment. "I didn't ask for it, didn't ask to be born to an alien father...part of a powerful race that doesn't mind if everyone thinks they're as omniscient as God when they're not. I don't know everything there is to know about you...for an instant I did, but most of that knowledge fades within minutes. And to be honest, I was rather distracted by your Borg experience, that I noticed little else at the time. Your thoughts are strangely silent to me...even know, I can hear the buzz of the rest of the ship, but my sensing of you is...quieter. Almost like you're a Vulcan or another telepath. Their thoughts are often much quieter." She stopped walking and as the captain turned to look at her, she looked up at him accusingly. "And I can not believe how you let me ramble on!"
Picard smiled, reaching up to touch her cheek with his fingers. "Perhaps it is because I like the sound of your voice."
Virginia clearly didn't have an answer for that.
Gently, he drew his fingers along her jawline. "You are a beautiful woman, in or out of uniform. You live up to your reputation of being a bold, confident woman...but when you 'ramble', as you call it, you reveal your vulnerable side. And I find that an intriguing paradox...a mystery even...and I love a mystery..."
Virginia stood there, listening as the buzz of the ship left, hearing only his voice, feeling the touch of his fingers against his skin, seeing only the intensity of his gaze. "Are...are you going to kiss me?"
Jean-Luc stepped closer, his hand moving to cup her face in his palm. "Do you want me to kiss you?"
"Ye..." His lips covered hers, and she was lost in the moment. Her arms went around him, pulling him closer. He deepened the kiss, his arms wrapping tightly around her, trapping her in a wonderful embrace. When he pulled his lips back, she pressed forward, not wanting to end the kiss. The resulting kiss, left them both breathless. "Wow," she whispered.
"I'm glad you liked it," he murmured in her ear. This time, instead of offering his arm, he took her hand in his. "Come, walk with me. Talk to me, tell me your fears, your hopes...tell me even about Marcus..."
"Is that all you want?" teased Virginia.
"For now. But perhaps, before long, we will find that we both want more."
March 06, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt. 9
Jean-Luc Picard's gaze traveled across the room, to where Admiral Hamilton sat at the bar as he pondered Counselor Troi's question. To his surprise, the admiral was engaged in conversation with Worf, and appeared to be enjoying it, even laughing out loud. What, he wondered, would it be like to make her laugh? Other, less chaste thoughts ran through his mind. Thoughts of what it would be like to her her sighs of delight as he touched her and caressed her. What it would be like to release the passion locked inside her. "What I want...I would love to be alone with her for more than five minutes and talk about anything other than the Borg, regulations, and this blasted mission."
"Then I would suggest a walk in the arboretum. If you prefer more privacy, then I would suggest a Holodeck. Worf and I had Holodeck 3 reserved this evening, there's still an hour left..."
"I couldn't," he protested.
"I insist," said Deanna, smiling widely. "Besides, Worf and I have a wedding to plan."
Picard considered this, almost taking another sip of his drink before remembering that the tea was cold. He set the cup down, pushing it away from him. "Thank you Counselor, I think I will. Good evening." He rose to his feet with purpose, and walked calmly across the room to stand next to Virginia.
Worf, standing on the other side of the admiral, straightened to attention. "Captain."
Virginia looked up from her dessert, a thin ribbon of chocolate syrup on her top lip. "Oh, Picard!" She licked her lips. "You and Counselor Troi were talking and I didn't want to interrupt, so I decided to have chocolate while I waited."
"We're through now," he answered, the whimsical tone of her comment causing him to smile.
"Good." She paused for a bite of her cake, this time the chocolate syrup coated her bottom lip. "Mmm," she said as she licked it away. "Oh, our orders! We are to change course 24 hours after the wedding, and then the warp factor is 'captain's discretion'."
Worf, seeing that he was no longer needed, or noticed, slipped away quietly.
"Understood," answered Picard in response to the orders the admiral had delivered. "Admiral..." His voice lowered, softened in tone. "Virginia...I happen to know that Holodeck 3 is free, would you care to join me for a walk?"
"I'd love to," she answered without hesitation. She rose to her feet, dessert forgotten.
Side by side, the captain and the admiral, the man and the woman, left 10-Forward.
"The next couple of days should be interesting," Guinan said to Deanna and Worf as they watched their commanding officers depart.
"They're absolutely glowing," sighed Deanna.
Both women looked to Worf.
"Cute couple."
"Then I would suggest a walk in the arboretum. If you prefer more privacy, then I would suggest a Holodeck. Worf and I had Holodeck 3 reserved this evening, there's still an hour left..."
"I couldn't," he protested.
"I insist," said Deanna, smiling widely. "Besides, Worf and I have a wedding to plan."
