The Satisfaction Of Wanting.

                       Doctor Beverly Crusher settled into the soft sofa, toed off her boots and planted her feet on the low table, crossing her ankles. Emitting a long sigh, she sipped her cabernet sauvignon, leaned back and closed her eyes.

Her companion watched with a developing frown, however he sighed softly, raising his eyebrows and shaking his head, an amused ghost of a smile gracing his classical features.

Of all the people on his magnificent Starship…nine hundred in all, no one but Beverly Crusher would even consider putting their stockinged feet on his coffee table. His smile growing slightly, he sat back and sipped his wine, resting an arm along the back of the couch, his eyes resting on the beautiful red head beside him.

“Long day?”

The Doctor guided the glass to her lips and took a long sip.

“Hmm.”

He sighed and closed his eyes.

“Me too.”

They were silent for a while before Beverly stirred.

“What’s for dinner?”

He grinned in silent amusement; Beverly’s appetite was the stuff of legends. How she could put away such enormous amounts of food yet stay so tantalisingly slim was a mystery.

“When I can be bothered to get up, I had intended to order fillet mignon with scalloped potatoes and young beans in a hollandaise sauce, followed by a light lemon sorbet.”

Beverly arched her back and settled further into the cushions.

“Mmm, sounds delicious. So when did you say you’d order?”

Chuckling, Jean-Luc Picard leaned forward, swallowing the remainder of his wine. He placed his glass on the table and got wearily to his feet.

“I take it if I don’t replicate immediately, you’ll pass out or something.”

Her eyes cracked open and she raised a lazy hand and beckoned with her finger. Intrigued, the Captain of the Starship Enterprise leaned down to his CMO, his eyes warm and twinkling.

“Actually I won’t pass out…but I may bite you. There are parts of you that look absolutely delectable.”

Clearing his throat, he straightened and snorted.

“You, my dear Doctor, are incorrigible.”

Beverly snickered and sipped again, closing her eyes and contenting herself to listen as he moved to the replicator.

She heard his deep gentle baritone as he placed the order then sighed as he began to put the dishes and accoutrements on the table.

She smiled softly when he said gently,

“Are you coming to the table, or shall I bring your meal to you over there?”

Adopting Jean-Luc’s actions, she drained her glass and rose, picking up both glasses and the bottle and sauntering over to the dining table. She took a moment to admire the tasteful setting and bestowed a warm smile on her companion as he ushered her into her chair with gentlemanly good manners.

They ate in companionable silence and, over dessert; Beverly decided to bring up a rather contentious subject. Taking a mouthful of sorbet, she swallowed and pointed with her spoon.

“Thirty-eight hours Jean-Luc.”

He looked up and frowned.

“I beg your pardon?”

Giving a look of disbelief, Beverly elaborated.

“I leave in thirty-eight hours. There’s still time for you to change your mind.”

He frowned and devoted his attention to his dessert. Not fooled in the least, Beverly risked his displeasure by pursuing the matter.

“Why don’t you come with me Jean-Luc? You know you want to.”

He lowered his head and placed his spoon beside the bowl with great deliberation. Taking a large breath, he gathered his patience and looked up.

“You know as well as I how difficult it is for me to get away, and considering you’re going for five weeks…it’s virtually impossible.”

The Doctor’s lips thinned and she snorted.

“That’s bullshit and you know it! You’re the Captain for God’s sake. If you want to take leave…take it! I know for a fact you’ve got innumerable days owing…it’s about time you availed yourself of a few.”

He shook his head and wiped his mouth with his serviette.

“It’s out of the question! I told you the first, second and third time and I’m telling you again…I’m not going.”

Beverly sat back and folded her arms defiantly.

“You can be so bloody minded! Tell me why.”

Exasperated, he threw down his napkin and rose, going to the replicator. Over his shoulder he barked,

“I already have…several times!”

He ordered a pot of coffee and two mugs. Picking up the tray, he walked stiffly to the sofa and sat, hoping that was the end of the matter. The problem was he did want to go, but such was his intense love for Beverly, he couldn’t trust himself to be in close proximity to her for any extended time…and ensconced in a remote cabin on an out of the way planet was a recipe for disaster. He had offered to take their already deep friendship to a more intimate level and she’d turned him down. A proud and sensitive man, he was not about to leave himself open for more hurt by pursuing something she didn’t want. The trouble was if he was alone with her on the planet, that's probably what he would do. He couldn’t help it, he’d been in love with her for thirty years and he knew his heart would overrule his head. No, it was better this way, painful, but infinitely better than risking losing her friendship, something he cherished dearly.

However Beverly was not cognizant of all that…or was she?

She rose from the dining table and walked slowly over to the sofa, her eyes trying to gauge his mood. She sat next to him and remained silent as he poured the coffee. He sat stiffly, blowing on the brew before taking a tentative sip and closing his eyes in appreciation. She refrained from picking up her cup; instead she shuffled closer to him, one hand coming to rest on his thigh. He stiffened even more and cleared his throat.

“Come on Jean-Luc…it’ll be fun.”

He shook his head brusquely.

“I don’t think so.”

With her free hand, she stroked his face.

“Come on…we could go on long walks and swim or maybe just sit by the fire and read. Maybe we could…fool around.”

He’d had enough. His feelings for this woman were too deep to allow her to mercilessly tease him. Slamming his cup down and spilling the contents, he stood abruptly and glowered down.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? Jesus Beverly you cannot keep playing with me like this. I offered you something more and you turned me down…why do you persist with these cruel games?”

She stood and fisted her hands on her hips.

“You arrogant, pompous blow hard! Did it ever occur to you that after all these months I might have changed my mind? How is that a man reputed to be so intelligent can be so bloody obtuse? I’ve been giving you hints for weeks!”

His eyes blackened and his face hardened.

“Hints? You mean all your snide innuendoes and smutty gibes? I’ve been putting up with that for years from you. How the hell was I supposed to tell the difference? And anyway, why is it that I am now to run to your beck and call the minute you snap your fingers? Did it ever occur to you that it might be too late, that your ice-maiden routine may have finally put my fire out?”

Her mouth agape, Beverly stepped back, the force of his anger buffeting her.

She lowered her head and stared hard at the floor, his pain filled, angry eyes too much to bear. In a small voice she uttered,

“I’m sorry Jean-Luc…I had no idea.”

She gathered her wits and brushed past him.

“I’ll trouble you no further.”

Just as she got to the doors, his anguished voice carried to her.

“Beverly! Don’t…”

Whatever else he had to say was lost as she went through the doors and they closed. She stood momentarily still, her mind reeling. With a choked sob, she turned and ran to her quarters.

Jean-Luc stared at the doors, numb with shock.

“What have I done? Why did I say those things? She was offering…what? A chance at a new relationship? Intimacy?”

He sat heavily on the sofa and slowly lowered his head into his hands.

“Oh Picard you fool! You damned stupid fucking fool!”

                  Once in her quarters, Beverly went into her bedroom, undressed and donned a nightie. She then sat at her dressing table and brushed her hair, her mind trying to come to grips with what had just happened.

“He doesn’t love me anymore. I’ve finally pushed him too far. I turned him down, then I teased…but that was all in good fun, wasn’t it? He always laughed…blushed…he’s such fun to tease…oh God why didn’t I see what it was doing to him? Why did I play so damned hard to get?”

She replaced the brush by feel, her eyes staring off into space. With absent movements she went to the bed, turned down the covers and slid between the sheets.

“Lights off.”

In the darkness tears welled in her eyes.

“I can’t believe this! He waited so long and now I’m ready only to find my own nasty tongue has soured him. Oh God…what am I going to do now? I want him…so badly…”

She turned over and grabbed the second pillow, hugging it to her breast.

“I am such a bitch.”

                   Jean-Luc made his preparations for bed in a similar manner. He went through his routine, undressing, putting on his satin shorts before going to the bathroom. He washed his hands and crawled into bed; amazed at how desolate his voice sounded when he ordered the lights off. He sighed and turned onto his side, scrunching the blankets.

“She’ll never forgive me. Somehow I’ve got to learn how to live without her in my life. Mon Dieu c’est impossible! I will die inside.”

He closed his eyes and two tears slipped free. Sleep would not occur this night.

                  The next morning, before going on duty, Beverly sat at her desk in her quarters and recorded a message. Downloading it onto an isolinear chip, she stood and tossed in thoughtfully in her hand.

“If this doesn’t work I’m damned. Computer, location of Counsellor Troi.”

“Counsellor Troi is passing junction 2E, deck five saucer section.”

Nodding to herself, Beverly was tempted to call the Captain, but she knew he wouldn’t want to hear from her so she clenched her jaw and exited her quarters.

               Jean-Luc sat at his dining table staring at its bare top. He was freshly showered and shaved; his uniform was crisp and clean yet he felt like hell incarnate. Without his usual breakfast companion he had no appetite. That, on top of his sleepless night made his eyes scratchy, his body weary and his heart heavy. He pushed away his melancholy thoughts and savagely suppressed his aching heart. He was on his feet and out the door before he even realised it.

                   Deanna Troi, ship’s Counsellor and best female friend of Beverly Crusher, had just sat at her desk when her office door chimed. Her empathic senses told her who was outside, but the turmoil, and the desperate attempt to conceal it, distressed her.

“Come in.”

Beverly entered and smiled wanly.

“Good morning Deanna.”

The Counsellor frowned and stood.

“What’s wrong Beverly?”

Closing her eyes, Beverly pinched the bridge of her nose. In a quiet voice she said,

“I don’t want to go into it Dee. Will you do something for me?”

Knowing the futility of trying to get Beverly to talk about something she didn’t want to, Deanna nodded.

“Of course.”

Beverly stepped up to her and reached for her hand, turning it over and placing the chip on her palm.

“I leave at fourteen hundred tomorrow. After I’ve gone, will you give this to the Captain please?”

Deanna nodded solemnly, her free hand closing over Beverly’s. She knew something of significance had happened, something bad, but until Beverly was willing to talk about it she would be in the dark. She allowed her mind to stretch, seeking the thread of consciousness that was Jean-Luc Picard. What she sensed made her wince. He was tightly closed, cold and full of despair. Her sympathetic black eyes settled on her friend.

“Is there anything I can do?”

Beverly smiled sadly and shook her head.

“No…just look after him while I’m gone. He’ll try to shut you out and shun everybody…don’t let him Dee. I caused this and when I get back I hope to fix it, but for now I think it better we left things alone.”

Deanna nodded and opened her arms, taking Beverly into her embrace. The Doctor allowed the comfort then drew back.

“I’ll see you in the Shuttle Bay tomorrow.”

Deanna frowned.

“What about your send off in the lounge tonight?”
Beverly grimaced.

“No…I don’t think so. Tell Will and the others thanks, but I’m just not up to it. Okay?”

The Counsellor nodded and sighed.

“All right but Will’s going to be really disappointed. He had plans.”

Beverly snorted.

“I’ll bet…usually involving real alcohol and loud jazz. Tell him some other time.”

Deanna went up on tiptoes and kissed Beverly’s cheek.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

                   The Captain spent an hour in the command chair on the bridge before retreating to the Ready Room. For the entire time he was on the Bridge he was sullen and withdrawn. Will Riker, sensing something was wrong, waited until his CO was absent before putting a quiet call to his lover.

“Riker to Troi.”

“Troi here.”

“Deanna I know you have appointments this morning, but can I see you for a few minutes?”

“Yes Will. Give me fifteen minutes. Troi out.”

The big bearded First Officer sat back and scratched his cheek.

In due course Will pressed the chime outside Deanna’s office. Her warm call made him smile.

“Come in Will.”

He grinned as he entered, seeing Deanna had two cups on the low table, coffee for him and hot chocolate for her. He pointed at her drink and shook his head.

“It’s a little early for that isn’t it?”

The Counsellor smiled enigmatically and sipped her drink, sighing with heady appreciation.

“It’s never too early for chocolate. Now…what is it?”

Will frowned and stared at his hands.

“When Captain Picard came onto the Bridge this morning he was not his usual self. He was brusque, morose and withdrawn. Do you know why?”

Deanna sighed and shook her head.

“Not exactly, although Beverly came to see me this morning and she was upset too. Something’s happened between them and my guess is it’s not good.”

The exec ran a hand through his hair.

“But Beverly leaves tomorrow…for five weeks. Surely they won’t part under these circumstances? Look I know we all speculate just as to what is the exact nature of their relationship, but besides all the scuttlebutt we know they’re dear friends. If they’ve had an argument I can’t believe they wouldn’t settle it before Beverly leaves.”

The Counsellor folded her hands in her lap and sighed.

“I’m not so sure. Beverly gave me a chip to give the Captain after she leaves. She said to me that what has happened was her fault and she intended to fix it when she returned. She asked me to look after Captain Picard while she was gone.”

Will stood and paced in front of the table.

“Dee I’m not happy with this at all. In the mood the Captain’s in…if he stays true to form, he won’t eat properly, he won’t get much sleep and he’ll spend most of his time brooding in the Ready Room. He’ll ignore the rest of us and immerse himself in work. There’s got to be something we can do.”

Deanna stood and gripped Will’s elbow, stopping his restless pacing.

“Will you know him as well as me. If he won’t let me help him then there’s absolutely nothing I can do…that is unless his work suffers, then I have the option of either ordering him to Sickbay or relieving him of duty.”

The big man snorted.

“Hell Dee…it won’t come to that! Do you think it would do any good for me to talk to Beverly? She knows him better than all of us…she must know what he’ll do in her absence if they part like this.”

Deanna shook her head.

“No Will it would be best if you left her alone. She’s really upset…she doesn’t even want the send off tonight. Let the dust settle…maybe the chip will have something the Captain needs to hear. Perhaps after he’s heard it things might settle down.”

Will nodded and chewed his cheek.

“Okay but I’ve got a feeling this is going to be a very trying five weeks.”

Deanna reached up and took his shoulders, turning him towards the door then gently slapping his behind.

“Off with you Will Riker. I’ll see you tonight.”

His chuckle hung in the air.

                    That night was not easy for either Beverly or Jean-Luc. The Captain had stayed on duty until oh three thirty before giving in to sore muscles and straying concentration. He made his way to his quarters, replicated a sandwich and fell asleep on the sofa, the meal half finished.

Beverly too worked until late, retiring only when Deanna, suspicious of her habits, called down and all but ordered her to her cabin. Both people had an unpleasant rest, uneasy and fractured.

Jean-Luc was on the Bridge at oh eight fifteen and Will sighed at seeing the dark circles under the man’s eyes. Beverly had the day off so she packed and spent some quiet time in the arboretum, trying to settle her churning emotions.

At ten minutes before the given hour, Beverly made her way to Shuttle Bay two and loaded her bag aboard. She spent some moments doing a pre-flight check then sat in solitude, her eyes on the chronometer.

At precisely fourteen hundred hours she paged the Bridge.

“Bridge this is shuttle Curie requesting clearance to launch.”

Will’s cheerful voice responded.

“Curie this is the Bridge you are clear to go. Have a good time Beverly.”

The Doctor grinned.

“Thank you Bridge. Curie out.”

As she powered up the little vessel, she glanced out the port screen and saw Deanna standing in the bay. Beverly smiled and waved, receiving a grin and a wave in return. As the shuttle exited the great ship, Deanna blew a kiss.

“Stay safe my friend.”

                Jean-Luc sat at his desk in the Ready Room, the communication system open. He listened to Beverly’s departure, his face a stony mask. Once he heard the order to close the bay doors he closed the channel and turned, rising to gaze out his viewport, his eyes soon picking up the tiny ship and he watched as it swung gracefully away from it’s gargantuan parent and set course. He raised a hand and pressed his fingers against the cool, clear aluminium.

“Adieu mon coeur.”

The Enterprise made an effortless leap to warp speed and the shuttle disappeared.

                   Three hours later Deanna came up to the Bridge. She was just going off duty, but she had a service to perform. Will’s eyebrows rose as the petite woman sat beside him and looked worriedly at the Ready Room doors.

“He’s still in there.”

Will sighed.

“Yep. Hasn’t emerged all day. I was kinda hoping he might’ve gone to the Shuttle Bay to see Beverly off, but no luck.”

Deanna frowned and shook her head.

“Have you seen him at all?”

Will stroked his beard.

“Oh yeah, this morning. He spent an hour in the big chair then retreated to his lair. Deanna…he looks like hell.”

The Counsellor pressed her lips together.

“I’m getting very little from him…he’s closed up almost completely.”

“Are you going to see him?”

Deanna looked her lover in the eyes and lifted her chin.

“Yes. I have something to do for Beverly and I think it’s time I tried to get him to talk to me.”

Will raised his eyebrows and puffed out his cheeks.

“Good luck…I’m glad it’s you not me.”

Smiling and trying to exhibit confidence she didn’t feel, Deanna rose and walked over to the Ready Room doors. Over her shoulder she mouthed,

“Wish me luck.”

Will nodded and gave her a ‘thumbs up’.

                 Jean-Luc ignored the first chime. He was staring at the computer screen, not really seeing it; his mind was light years away. The second chime broke through and he scowled, barking,

“Come!”

Deanna entered, respectfully coming to attention in front of his desk. He kept his eyes glued to the monitor, willing his visitor to leave. When she didn’t, he glanced up and said coldly,

“Yes, what is it Counsellor?”

Adopting a parade rest stance, Deanna stared over the top of her Captain’s head.

“Sir I have something for you.”

He sat back and stared icily at her.

“Well?”

Holding her arm out stiffly, she offered the chip.

