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Jean-Luc Picard stared up at the ceiling silently for another long minute, then gently eased himself away from the warm body curled up against his side, tucking the covers around Beverly as he slid out of the bed. Silently, he pulled on his robe, then left the bedroom and moved across the main room to the replicator. “Tea. Earl…Cancel order. Picard beverage number five, one cup.” After a moment, the cup of steamed milk appeared, with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top. Taking the cup, he moved to the viewport to stare at the passing stars.
A few minutes later, Beverly emerged from the bedroom, blinking sleepily as she scanned the room. Finding him in the dim light, she sighed softly, then crossed the room to slide her arms around his waist, one hand moving to touch the cup. “Warm. You’ve not been out here long.”
“No.” He let one hand fall to cover hers where it lay at his waist as she pressed a gentle kiss against his neck. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
She shrugged slightly. “And how many nights do I actually sleep all the way through? It doesn’t matter, but you…what’s wrong Jean-Luc?”
Picard sighed, a soft solitary sound. “I’m tired Beverly.” Her eyes met his in the reflection on the viewport as she remained silent, resting her chin on his shoulder. “Just…tired.”
One eyebrow raised in inquiry as he fell silent. “Of?”
“Everything. Nothing.” His lips twitched. “Not of you however.”
“Thank you.” She replied primly, then moved around him to gaze into his eyes. “Of?” She prodded again, one hand absently resting on his chest.
He gazed at her, clad only in a peach silk and lace gown that barely covered anything. One he’d gotten for her last time they’d been in France. Running a finger along the scalloped edge, he smiled slightly. “You are so beautiful.”
Beverly blushed slightly, then caught his finger, wrapping one slender hand around it to hold it still. “Of?”
“Single track mind.” He chuckled softly, then relented as she let out another sigh and released his finger, “I don’t know, cherie. Just…tired.”
“You need a…” She broke off as he touched her lips.
“Shore leave. I know. You and Deanna have been adamant in that respect.” He traced her lower lip, then let his hand drop back to her waist, pulling her against him. “It’s more than that this time.”
“You’ve been out here for a long time.” Slowly she let her head drop to rest on his shoulder, listening to his pulse, strong and steady. “Perhaps…”
“Perhaps.” He nodded slightly. “I love it out here.”
“I know.” Lifting her head, she turned in his loose embrace to watch the stars, leaning back into him as she laced her fingers with his. “The exploration, the wonder…”
“The beauty.” He murmured, then sighed. “The paperwork. The orders, the conflicts…”
“So.” Beverly finally broke the silence. “What do we do?”
“We?” He raised an eyebrow at their reflection.
She turned back to face him, and took the now cool cup from his hand, placing it on a nearby table before she slid her arms up around his neck. “We. As in together.”
“We have a briefing from Starfleet in three hours. We should get some sleep.” He ran his hands along her back. “Or…”
“Or we could get some rest?” She teased, then shook her head. “Jean-Luc, we need to talk about this. You’re tired, you’re on edge…please…”
“Doctor.” He kissed her gently. “We will talk, later. I promise, Beverly. We’re all due for at least a few days leave after this mission.”
“Jean.” Meeting his gaze, she sighed softly, relenting. “Very well. However, you…we both need some sleep tonight. However little it may be.”
“Very well.” Lacing his fingers with hers, he led her back toward the bedroom.
*****
Three days later, as the rest of the senior staff filed silently out of the Observation Lounge, Deanna Troi met Beverly’s eyes for a moment, then nodded before she left, the door sliding shut behind her. As silence filled the room, Beverly sank down in a chair, waiting, as Picard stared out the viewport in silence. Finally, he turned and met her gaze, then sighed. “I’ll apologize later. Although it was an oversight on his part, Geordi didn’t deserve as much of a public reprimand as he just received. I will speak with him later, privately.”
“I know you will. We all know you will.” She hesitated for a moment, then continued. “Jean…”
“I know, Doctor. I know.” Shaking his head, he returned to his seat and sank into it, absently catching her hand. “I…” He trailed off.
“I know, mon cher.” Standing, she pressed a soft kiss against his lips. “I need to go.”
“Dinner?” He watched her cross the room.
“I’m off at nineteen hundred tonight.” Beverly paused and looked back at him. “If that’s not too late…”
“I’ll have something ready for you.” As she smiled slightly, he gestured. “Go on Beverly.” As the doors closed behind her, he sighed and resumed his contemplation of the stars.
A few minutes later, Beverly knocked lightly at the doorframe of Deanna’s office. “Hello.”
“Come on in.” Deanna glanced up and smiled. “Well?”
“Door close.” Beverly ordered absently then seated herself in a chair facing the Counselor. “He knows he over reacted, and will speak with Geordi, I told him we knew that.”
“He needs to get away Beverly.” Deanna leaned back in his chair. “You know that, I know that…”
“And he knows that.” She sighed heavily. “Even he’s admitting that he’s tired.” She fell silent, biting her lower lip nervously before dropping her face into her hands.
“Beverly?” Deanna prodded after a moment.
The Doctor raised her head, tears filling her eyes. “He’s losing himself, Deanna. I can’t…”
“Has he told you about the Catera finding?” Deanna asked slowly.
Beverly took a deep breath as she gathered her thoughts and regained control of her emotions, trying to follow the change of topic. “It sounds familiar.”
“It’s a new archeological site discovered about a month ago, with signs of a civilization older than the Vulcan’s. There’s a team going out to survey and do the initial findings next week.” Deanna raised an eyebrow. “The artifacts found in the initial survey don’t match any on record.”