Picard considered this, almost taking another sip of his drink before remembering that the tea was cold. He set the cup down, pushing it away from him. "Thank you Counselor, I think I will. Good evening." He rose to his feet with purpose, and walked calmly across the room to stand next to Virginia.
Worf, standing on the other side of the admiral, straightened to attention. "Captain."
Virginia looked up from her dessert, a thin ribbon of chocolate syrup on her top lip. "Oh, Picard!" She licked her lips. "You and Counselor Troi were talking and I didn't want to interrupt, so I decided to have chocolate while I waited."
"We're through now," he answered, the whimsical tone of her comment causing him to smile.
"Good." She paused for a bite of her cake, this time the chocolate syrup coated her bottom lip. "Mmm," she said as she licked it away. "Oh, our orders! We are to change course 24 hours after the wedding, and then the warp factor is 'captain's discretion'."
Worf, seeing that he was no longer needed, or noticed, slipped away quietly.
"Understood," answered Picard in response to the orders the admiral had delivered. "Admiral..." His voice lowered, softened in tone. "Virginia...I happen to know that Holodeck 3 is free, would you care to join me for a walk?"
"I'd love to," she answered without hesitation. She rose to her feet, dessert forgotten.
Side by side, the captain and the admiral, the man and the woman, left 10-Forward.
"The next couple of days should be interesting," Guinan said to Deanna and Worf as they watched their commanding officers depart.
"They're absolutely glowing," sighed Deanna.
Both women looked to Worf.
"Cute couple."
March 03, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt. 8
"We are sorry to have interrupted," said Deanna to the captain once her fiance was gone.
Captain Picard smiled. "I know you are. However, I'm still not sure whether to pursue this attraction so it's probably a good thing you interrupted us."
"Which is why you came to 10-Forward at this hour?" Deanna offered him an amused smile. "Captain, I've been able to do some checking into other matters this evening, and I can tell you that your attraction to her is not a side affect of the initial mind access."
"You're sure?"
"Quite sure. It's actually one of the gifts manifested in the Gandraleayian Royal line and even then specifically in the heirs. It has been noted over the years that people either love Virginia Hamilton, or they hate her. The initial mind access allows her to determine which side a person falls on."
"That sounds like a valuable asset," Picard commented.
"It is. It is also a burden to her, I can sense that much about her." Deanna leaned forward and lowered her voice. "Captain, forgive me for being blunt, but this must be said. Are you aware of the regulations regarding relationships with Gandraleayians?"
"You can't be serious. There are regulations for that?" Picard hadn't heard of anything of that nature accept for Deltans.
"Yes, and they aren't light. Most of them are on the Gandraleayian end of things, but they make sure that the Federation is well aware of them. Since Admiral Hamilton's birth, the Gandraleayians have been increasingly strict with their own people, to the point of casting out those who show consistent rebellion to the rules. Some regulations are more ethical than others...such as no using their powers to coerce or seduce, such as her father did. However, there is a rule stating that they are not allowed to use their powers to enhance the sexual pleasure of a non-Gandraleayian partner. Although there isn't a regulation, it is not considered favorable to have a partner who doesn't have Gandraleayian blood in them, even for a half-breed. Admiral Hamilton's marriage to a full-blooded human during her youth almost cost her the throne. Which could have been sticky since they consider the mind access gift to be a divine sign." Deanna paused, clearly considering whether to say anymore.
"Go on," Picard prompted.
"Admiral Hamilton is unique in that the consumption of alcoholic beverages interferes with the use of her powers. It even renders her telepathy useless. So...since the death of her husband Marcus...her sexual experiences with a non-Gandraleayian partner must be while she's under the influence of alcohol..."
"That's ridiculous," stated Picard.
"Especially since this regulations exists for her alone to deter her from entering into a relationship with a human. Apparently the Gandraleayian monarchy considers us beneath them. We spoke earlier of her people testing her, Captain. It's not the people who are concerned...the common people adore Admiral Hamilton, and many are truly outraged at how the royal family and government officials treat her. The royal family and the government officials really don't want her on the throne, and go the extra mile to make her life miserable. Truthfully, it is part of the reason why I've agreed to this mission...to show them that Virginia belongs on that throne."
"Damn," the captain muttered. "I'm surprised you had time to find all this since we spoke."
Deanna smiled. "Most of it is from Worf. Klingons know a great deal about Gandraleayians, and Admiral Hamilton in particular. A case of knowing your enemy. Apparently, there is some bad blood between her and the Klingons; I couldn't get Worf to tell me why."
"I see." Picard took a sip of his tea, which had long since grown cold, causing him to grimace in disgust. "What do I do now?"
The counselor turned the question around. "What do you want to do?"
"Counselor, what you've just told me implies that I may very well be part of their test. What I want could be the wrong thing for her." His head turned as the doors to 10-Forward slid open and the woman of his interest walked in. Her gate halted as she became aware of his attention and her hands fluttered to her stomach. She glanced at him and Deanna before turning to head for the bar.