“Doctor Crusher asked me to give it to you after she left.”

He took the chip and tossed it disdainfully onto the desk.

“Is that all Counsellor?”

Swallowing and fortifying her mental barriers against his cold anger, Deanna shook her head.

“No Captain.”

He placed his hands on the desktop and lowered his already deep voice.

“I am rather busy Counsellor. State your business quickly, then leave.”

Deanna relaxed her stance and looked into his eyes for the first time. What she saw shocked her.

“Captain it is plainly obvious something has happened between you and Beverly and you are very upset. Judging by your appearance and your reactions to past problems with the Doctor, my guess is that you’re not eating or sleeping sufficiently. Although it is my duty to monitor your health, I would like to offer you the opportunity to talk privately about what’s troubling you before it becomes necessary for me to become involved in a professional capacity. I wish to remind you Sir, I will order you to Sickbay if I feel it’s called for and I won’t hesitate to remove you from duty if I see the need.”

He looked down at the desk and fisted his hands.

“So you’re giving me an ultimatum? Talk to you privately or suffer the consequences? May I remind you Counsellor that I am still the Captain of this vessel and I will not be dictated to by you or anyone else. Whatever has occurred between Doctor Crusher and me is my business and I’ll thank you to mind yours. If and when I feel the need to talk, I’ll let you know. In the interim I would ask you to attend to your duties and leave me alone. Is that clear?”

Deanna frowned down at her Captain and gritted her teeth.

“Perfectly Sir.”

His dark glittering eyes never leaving hers, he said quietly,

“Dismissed.”

Once back out on the Bridge, Deanna took a large breath and caught Will’s questioning eye. With a shake of her head, she left the Bridge.

                   It took Beverly two days to reach Kalara II. She landed the shuttle and exited with her bag, the bright sunshine making her squint. She made her way into the reception area and registered with her thumbprint. After a short wait, an aide welcomed her and guided her to a hover car. She took her seat and waited while her bag was loaded then the vehicle took off for a three and a half hour journey to her accommodation. The aide noted her silence and stifled his glib spiel, allowing her to doze. It was the gentle bump of landing that woke her and she smiled as her eyes cleared. Before her was a chalet made of native timber, glass and stone. Nestled against a rock bluff, it faced the east and consisted of walls of glass interspersed with wood and stone. Beverly rose from the hover car a little stiffly and slowly pirouetted, taking in the snow-peaked mountains, the nearby river and the thick bush that grew up to the cleared area of the dwelling. Her patient aide picked up her bag and gestured grandly. They entered the chalet and he showed her around, explaining the features and showing her all the hidden technology. When they walked out onto the back deck, Beverly leaned against the railing looking down into the bluest pool she’d ever seen. Her aide grinned.

“It’s heated.”

Beverly smiled and the aide held out his hand.

Here’re your codes. If you need anything simply contact the reception building. As I explained, in case of emergency, press any one of the red buttons situated throughout the chalet and someone will transport to your location immediately. Have a nice stay Ms. Crusher.”

Beverly thanked the young man and stayed on the deck until she heard the hover car take off. Then she ambled into the living area and stood still, listening to the silence. Sighing, she went to unpack.

                Three days after Beverly’s departure Jean-Luc still hadn’t played the chip. It sat now on the desk in his quarters, ignored. The trouble was Jean-Luc didn’t want to listen to it…he was afraid of what he might hear. Did she intend to resign? Was it castigation for his behaviour? Was it to tell him she never wanted to see him again?

He sat in his favourite chair and cast a wary glance across the room. Grunting with discontent, he turned his attention back to his meal. The light chicken salad felt like sawdust in his mouth but, although he had admonished his Counsellor, he was under no illusions as to her determination to carry out her threats. To that end he decided the only way to forestall her was to eat and sleep to her satisfaction, at least as best he could under the circumstances.

As it was quite late, after he finished his meal he disposed of the remains and went to change for bed. In minutes he was under the covers but struggled to find sleep. After an hour and a half of tossing and turning he threw back the quilt and brusquely exited his bed, stalking into his living area and finding himself standing over his desk, staring at the damned chip. With an irritated sigh…and some trepidation, he sat down and loaded the chip into his computer. When Beverly’s face appeared, he closed his eyes in pain.

“My dearest Jean-Luc…where do I start? You and I have been friends…best friends for more years than I care to admit. I remember clearly the first time we met, after Jack had inundated me with stories about his illustrious Captain and I expected you to be quite different to what I found. You were not the hard, calculating Starfleet officer I thought you’d be, although you did try to project that sort of image…no, you were, under the carefully constructed façade you hid behind, a sensitive and gentle man, dedicated to your career and Starfleet and totally bonded to my husband. For two men who were not related…my God you were like brothers and I was so happy Jack’s Captain was such a good friend. Then slowly, over a period of time I became your friend too. It came as a shock to me on Kess Prytt to find that you fell in love with me almost from the first time we met, but now, in the fullness of time, I realise I harboured deep feelings for you too. After Jack died and we drifted apart I still thought of you, there was always a place for you in my heart and when I joined the Enterprise so many years later those feeling s were still there.

“Jean-Luc when I said we should be afraid I was speaking from a position of uncertainty. I was in love with you then, as now, but I was confused. I know my acid tongue has caused you pain and I deeply regret that, as I’ve told you, you’re not the first to suffer from my particularly poor sense of humour.

So what am I trying to say? First I’m sorry. Sorry for not trusting you with my heart and for hurting you. And second I want you to know I love you and if you could find it in your heart to forgive me, then when I get back, perhaps we can try to find out just where our hearts will lead us.

That’s it my love.

I will think of you constantly until I return.

Beverly.”

Jean-Luc slowly blinked away his tears and reverently touched his fingertips to Beverly’s image.

“Mon coeur there is nothing to forgive.”

Standing abruptly, he strode to his bedroom and proceeded to dress in civilian clothes. He was about to embark on a very important mission.

                    Jean-Luc stopped outside his intended destination and rested his bag at his feet. He asked in a soft voice,

“Computer what is the time?”

“Two fifty eight hours.”

He sighed and briefly closed his eyes. Lifting his hand, he pressed the chime.

Both occupants in the bed stirred and the man grunted.

“Was that the door?”

His companion hummed and lifted her head. Sleepily she asked,

“Computer who is at our door?”

“Captain Jean-Luc Picard.”

Will sat up and was half out of the bed when Deanna’s hand gripped his arm.

“He might be here to see me.”

The naked man grunted and stood, reaching for his robe.

“And he just as likely wants to see me. We should both go.”

In silence Will waited for Deanna to don her robe then they both walked into the living area, calling for lights as they went. At the door, Will cast a look at his lover and, receiving a nod of consent, opened the door.

“Captain.”

Jean-Luc looked from one officer to the other and lowered his head. Softly he said,

“I apologise for waking you both but I needed to see you Number One.”

Deanna slipped her hand into Will’s and gently squeezed it.

“I’ll go back to bed.”
Jean-Luc offered a brief smile as an apology and waited until the Counsellor left.

Will noticed the packed bag at the Captain’s feet and raised his eyebrows.

“Going somewhere Captain?”

Jean-Luc sighed and nodded. Will turned back into his quarters and gestured for Jean-Luc to follow him. Both men sat in the lounge and Will curbed his curiosity while the Captain gathered his thoughts.

“Will I’m taking some leave, effective immediately.”

Will simply nodded and Jean-Luc continued.

“I’m taking the yacht and I’ll be gone four weeks…if I’m lucky. If not I’ll be back in eight days. The Enterprise will be charting the Ferris expanse for the next six weeks so there should be no problems with my absence, however if you need me, I’ll be on Kalara II.”

Will sat back, hiding his triumphant smile. Keeping his voice even and an innocent look on his face, he asked casually,

“Kalara II? Isn’t that where Beverly went?”

Jean-Luc’s cold stare sobered the younger man. He sat up and adopted a more professional approach.

“Very good Captain, I’ll amend the logs and change the roster to reflect the change. Would you like me to detail a crewman to ready the Calypso?”

With a shake of his head, Jean-Luc stood.

“No that won’t be necessary. Who has command of the Bridge at this hour?”

Will frowned and scratched his beard.

“Ah that would be Lieutenant Farrund.”

Jean-Luc offered a small smile.

“And I take it the Lieutenant will be able to handle my departure?”

Will chuckled.

“Well she’ll be a little shocked, but I think she can handle it Sir.”

The Captain nodded and turned for the door.

“Very good Commander I’ll be off. Take care of my ship; I’ll rendezvous with you within the expanse on my return. I’ll send the coordinates at a later date.”

Grinning slyly behind his Captain’s back Will couldn’t resist one small dig.

“Yes Sir…Beverly was going to do the same thing.”

Jean-Luc paused momentarily in his step but recovered and exited Will’s quarters. As soon as the doors closed, Deanna came out and sidled up to her lover.

“Well?”

Will’s grin widened.

“He’s off to find Beverly.”

Deanna smiled, her black eyes sparkling.

“Thank the Gods…it’s about time. Did he say anything?”

Will shook his head, but the grin remained.

“Nope but he’s very preoccupied. My guess is there may be some fireworks, but if he plays his cards right, this may all come out all right.”

Deanna took his hand and led him back to the bedroom. Over her shoulder she said,

“Well I certainly hope so…they’ve waited long enough. The attraction between them has been so obvious for so many years…and the sexual tension they exuded, by the sacred chalice of Rixx, you could’ve reignited a dead star! How on Earth they resisted it is a mystery.”

Calling for the lights to extinguish, the couple doffed their robes, climbed into bed and settled down. Will’s soft chuckle caused Deanna to rise on her elbow.

“What’s so funny?”

“Maybe they didn’t.”

“Maybe they didn’t what?”

Will turned onto his side and stared up at the Counsellor.

“Maybe they didn’t resist the urge. What if this trouble they’ve had is about sex?”

Deanna sighed and gently slapped Will’s chest.

“They haven’t had sex, believe me I’d know. Not only would I sense the change, but Beverly would’ve eventually told me. One of her greatest curiosities is how the Captain would be in bed. Her theory is that a man possessed of such deep passions and legendary control would be a consummate lover. She often wondered what it would take for him to lose his control.”

Will snorted and put his hands behind his head.

“Why is it you women always take a romantic view. I don’t think he’d be that good, hell, he’s so out of practice; I mean when was his last time? Nella Darren? That was months ago. No…he’s such a bloody gentleman he’d probably ask permission to put it in. He’ll never satisfy Beverly, she needs someone with hot blood.”

Deanna huffed and flopped down beside him.

“You’re forgetting something Will…he’s French. They’re renowned for their sexual abilities.”

Will made a rude noise and rolled over, pressing his body down on the petite woman.

“So what? I don’t believe that bullshit about the French anyway. Everyone knows for real satisfaction you require an Alaskan man.”

Deanna sniggered and bit his earlobe.

“And why would an Alaskan man be better at sex than a Frenchman?”

“Because…”

He kissed her passionately and grabbed her hands, pinning them to the pillow.

“…we have to spend so much time indoors. You have to amuse yourself somehow.”

Deanna’s laughter turned into a moan of desire.

                     Jean-Luc went through the pre-flight check then called the Bridge.

“Bridge this is Captain Picard aboard the Calypso requesting permission to launch.”

There was a momentary silence before a female voice responded.

“Captain Picard there is no launch scheduled for the Calypso Sir.”

The Captain sighed.

“I am aware of that Lieutenant. Check your board, I have lodged my flight plan.”

Again there was a hiatus, quickly followed by,

“Aye Captain. Helm bring us out of warp. Sir you are free to launch.”

Smiling with grim satisfaction, Jean-Luc replied,

“Thank you Bridge. Picard out.”

              Beverly woke, but lay still, keeping her eyes shut. The filtered light from the drapes crossed the room, straddling the bed in a stripe. Relying on her sense of smell, the Doctor concentrated on ‘seeing’ her environment through closed eyes. She could smell the wood of the building, the still smouldering ashes in the hearth, the dregs of sherry in the small glass on the side table and the selection of fresh fruit sitting in a bowl atop the dining table in the lounge.

Smiling to herself, she stretched and yawned. With some reluctance she opened her eyes and slowly rose, leaving the bed and spending twenty minutes doing a series of limbering exercises on a rug on the floor of her bedroom. After a leisurely shower, she emerged in a bathing suit and short silk robe, sauntering into the kitchen where she prepared a simple breakfast of assorted fruit and coffee.

While the morning sun warmed the air, she settled onto a lounge beside the pool with a book, intent on reading. She dozed off within the hour.

The short nap was ended by the noisy bird life. Now the sun was higher, the temperature increased exponentially and creatures of all sorts were making use of the warmth. Strange furry animals descended from the trees to forage, causing the riotously coloured birds to complain loudly.

With great amusement, Beverly watched the antics of the wild life before dropping her robe on the lounge and diving into the pool. She swam a few laps then floated, completely relaxed. As was often the case when she allowed her mind to wander, it went to thoughts of Jean-Luc Picard.

“What are you doing now? Have you listened to the chip?”

With a slight loss of equilibrium, water encroached over her face. She took a large breath through her nose and regained her buoyancy.

“I wonder if you’ll accept me my Captain? Will you forgive me? Will you let me into your life…share yourself with me, without reservation? Will you ever let down your guard completely…let me see your heart, your soul? Because if you can’t, if you won’t give all of yourself to me it won’t work. If you’ll have me, you’ll get all of me, I’ll hold nothing back, but one of the things that’s always scared me about you is that you’ve always hidden behind a carefully constructed façade, built to protect yourself from hurt. But you can’t be open to love while taking shelter within a walled heart. It has to be all or nothing my Captain…can you do that? Can you love me that much?”

After another ten minutes of relaxed floating, the Doctor exited the pool and wandered inside to find some lunch.

                Having set the course and speed and activating the autopilot, Jean-Luc retreated to the sumptuously appointed lounge of his private craft. He played the chip again then sat back in his comfortable chair, allowing his mind to wrestle with the implications.

“So…Beverly loves me.”

He smiled wistfully and sighed.

“I wonder how she’ll take me turning up? She might be happy about it, after all she did want me to accompany her…but on the other hand she might not be ready to see me. She may need some time to settle her thoughts.”

His smile faded and he crossed his legs, folding his arms across his chest.

“However…if she is happy to see me, and I can stay…what then? How will this work? How does one instigate an intimate relationship with one’s best friend?”

He abruptly stood and began to slowly pace, the fingers of his right hand gently rubbing his lower lip.

“What does she want from me? Something casual? A lifetime commitment? And for that matter, what do I want? What do I expect from her?”

With distracted exasperation he ran a hand over his bald head.

“Oh God…this could be so complicated.”

               The elegant Calypso entered orbit around Kalara II and Jean-Luc paused in his piloting to consider his options. He knew someone in the planetary administration would soon be contacting him and he had to make up his mind as to what direction he should go. In reality he had only two choices. Either try to book a cabin close to Beverly’s…unlikely seeing she’d chosen something in a remote region…or refuse offers of accommodation and scan for Beverly’s comm badge and transport down to her location. He sighed and sat back, shaking his head.

“Well fortune favours the brave”,

He muttered.

He nodded and was inputting directions in the computer just as the planet hailed him.

“Ship in orbit, please identify yourself.”

His eyebrows rose and he debated quickly whether or not to reveal his true identity. He knew his name was well known and he wished to avoid any fuss. Tabbing open a channel, he keep his voice even.

“Kalara this is the private yacht Calypso. I intend to beam down to visit a friend.”

The man facing him on the monitor screen was unimpressed.

“This is Mark Webber, director of interstellar traffic. To whom am I speaking?”

Frowning at his efforts to avoid that particular question, Jean-Luc gritted his teeth.

“This is…John Packard.”

“I see. And tell me Mr.Packard…just who do you wish to visit?”

Bristling slightly, the Captain glared at the monitor.

“May I ask what business is that of yours?”

The smile on the director’s face was unctuous.

“We guard our guest’s privacy well Mr.Packard. It would be inappropriate for you to simply…beam down. If you would let me know who you wish to visit, I will contact them and perhaps gain permission.”

Jean-Luc lowered his head and sighed. Knowing he would have to tell the truth, he looked up and ruefully smiled.

“Mr.Webber you have me at somewhat of a disadvantage. My name is not Packard…it’s Picard, Jean-Luc Picard.”

Webber nodded sagely, his eyes twinkling.

“Do tell…Captain Picard. Did you really think I wouldn’t recognise Starfleet’s most famous Captain?”

Jean-Luc closed his eyes briefly and decided he could use this bumptious man to his advantage.

“I apologise Mr. Webber, you are obviously too clever for me. The truth is I’m on official business and I need to speak with one of my officers…someone who is holidaying on your fine planet. Now you understand I cannot divulge their name, that would compromise their cover, however if you would let me scan for them, I can surreptitiously beam down and no one would be the wiser. Of course I would have to rely on your collaboration and discretion.”

Swelling with pride and self-importance, Webber looked around and lowered his voice.

“Secret business…Mr.Packard?”

“Ah…yes.”

Sitting up, the director nodded and adopted a serious demeanour.

“Very well. I will inform my superiors that your visit is sanctioned. You may proceed with your scans and I will direct our probes elsewhere.”
Jean-Luc breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

“Thank you Mr.Webber. I may be here some time, do you wish me to report to you when I leave?”

Lifting his chin and stroking his wispy moustache, the thin man shook his head.

“No Mr.Packard, I’m sure your efforts to keep our galaxy safe are none of my business. Go about your mission, you’ll get no interference from me.”