“I think Jean-Luc mentioned it recently, however, I didn’t know you followed archeological news.” Beverly raised an eyebrow.
“Occasionally it pays to follow certain random topics,” Deanna turned the terminal around to face Beverly. “Seems the team is still in need of an additional Terran researcher and a physician who can double as a back up researcher if needed.”
“And you just happened to find this information and have it current. How convenient,” Beverly commented dryly, then read through the information quickly, before looking back up. “Not much background.”
“Enough to get him interested, and if he’s already mentioned it... You could leave when we reach Starbase Thirty Nine, take a shuttle and rendezvous at the site.” Deanna shrugged. “You work as part of the team for two months. At that time, the team will rotate out.”
“Two…” Beverly looked up, startled. “Deanna, there is no way Starfleet is going to let him go for two months, let alone two senior officers for anywhere near that amount of time. Not at this time, off this ship. Two weeks perhaps, but not months.”
Looking smug, Deanna leaned back in her chair. “They will if the Ship’s Counselor recommends it. Orders it, if you may. For both officers.”
“You wouldn’t.” She stared at the younger woman. “I have experiments…there’s no way….”
“Beverly, how long since you last had leave?” Deanna asked, leaning forward again.
“Jean-Luc and I went to France last time we were at Earth for refitting.” Beverly smiled faintly, remembering the afternoons they’d spent exploring the countryside, and the evenings he’d taken her into Paris.
“That was almost fifteen months ago.” Deanna stated gently. “And if we’re both recommending that the Captain is in need of leave…and you took leave at the same time…And as I may have mentioned, Starfleet has already approved it.”
“But…” she hesitated.
“But. If you accompany him, he’ll go. Grudgingly, but he will go.” Deanna finished. “And you’ll both come back refreshed and with a new view. New energy.”
Beverly stared at Troi for a long moment, then sighed. “But I’ve…we…Damn.” The younger woman’s lips twitched as Beverly attempted to find another reason to protest, then gave up. “Don’t even start, you…you….”
“Friend?” Deanna suggested innocently. “Beverly, it’s the perfect solution. Two months away, as members of a team who couldn’t care less about you two except as researchers. All Starfleet needs to be concerned with is that he’s going, and you’re accompanying him to keep an eye on his precarious medical condition.”
“Precarious medical condition?” Beverly burst out laughing. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“I could.” Deanna nodded smugly.
Beverly remained silent, thinking while Deanna watched her. Finally, she sighed. “Do you want to tell him or should I?”
“Perhaps you should.” Deanna stood and moved to her desk, leaning over the console to press a control. “He’d probably take it better from you.”
“Chicken.” Beverly sighed again. “We’re having dinner tonight; I’ll ask him then.”
“He has to take leave. This is something he’d at least enjoy. And something the two of you can do together.” Deanna shrugged. “I’ll download all the details to you in Sick Bay.”
“Fine.” Wearily, Beverly stood and moved toward the door. Just before she exited, she turned and looked back at Troi. “Thank you.”
“Good luck.” Deanna waved as Beverly slowly left.
***
“Jean?” Clad in an oversized sweater and tight black pants, Beverly entered his quarters that evening. “Jean-Luc?” Gazing around the empty living area, she frowned, then continued back to the bedroom. Stopping at the door, her lips curved upward as she looked at him, sound asleep on top of the bedcovers. Crossing the room, she paused, then knelt on the bed and bent over him. “Jean.” She nuzzled his ear. “Jean-Luc?” She ran the back of her hand along his cheek.
“Beverly?” He blinked sleepily, then looked up at her, trying to focus his eyes. “What time is it?”
“Nineteen hundred. Well a bit after.” She relaxed onto the bed next to him, pulling a pillow out to support her head. “Enjoy your rest?”
“Mmm.” Turning on his side, he stifled a yawn. “Sorry. I meant to have dinner ready for you.”
“No problem,” she smiled. “I take it you were in the middle of dressing, or should I say undressing when you fell asleep?”
“I suppose.” He chuckled as he realized he only had on his pants. “Or you could be overdressed.”
“I was promised dinner,” Beverly broke off with a shriek of laughter as he rolled over, trapping her underneath him.
“Dinner?” Picard gazed down at her, his eyes promising something else if she was interested.
“I’m hungry. I missed lunch….” As he nuzzled her neck, she laughed softly. “Jean-Luc, please…We need to talk, and we both need dinner.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Really.” She nodded. “Please. Then, we can…have dessert.”
“Ah. Dessert.” With a sigh, he rolled off her. “I’ll get dressed.”
“I’ll go fix dinner.” Pushing herself up, she wrinkled her nose at him. “Go on.”
“That sounds ominous.” Standing, he crossed to the closet.
“Shouldn’t. You know how I get when I’m hungry.” Beverly teased, then left the room.
Half an hour later, he leaned back in his chair and inspected her closely as he idly swirled the wine in his glass. “You had your hair done.”
Beverly shrugged, then stood. “Trimmed slightly. Don’t worry, I promised you I wouldn’t color or cut it, and I won’t. But, it needed maintaining, not that you’d know.” Passing him with their dirty dishes, she brushed a kiss across the top of his head. “I finished up a bit early, decided to take advantage of an opening with Mister Mott.”
Reaching out, he caught her arm as she returned to her seat and pulled her down onto his lap. Letting his palm trail down her arm, he caught her hand and turned it over. Inspecting it for a moment, he looked back up at her. “You had your nails done as well. What’s wrong?”