Deanna followed his gaze and smiled gently. "Don't you think she should be a part of the decision? I mean, we sit here discussing it like she has no say in the matter. Whether one considers her old or young, she is still of legal consenting age. I don't think it will take you too long to figure out whether she would welcome a relationship with you or not."
"She did say I smelled nice."
"I would say that's a positive sign. So captain...what do you want to do?"
Captain Picard smiled. "I know you are. However, I'm still not sure whether to pursue this attraction so it's probably a good thing you interrupted us."
"Which is why you came to 10-Forward at this hour?" Deanna offered him an amused smile. "Captain, I've been able to do some checking into other matters this evening, and I can tell you that your attraction to her is not a side affect of the initial mind access."
"You're sure?"
"Quite sure. It's actually one of the gifts manifested in the Gandraleayian Royal line and even then specifically in the heirs. It has been noted over the years that people either love Virginia Hamilton, or they hate her. The initial mind access allows her to determine which side a person falls on."
"That sounds like a valuable asset," Picard commented.
"It is. It is also a burden to her, I can sense that much about her." Deanna leaned forward and lowered her voice. "Captain, forgive me for being blunt, but this must be said. Are you aware of the regulations regarding relationships with Gandraleayians?"
"You can't be serious. There are regulations for that?" Picard hadn't heard of anything of that nature accept for Deltans.
"Yes, and they aren't light. Most of them are on the Gandraleayian end of things, but they make sure that the Federation is well aware of them. Since Admiral Hamilton's birth, the Gandraleayians have been increasingly strict with their own people, to the point of casting out those who show consistent rebellion to the rules. Some regulations are more ethical than others...such as no using their powers to coerce or seduce, such as her father did. However, there is a rule stating that they are not allowed to use their powers to enhance the sexual pleasure of a non-Gandraleayian partner. Although there isn't a regulation, it is not considered favorable to have a partner who doesn't have Gandraleayian blood in them, even for a half-breed. Admiral Hamilton's marriage to a full-blooded human during her youth almost cost her the throne. Which could have been sticky since they consider the mind access gift to be a divine sign." Deanna paused, clearly considering whether to say anymore.
"Go on," Picard prompted.
"Admiral Hamilton is unique in that the consumption of alcoholic beverages interferes with the use of her powers. It even renders her telepathy useless. So...since the death of her husband Marcus...her sexual experiences with a non-Gandraleayian partner must be while she's under the influence of alcohol..."
"That's ridiculous," stated Picard.
"Especially since this regulations exists for her alone to deter her from entering into a relationship with a human. Apparently the Gandraleayian monarchy considers us beneath them. We spoke earlier of her people testing her, Captain. It's not the people who are concerned...the common people adore Admiral Hamilton, and many are truly outraged at how the royal family and government officials treat her. The royal family and the government officials really don't want her on the throne, and go the extra mile to make her life miserable. Truthfully, it is part of the reason why I've agreed to this mission...to show them that Virginia belongs on that throne."
"Damn," the captain muttered. "I'm surprised you had time to find all this since we spoke."
Deanna smiled. "Most of it is from Worf. Klingons know a great deal about Gandraleayians, and Admiral Hamilton in particular. A case of knowing your enemy. Apparently, there is some bad blood between her and the Klingons; I couldn't get Worf to tell me why."
"I see." Picard took a sip of his tea, which had long since grown cold, causing him to grimace in disgust. "What do I do now?"
The counselor turned the question around. "What do you want to do?"
"Counselor, what you've just told me implies that I may very well be part of their test. What I want could be the wrong thing for her." His head turned as the doors to 10-Forward slid open and the woman of his interest walked in. Her gate halted as she became aware of his attention and her hands fluttered to her stomach. She glanced at him and Deanna before turning to head for the bar.
Deanna followed his gaze and smiled gently. "Don't you think she should be a part of the decision? I mean, we sit here discussing it like she has no say in the matter. Whether one considers her old or young, she is still of legal consenting age. I don't think it will take you too long to figure out whether she would welcome a relationship with you or not."
"She did say I smelled nice."
"I would say that's a positive sign. So captain...what do you want to do?"
February 27, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt. 7
Virginia Hamilton looked up slowly, her heart beating a thousand times faster at the sound of Picard's voice. She looked into his face, seeing just a hint of a smile. "Of course," she managed to answer. She waved to the seat across from her. As he sat, she noticed his drink. "Earl Grey?"
"What else?" Picard took a sip of his tea, discretely admiring the admiral's femininity out of uniform. He set the tea cup in its saucer, thinking that the pale lavender of her outfit brought out the blue of her eyes. "Have you been friends with Guinan for long?"