Jean-Luc lifted his hand, rubbing his chin to disguise his smile. With difficulty he adopted a serious face.

“Thank you Mr.Webber, your efforts in defence of the Federation will not be forgotten. Packard out.”

The monitor blinked off and Jean-Luc sat back and chuckled, shaking his head.

“Beverly’s going to love this.”

               The scan took exactly three minutes. Once he had a location he inputted the coordinates then went aft, picked up his packed bag and made his way to the small transporter pad.

“Computer maintain orbit and initiate security level five. Inform me immediately if anyone tries to board this vessel. Energise.”

He rematerialised in a cleared space in front of the impressive chalet. He turned a small circle, taking in the exotic tall tress, the towering mountains and the nearby river. Inhaling deeply, he blinked in the bright sunshine and looked at the imposing front door.

“Well…no time like the present.”

He strode up to the door, raised a hand and rapped his knuckles on the wood panel. Nothing happened. He could plainly hear the noise of his knocking echoing throughout the rooms, but nobody came to the door. Frowning, his clenched his fist and pounded on the door itself, but still no one answered.

Leaving his bag, he ventured around the side of the dwelling and found he had to climb a rock wall, then scale a wood and wire railing to gain access to the back deck. He took the time required to admire the view of the bluff and the tantalising pool, before going the large glass doors and peering in, his hands surrounding his face to lessen the light. He saw nothing. He knocked and called out, but it was obvious…nobody was home.

Ten minutes later he was back at the front door. He looked forlornly down at his bag, sighed deeply and sank to the ground.

“Oh well, she has to come back sometime. Might as well get some sleep.”

             Beverly was humming softly as she followed the track through the filtered light of the bush. With a posy of wildflowers in her hand, she ambled along somewhat tired and hungry but happy nonetheless. She’d been walking most of the afternoon and was looking forward to a meal and a long soak in the hot tub. As she entered the clearing, her eyes picked out the form slumped against her front door. She stopped and frowned.

“Now who the hell is that?”

Taking cautious steps forward, she squinted and then smiled.

“I’d know that bald head anywhere.”

With quiet steps she approached the sleeping man and stood so her shadow fell across his face. He slept on and Beverly smiled wider. She squatted down and gently stroked his face.

“Hey.”

He jumped and gasped, scrambling to his feet and backing up against the door. Beverly held up her hand and spoke softly.

“Jean-Luc it’s all right…it’s just me.”

He swallowed and blinked several times, steadying his breathing.

“Ah…yes, Beverly…I…I was dreaming. You startled me.”

She smiled and tilted her head.

“So it would seem. Are you okay now?”

He took a large breath and squared his shoulders.

“Yes…yes I’m fine, thank you.”

Beverly nodded and looked down at his bag.

“Are you planning to stay?”

The Captain lowered his head, flushing slightly and pushing his hands deep into his pockets. His voice was low and very deep.

“Actually…that’s up to you.”

Beverly pursed her lips.

“I see. Am I to understand you left the Enterprise and galloped across the sector to see me?”

He looked up and shrugged.

“Yes.”

The Doctor turned and paced slowly in front of the nervous man.

“You simply up and left?”

“Uh huh.”

She stopped her pacing and faced him.

“But wait a minute…it took me two days at maximum warp in the shuttle to reach Kalara. When did you leave the ship?”

Jean-Luc shuffled his feet and looked decidedly uncomfortable.

“Yesterday…early.”

Beverly shook her head.

“Then how the hell..?”

The Captain lifted his head and clenched his teeth.

“I took the Calypso.”

Beverly’s mouth gaped.

“You took the Captain’s yacht? I don’t believe it! You never take the yacht. What did Will say?”

Now becoming somewhat annoyed, Jean-Luc fisted his hands in his pockets.

“Nothing. It wasn’t his place to say anything. I exercised my prerogative as Captain and decided to take some leave. You of all people should be happy with my decision…as my Doctor of course.”

Beverly smiled enigmatically.

“Of course. So…what are your plans?”

Taking his hands out of his pockets, Jean-Luc clasped then in front of himself.

“Well…I was hoping I might, if the offer is still open, spend my leave with you.”

Beverly brushed the toe of her boot through the dirt, lowering her head to hide her smile.

“I see. Well you’re here, I suppose you might at least come in.”

She stepped past him and entered her code. The door swung open and cool air rushed out.

The couple entered and Jean-Luc sighed, gently running a hand over his head and wincing. Beverly heard him and turned, a smile creeping across her face.

“You’re burnt.”

He scowled and shook his head.

“I forgot a hat, but in my defence I didn’t think I’d be sleeping uncovered in the full sun.”

Beverly gestured to a chair and said over her shoulder,

“Take a seat, I have a med kit here somewhere.”

Jean-Luc placed his bag on the floor and sat staring appreciatively around the room. The vaulted ceilings and glass walls allowed a feeling of airiness and space he liked. Beverly soon reappeared and sat on the arm of his chair, a tissue regenerator in her hand.

“Keep still.”

He complied and it took mere seconds to heal the burnt skin. He sighed and looked up at his best friend.

“Thank you.”

Beverly stood and walked into the kitchen.

“No problem.”
Jean-Luc rose and followed her, stopping in the doorway to watch as she went to the cooling unit and took out a jug of clear liquid. She placed this on the table then returned to the unit, retrieving several salad items and cold meat. The Captain ambled over and stood at the table.

“May I help?”

Beverly turned, sucking something from her thumb. She pointed to the cupboards and mumbled around her digit,

“Plates and cutlery.”

While she busied herself making the salad, Jean-Luc searched and found what he wanted. Gently placing his prizes on the table, he returned to the cupboard and found two tall glasses. Pouring from the jug, he lifted his glass and sipped. His eyes widened and he coughed.

“What the hell is this?”

Beverly smiled, while chewing some celery.

“Vodka martini.”

Jean-Luc cast a suspicious look at his glass and frowned.

“What…neat vodka?”

The Doctor shrugged and went on with her preparations.

Once the salad was ready, Beverly placed some cold meat on each plate then gestured for Jean-Luc to serve himself from the salad bowl. As he did this she asked,

“Do you want rolls?”

He shrugged and smiled.

“If you like.”

Nodding absently, Beverly went to the replicator and ordered some crusty Italian rolls and butter. Jean-Luc waited to see where Beverly wanted to eat their meal and was surprised when she sat at the kitchen table. He seated himself and began to eat.

After a while Beverly waved with her knife.

“Keep an eye on the window…we may have a visitor.”

Jean-Luc nodded, but his mind was on his companion. As always he was entranced, her beauty and elegance capturing his attention. When a loud tapping occurred he jumped, turning his head sharply towards the window. There sat an outlandishly coloured bird, studiously pecking at the glass. Beverly rose, opened the window and held out her hand, some breadcrumbs offered. The bird cocked its head and observed her with a wise expression, its clear black eyes sparkling with intelligence. The Doctor remained still and cooed,

“Come on I know you’re hungry.”

The bird’s eyes darted to Jean-Luc and he made sure he kept still. Beverly understood and encouraged the life form.

“He won’t hurt you…come on this bread is yummy.”

The bird seemed to come to a decision. It hoped onto Beverly’s hand and pecked gently at the crumbs, not stopping until her hand was empty.

“There you go. That’s enough now…you go and find some natural food now.”

The bird sat up and ruffled its feathers before suddenly taking off with a raucous squawk. Beverly laughed and turned to her Captain.

“It’s been coming by this time every afternoon. It’s tame isn’t it?”

Jean-Luc smiled.

“Indeed it is.”

Beverly refilled their glasses and flicked her head.

“Come on let’s go sit out on the deck.”

Jean-Luc stood and nodded.

“You go, I’ll just be a minute.”

Beverly smiled and wandered outside, settling in one of the comfortable deck chairs. When Jean-Luc joined her he was wearing a broad brimmed hat. Beverly chuckled and nodded.

“Very wise. It’s hot now, but once the sun goes down it gets down right cold.”

Jean-Luc sat and toed off his boots. Sighing he leaned back and tentatively sipped his drink.

After a companionable silence Beverly asked,

“How did you get to my location? The resort director assured me I would have absolute privacy.”

Jean-Luc chuckled and described his run in with the redoubtable Mark Webber. Beverly sat up, her face a study of frank disbelief.

“Whoever you are…show yourself and give me back my Captain.”

Jean-Luc frowned.

“I beg your pardon?”

Beverly took a hefty sip and wagged her finger at him.

“You can’t be the Jean-Luc Picard I know.”

She counted on her fingers.

“One…you up stakes and took leave. Two…you took the Captain’s yacht…and three…now you’re telling me you lied to a planetary official to pursue a private matter. Like I said…who the hell are you and what have you done with Jean-Luc?”

He scowled but couldn’t maintain it. His face crumpled into a grin and he shrugged.

“You’re right I suppose, but you know what? It feels good to do something different!”

The both laughed and settled again into silence. Finally finished his potent drink, Jean-Luc placed the glass on the deck and sighed. His voice when he spoke was very soft.

“Beverly?”

She stretched languidly and replied,

“Hmm?”

“I’m very sorry for what I said…I didn’t mean it.”

She turned her head and watched him.

“What didn’t you mean Jean-Luc?”

He sighed again and closed his eyes.

“That I didn’t love you any more…that I wasn’t aware of your…hints.”

Beverly sat up and caught her hair in her hands, pulling it back over her shoulder.

“You’re not the only one who should apologise Jean-Luc. My behaviour these last months has been reprehensible. I knew what I was doing, but not what it was doing to you. I should have simply told you how I felt and allowed us to see where it took us. Instead I baited you, I teased you unmercifully and in the process I hurt you. I’m sorry Jean-Luc…can you forgive me?”

He stood slowly and went to stand at the railing, his back to her. Beverly rose and came to stand behind him.

“Jean-Luc?”

His hands gripped the timber capping and his head was lowered. In a deep husky voice he managed,

“There is nothing to forgive Beverly. There never was.”

Her hands settled on his hips and she rested her chin on his shoulder.

“Then why are you so sad?”

He turned slowly and looked deeply into her eyes.

“Because I have been such a fool. Beverly you have been a precious jewel in my life for so many years, yet I allowed a moment’s frustration to jeopardise our friendship. I lashed out and attacked you…venting my pain and almost ruining what we have. Can you forgive me?”

Beverly slowly raised her hands and cradled his face. Closing her eyes briefly, she shook her head.

“Oh Jean-Luc what fools we’ve both been. Of course I forgive you…for God’s sake it was my fault it happened! Look it’s really quite simple. Do you love me?”

He nodded solemnly.

“Yes…with all that I am.”

She smiled, her eyes sparkling.

“Well I love you with equal measure. All we have to do now…is work it out.”

He sighed and frowned.

“Work it out? I’ve been thinking about that. It could be very complicated Beverly.”

She grinned.

“It needn’t be. We’re both adults…two people who know their own minds…surely we can work out a simple thing like a relationship?”

He snorted and shook his head.

“A simple thing? A relationship between you and me? Simple?”

Beverly stepped back and fisted her hands on her hips.

“Yes!”

Seeing her annoyance he sighed.

“Beverly have you given this any thought? How the hell does one make love to one’s best friend?”

The Doctor stepped further back and frowned.

“Well you…you…Christ Jean-Luc I don’t know…you just do it!”

He stepped up to her, a sardonic grin in place.

“See? Not so simple.”

Beverly rubbed her brow and scowled.

“Why the hell do you have to be so bloody complicated?”

With that she turned and stalked back into the chalet. Jean-Luc watched her, shaking his head.

“Simple? Not on your life Beverly.”

                 He stayed outside for another half an hour before venturing inside. Beverly was nowhere to be seen although he spotted her posy sitting in a small vase in the lounge. Taking the opportunity to explore, he wandered through the rooms, avoiding the closed door of Beverly’s bedroom. He was disturbed to find hers was the only bedroom. He went back to the living area, opened his bag and extracted a book. Settling into a comfortable chair he began to read.

An hour later, Beverly finally emerged. She was dressed in a light blue jumper and leggings, her feet covered by sheepskin slippers. Her hair was wrapped in a soft towel and her skin glowed pink, courtesy of the long soak in the hot tub. She stood in the doorway of her bedroom watching the reading man.

“This may prove to be very interesting…and pleasurable.”

She sauntered into the lounge and sat in her favourite chair, picking up her book from the low table. Jean-Luc looked up and smiled but said nothing, returning his eyes to his book.

Beverly read for a while then put her book down and stared absently into the cold hearth of the fireplace.

“Would you like to start a fire?”

The Captain looked up, somewhat startled.

“Pardon?”

Smiling knowingly, Beverly stifled a chuckle and pointed to the hearth.

“A fire Jean-Luc…it’s going to get cold soon and although we have central heating that comes on automatically, the fire is lovely.”

Flushing slightly, Jean-Luc turned his attention to the hearth and took in the pile of kindling and the stack of wood. He turned back to his companion and smiled.

“It would be my pleasure.”

Beverly’s smile widened and she watched with frank appreciation as her Captain left his chair and proceeded to light the fire. Soon there was a cheery blaze growing and Beverly curled her legs under her.

“Would you like to shower before dinner?”

He turned from the fire and nodded.

“Yes that would be nice.”

She pointed over her shoulder.

“My room’s over there, there’s a very well appointed en suite. Help yourself. While you’re gone I’ll programme the replicator for our dinner…any requests?”

He shook his head and smiled.

“No, anything will be fine.”

He bent and retrieved his bag, idly wondering to himself if he would be presumptuous enough to leave it in Beverly’s bedroom.

Beverly waited five minutes before rising and wandering into the kitchen. She programmed the meal but held off on replicating it, opting instead to see if her companion would rather wait a little longer. There was a well-stocked wine rack and she took her time selecting a blended merlot and uncorked it. Taking two glasses, she went back into the lounge and sat, waiting for Jean-Luc. He came silently out into the living room and placed his bag on the floor.

“That feels better.”

She turned and smiled, seeing he was dressed in dark blue trousers and her favourite emerald green shirt. She was amused to see he wore only socks on his feet. She also noticed he’d shaved.

“I didn’t replicate the meal yet…do you mind waiting?”

He shook his head and smiled.

“Not at all, I’m not that hungry.”

Beverly nodded and poured the wine. Jean-Luc picked up his glass and sniffed experimentally. He swirled the liquid and took a small sip, rolling the wine in his mouth. Through all this, Beverly watched, curious as to what his verdict would be. He swallowed and nodded, smacking his lips.

“Not bad…not bad at all.”

He picked up the bottle and studied the label, his eyebrows raised.

“This label has improved. I will keep an eye on them in future.”

Beverly settled into her chair and sipped, her eyes never leaving her companion.

The Captain was content to sip his wine, watching the fire. Over an hour they finished the bottle with very little conversation. Beverly eventually rose and stretched.

“Where would you like to eat dinner?”
Jean-Luc looked across the room and spotted the dining table.

“What about over there?”

The Doctor nodded and smiled.

“Want to give me a hand?”

He was on his feet immediately.

“Of course.”

Together they walked into the kitchen and between them, brought the dishes to the table. Jean-Luc selected another bottle of wine, this time a cabernet sauvignon and carried it, an opener and two fresh glasses to the table.

Beverly had chosen lamb steaks with seasonal spring vegetables and baby potatoes. Jean-Luc poured the wine and shook out his serviette, placing it over his thigh.

“This looks delicious Beverly, thank you.”

She nodded silently and began to eat. Her continued reserved attitude was troubling Jean-Luc but he decided to let her set the tone. He knew she would tell him what was on her mind…eventually.

After the main meal Beverly rose and went back into the kitchen, soon returning with a tray. Instead of coming to the table, she went to the lounge suite by the fire.

“I thought we’d have dessert over here.”

Jean-Luc joined her and smiled warmly when she invited him to sit with her on the sofa. She handed him a bowl and spoon and Jean-Luc couldn’t contain a chuckle when he saw just what his dessert was.

“Crème caramel. You remembered.”

Beverly grinned and took a spoonful, slipping it into her mouth and closing her eyes with pleasure.

“As long as I’ve known you, your favourite dessert has been crème caramel.”

He sighed and tasted his own.

“Mmm. It’s my mother’s fault. She found I had a soft spot for it and she made a superb example of it, so whenever she wanted me to do something I wasn’t particularly keen on, she’d bribe me with it. Needless to say, I became hooked at an early age.”

Beverly sighed.

“You’re so lucky that your mother cooked. I don’t remember my mother very well, but my grandmother used to tell me she loved to cook. After my parents died, when I was growing up we didn’t have much and when we finally did find our feet, grandma was so busy we relied on a replicator.”

Jean-Luc snorted and frowned.

“Yes my mother cooked and I think she enjoyed it, but it wasn’t by choice, it was my father’s stubbornness. He refused to allow her a replicator; something my pig-headed brother Robert also denied Marie.”

Beverly sighed.

“Families. We can’t do with them and we can’t do without them.”

Suddenly realising what she’d said, she winced and reached for his hand.

“Sorry Jean-Luc…that was very insensitive of me.”

He offered a small smile looked down at their joined hands.

“It’s all right Beverly, it’s not your fault. We’re both on our own now…but I’d like to think of you as my family. At the very least I know I’m not lonely with you in my life.”

Beverly smiled warmly, her eyes glittering suspiciously. Unable to speak she just nodded.

They finished their dessert and lingered over the wine, both settling down with their books. Late into the evening, Beverly uncurled and stretched.