“What do you mean?” Nervously, she slid off his lap and crossed the room.
“Beverly, every time you’re nervous about something, or uncertain, albeit rarely, you get something done to your hair, and your nails done. Most of the time it’s almost impossible to get you to do something for yourself at Mott’s.” He followed her to the viewport and gently turned her around to face him. "What is it, Beverly?”
Beverly took a deep breath before meeting his gaze levelly. “Actually, Deanna did it. But, she involved both of us.”
“Both of us?” One eyebrow lifted as he tightened his grip on her waist.
“Actually yes. She pulled rank on both of us.” She bit her lip nervously before continuing. “You remember the Catera site? You mentioned it to me a few weeks ago. You’d read about it in a recent journal…”
***
Beverly entered another detail about the small artifact in front of her into the computer, then sat back and sighed. With a stretch, she leaned over to the com board and touched a control. “Crusher to Team.”
“Go ahead Beverly.” A man’s voice replied.
“Taren, I’ve completed the analysis, do you want me to transfer the data now? Or wait for you to come back.” As she spoke, Beverly carefully wrapped the artifact and packed it away.
“Go on and send it, we’re just going to stay here through the day, F’rel found a new level.” He couldn’t hide the excitement in his voice.
“Really.” Beverly smiled. “Very well, I’ll go ahead and send it, then head over there.”
“No problem, see you…” He paused for a moment as a murmur interrupted him. “If you don’t mind, Dyrelle asked if you could bring down some cold drinks.”
“No problem. Down in a bit. Crusher out.” Closing the channel, she laughed softly. Seeing Jean-Luc lose himself in the dig was entertaining but seeing him with eighteen other people as single minded as he was…If today was like most of the others, they wouldn’t head back to the camp until dark. Although, she did have to admit, once she got into the dig site, she became almost as…enthusiastic as the rest of them.
“Hmm. I wonder if there are any recognizable hypnotic or empathic trends…” She grabbed her tricorder before heading to the shelter where they kept most of their food supplies. After hefting a carrysak with several thermoses of cold tea and water inside over her shoulder, she turned and moved up the path to the site. She’d just cleared the ridge when she heard a distinct whine coming from the area toward the site. Frowning, she had taken a few steps when an explosion shook the ground as three aircraft roared overhead. Dropping to the ground, Beverly swore as a beam lanced out from one of them into one of the shelters. As it exploded, they continued on, pulling up and leaving vapor trails behind.
Dropping the carrysak, she scrambled to her feet, then raced back to the shelters, listening for the vessels to return. Throwing open one of the doors, she rapidly entered a command into the computer, and slammed her hand down on the panel just as she heard the whine of the returning vessels. “Medpacks…” glancing around, she grabbed up the three emergency medical packs and raced back out just as the vessels returned, and another two of the shelters were destroyed. Passing the spot she’d fallen in earlier, she scooped up the thermoses and continued toward the dig site, just as another explosion threw her to the ground. As dark smoke rose from the direction she was heading, Beverly changed her mind and looked around wildly, trying to remember where the cave they’d designated as an emergency shelter was hidden.
Spying a dark crevice in the rock face, she darted inside, tossing the med packs and thermoses to a sheltered alcove. “Anyone in here?” She whispered, then whirled as a scraping noise sounded behind her. Seconds later, Picard stumbled in, half carrying the team leader she’d been speaking with earlier.
“Beverly.” Picard whispered in relief as he caught sight of her.
“What happened?” Moving forward, she eased Taren to the ground and bent over him, already pulling out a tricorder.
“Near as I could tell from the brief look, raiders.” He moved to peer out the crevice. “The shelters at the site were destroyed, except the storage unit.”
“They were attacking the base camp shelters also. I managed to get an emergency distress signal out.” She ripped Taren’s shirt open. “Hand me…Thanks.” As he anticipated her request, he placed a medpack in her hand. “Where are the others?” As he remained silent, she paused and looked up at him, her face paling in shock. “No.”
“All of them. During the first volley, we were in the new cut, there was a landslide, Taren and I were just coming out. The rest…” He shook his head as she choked back a sob and returned her attention to Taren, both of them listening for any signs of a search party.
“How are you?” Finishing her work on the man in front of her, Beverly looked back at him.
“Fine, he caught the worst…” Picard broke off as Beverly stood and scanned him. “Beverly, I’m fine.”
“Quiet.” She admonished as she finished scanning him. “Bruises, nothing too…” She froze at a sudden noise from outside.
“Back here.” Picard pulled Taren into an alcove, then wrapped his arms around Beverly as she pressed back into them while voices sounded from outside the cave. Seconds later, randomly aimed phaser blasts broke the darkness as they pressed back against the wall, trying not to cough in the dust now filling the air. Suddenly, Beverly flinched and gasped silently, her fingers digging into Picard’s chest while turning her face into his shirt as she shuddered. When the voices moved away, he eased her away, catching her as she stumbled and fell.
“Leg.” She managed to get out before she completely collapsed against him, her cheeks wet with tears from the pain she’d been suppressing.