"Yes and no. I only met her about 200 years ago, so it depends on your point of view. She listens to me."
"She's good at that."
"So are you. I can't believe you let me ramble on like you did earlier today in your office."
"I wouldn't call it rambling," Picard commented with a warm smile.
"I would."
"Excuse me, Captain, Admiral." Guinan was standing next to their table, her hands clasped in front of her. "I apologize for interrupting, but Deanna and Worf didn't want to."
"I see," said the captain. "Where are they now?" Picard glanced at the Hostess, but otherwise kept his gaze trained on the woman across the table from him.
"They're at the bar, no doubt mortified at my boldness," Guinan answered.
"I take it they wish to speak to me?" he asked.
"Actually, I think they wish to speak to both you and the admiral."
"Very well," decided Picard. "Send them over."
Guinan inclined her head and left.
Picard surveyed the seating arrangements and decided it would be best for him to move to allow the coming couple to sit together. "Ah...may I?" He gestured to the seat next to Virginia.
"Of course," she answered, sliding over to allow him more room.
Now side by side, there seemed to be an increased awareness between the two.
Virginia moved her glass in a circle, enjoying the captain's closeness. "You smell nice," she said softly.
Picard's eyebrows rose in amusement. "Thank you."
She looked up at him, startled. "Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes, you did." He was mildly surprised to see her face suddenly turn a bright shade of pink. It was very becoming to her.
The arrival of Counselor Troi and Commander Worf prevented Virginia from replying further.
Deanna, now dressed in a less dressy outfit slid into the booth across from the two commanding officers, a rather pleased smile on her face. Worf sat next to her, wearing his uniform with the Klingon slash over it and his usual scowl.
"We apologize for interrupting," the Klingon said gruffly.
"It's quite all right," lied Picard, which he had no doubt that both women were keen enough to pick up on as one was empathic and the other was highly telepathic.
"Admiral," began Deanna, her expression and tone turning serious. "You said you had 48 hours before you had to report back to the Council."
"That is correct," the other woman confirmed, her face slightly less pink.
"I've spent the evening reviewing the files you sent me and no where did I find a time table for this mission."
"There isn't one, not really." The admiral drew a deep breath and her forehead crinkled in frustration. "If you say no, then I shuttle back so the Council can meet again and debate whether or not to actually order you to comply. If you say yes, I let them know and the Enterprise breaks from its current heading and turns for Borg space. Given varying warp speeds, this could take anywhere from 3 days to a week. And if you give your resignation, then I go home and the Council will try to come up with something new." Virginia downed the rest of her root beer.
"That won't be necessary," replied Deanna. "I'll do it...but I'd like to marry Worf first."
There was a moment of silence before the counselor's captain asked, "Are you sure about this, Counselor?"
Deanna deliberately misunderstood. "Yes, Captain, I love Worf."
Picard chided her. "Deanna..."
"Captain, Worf and I have discussed this quite thoroughly tonight. Neither of us like it, but I feel it is my duty. The admiral has been authorized to rescue me no matter the outcome, so it's not like I won't be coming back."
"It is not an honorable request, but Deanna will do the honorable thing," commented Worf.
"God save me from Klingon honor," Virginia muttered. "If you'll excuse me, I'll go inform the Council and probably wrangle out a few more days. Captain?"
Picard stood to let her out. He watched her exit for several long moments, enjoying her stride, before he sat back down. "How long before you would like to be married?" he asked the couple.
"Tomorrow night," answered Deanna without hesitation. "We've already discussed a few things with Guinan and it's workable. Our mother's won't be the happiest, but...our wedding isn't for them."
Picard nodded. "Very well. Make it so." The captain looked at his executive officer, unconsciously waiting for him to deliver a gruff one-liner.
"The admiral has never been fond of Klingons," Worf said. "It is a good thing she was away for the Khitomer Accords."
Deanna covered her laughter with a cough. "Worf, may I speak to the captain alone for a moment?"
"Of course. I will wait for you at the bar." Worf stood and nodded to his captain. "Good evening, sir." And walked away.
"What else?" Picard took a sip of his tea, discretely admiring the admiral's femininity out of uniform. He set the tea cup in its saucer, thinking that the pale lavender of her outfit brought out the blue of her eyes. "Have you been friends with Guinan for long?"
"Yes and no. I only met her about 200 years ago, so it depends on your point of view. She listens to me."
"She's good at that."
"So are you. I can't believe you let me ramble on like you did earlier today in your office."
"I wouldn't call it rambling," Picard commented with a warm smile.
"I would."
"Excuse me, Captain, Admiral." Guinan was standing next to their table, her hands clasped in front of her. "I apologize for interrupting, but Deanna and Worf didn't want to."
"I see," said the captain. "Where are they now?" Picard glanced at the Hostess, but otherwise kept his gaze trained on the woman across the table from him.