“I’m going to bed Jean-Luc. Are you going to join me?”

There. She’d said it and Jean-Luc was unsure what to do. He put down his book and frowned.

“If it’s all the same to you I’ll stay out here a while longer.”

She nodded and rose slowly, watching him with a certain amount of confusion.

“Okay. Goodnight.”

He summoned a smile and responded.

“Goodnight.”

                Several hours later Beverly woke from a restless doze. Turning over she realised she was still alone and threw back the covers, exiting the bed and padding barefoot out into the living area. By the glow of the dying fire she could see Jean-Luc, seated on the sofa, his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands in the otherwise dim room. She approached slowly, keeping her voice soft.

“Jean-Luc?”

His head rose but otherwise he was still and silent.

“What are you still doing out here?”

She came to stand in front of him and he swallowed as his eyes took in the cut off T Shirt and skimpy panties she wore. He stood slowly and faced her, so close he could feel the warmth of her body. When he spoke his voice was deep and rough.

“I think it would be best if I spent the night on the Calypso.”

There was a moment’s silence before she asked quietly,

“Why?”

He sighed and resisted the urge to touch her face.

“Because I don’t know what to do.”

Beverly shook her head and stepped away.

“I don’t understand.”

Jean-Luc rubbed his forehead and took a large breath.

“Look Beverly…we’ve been best friends for years. I’m having trouble…”

Beverly came to a stop and whirled around, confronting him.

“Listen to me damn it! We love each other…right?”

He nodded.

“Okay. Do you want me…do you want to make love to me?”

He closed his eyes briefly and gritted his teeth.

“Oh God yes.”

Her voice rising, Beverly shouted,

“Then for Christ’s sake do it! You know how don’t you?”

Her acerbic tone made anger surge.

“Don’t take that sarcastic tone with me! You know damn well I know how!”

She stalked back to him and poked him in the chest.

“Then hear this. I’m going back to the bedroom. If you’ve got any balls you’ll follow me and do what I know you’ve wanted to do for years…and were always too frightened to admit!”

She got four metres away before the incensed man moved. With surprising speed he caught her by the arms and pushed her against the wall. His dark eyes glittered with anger and his voice was low and husky.

“You want balls Beverly? Try this!”

He grabbed her T Shirt and ripped it open before taking her head in his hands and kissing her savagely, pressing his body hard against hers and mimicking the actions of his thrusting hips with his tongue in her mouth. Beverly moaned with escalating desire and grabbed his buttocks, pulling him even closer. She tasted blood and was about to tear his shirt from him when he suddenly broke the kiss and stepped back, a look of consternation on his face. Lowering his head and wiping the blood from his mouth he muttered,

“I’m sorry Beverly…I shouldn’t have done that.”

Beverly’s anger spiked. She stepped up to him and fisted her hands in his shirt, screaming at him.

“For fuck’s sake what does it take for you to lose control? Why the hell can’t you just give in to your feelings for once?”

He grabbed her hands and tore them loose. Maintaining a vice-like grip on her wrists he shouted,

“Because I can’t! When I lose control…when I make mistakes there are consequences! People die!”

Beverly leaned forward, her voice still shrill.

“You’re not the bloody Captain now! This is just us! I want you Jean-Luc…my body burns for you but I’ll be damned if I’ll accept second fiddle to your over developed sense of duty. There are times my dear Jean-Luc when you have to be just a man and now is one of those times!”

She quickly wrenched her hands free of his grip and grabbed his shirt, tearing it down the front.

“Do you want me?”

He stepped closer, growling,

“Yes damn you! I ache for you!”

Her voice suddenly soft, she leaned forward until her lips hovered just above his.

“Then take me.”

Something inside him snapped. He gripped her shoulders and kissed her passionately while dragging her to the floor. While he ravaged her mouth he made short work of the torn shirt and panties. Beverly pulled his shirt from him and undid his trousers, slipping her hand inside and freeing his stiff erection. He suddenly left her mouth, descending to her breasts where he took a nipple into his mouth. The Doctor arched under him, her hands rising to grip his shoulders. Driven past the point of restraint, Jean-Luc pushed down his pants and briefs and took his throbbing penis in his hand. Beverly lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist, panting,

“Yes…now…quickly!”

He entered her in one hard thrust and proceeded to pound into her, for the first time in his life, out of control and seeking nothing more than physical and emotional release, the product of years of repressed sexual tension.

Beverly writhed under him, her nails opening the skin of his back. He rose up on his arms and took her hands, pinning them to the floor by her head. Staring down sightlessly, he felt his orgasm rushing over him and quickened his thrusts. Beverly stiffened and shrieked. He was unaware of her climax. With his back whipsawing, he plunged into her and held himself deeply embedded while he jerked and convulsed through his orgasm.

As the sensations waned he collapsed, trying to regain his breath.

After several minutes he raised his head and looked down at his partner. With his voice trembling he called softly,

“Beverly? Are you all right?”

Her eyes opened and she smiled lopsidedly, nodding wearily. In a breathless whisper she managed,

“Wow.”

He had to smile, it was just too absurd.

“Wow indeed.”

She ran a hand over his back and he winced.

“Oh hell…I’m sorry. I’ll fix it for you, want to help me up?”

He sighed.
”I suppose lying here on the floor for the remainder of the night is out of the question?”

Beverly giggled.

“Ah…yes. Come on get up and give me a hand.”

He rose slowly until he was kneeling between her legs. He climbed stiffly to his feet and offered a hand, pulling his lover upright. While he stripped off his remaining clothing, Beverly disappeared and by the time he was wandering to the bedroom, she reappeared and took his hand, leading him to the bed. She encouraged him to sit while she climbed onto the bed behind him. He felt the warmth of the tissue regenerator and sighed with relief as he rolled his shoulders.

“Thank you…now it’s your turn.”

Confused, Beverly frowned.

“What?”

He half turned and took the instrument.

“Your lip…it’s split.”

Beverly’s fingers went to her mouth and she gently probed until she found the injury. Wincing, she smiled and winced again.

“Stop that, you’ll only make it bleed. Now stay still.”

It was repaired quickly and they sat quietly, staring at each other. Beverly smiled and leaned forward to kiss him tenderly.

“See, I told you it was simple.”

He snorted and shook his head.

“You’re unbelievable. Come on let’s take a shower and go to bed.”

She nodded and allowed him to lead her into the bathroom, a contented smile on her lips.

                        Sometime later, lying quietly on his back in bed, Jean-Luc sighed and frowned. Beverly, sensing his unease, turned over and rested her head on his shoulder. In a sleepy whisper she asked,

“What’s wrong?”

Letting out a deep breath, the Captain opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling while absently stroking Beverly’s hair.

“Why did you do that to me?”

Beverly rose up on her elbow and looked down into his glittering eyes.

“Do what?”

“Push me over the edge. We could’ve taken our time…explored each other and made the experience more…”

“…romantic?”

“Well yes.”

Beverly sighed and lay back down, snuggling close to his body.

“That’s a little clichéd don’t you think?”

His voice registered his annoyance.

“Perhaps but I’ve been fantasising about making love to you for more years than I care to admit…and nowhere in those very elaborate fantasies was there a situation where I dragged you to the floor and fucked you like a crazed animal. In fact I find my actions repugnant.”

Beverly reached up and gripped his face.

“You really don’t get it do you?”

He growled.

“Get what?”

The Doctor released him and rolled onto her back.

“It was about more than the act Jean-Luc. What I was looking for was an honest reaction…an untainted emotional catharsis…the sex was almost irrelevant…a means to an end if you will.”

She sat up and ran her fingers through her hair.

“I had to find your centre Jean-Luc, the deep private part of you that’s never been let loose…I had to know how you really felt about me.”

He sat up to and gripped her elbow.

“By using mindless, meaningless sex? I don’t understand.”

She turned to him and shook her head.

“It wasn’t meaningless Jean-Luc! I already knew you loved me and I also knew you wanted me, but I needed to know just how much…if I could goad you into losing control, stripping away the urbanity and self imposed standards…and the romantic ideals, maybe I would find out if you really wanted me…all of me, not just a part time lover to assuage your inherent loneliness…and your guilt.”

He let go of her arm and pulled away.

“What guilt? What are you talking about?”

She stared at him and sighed.

“Jack.”

That one word hit him like a hammer. In a strangled whisper he hissed,

“How dare you!”

Beverly rubbed her forehead and shook her head.

“Oh I dare Jean-Luc, in fact I’m the only one who can. Why do you think you were having so much trouble coming to my bed?”

He closed his eyes and bowed his head.

“I told you…you’re my best friend and I was worrying just how to…”

Her voice was soft.

“Bullshit my love. It was Jack; it’s always been Jack. You still blame yourself don’t you.”

His voice was just audible.

“I was his commanding officer…he was my responsibility.”

The Doctor gently lifted his head.

“Did you kill him Jean-Luc?”

He looked into her eyes and shook his head.

“No, not directly…but…”

“No. You didn’t kill him my love it was an accident…you were not to blame and it’s time you started to believe that.”

He sighed and nodded mutely.

“And then there was your guilt over loving your best friend’s wife…even after he died. Don’t you think we’ve grown beyond that? Surely if I can love you without guilt or restraint, then so you can love me the same. Jean-Luc we’ve waited an awfully long time…life’s too short to stuff this up now.”

The Captain slowly reached for her hand and lifted it, gently kissing the inside of her wrist.

“Beverly I want to spend the rest of my life with you…every minute I have left and I’m willing to give you all that I have…are you willing to do the same? Or do you want something different, less…intense?”

Beverly sighed and shook her head.

“I knew if we started an intimate relationship it would be all or nothing Jean-Luc. If you’re willing, I’m in this for the long haul…everything, warts and all.”

He took her into his arms and kissed her tenderly.

“I will make you happy mon coeur, I promise.”

Beverly smiled and stroked his face.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

They settled back under the covers and slipped into sleep, still entwined.

               Early in the morning, with the first light of dawn creeping in through the drapes, Jean-Luc gently caressed his lover’s breast. She had her back to him and he spooned against her, nuzzling into her hair. She sighed and mewed softly, lifting her hand to cover his as it gently kneaded her breast.

“That’s nice.”

He softly bit her shoulder then sucked the skin.

In a hushed whisper he asked,

“Do you have any idea how many times I’ve dreamed of waking up like this with you? In my arms…in my bed.”

He gently pushed his hips against her and she felt his erection. She slowly turned over and sighed as he immediately attacked the column of her neck, kissing and nibbling as he eased her onto her back. He worked his way to her ear and ran his tongue inside it. With a warm breath he informed her,

“I am going to do to you what I’ve fantasised about almost every morning for the past thirty years. I’m going to make love to you and I’m going to take my time. Any objections?”

She gasped as he gently bit her neck and shook her head.

“No…none.”

He smiled and descended to her breasts.

“Splendid.”

By the time he left her swollen, protruding nipples, Beverly was arching and moaning. Lazily he kissed his way down her stomach, dallying at her navel before slothfully tonguing and nipping the soft skin of her lower belly. Beverly restlessly squirmed, opening her legs and lifting her hands to his head, trying to guide him to her throbbing, wet sex.

Jean-Luc sat up and moved to kneel between her legs. While watching her carefully, he gently slid his fingers over her folds, his eyes glittering as she responded with a long moan. Parting her labia, he bent forward and swiped his tongue over her, at the same time slowly pushing two fingers deep inside her.

Beverly’s hips pushed up from the bed and she pulled his head closer.

He teased and tantalised, always careful to keep her on the edge, delighting in her sensuality as she writhed and articulated her desire with moans and sighs.

After several minutes of this exquisite torture he suddenly stopped and sat up. He removed his fingers and Beverly’s eyes snapped open, her hands fisting the sheets.

In a breathless plea she gasped,

“Oh God…don’t stop!”

His eyes travelled from her sex to her face, a smile evident.

“Patience my love.”

He leaned over her, placing one hand on the pillow next to her head. His other hand gripped his erection as he slowly pushed it through her folds. The Doctor lifted her hips, her hands caressing his back.

“Hmm…yes…oh yes…”

Her sultry voice made him close his eyes as he slowly sank into her. Beverly gasped and wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer and deeper. He kissed her passionately and started to gently thrust. With answering movements of her own they quickly established a sensuous rhythm, Jean-Luc employing long deep strokes.

Twice Beverly approached her climax and each time Jean-Luc stopped and contented himself with kissing her while she withdrew from the brink. Many minutes later he began to quicken his thrusts and Beverly followed him. He rose up on his arms and bent his knee in an effort to deepen his penetration. Beverly’s voice was one long wail as she began the ascension to euphoria. Jean-Luc felt his body prepare for release when suddenly rough hands grabbed his shoulders and arms and pulled him violently backwards. He was wrenched from his lover and propelled from the bed. Before he could assimilate what had happened he was struck a savage blow to the head and he descended into oblivion, his body lying senseless on the floor in a slowly spreading pool of blood.

              Beverly’s scream was truncated by a calloused hand across her mouth. A sharp pain in her temple stilled her panicked movements. A low menacing voice permeated her senses.

“Can you feel that?”

The pain in her head intensified and she nodded.

“That’s the business end of a disruptor. It’s set on ‘disable’ but at this range there’s no telling what it might do to you. Now when I remove my hand from your mouth, you’ll stay quiet and offer no resistance…understand?”

Blinking rapidly, Beverly nodded. The hand was removed and the pain in her temple diminished. She slowly sat up and pulled the sheet up, trying to cover her nakedness. With her heart pounding, she peered into the gloom of the room and saw four hooded, black-clad figures. One was bent over something out of her sight on the floor at the foot of the bed. The figure that had spoken to her addressed one of the others.

“Who the hell is he? She was supposed to be alone!”

The bent figure shook his head.

“I don’t know…I’m scanning him now.”

The leader turned his attention back to Beverly.

“I will allow you to get dressed. Behave or you will be punished.”

The Doctor swallowed and nodded, sliding carefully from the bed and quickly dressing. As she was putting on her shoes she heard,

“Oh the Gods have smiled on us!”

The leader went to the one who had spoken and grabbed his shoulder.

“Why?”

“Because that…”, he toed Jean-Luc’s unconscious body, “Is Captain Jean-Luc Picard.”

The leader stiffened.

“Is he alive?”

On hearing that query Beverly gasped and quickly moved to the foot of the bed. What she saw made her cry out. The naked form lay motionless, blood haloing his head.

“Jean-Luc!”

As she moved forward her arm was grabbed and the disruptor shoved savagely into her stomach.

“Silence!”

Tears welled in her eyes and she looked pleading at her anonymous assailant.

“Please…let me go to him…he’s hurt.”

The slap to her face made her see stars.

“I said silence!”

He turned back to his assistant.

“Answer me…is he alive?”

The man straightened and nodded.

“Yes.”

The leader rubbed his jaw through the fabric of his hood.

“This alters things somewhat…to our advantage. Give me the PADD.”

One of the others pulled a backpack from his shoulders and retrieved the requested item. He handed it to the leader and he gestured to another to guard Beverly while he sat on the bed and inputted new information into the device.

Five minutes later he was finished. He stood and tossed the PADD onto the bed, then pointed to Beverly and nodded. One of the beings moved quickly and slid a hood over her head. Her hands were pulled roughly behind her back and manacled. When she next heard the leader’s voice it was very close.

“Now listen carefully Doctor Crusher. You will accompany us. You will not struggle, attempt to escape or make a sound. If you cause us any concern whatsoever you will be punished and just so that you understand me, I will not hesitate to return to kill your Captain. Do I make myself clear?”

Beverly nodded, her mind reeling. She was grabbed roughly and shoved towards the door. As she stumbled forward her mind kept furnishing images of her lover sprawled naked and bleeding on the floor.

“My god Jean-Luc…be all right…please be all right.”

                Beverly was ushered outside and bundled into a vehicle. As it rose from the ground she settled into her seat and said quietly,

“Why are you doing this? What do you want with me?”

She felt the jab of the disruptor barrel and flinched. The voice of her abductor was so close she could smell his breath.

“I told you to be quiet. Are you going to do as you’re told…or am I going to have to convince you?”

In silence Beverly lowered her head and nodded.

“Good. All you have to do is behave yourself and this will be over soon. Now that we can enlist the help of your Captain…things might progress faster than we thought. Oh...by the way…I’m sorry we interrupted your…activities, although I wasn’t aware you were that…close to the Captain.”

The laughter that flowed around the interior of the hover car made Beverly glower and flush, but she remained silent.

                   The Doctor could only estimate the time she was in the hover car, but it seemed like it was some hours before it finally touched down. She listened carefully, trying to gain some clue as to where she was. The hatch opened and she was grabbed and hauled out, stumbling and falling to her knees. Strong hands lifted her and pushed her forward. She knew they had entered a building as the light dimmed and the sound echoed around her. Her abductors remained silent as she was ushered through several rooms then halted. A rough voice said,

“You’re about to go down several flights of stairs. Take your time.”

With hands gripping her arms on both sides, she felt her way with her feet and descended five flights before coming to a halt. It was dark and cold and she could hear water dripping. She was guided forwards until her shins met something solid. Yelping in alarm, she was roughly turned and pushed. It was with some relief that Beverly fell onto a soft surface. Hands lifted her feet and twisted her around until she was lying full length on her back.

“You will be kept here for the duration. There will be food and water brought later, in the meantime you will stay quiet and behave yourself. Understand?”

Struggling to sit up, two strong hands pushed her back down.

“No. Don’t move until we’re gone.”