“Merde.” He swore softly, then bent over her leg, bleeding from a long phaser burn. Pulling his shirt off, he pressed it against the blood, staunching the flow as he reached for the only medkit that hadn’t been destroyed by the phaser blasts and opened it. “Anticoagulant…antibiotic…” He muttered, trying to remember his last First Aid course. Loading the hypo, he pressed it against her neck, then turned the bandage over, wincing at the blood. “If I mess this up…you can fix this later, doctor….” Taking the auto suture, he carefully closed the wound then caught sight of the thermoses lying where Beverly had flung them. Opening one, he sniffed, then closed it and set it aside before opening another. With a nod, he gently washed the wound with the water, then turned to check on the other man before returning his attention to Beverly as she whimpered softly.
Some time later, Beverly stirred slightly and moaned before she struggled to sit up. “Jean…”
“Shh.” Picard blinked and moved forward to help her. “Take it easy.”
“What happened?” She managed to get out, before her eyes fluttered shut and she leaned back against him. “Oh yes…”
“You were hit with a phaser blast.” He stroked her forehead. “I sutured it, but you’ll need to check it. You lost quite a bit of blood, I administered an anti-coagulant and an antibiotic.”
“Good. You were paying attention in class.” She opened her eyes. “Get me a stimulant and a pain killer, the blue ringed cartridge.” A moment later, she sighed in relief as the medicine hissed against her neck. “Thank you.” Sitting up the rest of the way, she twisted to look back into the cave. “Taren?”
“Didn’t make it, another phaser blast caught him in the chest, he didn’t feel anything.” Supporting her, he tightened his arm around her. “Careful.”
“’M okay.” Wincing, she managed to stumble to her feet. “How long has it been?”
“About two hours, the sun’s almost set.” Together, they moved toward the opening. “There’s been a few groups going by, I didn’t want to leave you because you were feverish.” She nodded silently. “Drink?”
“Please.” Beverly licked her dry lips, then gratefully accepted the thermos. “Thank you.” After a few swallows, she handed it back. “Now what?”
“There haven’t been any sounds of whoever it is going by in the last thirty minutes or so, which doesn’t necessarily mean anything. However, your leg needs time,” he forestalled her automatic protest. “We rest tonight, then head out tomorrow. The residual heat in the rocks should camouflage us from any heat sensors. You said you got the distress signal out?”
“Yes. I wasn’t able to wait for a response.” She glanced at him. “So…”
“We don’t know how long. Did you see anything else?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Three ships, appeared to be regular phaser blasts, trained military formations.” Beverly hesitated. “They appeared to be rigged for deep space as well as landing planet side.”
“I agree, they don’t seem to be searching very deeply, but they are working around the site area.” Picard glanced toward the dim opening. “We need to get some rest.”
“Very well.” Gingerly, she moved toward the back of the small cave. “Um…”
“Here.” Gently he helped her down. “How’s that.”
“If we ever let Deanna talk us into doing something peaceful again…” Leaning her head against the rock behind her, she sighed. “Damn.”
“I know.” Easing himself down next to her, Picard wrapped his arm around her back. “Tomorrow, we’ll manage to get back to the base camp, you need to check your leg, we need supplies, and we need to survey the damage there and at the dig site.”
Beverly rested against him, closing her eyes. “Why here? Nothing we’d found was significant in any other way except to confirm there was a settlement here at one point. It’s fascinating, but I can’t see any value except to scientists.”
“A new site, new artifacts, rare…” He sighed. “Many reasons to attract black market traders. None of which justify the attack and killing.”
“Mmm.” She sighed as he tightened his arms around her. “No reason. Not good.”
“Not at all.” Resting his head on top of hers, he stared into the darkness. “Not good at all.”
The next morning, Beverly stirred slightly and groaned as the movement caused a lance of pain to shoot through her body.
“Morning.” Picard yawned and stretched as she sat up.
“Indeed it is.” She stretched, then bent over her leg, squinting in the dim light. After inspecting the phaser burn, she nodded slightly. “It’ll do.”
“Good. How much mobility do you have on it?” He helped her stand.
“Decent.” She pointed her toe, then flexed her foot, working out the stiffness. Finally, she tested her weight on it. “I’ll manage.”
“Take it easy.” Releasing her, he moved to the opening and peered out. “Stay low, we need to check out the settlement first. Supplies and communication.”
“Let’s go for it.” Beverly handed him the remaining thermos. “Morning tea?”
“No croissants?” He teased, taking a swallow. “Or Vulcan dishes?”
“It was your turn to cook.” She shook her head. “You’ll do anything to get out of fixing breakfast.”
“This from a woman who’ll promise me anything to sleep in another few minutes.” Picard brushed a kiss across her cheek, then took her hand. “Let’s go.”
“Very well.” Together they carefully made their way back down to the base camp. At the perimeter, they paused, gazing at the still smoldering buildings. “My God.”
“You were lucky to get out in time.” He paused. “Go see if you can salvage any clothes and medical supplies from our shelter area, I’ll check out the communications array and the main supply cabin, or what’s left of it.”
Beverly nodded slightly. “Be careful.”
“Likewise, Doctor.” They separated, picking their way through the debris.
Fifteen minutes later, Beverly gingerly approached what was left of the main supply building. “Jean-Luc?”
“Back here.” Following his voice, she continued around the building. “Find much?”
“I did manage to find a dermal regenerator for my leg. The skin will be tender for a day or so, I’ll just have to be careful, and here.” She handed him a bundle of cloth. “I borrowed your other remaining shirt.”
“That bad?” He raised an eyebrow as he changed shirts.
“Worse. How about here?” Beverly glanced around the room.
“We won’t have to live off the land just yet.” Tucking his old shirt into a pack, he hefted it and another onto his shoulder. “Can you grab one?”