"They're at the bar, no doubt mortified at my boldness," Guinan answered.
"I take it they wish to speak to me?" he asked.
"Actually, I think they wish to speak to both you and the admiral."
"Very well," decided Picard. "Send them over."
Guinan inclined her head and left.
Picard surveyed the seating arrangements and decided it would be best for him to move to allow the coming couple to sit together. "Ah...may I?" He gestured to the seat next to Virginia.
"Of course," she answered, sliding over to allow him more room.
Now side by side, there seemed to be an increased awareness between the two.
Virginia moved her glass in a circle, enjoying the captain's closeness. "You smell nice," she said softly.
Picard's eyebrows rose in amusement. "Thank you."
She looked up at him, startled. "Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes, you did." He was mildly surprised to see her face suddenly turn a bright shade of pink. It was very becoming to her.
The arrival of Counselor Troi and Commander Worf prevented Virginia from replying further.
Deanna, now dressed in a less dressy outfit slid into the booth across from the two commanding officers, a rather pleased smile on her face. Worf sat next to her, wearing his uniform with the Klingon slash over it and his usual scowl.
"We apologize for interrupting," the Klingon said gruffly.
"It's quite all right," lied Picard, which he had no doubt that both women were keen enough to pick up on as one was empathic and the other was highly telepathic.
"Admiral," began Deanna, her expression and tone turning serious. "You said you had 48 hours before you had to report back to the Council."
"That is correct," the other woman confirmed, her face slightly less pink.
"I've spent the evening reviewing the files you sent me and no where did I find a time table for this mission."
"There isn't one, not really." The admiral drew a deep breath and her forehead crinkled in frustration. "If you say no, then I shuttle back so the Council can meet again and debate whether or not to actually order you to comply. If you say yes, I let them know and the Enterprise breaks from its current heading and turns for Borg space. Given varying warp speeds, this could take anywhere from 3 days to a week. And if you give your resignation, then I go home and the Council will try to come up with something new." Virginia downed the rest of her root beer.
"That won't be necessary," replied Deanna. "I'll do it...but I'd like to marry Worf first."
There was a moment of silence before the counselor's captain asked, "Are you sure about this, Counselor?"
Deanna deliberately misunderstood. "Yes, Captain, I love Worf."
Picard chided her. "Deanna..."
"Captain, Worf and I have discussed this quite thoroughly tonight. Neither of us like it, but I feel it is my duty. The admiral has been authorized to rescue me no matter the outcome, so it's not like I won't be coming back."
"It is not an honorable request, but Deanna will do the honorable thing," commented Worf.
"God save me from Klingon honor," Virginia muttered. "If you'll excuse me, I'll go inform the Council and probably wrangle out a few more days. Captain?"
Picard stood to let her out. He watched her exit for several long moments, enjoying her stride, before he sat back down. "How long before you would like to be married?" he asked the couple.
"Tomorrow night," answered Deanna without hesitation. "We've already discussed a few things with Guinan and it's workable. Our mother's won't be the happiest, but...our wedding isn't for them."
Picard nodded. "Very well. Make it so." The captain looked at his executive officer, unconsciously waiting for him to deliver a gruff one-liner.
"The admiral has never been fond of Klingons," Worf said. "It is a good thing she was away for the Khitomer Accords."
Deanna covered her laughter with a cough. "Worf, may I speak to the captain alone for a moment?"
"Of course. I will wait for you at the bar." Worf stood and nodded to his captain. "Good evening, sir." And walked away.
February 16, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt. 6
The hour was late and there were few people in Ten-Forward which allowed the hostess Guinan to sit with her friend who had chosen to seclude herself at a booth in the far corner of the large room.
Admiral Hamilton had long since changed out of her uniform and was dressed casually in a loose shirt and pant outfit. The drink in front of her, a harmless root beer, sat untouched as the woman stared out the window at the sparkling stars that streaked by.
"It's noisy in here," commented Virginia, breaking the silence between the two.
Guinan glanced around. "Actually, it's pretty quiet in here tonight."
"You know what I mean," the other woman replied, turning to look at her friend.
"I know," conceded Guinan with understanding in her voice.
"Some of their thoughts...it's like they're screaming." Virginia sighed, her forehead wrinkling as though she were in pain. "And before you say anything - Yes, I'd rather be here than in my quarters. At least here, some of the voices have faces."
Guinan did what she did best. She listened.
Virginia tilted her head, her hair falling from the loose knot she had pulled it into and regarding the others in the large room. Truthfully, there were just a scattered handful. Thoughtfully she raked her fingers through her fallen hair. "Erin looks as though she is listening to every word Richie is saying, but her thoughts are completely focused on the baseball game on Cestus III in a few hours. Enrique is trying to decide how best to ask Betani out...but...Betani's thoughts are the loudest. She sits alone...her heart is crying over the loss of her favorite uncle...wondering why no one sits with her just to listen to her. And..."