She relaxed and listened as the footsteps retreated. With one final try she said,

“Wait!”

There was a moment’s silence until she heard,

“What is it?”

“Tell me what you want. I may be able to help you.”

The laughter was cruel.

“Oh you’ll help us make no mistake. Rest Doctor, if all goes well it will be over soon.”

Beverly was about to say more when she heard a door slamming shut. Then came the sounds of a bolt being shot. In the ensuing silence, in complete darkness, Beverly sent a prayer for deliverance, for herself and her lover.

                       Jean-Luc became aware of a dreadful pounding in his head. He groaned softly and tried to open his eyes, finally succeeding when he managed to roll onto his side. In a weak voice he called,

“Beverly?”

Then louder,

“Beverly…are you there?”

When no answer was forthcoming he lifted one hand and gingerly felt the site of most of the pain on the back of his head. His fingers found a large lump and a gash some six centimetres long. He closed his eyes, took a large breath and slowly sat up. Immediately he was hit with waves of dizziness and nausea. Lowering his head, he breathed slowly through his nose trying to control the queasiness and spinning. With little success he knew he was going to vomit. Opening his eyes, he crawled towards the bathroom but didn’t make it.

The upheaval of his stomach left him trembling and weak. He collapsed onto his side and closed his eyes again, the spinning images and his double vision only serving to make matters worse.

He was not sure how long he lay on the floor, but it was coldness that stirred him.

Avoiding the mess on the floor, he rose to his knees and took some steadying breaths before slowly climbing to his feet. He stood still for several minutes attempting to overcome the giddiness. Unsuccessful, he walked unsteadily to the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. Although his vision was disturbed, he could make out blood covering half of his face. He ran the taps and washed the gore from his skin, paying particular attention to the gash. When he thought he was clean, he wet a cloth and pressed it to the injury for a minute or two before bringing it to his face for inspection.

He grunted,

“Still bleeding, but not too bad.”

Next he tottered back into the bedroom and searched for his bag, finding it just inside the door. He dressed slowly and, while sitting on the bed putting on his boots, he found the PADD.

With great frustration, he found he was unable to read it. With his double vision and the spinning still evident, he had to get to a computer. Unwilling to use the chalet’s system, he picked up his communicator, stood and took a gentle breath.

“Computer one to beam up.”

He was disorientated when he materialised on the Calypso and staggered off the platform, stumbling to his hands and knees. He felt the trickle of blood either side of his head and rose slowly, going to a locker and retrieving a med kit. He took out some gauze and pressed it to the wound. When he felt able, he moved to the lounge and placed the PADD next to the on board system.

“Computer access PADD at this station and supply reading, audio only.”

The chirps of compliance were the only sounds as Jean-Luc sank gratefully into a chair.

“Ready.”

“Play.”

“Captain Picard I represent the Antarra Alliance. We have taken Doctor Crusher hostage to facilitate our demands. If you comply, she will remain relatively unharmed. Failure to accede will result in her slow death…piece by piece. We require you to deliver weapons and medical supplies to these coordinates.”

The computer supplied the coordinates and Jean-Luc frowned.

“That’s in the Gaorrn expanse.”

The computer continued.

“I will deliver to the chalet evidence of our unshakable determination to succeed in this venture Captain Picard, I hope it speeds your inevitable capitulation.”

“End of text.”

Jean-Luc sat back, still holding the gauze to his head.

“Oh God Beverly…where the hell are you?”

                 Several hours after Beverly was locked up, she was dozing when the bolt was suddenly released. The door opened and the Doctor felt the influx of clean air.

“Sit up.”

She complied slowly and gasped as her hood was abruptly removed. In darkness she made out a shadowy figure.

“What do you want?”

“I have some food and drink for you. Open your mouth.”

Frowning, Beverly obeyed and the rim of a cup was placed on her lower lip. She tilted her head back and drank greedily. When the cup was empty, the voice spoke again.

“Here…some food.”

She opened her mouth and some bread was put inside. Chewing thoughtfully, Beverly asked,

“Why won’t you tell me what you want? It’s obvious I’m being held hostage for something…maybe I can help? At least I could tell you if you’re going to succeed, which I might add, is very doubtful. I…”

The hand that closed over her mouth was rough and cold.

“Shut up. I’m here to feed you, not listen to your nonsense.”

Before she could say anything further, a piece of meat was pushed into her mouth. Over ten minutes she was fed then suddenly the hood was replaced. Without a word her captor left. Beverly lay back down and sighed.

“How are you my love? Just how much damage did they do to you?”

                  Approximately two hours later the door opened again. Beverly sat up, her senses attuned. Rough hands pushed her around and the manacles were released. Her right hand was grabbed and forced onto a cold hard surface and her fingers separated.

“This will be quick Doctor…I suggest you keep still.”

Beverly stiffened, her heart accelerating.

“What..?”

There was a sharp chopping sound and a burning sensation at the base of the little finger of her hand. Beverly gasped and tried to pull her hand back but a strong hand held her wrist.

“I said keep still.”

Stifling a sob, Beverly heard hissing and coolness pervaded the burning. Soon a growing numbness crept over one side of her hand.

“I have removed the small finger of your right hand. If your Captain is smart and accedes to our demands, that’s all you’ll lose. I have applied a clotting agent, an analgesic and a web bandage. I suggest you leave it alone.”

Her hands were once again manacled and the assailants left. Stunned and in shock, Beverly sat on her cot, tears sliding down her cheeks.

“Dear God…help me.”

                Jean-Luc staggered into the cockpit and established a channel to his ship.

“Enterprise this is Picard.”

The reply was almost instant.

“Captain this is Riker.”

“Number One I need you to bring the Enterprise to my location immediately. Doctor Crusher has been kidnapped and threats made as to her well being. I will activate the Calypso’s transponder. You are cleared to exceed warp five, in fact I order you to maximum warp. Get here Commander…and quickly.”

“Aye Captain, we’re on our way. Riker out.”

With approximately seven hours to wait, Jean-Luc went back to the lounge and activated the computer again. He called up the coordinates and instructed the computer to give an audio read out of the system.

“The inputted coordinates refer to a planet within the Gaorrn expanse. The Starfleet designation for this planet is G337. The Starship USS Supply visited the area eight point two standard years ago and noted four separate industrialised colonies on the planet, each apparently autonomous and non-aligned. Due to the absence of warp technology, the prime directive was instigated and contact was avoided. The next scheduled visit to the planet is not for another fifty five standard years.”

Jean-Luc frowned and sat back, wincing at the pounding of his head.

“Computer access any information on the Antarra Alliance.”

“Accessing.”

The Captain closed his eyes and waited.

“There is no information under that name.”

“Damn!”

He sat forward and cradled his head in his hands.

“Merde! I’m in the dark.”

                Several hours later Jean-Luc found himself slumped sideways in the chair. The gauze had dried to the back of his head and the thumping headache continued. A persistent chirping roused him and he sat up groggily, momentarily confused.

“What?”

Taking a deep breath he regained his senses and rose, staggering to the cockpit. Slapping off the chime, he accessed the computer.

“Attention Captain Picard, the Enterprise is approaching your position. Deactivate transponder.”

Growling low, Jean-Luc tabbed off the unit and opened a channel.

“Enterprise this is Picard.”

“Riker here Captain…we’re about eight minutes away.”

“Excellent. Establish a high equatorial orbit, I’ll beam up immediately.”

“Aye Captain.”

Jean-Luc started to rise but a wave of dizziness had him collapsing in the seat. Holding his head, he groaned and gritted his teeth.

“I don’t have bloody time for this!”

He lurched to his feet and staggered to the transporter pad.

“One to beam to the Enterprise. Energise.”

Will was waiting for his Captain when he materialised. The older man staggered again and stumbled forward, falling into his startled Exec’s arms.

“Sir! You’re hurt!”

As Jean-Luc tried to regain his feet, Will spoke to the Lieutenant on duty, while stepping back onto the pad.

“Two to beam direct to Sickbay.”

Before the Captain could protest, they disappeared in a shimmer of blue light.

                The effect of two quick transports was too much for the injured man. He pulled free of his First Officer’s arms and fell backwards, rolling onto his knees and heaving wretchedly as his already empty stomach rebelled at the dizziness. The hiss of a hypospray heralded a cessation of vomiting. Jean-Luc took a deep breath and attempted to stand. Strong hands prevented him.

“No Captain Picard. Please stay still while I scan you.”

About to remonstrate with the Doctor, his words were cut short by his Exec. Knowing his CO, the big man sought to mollify him.

“Hold still Captain it won’t take long.”

Jean-Luc scowled and sat back on his haunches. The Second in Command of Sickbay, Doctor Selar watched her tricorder intently then closed it and grabbed Jean-Luc under his arms.

“I want you on a bio bed Captain.”

He gritted his teeth and tried to extricate himself from her grasp.

“I can assure you I’m fine Doctor.”
He turned to Will.

“Initiate a scan of the planet…see if you can locate Doctor Crusher. It’s a long shot but she might have secreted her communicator on her person.”

Will cast a look at Selar and sighed.

“Aye Sir, but I don’t think you’ll be leaving Sickbay just yet. I’ll keep you informed.”

About to argue, he was stopped by Selar’s dispassionate voice.

“Captain Picard you have a skull fracture, a sub dural haematoma and a severe concussion. I require you in surgery. Now.”

Jean-Luc shook his aching head and began to step away.

“No. I will rest when we’ve found Doctor Crusher…not before.”

He didn’t hear the hypospray that sedated him but his First Officer caught him before he hit the floor. Under Selar’s direction, he was put on a gurney and taken to surgery. Over her shoulder the Vulcan Doctor said,

“I will inform you when we are finished.”

             Will stepped onto the Bridge and went straight to the Science Station. Issuing the Captain’s orders he watched as Data, the android Second in Command, inputted several commands into the ship’s computers.

“The sensors will scan now Sir. We should know soon if we can find her.”

Deanna Troi, ship’s Counsellor, came and stood by her lover and gently gripped his arm.

“She’s down there Will. I have a vague feeling…a sense of fear…it’s definitely her.”

Will turned to the petite woman and stared down at her.

“Can you pinpoint her?”

Deanna shook her head.

“No. All I know is that she’s somewhere on the planet.”

Just then there was a call from Tactical.

“Commander we are being hailed.”

Will nodded and strode to the Command Well.

“On screen.”

A thin moustachioed man stared imperiously at the screen.

“Please identify yourselves.”

Will smiled and bowed slightly.

“I am Commander William Riker of the Enterprise. We have urgent business here.”

“I see. Who is the Captain of your fine vessel?”

Will frowned and tilted his head.

“Why do you want to know?”

The little man looked both ways and leaned closer to the screen.

“I have had recent contact with…Mr.Packard.”

Will raised his eyebrows and scratched his beard.

“Oh. And who would he be?”

The official sat up and waved a hand dismissively.

“You know perfectly well who he is!”

The First Officer cast a glance at Deanna who had joined him.

“Ah…actually no I don’t, Mr.?”

Rolling his eyes theatrically, the obsequious man sighed.

“I am Mark Webber, head of interstellar traffic. I met with your…Mr.Packard of the Calypso some days ago.”

Will’s confused face cleared.

“Ah yes…Mr. Packard. I understand. He’s aboard our ship at the moment…we have…business to attend to.”

The officious little man smiled unctuously and wiped his moustache. With a ridiculous wink, he nodded.

“I understand completely. You are cleared for orbit, I will trouble you no further.”

The screen went blank and Will blinked slowly.

“What a complete idiot!”

Deanna caught his hand and looked up into his eyes.

“What if we can’t find her Will? What’s this all about?”

Will took her hand and brought it to his lips.

“Once the Captain’s out of surgery I’m sure he’ll bring us up to speed. In the meantime all we can do is carry out his orders.”

Deanna nodded and sighed.

“How badly is he hurt?”

The big man smiled.

“It’s nasty, but nothing Selar can’t fix.”

The Counsellor turned to look out the viewscreen, watching the lazily turning planet below.

“Stay well Beverly…we’ll find you.”

                      Three and a half hours later Selar was having a very one-sided argument with a groggy Captain.

“Sir I cannot let you go yet. Not only are you still under the influence of the anaesthesia but you will experience intermittent pain and vision disturbances for some time yet”

He struggled into a sitting position and scowled.

“Give me a stimulant.”

The Vulcan shook her head.

“Sir I would be negligent in my duties as your physician if I…”

At the end of his shortened fuse, Jean-Luc barked,

“Look Doctor the life of your CO hangs in the balance and I hold the only pertinent information about her abduction. I need to get to the Bridge. Now I’m ordering you to give me a stimulant and supply me with a uniform. Now.”

The Doctor maintained his glare then inclined her head.

“Very well Captain I will do as you order, however I wish it understood that I do so under protest.”

Jean-Luc nodded brusquely.

“So noted.”

The stimulant was administered and a uniform supplied. Within minutes Jean-Luc strode out of Sickbay, ignoring the ache in his head and the occluded vision in his left eye.

Selar contacted the Bridge and told Will of her actions and protest. She also informed the Commander of the Captain’s state of health.

Jean-Luc strode confidently onto his Bridge and knew immediately that Will had been talking to Selar. His worried, concerned face spoke volumes. Squashing his annoyance and anger, Jean-Luc issued his orders.

“Data access the Calypso’s computer and download all information it has from a PADD I uploaded this afternoon. Transfer the data to the Science Station and analyse it. Will I want you to accompany me down to the planet. Bring a security detail…I want the chalet scoured for clues. Data join us dirtside when you’re finished here.”

Will straightened and nodded.

“Aye Sir…but may I speak with you Captain…in private?”

Glaring at his Exec, Jean-Luc turned on his heel and stalked into his Ready Room. Will followed and stood to attention as his Captain seated himself behind his desk.

“What is it Commander?”

Will looked down sympathetically.

“Captain I know you’re not well. Why don’t you stay aboard and let me run this investigation? Selar says that you…”

Jean-Luc fisted his hands on his desktop, his dark eyes glittering and his deep voice deceptively soft.

“What Doctor Selar has to say is irrelevant! I will lead this investigation and you will not question my abilities again. Is that clear?”

Will clenched his teeth.

“Yes Captain.”

“Good. Now kindly execute my orders.”

“Aye Sir.”
Will left the Ready Room and Jean-Luc closed his eyes.

“I’m coming my love…hold on.”

                 Lying on her side, the pain of her amputated finger slowly became evident. At first a dull ache, it soon grew to a throbbing pain that interfered with her ability to sleep. With a sigh of resignation, the Doctor sat up and tried to ease the discomfort in her hand.

“Dammit it bloody hurts!”

She stood and slowly shuffled across the small chamber, using her feet as guides in the complete blackness. With a bump, her right foot hit the far wall. Turning her face, she pressed her cheek against the stone, feeling its coldness through the fabric of the hood, and shuffled sideways until she found the door. With a sharp kick she shouted,

“Hey! I need to go to the toilet!”

She kicked again and again, yelling and calling until she heard the bolt being undone. She stepped back and waited.

The rush of air as the door opened made her step back further but she wasn’t prepared for the rough hand that grabbed her arm and propelled her backwards to the cot.

“Shut up!”

Indignation rose quickly.

“Don’t you tell me to shut up! I need to relieve myself.”

She was suddenly swung around and pushed face first against the wall. Her captor gripped her injured hand and squeezed.

“Ah! Stop…it hurts!”

“It’ll hurt more if you don’t shut your mouth.”

Panting in pain, Beverly gasped,

“What the hell am I supposed to do…wet my pants?”

She was roughly turned and pushed onto the bed.

“Someone will come to take care of your needs. In the mean time…shut up.”

His footsteps receded and the door slammed. Beverly rolled onto her side and curled up into a ball.

Ten minutes later the door opened again. As Beverly began to sit up, she was grabbed and hauled to her feet. Rough hands undid her pants and tugged them, and her underwear down. The frightened Doctor struggled and twisted but two more hand held her shoulders.

“Stay still or we will hurt you!”

With her pants pushed down to her knees, Beverly pleaded,

“Don’t…please don’t…”

One of the voices softened.

“Don’t worry Doctor we don’t intend to rape you.”
She heard something placed on the floor behind her. The hands on her shoulders pressed down, forcing her to sit. She found herself seated on a bucket. When nothing happened, a voice said brusquely,

“Hurry up, we haven’t got all day.”

Under the cloth of her hood, the embarrassed Doctor reddened. Gritting her teeth, she willed her body to relax and finally convinced herself to empty her bladder. Once finished she was lifted to her feet and her clothing restored. She saw light through her hood and watched as it receded to the door.

In desperation she asked,

“Don’t go! Tell me what you want from me…what are you asking for my ransom?”

One of her captors laughed.

“A lot more than you’re worth my dear Doctor, but judging by your…closeness with Captain Picard, we’re betting he’ll pay what we want to get you back.”

She shook her head.

“You’re wrong. He won’t pay and neither will Starfleet. We don’t give in to the demands of terrorists.”

She gasped as a strong hand gripped her face.

“Then your life will end very soon.”

The footsteps retreated then paused.

“Oh and Doctor…what you were frightened of before? We will take our pleasure with you before you die and unlike your Captain…we won’t be interrupted.”

The door slammed and Beverly slowly sat on her bed, willing her tears to remain unshed.

                The party of eight officers materialised in the living room. Jean-Luc led Will and three security staff into the bedroom and pointed to the mess on the floor.

“The blood and vomit are mine. I never saw my assailants but I assume they took Doctor Crusher from the bed. We need to scan this room and all the entrances to this building. I want to know where and how they got in.”