“Mmm.” She lifted the pack and swung it over her shoulder. “No problem. How was the communications array?”
“Destroyed. As were all the weapons. They knew what they were doing. But there was one reply logged before the array was taken out.” Picard led the way back out. “A ship is expected sometime later today…”
“And we’ve still these. I set them to silent alert, just in case.” Beverly handed him his combadge. “So we need to hole up until then?”
“I’d like to see if we can get to the site. See what, if anything, is left.” He maneuvered around a rock. “Make sure they’re gone.”
A few minutes later, they’d stowed the packs in the cave and were picking their way through the rubble down to the site. When they reached the first building, Beverly leaned against the wall, resting her leg as Picard gingerly stepped inside. “Well?” Beverly called after a moment.
Reappearing, he shook his head. “Cleaned out.”
“Everything?” She whispered, eyes wide. “All those artifacts…all the research?”
“Everything.” He confirmed, then gazed about the dig site. “Let’s check over by the auxiliary entrance.”
As they passed the main entrance, Beverly paused, gazing at the rubble and debris. “Jean, if they took everything, what about what hasn’t been excavated yet?”
He frowned. “Agreed. Let’s check the other entrance, then get back to the cave, it’s too open out here.”
A moment later, they were nearing the entrance when he froze and grabbed her arm, pulling her to a stop. Gesturing for her to remain silent, he gazed skyward, then pulled her along again. “Come on, they’re coming back.”
“We’re too far from the cave…” She glanced toward the empty sky, hearing the engines.
“There should be enough tunnels.” Changing direction, he led her into the tunnels. “Back through here.” Together, they made their way through the tunnels, Picard helping her over the steeper mounds. “Here.” He pulled her into an alcove just as voices sounded from around the corner.
“So nice of them to leave all these artifacts around, isn’t it.” A guffaw followed the comment.
“Too bad about that sudden quake, all the team crushed, no one to lay claim to the spoils.” Another laugh. “This operation should pay for itself over and over.”
“Profit?” The first voice sounded again. “We’ll show enough. Good thing we’re under contract.”
“Hevers!” Another voice called out.
“Back here.”
“We got company. Neville found a cave with a body and supplies.” Picard exchanged a glance with Beverly. “Fresh ones. Blood, too, on the ground, not near the body.”
“So you think they’re down here?” A voice replied. “When they’ve got an entire planet to hide in?”
“Just be careful. Neville wants them if we find ‘em. Alive.” The voice grew nearer. “There were women here. Saw them on the transmissions.”
“That could double our profit.” Hevers stated. “We’ll keep an eye out.” Beverly gazed up at Picard, eyes wide, causing him to shake his head reassuringly. “How much longer we got?”
“Neville wants this load up within the hour, then wants a full search of the area for any company. We need to be away from here as soon as possible, someone got an emergency beacon out before we could destroy the arrray.” The voice paused. “Any problems?”
“Nope, we’re almost done here.” Hevers replied.
Picard tightened his arm around Beverly’s waist, then inclined his head away from the voices. Obediently, she moved with him down the tunnel, stopping a fair distance away. “You can’t stay here.” He murmured in her ear.
“And you can?” She replied.
“Women would double their profit?” He raised an eyebrow. “And they don’t even know who you are.”
“Who we are.” Beverly frowned at him. “We need to get out of here.”
“But they’re at the exit and the entrance is blocked.” Picard shook his head. “Any thoughts?”
“Can we get to the entrance from here without them seeing us?” Beverly glanced back the way they’d come. “If we could hide in the rubble.”
“How well can you climb?” At her expression, he nodded tersely. “Let’s go.”
A few minutes later, they were staring at a mound of rocks. “Up there.” Beverly pointed at a dark spot.
“You first.” He glanced back over his shoulder. “Hurry. And be careful.”
“Or we could give her a hand.” A voice drawled out from another direction. “Well, well, well. Look at what we have here. A pair of lost birds.” His voice raised as he called out to the others. “Up here!”
“What do you want?” Picard snarled out, protectively moving in front of Beverly.
“I’d say he found it.” One of the voices they’d heard earlier approached as a man entered the dim light. “Name and designations?”
“Robert and Felisa Howard.” Picard stated, cutting Beverly off. “I’m an archeologist and she assists me with my research, she’s a research specialist.”
“I’d like to research her.” A voice murmured, followed by chuckles from other voices as Beverly moved closer to Jean-Luc’s back, her fingers tightening on his arm as she clung to him, only partially for support.
“You escaped? How?” The leader cut off the chuckles with a curt gesture.
“She was bringing drinks to the site, I was going to meet her, we were by the caves between the two attacks.” Picard stated. “She’s still not accustomed to the terrain.”
“She cook?” The leader raised an eyebrow.
“Adequately.” Picard nodded.
“And you’re one of the archeologists here?” Picard nodded again. “Female, move out from behind him.” He ordered.
“It’s all right.” Picard murmured, holding her hand and drawing Beverly around to stand next to him, then slipping his arm around her waist.
“She talk?” The leader ran his eyes along her body appraisingly.
“Yes.” Beverly whispered, managing to look terrified as she pressed against Picard.
“Bring them both. He can help evaluate what we’ve got, she can cook…” His voice trailed off as he grinned. “And we’ll see what else she can do for us.”
“Please, no...” Beverly stammered out as Jean-Luc tightened his arm around her waist. “We just wanted to do something different…go somewhere…we’re just scientists, please don’t hurt us, we won’t say anything…”
“We’ll see.” The leader jerked his head. “Neville, take them back to the ship.”