"And?" Guinan prodded when her friend fell silent.
Virginia looked back out the window quickly as the door to Ten-Forward opened.
Guinan looked over her shoulder to see who was coming in so late at night and smiled in greeting at the captain. He nodded to her and headed to the bar.
"And some thoughts are strangely silent," Virginia continued in a quiet murmur.
The Ten-Forward hostess regarded her friend, as perceptive as Deanna had been. "You like him."
"Don't be ridiculous. He's too young for me." The admiral shook her head even as her face turned pink.
"Chronologically perhaps. But even so..."
"I know, I know," interrupted the younger woman. "I'm still a kid to many."
"I was going to say that he's attracted to older women."
Virginia ignored her as she rested her head upon her hand as she quietly regarded the captain of the ENTERPRISE. "There's a calm control about him that reminds me of Marcus."
Once again, Guinan listened.
"There's a mature power about him. Yet...there are enough differences that I know it's a separate attraction." Her lips quirked in amusement. "For starters, Marcus had hair."
"It doesn't matter though, does it?"
"Not one bit." Virginia looked back out the window and sighed again. "He wasn't afraid to meet my eyes."
The dark colored woman considered this, along with the fact that the man in question rarely visited Ten-Forward, especially at this time of night. "Maybe he likes you too."
The pink in the admiral's face brightened. "He thinks it's a side effect of the mind access that happens at first eye contact."
"Really?" Guinan's forehead wrinkled in surprised amusement. "That's a first. Is it?"
Virginia shook her head. "No. I felt his attraction to me as soon as I beamed over. If it was a side effect...I'd be having sex a whole lot more than what I do."
Guinan refrained from chuckling. "I take it that it's been a while."
"Just a bit. Nothing but a passing flirt since Jayden...and he left me twenty some years ago. Not that I've been keeping track of something so trivial. I mean, what's a few moments pleasure compared to the fate of the Federation?"
"What's the fate of the Federation compared to feeling the love of one who accepts you for who you are?"
Virginia didn't answer.
"I need to get back to being hostess," Guinan stated as she rose to her feet. "From what you said earlier, Betani needs someone to listen to her."
"Don't we all?" replied Virginia with a smile. "I'll see you later."
"Of course."
The alien woman picked up her glass of carbonated water and downed a good portion of it, secretly wishing that it had a touch of alcohol in it. At least then, the voices on this ship would be silent...or at least her telepathic ears would be deaf to them. But the regulations that ruled her life strictly prohibited her from drinking while on mission, especially one where she might be called upon to use her powers. How she hated regulations. Sometimes, in her darker hours, she wondered if in some alternate reality, there was a version of her that lived without restrictions...and was that other woman happy? Which always led her to the thought, what would happen if she were to throw off those regulations and lived as she pleased?
A shadow fell across her table, and a male voice broke into her thoughts, "May I join you?"
Admiral Hamilton had long since changed out of her uniform and was dressed casually in a loose shirt and pant outfit. The drink in front of her, a harmless root beer, sat untouched as the woman stared out the window at the sparkling stars that streaked by.
"It's noisy in here," commented Virginia, breaking the silence between the two.
Guinan glanced around. "Actually, it's pretty quiet in here tonight."
"You know what I mean," the other woman replied, turning to look at her friend.
"I know," conceded Guinan with understanding in her voice.
"Some of their thoughts...it's like they're screaming." Virginia sighed, her forehead wrinkling as though she were in pain. "And before you say anything - Yes, I'd rather be here than in my quarters. At least here, some of the voices have faces."
Guinan did what she did best. She listened.
Virginia tilted her head, her hair falling from the loose knot she had pulled it into and regarding the others in the large room. Truthfully, there were just a scattered handful. Thoughtfully she raked her fingers through her fallen hair. "Erin looks as though she is listening to every word Richie is saying, but her thoughts are completely focused on the baseball game on Cestus III in a few hours. Enrique is trying to decide how best to ask Betani out...but...Betani's thoughts are the loudest. She sits alone...her heart is crying over the loss of her favorite uncle...wondering why no one sits with her just to listen to her. And..."
"And?" Guinan prodded when her friend fell silent.
Virginia looked back out the window quickly as the door to Ten-Forward opened.
Guinan looked over her shoulder to see who was coming in so late at night and smiled in greeting at the captain. He nodded to her and headed to the bar.
"And some thoughts are strangely silent," Virginia continued in a quiet murmur.
The Ten-Forward hostess regarded her friend, as perceptive as Deanna had been. "You like him."
"Don't be ridiculous. He's too young for me." The admiral shook her head even as her face turned pink.
"Chronologically perhaps. But even so..."