Just then a Lieutenant entered the room and stood to attention before his Captain.

“Sir there’s something you should see in the foyer.”

Nodding to Will who began to issue his orders, Jean-Luc followed the young man out to the front door. There on the floor was a small box with Jean-Luc’s name on the lid.

“Have you scanned it Lieutenant?”
”Aye Captain. It contains organic matter.”

Jean-Luc bent and picked it up.

“Any DNA residue…finger prints?”

“No Captain.”

He eased off the lid and blanched.

“Mon Dieu!”

He turned abruptly and called Will.

“Commander Riker!”

The big man came quickly and Jean-Luc showed him the contents of the box.

“Oh my God…that’s a finger.”

Jean-Luc nodded and noticed something under the lid. Prising it free with his fingers, it was a folded piece of paper. He opened it and read.

“Captain Picard by now you will have realised what is at stake. You will accede to our demands or the next time it will be two fingers, then three and then the hands. We can continue this indefinitely…after all how many body parts can be amputated before the body fails?

You have twenty four hours to comply.”

Jean-Luc clenched his jaw and handed Will both the box and the note.

“Get them up to the ship and analyse them. I want irrefutable proof that’s Beverly’s finger, then have it put in medical stasis. There is a chance it can be reattached.”

“Aye Sir.”

The Captain strode back into the bedroom and picked up his bag. Calling an Ensign, he instructed his belongings to be transported back to his quarters. As the woman was doing his bidding, Data came into the room. Jean-Luc turned and said,

“Report.”

“Captain as you know there is no reference on our computers of the Antarra Alliance. However I have contacted Starfleet and requested all relevant information on planet G337. It appears the world is in the grip of civil war. A Vulcan science ship visited the planet seven months ago and scanned thoroughly. My supposition is that the Alliance is one of the warring factions. How they came to be aware of Starfleet…and Doctor Crusher is a mystery, however the general feeling at Command is that the Ferengi have been interfering with the planet for obvious mercantile gain, most probably weapons dealings.”

Jean-Luc shook his head.

“If that is so, why would they want weapons from us?”

Data tilted his head.

“Because Captain, this way they get them for free. It is well known the Ferengi always make a handsome profit from their dealings.”

Jean-Luc crossed his arms over his chest.

“So they want weapons and medical supples? Have any other factions made any requests of anybody? Do they seem to be aware of Starfleet?”

“Not to our knowledge Captain.”

The older man rubbed his fingers over his lower lip.

“So we’re dealing with a rogue element. Somehow they found out about us and…for whatever reason…chose Doctor Crusher as their pawn.”

Data nodded.

“Yes Sir, but what about you? Were you meant to be part of this or was it mere fortunate happenstance? Judging by the severity of your injury, I would hypothesise that they didn’t expect you to be here. Else why would they risk your life?”

Jean-Luc looked at his Second Officer and frowned.

“All very good questions Data. Hopefully we’ll have some answers soon.”

Will strode into the room and reported.

“Captain, Selar has confirmed it…the finger is Beverly’s. It’s the little finger of her right hand. It was amputated without anaesthetic with a sharp metal blade.”

Jean-Luc closed his eyes and swallowed, suddenly suffering a wave of dizziness and nausea. He lifted his head and stepped back, but stumbled. Will quickly went to his side and gripped his upper arm.

“Captain maybe you should sit down.”

Jean-Luc nodded and allowed Will to lead him to the bed where he sat and lowered his head.

“Are you all right Sir?”

He nodded.

“I’m fine Will, just give me a minute.”

After a while the Captain took a deep breath and raised his head.

“Data I want you to go to the Calypso and retrieve the PADD I found. Analyse it thoroughly and let me know what you find.”

“Aye Captain.”

He then spoke to Will.

“Number One when the team has finished here, have some crew clean up this mess. I don’t want the resort authorities getting wind of this. I will be speaking with the interstellar director…he may have some information, you never know.”

Will grinned.

“Do you mean Mark Webber…Mr.Packard?”

Jean-Luc looked up and frowned.

“You know about that?”

“Yes Captain. While you were in surgery we were contacted by Mr.Webber and I had the dubious pleasure of talking with him. He’s very…oily.”

The Captain nodded.

“That he is but he has a very overactive imagination and a over developed opinion of his own importance. With a little manipulation he may be forthcoming with information.”

“Very good Sir. And now? What do you want to do?”

Jean-Luc stood a little unsteadily and sighed.

“For now I’m returning to the Enterprise and putting together a little ruse for our mystery Alliance.”

Will watched as his Captain slowly walked from the room and sighed. Calling for an Ensign, he assigned the duties.

                 Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge scratched his head and frowned.

“Yes Captain we can do it but it’ll be a little tricky.”

“How so?”

Geordi stepped up to the monitor and brought up a schematic.

“Well Sir if you want these containers to disintegrate as soon as anyone attempts to open them, we have to do it in such a way as to avoid injuring people…that is I assume you don’t want any casualties?”

Jean-Luc stared down at the screen and nodded absently.

“It would be best Commander. How will you do it?”

Geordi smiled with a conspirator’s enthusiasm.

“A self-activating phase overload. In essence the trigger will cause the container and the others to vaporise from the inside out. Hopefully the only way anybody could be hurt is if they managed to get their hands inside as it goes off and that’s unlikely with the elapse time between activation and annihilation is less than a second.”

The Captain nodded and ran a hand over his head.

“And it won’t adversely affect the weapons? There won’t be any explosive reactions?”

“No Sir. All the weapons will be deactivated. Same with the medical supplies. There will be nothing that can react with the overload.”

Closing his eyes against the insidious pain in his head, Jean-Luc summoned a smile and tabbed off the monitor.

“Splendid Geordi, well done. Let me know when the containers are ready and I’ll arrange to have them transported to the Calypso.”

“Aye Sir.”

                   After talking with Geordi, Jean-Luc retired to his Ready Room. Sitting at his desk, he activated his computer and tried to concentrate on the words appearing on the screen, but the growing pain in his head made it impossible. Tabbing off the monitor, he stood and walked unsteadily to the sofa, stretching out and closing his eyes, his hands holding his head. For fifteen minutes he lay quietly, but the dizziness and rising nausea made him sit up and take several deep breaths. Opening his eyes, he groaned as the light lanced in, his now blurred vision unable to cope.

With an abrupt upheaval, his stomach rebelled and he staggered to his feet and lurched towards the bathroom. He got just inside the door when the pain in his head spiked and his legs gave way. The floor rushed up to meet him as he collapsed senseless on the carpet.

                    Will arrived on the Bridge to find Data in Command. With a raised eyebrow, he silently asked the android the whereabouts of the Captain. Data nodded to the Ready Room door.

“Captain Picard is in the Ready Room Sir.”

With a nod of thanks, Will went to the doors and pressed the chime. The expected reply wasn’t forthcoming. Frowning, Will pressed the chime again and looked over his shoulder to Data.

“How long has he been in there?”

“Two point three hours Commander.”

“Have you heard anything from him?”

“No Sir.”

Will faced the doors and addressed the computer.

“Computer open Ready Room doors, authorisation Riker Gamma Delta three eight.”

The doors hissed open and Will stepped cautiously in, his eyes roaming around, trying to spot the sole occupant.

“Captain?”

Silence greeted his soft call.

“Captain Picard?”

Nothing. The big man looked again around the room before venturing into the private bathroom. There on the floor sprawled the Captain, a small puddle of bile near his slack mouth. Will crouched by his CO and checked his pulse while calling for help.

“Medical emergency in the Ready Room! Captain Picard is unconscious.”

“On our way.”

While he waited for the medical team, he checked Jean-Luc’s airway and eased his head to a more comfortable position. Very soon the doors opened and Selar appeared at his side. Will watched as a tricorder was deployed and a diagnosis made.

“There has been further bleeding on the brain. I will transport the Captain to Sickbay.”

Will stood and nodded.

“Very well, I’ll be down shortly.”

The team and its patient disappeared and Will went back to the Bridge.

“Data Captain Picard is ill. Do you know what he was doing?”

“Yes Commander. He was waiting to hear from Geordi as to when the bogus containers would be ready for transport to the Calypso.”

Will frowned.

“Bogus containers?”

Data stood and invited Will to precede him to the Science Station. Bringing up the relevant schematic, Data explained.

“Captain Picard has no intention of acceding to the abductor’s demands, but he does need to buy some time. To that end, he has elicited Geordi’s expertise in creating containers filled with deactivated weapons and non-specific medical supplies that will vaporise as soon as anyone tries to open them. The hope is that the ruse will afford us the time needed to locate and liberate Doctor Crusher.”

Will nodded and scratched his beard.

“Ok I can buy that, but how was the Captain going to get the containers to the coordinates?”

Data’s eyes left Will and went to the floor.

“I believe he was going to take the consignment himself, in the Calypso.”

“What? That’s insane! All he’ll achieve is giving them another hostage.”

The android shrugged.

“Perhaps Commander but I feel that Captain Picard is highly motivated in the matter.” He dropped his voice and said softly,

“Did you notice Sir, the abduction took place in the only bedroom, early in the morning and both the Captain and the Doctor were present? Also analysis of the bed shows DNA from both of them. Does that not suggest a…romantic liaison?”

Will’s eyes hardened and he frowned at his friend.

“What has that to do with anything?”

Keeping his voice soft, Data elaborated.

“It is well known that Captain Picard and Doctor Crusher have been close friends for many years and for some time there has been boisterous speculation as to whether or not they had become intimate. If this has happened the Captain would be even more determined than usual to find Doctor Crusher…and punish her abductors. It is my understanding that love, including the physical manifestation of the emotion can be a powerful binding factor. The Captain is not only looking to find his friend, but his mate and lover. Surely that makes his actions understandable?”

Will’s frown dissipated and he smiled.

“It does indeed Data. How much time do we have.”

“Eighteen point three hours. I am expecting Geordi’s call soon and the yacht is capable of covering the distance to G337 in the time available.”

The First Officer nodded decisively.

“That it is but it won’t be the Captain at the helm…it’ll be me.”

The Commander turned towards the turbolift.

“You have the Bridge Data, I’ll be in Sickbay. Let me know when Geordi calls.”

“Aye Sir.”

                    The medical facility was quiet when Will arrived. Seeing that the Captain was in surgery, Will went to Beverly’s office and made himself a cup of coffee and settled into the chair in front of the desk. An hour and a quarter later he was woken from a light doze and sat up, knuckling his eye.

“How is he?”

Selar sat at the desk and clasped her hands. She looked dispassionately at her Commander.

“Captain Picard is resting comfortably. The bleed has been stopped and the area repaired however this time I will insist that he stay long enough to properly recuperate. I will relieve and sedate him if necessary.”

Will nodded and sighed.

“Agreed. Is he conscious? Can I see him?”

“I regret Commander, Captain Picard is unconscious and will remain so for some hours. You may see him if you wish.”

The First Officer stood and shook his head.

“No that’s not necessary. I will be off the ship for a while Doctor, kindly make your reports to Commander Data.”

“Yes Sir.”

As Will left Sickbay he got a call from the Bridge.

“Data to Riker.”

“Riker here.”

“Commander Geordi reports the containers are ready for transport.”

“Acknowledged. Commence transport. I’ll contact you again from the Calypso. Riker out.”

               Beverly had been left alone for several hours. She had slept restlessly, waking each time her body pressed on her manacled hands, the pain from the amputation flaring and throbbing constantly. She sat up slowly and backed against the wall, pulling her legs up and resting her chin on her knees.

“Did they hurt you badly my love? Where are you now? Are you all right? Have you contacted the Enterprise…or did you go straight to Command? I know you won’t accede to their demands…but I don’t mind admitting I’m frightened Jean-Luc. They hurt me too and threatened more if you won’t deal with them. I know you can’t…and I know this must be tearing you apart. If anything happens and I don’t come home to you, know that I love you Jean-Luc and my last thoughts will be of you.”

She sighed and sniffed softly. The bolt rattled sharply and Beverly tensed. The door opened and she heard two sets of footsteps.

“Ah, you’re awake. Good. We have some questions.”

Beverly lowered her legs and sat up, straightening her back and lifting her chin defiantly.

One of the voices murmured something and she felt someone sit beside her.

“What can you tell us about the Federation?”

Keeping her voice steady, Beverly replied,

“What do you want to know?”

“Is it true that you have a rule that forbids you from interfering with cultures that are less technologically advanced than you?”

“Yes, it’s called the Prime Directive.”

The voice growled,

“That’s a bit arrogant and selfish isn’t it? Surely you must have come across instances where your intervention could’ve prevented large-scale loss of life? How could you stand idly by and watch people die and not help?”

Beverly sighed and shook her hooded head.

“Believe me it’s not easy and there have been times when I’ve argued against the Prime Directive, but over all it is a sound policy. We found, through some disastrous mistakes, that introducing technology to people who are not ready for it can cause more trouble than it’s worth. We learned the hard way to not interfere.”

The person sitting beside her rose and began to pace around the small room.

“We have been told that the Federation exploits those worlds that join, that the populations are subjugated and the planetary resources are stripped. Is that true?”

“Unequivocally no! The Federation of Planets is a unifying organisation dedicated to the betterment of all those who join. We share our technology and protect each other both in times of peace and conflict. Indeed, Starfleet has many Federation species within its ranks and is richer for it. Where did you get your information? It’s completely wrong.”

The footsteps stopped.

“That is not your concern. You mention Starfleet. Is it not a military organisation? Are not its vessels ships of war?”

Beverly sighed deeply.

“Starfleet is modelled on a military basis, that is there is a chain of command and an oath taken to obey our superiors but that is necessary when living and working in deep space. Starfleet was originally formed for exploration but over the centuries, as we learned there are belligerent species, we came to the inevitable conclusion that we had to be ready to defend ourselves. Recent conflicts with very determined and powerful enemies have forced us to build deadlier ships but we live with the hope we will one day be able to return to our first principle and that is exploration.”

“I see. So the Federation is a vast collection of similarly technologically equal planets, spread all over the quadrant, protected and serviced by Starfleet. You hoard your technology and ignore those who may desperately need your help. How am I doing so far?”

Beverly growled.

“That’s a rather jaundiced view but basically correct.”

The voice came closer and Beverly swallowed, resisting the urge to shrink from its nearness.

“Well Doctor Crusher I find you much vaunted Federation abhorrent! Do you realise my people have been at war for years? If we had your assistance the killing could have been stopped ages ago, saving thousands, if not millions of lives. If not for the intervention of our new friends we might never had found a way to end the bloodshed and through them we found an even easier way…and you my dear Doctor will be the catalyst. How does it feel, to be the fulcrum of a mighty blow, being the motive for the Federation’s inadvertent intervention?”

The voice laughed.

“To think, my backward little world…forcing Starfleet’s hand!”

The voice receded.

“It will be a great day.”

Beverly raised her shaky voice.

“I’ve already told you, neither the Federation or Starfleet will accede to your demands. The smartest thing you could do is release me and forget about your plans. They won’t help you.”

The Doctor suddenly gasped as a strong hand gripped her throat.

“Well then your life will be worthless. Do you have a God Doctor? Because if you do you’d better pray as your time is running out!”

The hand squeezed harder and Beverly began to feel light headed. With a hard shove, she was pushed backwards, striking her head on the wall. The hand released her and the men left, slamming and bolting the door behind them.

                     Will Riker sat back in the pilot’s seat and stretched. Having been under way for twenty minutes, he sighed and raised his head.

“Computer, ETA at G337?”

“At current speed, eight point seven hours.”

He stood and ambled back into the living area, coming to stand in the middle of the room, his eyes unfocussed and his mind far away. Shaking his head, he strolled into the sleeping quarters, toed off his boots and shed his tunic. Once stretched out in the tastefully appointed room, he said softly,

“Computer wake me in seven and a half hours.”

As he drifted off to sleep, his thoughts went to Deanna Troi. In slumber he smiled.

           Data was seated in the Command chair when a report came up from engineering.

“Bridge this is LaForge.”

“Bridge here Geordi.”

“I have the analysis of the PADD…there’s nothing there Data, it’s clean.”

The android tilted his head.

“Understood Geordi. What of the box? Was it transported in?”

“We think so but somehow the transporter trace has been eliminated, but I’m still working on it…I have a few ideas.”

Data nodded.

“I thought you might. I think it prudent I remind you that the Ferengi have been involved somehow in this situation and they have access to technology we may be lacking.”

The Second officer heard his friend sigh.

“Yeah I know…that’s what’s got me curious. If you can, come down and join me Data I could use your help. I’ve a few experiments to run, I’ll keep you informed. Engineering out.”

Data sat back and devoted more of his phenomenal brain to the puzzle.

“I will see you soon my friend.”

                  Hours after his most recent surgery, Jean-Luc’s eyes opened sluggishly and he grimaced as his throbbing head made his stomach sour. Raising a shaky hand he covered his eyes and awaited the inevitable arrival of a medical practitioner, alerted to his wakefulness by the silent alarm.

Duly Selar entered and stood beside the Captain, stoically inspecting the readouts on the biobed monitor. He lay still, regulating his breathing and trying to ignore the dizziness and associated symptoms of pain and nausea.

The hiss of the hypospray was welcome and he relaxed as the worse effects of his injury subsided. Quietly he said,

“Thank you.”

Selar administered another drug and gently took the Captain’s hand and lowered it to the bed. Jean-Luc opened his eyes experimentally and sighed

“What happened?”

Her voice dispassionate, Selar tilted her head.