A short time later, they were shoved into a small room on one of the ships, the door slammed shut and latched behind them as Picard twisted, somehow managing to cushion Beverly’s fall. Holding onto her, he slowly sat up. “Felisa?”
“I’m fine.” She whispered into his ear as she leaned against him. “You?”
“Fine,” Picard tightened his arms. “How’s your leg?”
“Hurts, nothing I can’t deal with.” Beverly closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, trying to will the pain away.
“Character?” He brushed a kiss across the top of her head.
“True.” She knew he’d understand her response to his statement, indicating he wanted her to fall into acting out a character role while they evaluated their situation. “Later.”
“Indeed we will.” He looked around the room and raised his voice from the whisper he’d been using. “At least you can cook. Perhaps they will allow you to do that.”
“But Robert, these are…they killed everyone else!” She burst out in tears convincingly, as he rocked her back and forth.
“If I didn’t know you, I’d believe you were a simple hysterical female.” Jean-Luc murmured into her ear, earning a dig in his ribs before he raised his voice. “Shh, it’s all right Felisa, calm down.”
She lifted her head slightly and leaned toward his ear. “How many on guard outside?”
“Two?” At his answer, she nodded in agreement. “And the rest busy loading the rest of the artifacts.”
Lifting her head, Beverly gazed across the small room, focusing on the panel that controlled the door. With another sniff for anyone who might be listening in on any conversation, she nodded toward it, then reached up and pulled out one of the pins that she’d used to pull her hair up with. “You or me?” She mouthed silently.
“You.” As she nodded and crossed the small room to the panel, he moved around the walls, looking for any hidden surveillance devices. Finding none, he stopped next to her as she frowned at the circuits she’d exposed.
“Minute.” Concentrating, she manipulated the pin around the circuits, then nodded and looked up at him, a small smile on her lips. “Distraction?”
“Only like you do.” Amused, he watched her teasingly unbutton two more buttons on her shirt and pull the other pins out of her hair, rumpling it invitingly, then look back at him.
Beverly held his gaze for a moment, then raised an eyebrow before whispering at him. “Ready?”
“Whenever you are,” he nodded as she took a deep breath, then let out a hysterical scream.
“I can’t believe you got us into this!” She shrieked, spinning away from him and moving across the room as he remained near the door, listening for footsteps. “All I wanted was to remain in a nice civilized research facility, but no, you had to come out here in the middle of nowhere and remain at that dusty dirty place all day! And what was I to do? Sit in that stupid room and take notes.”
“Oh you did more than sit in that room and take notes, Felisa!” He yelled back at her as she stuck her tongue out at him. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice how many times certain people took you their research? And how long it would take you to meet with that same person on his notes?”
“Well at least someone was paying me some attention!” She bit back a laugh and changed her expression as the doors slid open.
“You two – shut up.” One of their guards glared at them from the door, then stopped and blinked as he stared at her, her shirt half open and hair falling around her face as she stared back, eyes wide.
“Or what?” Picard took a step forward, only to be stopped with a wave from the phaser the guard held.
“Perhaps we should separate you two.” The second guard stated flatly from behind the first.
“No!” Beverly shook her head. “You can’t!”
“Be quiet.” One of the guards strode into the room toward Beverly as the other remained where he was. “She comes with us. Now.”
“No!” Beverly braced herself and caught Jean-Luc’s nod from the corner of her eye as he timed her movements to match hers. Seconds later, both guards were on the ground as they raced for the door, Beverly pausing only to enter a command into the panel she’d opened before following Jean-Luc out, the door slamming shut behind her.
“Override?” He glanced back at her as she refastened the buttons.
“Not working from their side anytime soon.” She pushed her hair back and grimaced. “Now what?”
“We get out of here.” He tossed her the second phaser he’d recovered. “And hope that it’s not too much longer before that ship arrives. After that we once again contact Worf and thank him for certain skills he insisted we learn prior to previous missions.”
“I only hope that the ship arriving is well armed,” Beverly muttered, following him down the corridor.
Suddenly, he froze and gestured with a harsh whisper, “back, someone’s coming.”
Looking around, she caught his hand and yanked him into a shadowed alcove as footsteps neared them. They’d just cleared the corridor as two men came around the corner and stopped, carrying on a conversation a few feet away. Beverly stared at Jean-Luc, their faces separated only by inches as they pressed together in the narrow space, and grimaced slightly, an expression he mimicked as the men continued to speak.
Finally, the men continued down the corridor, Beverly and Jean-Luc remaining where they were until only the normal hum of the ship’s engines were all they could hear. “Safe?” She mouthed silently, as he lifted one shoulder, then cautiously leaned out to look both ways down the corridor.
Keeping her hand, he pulled her close. “They just came from the dig, sounded like they were just bringing more artifacts on board then returning. Let’s go.”
Ten minutes later, they had managed to slip off the ship and away from the main dig site. “Where to now?” Beverly frowned as she squinted in the bright sunlight.
“We second guess them.” Jean-Luc looked around, then led her down a path. “They’ll expect us to head back to the base, the only supposed safe location for a pair of hapless archeologists that made a lucky escape. And, they’ve found the emergency shelter so they know we won’t go there. Is your leg…can you run?”
“Jean-Luc, just go. I’ll follow you.” Beverly caught his hand and glanced around nervously. “Now.”
“This way.” He led her away from the base just as shouts came from the direction of the ship. “Let’s go.”