"I know, I know," interrupted the younger woman. "I'm still a kid to many."
"I was going to say that he's attracted to older women."
Virginia ignored her as she rested her head upon her hand as she quietly regarded the captain of the ENTERPRISE. "There's a calm control about him that reminds me of Marcus."
Once again, Guinan listened.
"There's a mature power about him. Yet...there are enough differences that I know it's a separate attraction." Her lips quirked in amusement. "For starters, Marcus had hair."
"It doesn't matter though, does it?"
"Not one bit." Virginia looked back out the window and sighed again. "He wasn't afraid to meet my eyes."
The dark colored woman considered this, along with the fact that the man in question rarely visited Ten-Forward, especially at this time of night. "Maybe he likes you too."
The pink in the admiral's face brightened. "He thinks it's a side effect of the mind access that happens at first eye contact."
"Really?" Guinan's forehead wrinkled in surprised amusement. "That's a first. Is it?"
Virginia shook her head. "No. I felt his attraction to me as soon as I beamed over. If it was a side effect...I'd be having sex a whole lot more than what I do."
Guinan refrained from chuckling. "I take it that it's been a while."
"Just a bit. Nothing but a passing flirt since Jayden...and he left me twenty some years ago. Not that I've been keeping track of something so trivial. I mean, what's a few moments pleasure compared to the fate of the Federation?"
"What's the fate of the Federation compared to feeling the love of one who accepts you for who you are?"
Virginia didn't answer.
"I need to get back to being hostess," Guinan stated as she rose to her feet. "From what you said earlier, Betani needs someone to listen to her."
"Don't we all?" replied Virginia with a smile. "I'll see you later."
"Of course."
The alien woman picked up her glass of carbonated water and downed a good portion of it, secretly wishing that it had a touch of alcohol in it. At least then, the voices on this ship would be silent...or at least her telepathic ears would be deaf to them. But the regulations that ruled her life strictly prohibited her from drinking while on mission, especially one where she might be called upon to use her powers. How she hated regulations. Sometimes, in her darker hours, she wondered if in some alternate reality, there was a version of her that lived without restrictions...and was that other woman happy? Which always led her to the thought, what would happen if she were to throw off those regulations and lived as she pleased?
A shadow fell across her table, and a male voice broke into her thoughts, "May I join you?"
February 14, 2007
Resistance Is Futile - Pt. 5
At long last, the story continues!! Check out the previous posts to bring yourself up to speed.
Given Deanna's smile and her pleasant tone of voice, there was no way the captain could mistake her meaning of how she believed he liked the absent woman. "She's a StarFleet Admiral," Picard said, though not denying her charge.
"Regardless, she is a woman," Deanna replied. "And an attractive one."
"No doubt any attraction I might feel is a side effect of her mind access." Picard straightened his uniform jacket in the quietly dubbed 'Picard Manuever'.
"I don't think so. I certainly don't feel any different toward her than I did before her access of me. No protective feelings or anything of that nature."
"However, you are also a woman," Picard pointed out.
Deanna saw his point, but didn't change her mind. She was after all, an Empath. "I could check into it, if you like. Discretely. See if any other males have had a similar 'side-effect'." she offered with a faint smile.
"As you wish."
There was a moment of silence, each thinking their own thoughts.
"It doesn't make sense to me, Captain," the counselor said. "Why give the admiral permission to save me, no matter the outcome, yet not allow her to destroy the Borg? I understand the ethical reason you voiced earlier, but there is still something about it that doesn't make sense."
"I agree." Picard turned his chair slightly to watch the stars streak by as he thought. "She's being tested."
"Why? She's served in StarFleet for hundreds of years."
"I don't think they're the ones testing her." Picard pivoted back towards the counselor. "They have no reason to doubt her loyalties or motivations. As you said, she's served StarFleet for centuries, and has been a guiding force of the Federation since before it was born. However...I wonder if perhaps her own people doubt her? She shared with me earlier that ten years ago she was called to the Gandraleayian throne and she fought it."
"Really?" Again Deanna's faint smile curved her lips. "Admiral Hamilton isn't known to be open regarding issues concerning the throne."
"No, she tends to be a private person all around," agreed Picard, realizing as he said so that the admiral had not been with him.
"It's not really surprising that she would fight a call to the throne," mused the counselor. "From our perspective, the admiral is a woman hundreds of years old...wise, mature, steeped with knowledge, full of experience...but by Gandraleayian standards, she is still a very young woman."
"She did comment that under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have to rule for another six hundered years."
"Exactly. Which would support your theory that they're the ones testing her."
"With you as the pawn." Picard pointed out.