“You experienced another episode of bleeding in the brain. Because of your insistence on being released and your subsequent refusal to recuperate sufficiently, a combination of exhaustion, stress and anxiety caused a breakdown in the delicate cerebral tissue of the injury site manifesting in a bleed.”

Jean-Luc nodded slowly.

“And it is repaired?”

“Yes Captain.”

“Prognosis?”

“Provided you rest properly this time and give the injury the time it needs to heal sufficiently, I envisage no long term problems. However I will not entertain releasing you this time Captain Picard. In the absence of Doctor Crusher I am acting CMO of the ship and as such I will exercise my prerogative of keeping you in Sickbay until I am satisfied you have made a satisfactory recovery. Please understand I will sedate you and relieve you of duty to enforce my decision.”

Jean-Luc resisted the futility of showing his anger and despair. Instead he sighed softly and nodded.

“Very well. And the residual symptoms?”

The Doctor clasped her hands in front of her and arched one perfect eyebrow.

“You have endured two haemorrhages and two surgical procedures on your brain and although the injury has been repaired, there is bruising and swelling that is best left to settle with as little intervention as possible. You will continue to experience pain, nausea, vertigo and mild vision disturbances for a few days. I will endeavour to treat these symptoms as they appear and you should be assured you will be comfortable for most of the time. Captain Picard I understand your reluctance to stay here in Sickbay but I must remind you that we, that is the medical personnel, are reliant on your compliance with your treatment. I hope you cause us no problems.”

Irritated with her presumed air of superiority, Jean-Luc turned his head and glared, an action completely futile when aimed at the emotionless Vulcan.

The Doctor inclined her head and stepped back.

“I will leave you now. An orderly will be in shortly with a meal and if you experience any symptoms that require treatment do not hesitate to call either myself or any other duty Doctor.”

In silence and maintaining his glacial glare, Jean-Luc watched as the woman left. His eyes travelled back to the ceiling and he gritted his teeth.

“Dammit…I’ve got to get out of here!”

Aloud he said,

“Picard to Bridge.”

The reply was instant.

“Data here Captain.”

Jean-Luc frowned.

“Where is Commander Riker?”

“He is on the Calypso Sir, en route to G337 to deliver the containers.”

Jean-Luc struggled to sit up, once again triggering the alarm.

“What! Who authorised his departure?  When did he leave?”

Data frowned.

“He authorised his own departure Captain and he left six point nine hours ago.”

Selar entered the room and immediately remonstrated with the agitated man.

“Captain Picard lie down. You must…”
Jean-Luc held up a hand and silenced her with a brusque shake of his head.

“Data have you been in contact with him since he left?”

“No Sir.”

Jean-Luc’s eyes darkened.

“Open a channel. I want to talk to him.”

“Aye Captain.”

Selar gently gripped Jean-Luc’s shoulder and began to ease him down. He glared, grabbed her hand and removed it.

“Not now Doctor!”

Data’s voice sounded again.

“Channel open Captain.”

Jean-Luc waited but nothing happened. He frowned and said,

“Picard to Riker!”

There was a snuffling sound followed by a muffled curse. A sleepy voice responded.

“Riker here Captain. How are you Sir?”

The tense man dismissed the query.

“What the hell are you doing? Who authorised your current actions?”

Will took a large breath and as he began his answer, Selar approached the Captain with a hypo. He saw her coming and grabbed her hand.

“NO! You will not sedate me, this is too important.”

He returned his attention to his Exec. Selar quietly called for assistance.

“I didn’t get that Commander. What did you say?”

“I had to Sir we were running out of time. You were unavailable so I took matters into my own hands.”

The Captain closed his eyes and gritted his teeth.

“Very well, what are your plans?”

“Well Sir I thought I’d transport the containers down to the coordinates then sit back and watch with surveillance until they’re collected. I had an idea I might try to beam up whoever turns up.”

Two nurses entered and spoke quietly to Selar. Jean-Luc ignored them.

“That has possibilities Will but you’ll have to be very careful, these people are ruthless. I suggest…”

Two sets of hands grabbed the Captain while Selar administered the sedative. Jean-Luc had enough time to gasp before losing consciousness. He was gently lowered to the bed and Selar spoke to Will.

“Commander Riker I have just sedated Captain Picard. He will be unresponsive for some time.”

Will sighed.

“Understood. Will he be all right?”

The Vulcan tilted her elegant head.

“In time Commander, yes he will make a full recovery.”

“Fine, thank you. Riker out.”

The Doctor covered her patient with a blanket and dismissed her helpers. Looking down at the Captain she shook her head.

“Such illogical behaviour.”

             The Calypso entered orbit around G337 and Will scanned the coordinates thoroughly. With no viable contacts, he shrugged and set the computer to beam down the containers. He waited patiently and within half an hour his vigilance was rewarded. Three contacts appeared and approached the containers. Will watched on the monitor as one tall cloaked being took a tool from his belt and tackled the locks on one of the crates. The lid eventually sprung up and all three beings moved forward to look in. There was a bright glow and that container, quickly followed by all the others abruptly disintegrated. Will took advantage of the resulting confusion, ordering the computer to beam up the beings. One of the rebels had flung himself backwards and the lock was lost. Will stood ready as two forms materialised on the pad in the small cargo bay.

One man dropped to the floor, rolled and fired a blast form a disruptor. Will was moving quickly to his left and fired his phaser, hitting the man and stunning him. Rolling to his knees, he took aim on the second man but was a fraction too late. There was a loud report and Will was hit a hammering blow to his upper right chest. Slammed back against the bulkhead, he slid to the floor and saw, out of the corner of his eye, his assailant crawling through the door into the living area. Ignoring the roaring pain in his body, Will followed and crept around the open door, only to have another shot just miss his head. Taking note of his attacker’s position, the big man worked his way around the furniture and settled his shaking hands.

“You can’t escape. Throw down your weapon.”

The answering shot was very loud and Will flinched. The cloaked man stood and dashed towards the cockpit, affording Will an uninterrupted view of his retreating back. The sustained burst of orange energy hit him and propelled him forwards, sending him sprawling unconscious to the floor.

Taking only enough time to get a med kit and apply some gauze to his bleeding wound, Will soon had his captives manacled and hobbled. He dragged them to a sitting position against the wall and then made his way to the cockpit. Just as he sat, the computer alarm sounded.

“Proximity alert!”

Will stabbed his fingers over the console.

“Elaborate!”

“There is a vessel approaching. It has raised shields and armed weapons.”

The First Officer’s fingers danced quickly over the controls, bringing the yacht around and plotting her new course.

“Raise shields!”

Just as the little ship prepared to jump to warp there was a sickening blast on her aft port quarter. She lurched sideways but managed to attain warp speed, an alarm blaring loudly.

“Computer damage report.”

“There has been significant damage done to the port nacelle and plasma is being vented. Hull integrity is holding and shields are at seventy three percent.”

“Can we make it back to the Enterprise?”

“Not at this speed. Reduce velocity to warp five. Self-activating repair is in progress.”

Will groaned and placed a hand over his wound.

“ETA at reduced speed?”

“Fourteen point nine hours.”

“Damn!”

He complied with the computer’s suggestion then went back into the living area. With painful slowness he doffed his tunic and vest and inspected his wound. The projectile had entered his chest but not exited. The tissue surrounding the dark hole was bruised and red, blood trickled freely when he removed the gauze. He administered an analgesic and a broad-spectrum anti biotic and dressed the wound as best he could. He was putting his tunic back on when the first of his captives groaned and shifted sluggishly. Will grabbed a chair and dragged it over to the rousing man, sat and levelled a phaser in his face.

“It’s about time you woke up. We need to talk.”

                Beverly was rudely awakened by the door slapping open. Before she could sit up, three pairs of strong hands grabbed her and hauled her upright. Her hands were unmanacled and her right hand was stretched out, the fingers splayed.

“NO!”

The first blow was sickening, the second sending her into shock.

“You won’t be needing these fingers Doctor. You were right; your Captain has been very foolish, trying to interfere in our plans. Perhaps this little…demonstration will change his mind.”

Shivering in shock and with rising nausea, Beverly heard the hiss of the dressing and analgesic. Her hands were re-manacled and she was shoved back onto the bed.

“You had better hope he comes to see reason Doctor. You’ve got plenty of fingers, but I think your hands might be next.”

The footsteps receded and the door slammed. Beverly rose to her knees and bent forward, her stomach rebelling. The vomit splattered on the floor and she chocked back a sob.

“Oh dear God…help me.”

                  Geordi scratched his head and chewed his lower lip.

“I don’t get it Data. How could they so completely erase the transporter trace? If what Deanna says is true, and Beverly is somewhere on the planet, then we’re not looking at a great distance. How did they do it?”

The android cocked his head.

“If the Ferengi have been selling technology to the alliance, perhaps they have come across something we are not aware of. I will check the database on any experimental transporter techniques, perhaps there might be something there.”

Geordi nodded.

“Good idea. In the mean time I’ll run the neutrino series again. I have a hunch.”

With Data’s phenomenal speed, the check took only minutes. He turned to his best friend only to see Geordi snap his fingers.

“Data I think I have something.”

Data stood and went to the Engineer, his own information ready to be told.

“Geordi I believe you are right about the neutrinos. Apparently there have been some experiments with phased shifting employing dissipated neutrinos by the Cardassians. Although in its infancy, the technology shows great promise however it has not been used on sentient beings yet as far as we know.”

The dark engineer nodded.

“That would explain the lack of trace. Now that we know how…we can be ready for the next time.”

The android frowned.

“There will be a next time?”

Geordi scowled.

“I think so Data. Once the Captain’s ruse with the containers gets back to the ringleaders, they’re gong to be pretty pissed. It’s my guess Doctor Crusher will bear the brunt of their displeasure.”

“Then had we not alert Sickbay?”

Geordi clasped his friend’s shoulder.

“Yes Data we should.”

                  The man on the floor shifted uncomfortably and glared up at Will. The First Officer rested his arms on his knees and sighed.

“I want some information and you’re going to give it to me.”

The spittle hit Will’s chest. Ignoring it, Will adjusted his phaser to a very narrow beam and fired once at the man’s shoulder. The stench of burning flesh made him wince, the recipient of the burn yelped.

“That was on setting four. Want to try six?”

The man’s voice was guttural.

“What do you want?”

Smiling without warmth, Will sat up.

“What is your leader’s name?”

“Why should I tell you?”

Sighing, Will aimed the phaser.

“Because if you don’t I’ll cut you arm off.”

The sullen man grimaced.

“Juzz D’Ran.”

“Good. Now where on Kalara is he?”

“I don’t know.”

The beam lanced out and the man screamed.
”You can’t do this to me! You are Starfleet!”

Will sighed.

“Actually at the moment I’m a man with a hole in his chest and a lot of questions that need answering, so forget about Starfleet and concentrate on answering me. Where is D’Ran?”

“I don’t know! I was supposed to contact him when we had the weapons and supplies. That’s all I know.”

Will nodded.

“OK, how were you going to contact him?”

“Subspace relay to a echo system in orbit.”

“When?”

The man scowled.

“It’s already too late. By now our fellow members will have reported your duplicity and he will act accordingly. You are doomed.”

Will smiled.

“Perhaps. Do you know the hostage?”

“No. I only know it is a Starfleet officer of some rank.”

“And how was the hostage chosen?”

The man shifted and grunted.

“We chose Kalara because of its close proximity to Hirrun, our planet. We knew, from information supplied by our…friends, that Starfleet personnel frequented the resort…we only had to wait for a suitable candidate.”

Will leaned forward and caressed the phaser.

“And how did you get the information from the planetary authorities?”

The man snorted.

“Our friends supplied us with the services of a Deltan female…one in heat. It was a simple matter to find a bureaucrat who wanted two nights with a Deltan in that condition.”

“I see. Tell me, did the director of interstellar traffic have anything to do with it?”

The man nodded.

“Yes. He wasn’t willing to impart the information we needed, but he put us in contact with someone who did.”

Will sat up.

“Ok one more thing. Who are your…friends? Who’s been helping you?”

The man turned his head just as his companion began to rouse. He muttered something and Will frowned.

“What was that?”

“The Ferengi! They have supplied technology, weapons and all the information on your corrupt organisation! They have told us everything we need to defeat you.”

Will smiled and stood.

“Well you’re greatly mistaken, but I’m sure you’ll be enlightened soon. I’ll leave you to think about your situation.”

He walked stiffly into the cockpit and opened a channel to the Enterprise.

                 It was oh three eighteen when Jean-Luc woke His head was aching and he felt slightly dizzy, but generally he felt better. He sat up slowly and rubbed his face, slowly counting. He got to fifteen when a nurse came in.

“Captain Picard…how are you Sir?”

He nodded and yawned.

“I’m fine.”

“Any pain Sir?”

Jean-Luc sighed.

“Yes, a slight headache.”

The nurse smiled and retrieved a glass of water.

“Well you just drink this and I’ll get a Doctor. I won’t be long Captain.”

With nothing to do but obey, Jean-Luc downed the cool water, relishing it thoroughly. The duty Doctor came in with a hypospray and administered the analgesic. She checked the monitors and was about to leave when Jean-Luc stopped her.

“I would like to get out of bed.”

The medico turned and frowned.

“That is inadvisable Captain.”

Keeping his irritation in check, Jean-Luc summoned a smile.

“Perhaps, however I would like to access a computer to see how the current mission is progressing. Surely that would do no harm?”

The Doctor held his gaze and sighed.

“Very well Sir, but please don’t tax yourself. I will check on you later.”

Nodding with satisfaction, Jean-Luc slid out of bed and went to the desk in the corner of his private room. He only stayed at the monitor for a few minutes. He rose and went quietly to the door, looked out and, seeing the empty Sickbay, slipped out without being seen. He was in his quarters within five minutes. Going straight to his bedroom, he dressed quickly while calling Data.

“Picard to Data.”

The reply was instant.

“Data here Sir.”

“Any news Data?”

“As a matter of fact yes Captain. Commander Riker is en route back to the Enterprise with two prisoners. He has managed to extract some interesting information and I am in the process of analysing it.”

“Understood. Are you in your quarters?”

“Yes Captain.”

“I’m on my way. Picard out.”

Within minutes Jean-Luc was at Data’s door. The android admitted him and they spent some time going over Will’s report. The call from the Bridge was unexpected.

“Bridge to Commander Data.”

“Data here.”

“Sir something has just materialised on the Bridge. It’s a box with Captain Picard’s name on it.”

The two officers looked at each other, Jean-Luc blanching.

“We’re on our way.”

                         When Jean-Luc and Data arrived on the Bridge, two officers were scanning the small box. They stood and faced their CO.

“It contains organic matter Sir.”

The Captain nodded and lifted his head.

“Engineering there has been an unauthorised transport to the Bridge. Can you trace it?”

“This is Styles Captain, we’re on it. Give me ten minutes Sir.”

Data knelt and scanned the box.

“There does not appear to be any fingerprints or DNA traces Sir.”

Jean-Luc nodded, holding out his hand.

“Give it to me.”
Data complied and Jean-Luc levered off the lid. His eyes closed and he took a deep breath.

“More fingers. Data get these down to Sickbay for immediate analysis then report back to me.”

Data nodded and took the box, hesitating.

“Captain? There appears to be a message.”

Jean-Luc turned and took the offered piece of paper.

“Picard you are a bigger fool than I thought. Did you honestly think your scheme would work? The evidence of our resolve is in the box. Next time it will be a hand. It is up to you. The demand is the same. We want weapons and medical supplies. Comply or your officer will pay the price of your stubbornness.”

Jean-Luc brusquely shoved the paper into Data’s hand.

“Go over it Data.”

“Aye Sir.”

Just then Engineering called.

“Captain Picard we have coordinates. Routing to Tactical now.”

Jean-Luc spun on his heel and barked,

“On screen!”

A section of the planet appeared and everyone on the Bridge peered, trying to discern anything. There was nothing but a view of a heavily wooded area.

“Tactical…anything? Any energy readings?”

“Negative Sir.”
Frustrated, the Captain scowled.

“And what of the echo station? Have we found that?”

“No Sir, although it may be cloaked.”

Coming to a decision, Jean-Luc strode towards the turbolift.

“I’m taking a shuttle and going down to those coordinates. Keep looking for the echo station and when you find it…destroy it.”

The reply was lost as the lift doors closed.

                    As he strode into the Shuttle bay, the Captain tapped his combadge.

“Picard to Data.”

“Data here.”

“Any news?”

There was a moment’s silence followed by,

“Yes Captain. The fingers are from Doctor Crusher. And Sir…Doctor Stevinn requests your immediate return to Sick bay.”

Jean-Luc frowned.

“That’s not possible at this time. Data I’m going down to the surface via shuttle. I want you on the Bridge. Find that echo station and destroy it, we must limit their communications abilities.”

“Understood Captain but Doctor Stevinn is quite adamant about you returning to Sick bay Captain. Perhaps you should…”

“No. I’ll contact you from the surface. Picard out.”

Five minutes later the little craft was making its descent.

                     Jean-Luc circled the coordinates and searched for somewhere to land. Spotting a small clearing two hundred metres from the point of interest, he set down and armed himself. As the hatch opened he deployed a tricorder and scanned the area, noting nothing of any importance. Trudging through the thick bush, he felt his headache returning and grimaced.

“Dammit! Not now.”

After twenty minutes of struggle he emerged at the coordinates. There was nothing to see. He turned in a small circle scanning, a deep frown on his face. Tapping his combadge, he called the ship.