They’d run for a short distance before Beverly realized where he was leading her. “The grotto?” It made sense, a hidden area they’d found while exploring a few weeks earlier where the bare rocks gave way to trees and water. The small area was sheltered by several sheer rock walls and not visible from the air unless you knew where to look. The trail leading up to it forked several times, and it was only by sheer chance that they’d stumbled upon it.
“Enough places to hide there, it’s not as exposed as being out here near the dig, and practically impossible to find unless you know about it.” He glanced back at her. “You all right?”
“Fine.” Matching her stride with his after stumbling again, she smiled. “But I thought the next time we went there, it was going to be a romantic getaway for us. You owe me one.”
“Deanna owes us one. She picked this place.” Jean-Luc shook his head as they scrambled over a ridge. “Next time we stick to Caldos or France.”
“Or at least somewhere civilized.” Beverly agreed, then caught her balance as she slipped on a rock. “Without rocks. You want archeology, we make sure there’s a spa or something nearby. I’ll sit by the pool with some sort of drink or get facials or something while you’re out looking for artifacts.”
“Beverly, you hate facials and that sort of thing.” He led her down the left path after they came to a fork. “Unless you’re putting something off.”
“Jean-Luc, I also hate being shot at and kidnapped. I’d rather waste time in non-violent ways if it’s all the same to you. A facial is much less painful than a taking a phaser blast to the leg, then trying to run on it.” As they rounded a corner into a shaded area, she slowed to a walk. “Where to?”
“Up here.” He led her along a ledge they’d found during their one exploration of the area, one that led to a small cave-like alcove behind the waterfall that was at one end of the grotto. “All right?”
“Mmm hmm.” Clenching his hand, Beverly edged along the narrow ledge, then stepped back into the cool recesses of the cave. Sinking down onto the ground, she looked up at him. “You?”
“Fine.” He knelt next to her and ran a hand along her leg. “It’s bleeding again. How does it feel?”
“Hurts like hell, but I’m glad I found that dermal regenerator this morning. It would be worse if I hadn’t.” She winced slightly, then relaxed back as he gently began to massage the tender skin. “Feels good. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Jean-Luc replied absently as he turned his head slightly to gaze out past the water that cascaded over the opening of the cave. A moment later, he felt Beverly jump slightly under his hands and turned back to look at her. “What is it?”
“Communicator.” She was digging into her pocket, then pressed the communicator, waiting for the verbal communication before replying.
“This is the Federation ship Enterprise responding to an emergency hail on this frequency, please respond.” At the familiar voice of Will Riker, they stared at each other for a silent second before Beverly held the communicator out to Jean-Luc.
“At least we know the weapons ability.” Pressing it, he shook his head. “Enterprise, two to beam up from location of this signal. Be notified that all others on the surface are hostile. One to three ships involved. All small transport vessels, high defensive capabilities and full weaponry on all vessels.”
“Understood. Prepare for transport.” Relieved at the familiar voice, Will glanced over his shoulder and nodded at Deanna. “Go meet them, let them know I’ll take care of the ones on the planet.”
“Sir, we’re having trouble locking onto them,” the ensign at ops looked at him.
“Open the channel again,” waiting for the nod, he continued. “Sir, we need you to move to another area, we’re having trouble locking onto you with the transporters." Will waited for a moment. “Sir?”
“Merde.” Jean-Luc let out a soft breath as Beverly grabbed his arm and pointed toward the entrance of the grotto where they could see shadows of the men following them, their shadowed forms cautiously entering the grotto. Lifting the communicator to his mouth, he whispered. “We’ll try, no more verbal communication. Just get us out as soon as you can. Picard out.” Glancing over at Beverly, he raised an eyebrow. “There’s only one way left.”
Beverly lifted her head and stared at the crevice in the rock wall on the far side of the waterfall, then looked back at him, eyes wide. “Up?”
“One step at a time, cherie. They won’t be able to see us, the water blocks that angle of sight.” He stood and helped her to her feet. Leaning toward her ear, he continued. “You can do this. I’ll be right behind you all the way.” She nodded slowly, then wiped her palms on her pants before stepping toward the wall. Reaching out she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before tightening her grip on the wall and starting to climb. A moment later, she felt the warmth of Jean-Luc’s hand on her leg, reassuring her as he began to follow.
They’d been carefully climbing for several minutes, when Jean-Luc heard a soft gasp followed by the scrape of rock debris falling past him. Looking up, he saw Beverly’s feet dangling inches from his head, the small outcropping her toes had been braced on now gone. Readjusting his own precarious hold, he reached up and caught one of her ankles, attempting to guide her foot to a different ledge that he could see. When she was braced on it, he repeated the action with her other leg, then rubbed her ankle. “Stay there,” he hissed, then waited for her slight nod before climbing in a different path so he was next to her.
Beverly pressed against the wall, attempting to catch her breath and willing her body to stop trembling. Feeling Jean-Luc’s hand against her cheek, she weakly opened her eyes. “Thanks.”
“Breathe. In and out steadily.” He managed a smile for her as he gently stroked her cheek then traced her lower lip. “Better?”
“Have to keep going. They’ll see us.” She whispered hoarsely, her knuckles white with tension as she clung to the rocks.
“We have time. Beverly. Look at me and focus. Just breathe. Think of…” his lips twitched. “Think of what you’ll do to Deanna when we get back.”