Deanna drew a deep breath. "Yes. With me as the pawn." She took a moment to shift position in her seat, unconsciously crossing her legs. "While there are differences between ruling an empire and commanding a starship, I think there would be some similiarites. When I was taking the tests to become a commander, what I had to realize was that my first duty was to the ship. Commander Riker had to know that I would be able to sacrifice an individual in order to preserve the whole. No doubt the Oryon Council wants to know if their heir-apparent is able to do the same...sacrifce one, me, for the greater good."
"The needs of the many outway the needs of the one," quoted Picard.
"Or the few," finished Deanna.
"I must say," the ENTERPRISE captain said after a moment, "you're taking this rather well."
"Inside - I am quaking. Terrifed and angry. As soon as you and I are done here, I plan on finding Worf and a large chocolate sundae."
Picard gave her an understanding smile. "Then don't let me keep you."
"Thank you, sir." Deanna rose gracefully to her feet, the silky fabric of her evening dress falling to cover her legs.
"And Counselor..."
"Yes, Captain?"
"If you decide to offer your resignation, I'll understand."
The ship's counselor didn't answer verbally, she nodded her head in acknowledgement and left the captain alone in his ready room.
As soon as the doors had slid shut behind her, Picard released the deep sigh of frustration he had been holding in. "Damn the Borg."
Given Deanna's smile and her pleasant tone of voice, there was no way the captain could mistake her meaning of how she believed he liked the absent woman. "She's a StarFleet Admiral," Picard said, though not denying her charge.
"Regardless, she is a woman," Deanna replied. "And an attractive one."
"No doubt any attraction I might feel is a side effect of her mind access." Picard straightened his uniform jacket in the quietly dubbed 'Picard Manuever'.
"I don't think so. I certainly don't feel any different toward her than I did before her access of me. No protective feelings or anything of that nature."
"However, you are also a woman," Picard pointed out.
Deanna saw his point, but didn't change her mind. She was after all, an Empath. "I could check into it, if you like. Discretely. See if any other males have had a similar 'side-effect'." she offered with a faint smile.
"As you wish."
There was a moment of silence, each thinking their own thoughts.
"It doesn't make sense to me, Captain," the counselor said. "Why give the admiral permission to save me, no matter the outcome, yet not allow her to destroy the Borg? I understand the ethical reason you voiced earlier, but there is still something about it that doesn't make sense."
"I agree." Picard turned his chair slightly to watch the stars streak by as he thought. "She's being tested."
"Why? She's served in StarFleet for hundreds of years."
"I don't think they're the ones testing her." Picard pivoted back towards the counselor. "They have no reason to doubt her loyalties or motivations. As you said, she's served StarFleet for centuries, and has been a guiding force of the Federation since before it was born. However...I wonder if perhaps her own people doubt her? She shared with me earlier that ten years ago she was called to the Gandraleayian throne and she fought it."
"Really?" Again Deanna's faint smile curved her lips. "Admiral Hamilton isn't known to be open regarding issues concerning the throne."
"No, she tends to be a private person all around," agreed Picard, realizing as he said so that the admiral had not been with him.
"It's not really surprising that she would fight a call to the throne," mused the counselor. "From our perspective, the admiral is a woman hundreds of years old...wise, mature, steeped with knowledge, full of experience...but by Gandraleayian standards, she is still a very young woman."
"She did comment that under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have to rule for another six hundered years."
"Exactly. Which would support your theory that they're the ones testing her."
"With you as the pawn." Picard pointed out.
Deanna drew a deep breath. "Yes. With me as the pawn." She took a moment to shift position in her seat, unconsciously crossing her legs. "While there are differences between ruling an empire and commanding a starship, I think there would be some similiarites. When I was taking the tests to become a commander, what I had to realize was that my first duty was to the ship. Commander Riker had to know that I would be able to sacrifice an individual in order to preserve the whole. No doubt the Oryon Council wants to know if their heir-apparent is able to do the same...sacrifce one, me, for the greater good."
"The needs of the many outway the needs of the one," quoted Picard.
"Or the few," finished Deanna.
"I must say," the ENTERPRISE captain said after a moment, "you're taking this rather well."
"Inside - I am quaking. Terrifed and angry. As soon as you and I are done here, I plan on finding Worf and a large chocolate sundae."
Picard gave her an understanding smile. "Then don't let me keep you."
"Thank you, sir." Deanna rose gracefully to her feet, the silky fabric of her evening dress falling to cover her legs.
"And Counselor..."
"Yes, Captain?"
"If you decide to offer your resignation, I'll understand."
The ship's counselor didn't answer verbally, she nodded her head in acknowledgement and left the captain alone in his ready room.
As soon as the doors had slid shut behind her, Picard released the deep sigh of frustration he had been holding in. "Damn the Borg."
July 09, 2006
Hiatus
Hey gang!I'm going to be absent from the blogworld for a while. This goes for all my sites {sorry Trek fans} I just need some time away. If you want to know what I'm up to, email me. {shrug}
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