She took another deep breath. “Revenge. Good. That I like.” With another slight smile, she returned her attention to the rocks above her and reached up to find another handhold. She’d just gone another two feet when she felt the solid wall she was pressed against begin to dissolve. With a gasp she blinked as the darkness faded into the familiar light of a transporter room.
“Beverly!” Deanna moved forward as Beverly crumpled to the floor. “Come on…” Half lifting the taller woman, they stumbled off the platform together.
“Jean-Luc…” Beverly managed to get out, staring at the transporter attendant.
“Got him.” The Lieutenant at the controls glanced at her, then back at the pad.
“Sick Bay, we need a medical team at…” Deanna broke off as Beverly shook her head. “Beverly, you need to get to sick bay.”
“Later.” Eyes glued to the pad, she barely waited until Jean-Luc had materialized to move forward. “Jean-Luc.”
“Shh.” Catching her as she stumbled toward him, Jean-Luc wrapped his arms around her. “Picard to Riker. Status?”
“We have three security teams down on the planet now, the ships have been secured with all artifacts recovered, and we’re rounding up the last of the others now from your previous location.” He paused. “They’re being transferred to the brig and Starfleet has been notified.”
“I’ll be on the bridge shortly. Picard out.” Returning his attention to Beverly, he carefully lifted her and stepped back onto the transporter pad. “Let’s go.”
“Put me down.” She pushed at him futilely, not even noticing the blood she left streaked along his shirt.
“Your leg is bleeding again, as are both hands.” He nodded at Deanna, then at the transporter room attendant. “Transport us directly to Sick Bay.” Returning his attention to Beverly, he shook his head. “You’re in no shape to argue.”
“But…” Beverly broke off as she felt the transporter take effect.
“Captain…Doctor Crusher!” As they rematerialized in Sick Bay, Alyssa Ogawa moved forward, then led the way toward a biobed in one of the private rooms as another doctor followed them. “Captain, just put her down here.”
“Quiet.” He murmured in her ear as he bent, settling her onto the bed before she could protest. “I’ll be back later.”
“No, Alyssa, he needs…” Beverly propped herself up on her elbows, then fell back with a wince as the pain in her hands finally registered.
“Captain, it will just take a minute.” Alyssa touched his elbow. “You are still on leave.”
“I’m fine. She’s the one who was injured.” He took another step before Alyssa’s touch turned into a grip. “Lieutenant!” He stared at the slight woman who held him, stunned that she’d not released him.
“Sir, begging your pardon, I’m the one who will have to answer to her when you both return to duty.” Alyssa nodded toward Beverly. “It will just take a minute.”
With another look at Beverly, he sighed and relented. “Very well.”
“Well done Alyssa.” Beverly nodded smugly and relaxed back, watching the other doctor as he bent over her hands.
*****
“So,” Jean-Luc absently traced the regeneration patch on Beverly’s right hand. “How long?”
“Just overnight,” she sighed softly and closed her eyes. “The skin should be strong enough by then. They wanted to keep me in Sick Bay overnight, but I assured them that I could manage in my quarters.”
He chuckled. “I suppose we’re fortunate that you didn’t have a craving for soup then. I’m not sure if we could have managed that as easily as what you did feel like having.”
“Hmm.” Her lips twitched. “Again, thank you for your help with dinner.”
“And your leg?” His eyes moved along her body as she extended the limb, exposing it as the robe fell open, framing the unblemished skin.
“All better.” She opened her eyes sleepily. “We’ve another five days?”
“Another five days.” Jean-Luc nodded, shifting to meet her gaze. “Any thoughts?”
“A beach resort on the holodeck?” Beverly lifted an eyebrow. “Alone?”
“Tempting. Evening walks by the water.” He thought for a moment, “Horseback riding along the beach…”
“Lazy afternoons alone together in a cabana with some sort of drink…” She cuddled closer to him. “And of course close enough in case Will and Starfleet need any more information on the archeological dig.”
“Of course.” He pressed a kiss against the side of her head. “We’ll go after you’re cleared by Sick Bay in the morning.”
“Perfect.” Untangling herself, she stood and gazed down at him. “Bed?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Tired?”
“Been a long day.” Her lips twitched, “despite the enforced rest in Sick Bay.”
“You never rest in Sick Bay.” He stood and slid an arm around her waist, moving her toward the bedroom. “You’re too busy observing everyone and everything to relax unless you’re completely sedated.”
“Which they didn’t get a chance to do today.” Beverly replied smugly. “Too many reports for Starfleet that I needed to be part of.”
“And they’re all completed and transmitted.” Unfastening her robe, he slid it off her shoulders and set it to the side as she gingerly slid under the covers. “Comfortable?”
“Mmm.” As he joined her and slid his arm around her waist, she sighed and shifted, pressing back against him. “Beach tomorrow?”
“I promise, cherie.” He chuckled. “And we won’t let Deanna anywhere near the programming.”
“That would be for the best.” Beverly smiled serenely, “she’s just lucky we’re the forgiving sort.”
He remained silent for a moment, then shook his head with a chuckle. “You did something to her replicator, blocking all chocolate retrieval, didn’t you.”
“Only the one in her quarters for the next week. We have an agreement that office replicators are off limits, as is Ten Forward, although I might have mentioned something to Guinan.” With a soft laugh, she rested one bandaged hand on top of his. “She promised no more planning trips for us.”
“Good.” Jean-Luc rested his chin on her shoulder and kissed her cheek. “Sleep, cherie.”
“You too.” With another sigh, she closed her eyes and obeyed.