“Picard to Enterprise.”

“Data here Sir.”

“Data are we sure about the coordinates? I’m here and there’s nothing…no transporter, no pad…nothing.”

“Please wait Captain.”

While he waited, Jean-Luc inputted new parameters and scanned again. He was frowning over the results when Data’s voice was heard.

“Captain Picard reset your tricorder. Scan for dissipated neutrinos with specific attention to phased singularities.”

Doing as his Second Officer suggested, Jean-Luc said,

“You think it’s cloaked?”

“Aye Captain. There should be a shift at the quantum level.”

Jean-Luc scanned again and smiled coldly.

“I have it Data.”

Taking several large steps backwards, Jean-Luc raised his phaser and set it on maximum. Using the tricorder to illuminate his target he took aim and fired. The resulting blast knocked him off his feet. Flung violently backwards, his breath was knocked out of his lungs and stars shot through his sight. It was Data’s concerned voice that brought him back to his senses.

“Captain Picard! Are you all right Sir?”

He sat up slowly, nausea and dizziness warring within his body.

“I’m fine Data. I’m going back to the shuttle…I want to scan this area again, my suspicion is that the abductors might not be too far away.”

“Very well Captain. Data out.”

It took over half an hour to get back to the shuttle. Tiring quickly, Jean-Luc collapsed into the cockpit seat and took several moments to settle his aching head. When he spoke his voice was rough with fatigue and distress.

“Computer initiate a scan of this area, encompassing a five kilometre radius. Report any structures or sentient life forms.”

There was a wait of only a few seconds.

“Scan complete. No structures or sentient life forms within scanned area.”

Jean-Luc rubbed his face.

“Merde!”

The communication to the ship opened.

“Data to Picard.”

“Yes Data?”

“Sir we have found and destroyed the echo station. As with the transporter, it was cloaked.”

Jean-Luc closed his eyes and sighed.

“Excellent Data. I’m returning now and I intend to interview Mark Webber. See if you can gather any information about him will you…anything at all could be helpful.”

“Aye Captain.”

As his craft lifted off, Jean-Luc watched the receding land with melancholy.

“I’ll find you Beverly…and I’ll make them pay!”

                    Beverly was curled up on her side dozing when rough hands grabbed her and dragged her off the cot and across the floor. She left her cell and tripped up the stairs as she was pushed rudely forwards, ascending three flights before being shoved into a chair. She heard something scrape across the floor then her hands were released. Her right hand was forced onto something hard and cold. Shaking with fear and dread, the Doctor shook her hooded head.

“No…please no…”

A rough hand gripped her throat.

“Your lover has gone too far! He has destroyed one of our transporters and our orbiting communication device. I think it’s time I showed him I’m running out of patience. Hold her!”

Strong hands gripped her shoulders and arms. Beverly heard the whispering descent of something and her nerves registered the blow to her wrist, but the enormity of what they’d done took several seconds to be fully realised. Her body stiffened and she attempted to recoil, away from the blooming pain. A thin wail emitted from her throat. Something tight and warm was put on the stump of her wrist and the truncated limb was raised.

As if from a great distance, Beverly heard voices.

“Take this back to the chalet then meet us at the alternative site. Grazz take her out to the hover car, I’ll joining you shortly. Feb, I want to send a message to Picard on his ship. Set it up then be prepared to evacuate immediately. Right? Go!”

Footsteps clattered and Beverly was hauled to her feet. Disorientated, she staggered as hands pulled at her arm, dragging her outside.

                   Jean-Luc’s shuttle had just cleared the atmosphere when a call came through.

“Data to Picard.”

“Picard here.”

“Sir we have a message for you from the abductors.”

“Understood, route it to this terminal.”

“Picard I have left something of interest to you at the chalet. My patience is wearing thin. Failure to accede to my demands will be met with further actions I’m sure you wish to avoid. If you value your officer…as I’m sure you do, you will want her to remain in relatively good health. If you fail me the consequences will be dire. Think about it Picard.”

Jean-Luc glowered and barked,

“Where did it come from Data? How did they transmit to the Enterprise?”

“Unknown Sir.”

“Well find out! I’m going to the chalet; I’ll contact you from there. Picard out.”

The journey took fifteen minutes and Jean-Luc barrelled into the building, his tricorder scanning. He didn’t need it. There, lying on the middle of the living room floor was Beverly’s right hand.

The Captain took off his combadge and attached it to the severed hand. Activating the device he called,

“Picard to Data.”

“Data here.”

“Lock onto my combadge and beam up the object to Sickbay. I’m going to scan the chalet…”

“Captain! There are significant disturbances in the deep forest eighteen kilometres south west of your position. We read four hover cars rising from seemingly nowhere. Reading…nine alien life forms…and one Human female.”

Jean-Luc stood and sprinted for the shuttle.

“Carry out my orders. I’ll investigate.”

                    Will Riker’s breathing was becoming difficult. He sat back in the cockpit seat and clenched his jaw as his captives kept up a tirade of abuse. He stood slowly and wandered into the living area, staring coldly at the two beings.

“Why don’t you shut up?”

The larger of the two men shouted,

“I demand you release us! You have absolutely no right to treat us like this!”

Will tried to sigh but the pain in his chest made him wince. Keeping his voice low, his blue eyes glittered dangerously.

“Last chance. Shut up.”

The black-clad being thumped his feet on the carpeted floor.

“How dare you!”

With slow deliberation, Will raised his phaser and set it on heavy stun. The blast of energy silenced first one, then the other and the big man nodded with satisfaction.

“That should keep you quiet for a good while.”

He ambled back into the cockpit and called the Enterprise.

“Data here Commander.”

“What’s happening Data?”

“There have been some developments Sir. Captain Picard is at present investigating a possible lead on the planet and we have received another part of Doctor Crusher’s anatomy, specifically her right hand.”

Will sat up and scowled.

“What? Are you telling me those bastards cut off her hand?”

“Yes Sir. They also removed a total of three fingers.”

“Shit Data this is serious. How is the Captain?”

The android frowned.

“I would have to say he is still not fully recovered. Also Commander he absented himself from Sickbay against the explicit orders of Doctor Selar and refused to return when requested. I would hazard that he intends to ignore his orders in an effort to find and rescue Doctor Crusher. I do not think he will listen to reason.”

Will rubbed his face and tried to find a more comfortable position.

“Understood Data. Try to keep an eye on him will you? My ETA is four hours or so. Have a security detail in the shuttle bay when I arrive…and a Doctor. I managed to get injured.”

Data’s voice easily showed his concern.

“Do you require us to meet you Commander? How serious is your injury?”

Will waved his hand dismissively.

“No that won’t be necessary Data, I’m fine. I took a projectile in the chest. I’ll hold out until I make your position. I’m going to get some rest but I want to know if anything happens. Keep me posted will you?”

“Aye Sir. Data out.”

                   Jean-Luc was fast approaching the disturbance area when his targets simply disappeared. He frowned over his instruments, rubbing his blurry eyes and swiping at the sweat that beaded his brow.

“Where the hell did they go?”

He stopped his craft at an altitude of eighty metres and hovered, scanning continuously. The small rocket that arched up at him was astonishingly fast. The proximity alarm sounded and Jean-Luc had only enough time to begin an evasive manoeuvre when there was a sickening blast and the little ship lurched, rapidly losing height.

Struggling with the controls, Jean-Luc managed to get the nose up but couldn’t control the spinning. The shuttle plunged into the trees with devastating speed, flipping and coming to rest upside down, wedged between two enormous trunks.

               Juzz D’Ran punched his compatriot in the shoulder.

“Good shooting! He’s down… disengage the cloak, let’s get out of here.”

The hover car rose from the trees and turned to flee.

Beverly, seated in the back seat and with her arms free of restraints, lifted her hood and looked back over her shoulder, seeing a thin column of smoke rising through the trees. Sitting beside her was a small metal box. She took the hood off and lifted the box, hefting it. With her one remaining hand, she gripped the makeshift weapon and swung it at the pilot’s head with all her strength. There was a loud crack and the man slumped at the controls. The hover car slewed sideways and the other front passenger twisted in his seat in an attempt to subdue his prisoner. Beverly, running solely on adrenalin, clouted him twice with the box, smashing his eyebrow and bloodying his nose.

Without a pilot the car dropped like a stone. D’Ran struggled out of his seat and lunged at Beverly, grabbing her throat and squeezing. She brought the box down on his head but he was unfazed. With her vision clouding, Beverly dropped the box and groped with her hand for the man’s genitals. Their rapid descent suddenly stopped in a loud bang and everything went black.

                   Acrid smoke was burning Beverly’s throat. Coughing and gagging, the Doctor forced her eyes open and winced as she tried to move. She was lying on a heavily canted floor, a body resting across her mid section. Down her right side heat was building and beginning to melt the material of her shirt. She wriggled her left forearm between the body and her chest and heaved, at the same time pushing with her legs. Gradually she freed herself and pulled away from the heat, rubbing her arm with her other forearm. Waving her hand, she peered through the smoke to see the pilot draped awkwardly at the controls, his head at an unnatural angle. Beverly shook her head and stared down at the body of her abductor. She scrambled over him and tried the door mechanism, finding it non-responsive. With a growl she kicked at the door until it sprang open. She was half way out when she hesitated. Turning back, she leaned into the car and felt for any life signs from the body. She detected a faint pulse and cursed. Grabbing his collar, she dragged him free of the car and let him drop the two metres to the ground. She then used their elevation to get a sight on the column of smoke not too far distant. Having got a bearing, she exited the car. Her own descent was more careful, however she still twisted her ankle.

Hobbling off in the direction of the smoke, she got ten metres when there was a whump behind her as the hover car burst into flames. Debris was hurled in all directions and she dropped to the ground, but not quickly enough. Several small pieces of heated metal struck her in the back, some imbedding themselves in her flesh. Wincing, she reached back with her left hand to feel the spread of blood.

“Dammit!”

Again on her feet, she pressed on.

                   Jean-Luc woke to pain. His head was pounding and he was having trouble breathing. He opened his eyes and groaned as everything spun slowly, his upside down perspective making things worse. He closed his eyes and reached up with his hands, trying to find what was preventing him from gaining an upright position. What he found made him scowl. His right leg was trapped, held fast between a collapsed bulkhead and the back of the cockpit seat. His fingers detected the telltale wetness of blood but there was little pain, the pressure being enough to disrupt the nerves. With his head pounding, Jean-Luc tried to push the seat with his left leg but it was impossible. The wisp of smoke that curled around his head made him cough, the agony in his head blooming in response.

Clenching his jaw against the pain, he reached for his combadge only to remember he’d used it to beam Beverly’s hand to the ship. He growled in frustration and twisted his body, desperately trying to free himself. It was no use. As the smoke thickened he shook his head and grimaced.

“Not like this…it can’t end like this!”

                    Data turned to Tactical and raised his eyebrow.

“Would you repeat that please?”

The Ensign frowned and re-checked the board.

“They’re gone Sir. One minute the shuttle and four hover cars were on scanners then they just…disappeared.”

Data left the command chair and rounded the aft stations. He checked the read outs himself and frowned.

“This is most odd. Engineering this is the Bridge.”

“Engineering here. What can we do for you?”

“Geordi we have an anomalous situation with the sensors. While tracking five objects on the planet, we have inadvertently…lost them. Can you offer an explanation?”

“Understood…give me a minute Bridge, LaForge out.”

The android went back to the command chair and sat, his unique positronic brain creating, then discarding one possible scenario after another, but coming no closer to the truth.

                   Beverly spent a moment beside a small creek to wash her face and take a much-needed drink. She had heard voices in the distance behind her and knew that soon her abductors would be looking for her. Rising to her feet and ignoring the pain of her many injuries, she pushed onwards through the thick bush.

Her arrival at the crashed shuttle took her by surprise. Had it not been for an amount of debris on the forest floor she may not have seen it, although it was only three metres off the ground. Wedged between two enormous trunks, it was upside down and slowly burning. The Doctor sighed and took a large breath.

“Can you hear me?”

There was no reply so she tried again, a little louder.

“Any body…can you hear me?”

                Sweating heavily, Jean-Luc coughed uncontrollably and choked as blood flooded into his mouth. He expectorated and tried to take a deep breath, groaning as the sharp pain of broken ribs curtailed his breath. He had been trying unsuccessfully to free himself when he though he heard something. Stilling immediately, he listened carefully and heard someone calling. He also recognised the voice.

“Beverly?”

He breathed. Then louder…

“Beverly!”

The Doctor gasped and felt the thrill of excitement.

“Jean-Luc! Are you all right?”

The Captain grimaced.

“Not exactly. I’m trapped…can you help?”

Beverly frowned and looked at the tree trunks. One was devoid of branches but the other had a few handholds. She gripped the highest and, using her feet, managed to hitch herself up to the level of the shuttle. The external access panel had been exposed, but seemed to be on line as its lights were functioning. Inputting the correct code, Beverly was disgusted when the aft hatch popped but didn’t open. Closer scrutiny revealed a large crack in the hull. Looking around, Beverly spied a likely looking branch hanging precariously just above her. Wrapping her injured arm around the tree, she reached up, grabbed the branch and tugged. It came loose abruptly and Beverly grunted as she took its weight. Re-adjusting her grip, she shoved one end into the crack and pushed. Smoke was building and kept wafting around her. As she worked she talked to the trapped man.

“So you’re trapped? How?”

His voice was muffled, but Beverly could hear his distress.

“I’m upside down near the cockpit. My right leg is jammed between the bulkhead and the back of the cockpit seat.”

“I see. Is it bleeding?”

“Yes…but I don’t know how much…I can’t see too well, everything’s spinning.”

Beverly was pondering that when the hatch suddenly released. Smoke pored out and the Doctor saw flames crawling up one side of the little craft. With tentative actions, Beverly manoeuvred herself into the shuttle, dragging the branch with her. She found Jean-Luc quickly. She noted the laceration over his brow and the blood on the floor. Standing gingerly, she wedged the branch above his leg then gently gripped his shoulder.

“Jean-Luc I’m going to try and jemmy the seat back. Do you think you can pull back with your leg?”

He was panting but he nodded.

Beverly gripped the branch and heaved. The wood bowed but it held and Jean-Luc felt the pressure ease. Placing his good foot against the seat, he pushed with all he had and his trapped leg slowly slipped free. He fell the short distance to the floor and grunted as he lay trying to regain his breath. Beverly’s hand gripped his head.

“We have to get out of here. Can you stand?”

He nodded and with Beverly’s help, got to his feet. As he did, feeling started to flood back into his leg and he groaned, leaning on his lover and gasping. Beverly slipped an arm under his shoulder and led him aft, to the open hatch.

“There’s a tree Jean-Luc. Lean forward and grab it, there’re small foot and hand holds.”

He shook his head.

“No…I can’t open my eyes, everything’s spinning.”

Beverly scowled.

“It might be better now you’re up the right way. Have a look.”

He attempted to do as she suggested and immediately shook his head.

“No…it’s no good.”

The Doctor frowned.

“Right. I’ll go out first. Take my hand.”

He did as she requested and soon found himself leaning out over the drop.

“It’s not far Jean-Luc. Keep coming, I’ve got you.”

With blind faith, Jean-Luc stepped out into nothingness. He soon felt the tree and wrapped his arms around it.

“Okay that’s good. Now I can’t help too much…I only have one hand, but if you feel with your hands and feet, you’ll make it down okay. Like I said, it’s not far, only a few metres.”

Jean-Luc nodded and tried to calm his rapid breathing.

“All right but you go first.”

He heard her scramble down and slowly made his own way to the forest floor. As soon as his feet were on the ground, knowing hands began to examine him. He leaned against the trunk and wiped at the sweat and blood trickling down his face.

“Right. You’ve a bad laceration of the upper right thigh, possibly a fracture of the femur as well. There’re broken ribs and, going by the blood around your mouth, probably a lacerated lung. How am I doing so far?”

Jean-Luc nodded and lowered his head into his hand.

“I am having trouble…pain, nausea and vision disturbances. Selar said I had a fractured skull and a sub-dural haematoma. There’s a possibility it has not fully healed.”

Beverly frowned deeply and gripped his shoulder.

“But she would’ve repaired all of that. What aren’t you telling me?”

He sighed and was about to reply when they both heard voices in the distance. Beverly eased Jean-Luc away from the tree and slipped her arm under his shoulder.

“Come on we have to get away from here.”

They had only gone a few metres when the shuttle suddenly fell and began to burn brightly. Hastening her feet, the Doctor urged Jean-Luc to hurry.

                 Data stood beside the Ensign at Tactical and watched the scans as he talked with Engineering.

“So you believe it is more of their cloaking technology?”

“Yes. The disturbances in the sub space field suggest quantum rifts. How soon after you detected the missile did they disappear?”

Data cocked his head and frowned.

“Almost immediately. We noted the shuttle’s descent and were about to beam the Captain off when it simply vanished. We have been unable to find it since.”

“Okay I think I can help. I’ll come up to the Bridge. LaForge out.”

Data took one more look at the scans then returned to the command chair. He was waiting when Geordi arrived. The Engineer went to the aft station and activated his schematics. Data stood and joined him.

“See Data…what we have is an area of nothingness. Where we should be seeing forest and the contours of the land there’s a blank. What we have to do is penetrate that blank.”

Data nodded.

“I see. And how do we do that?”

Geordi tapped in a few commands and sighed.

“That my friend is what’s stymieing me. No matter what I try, our sensors can’t punch through.”
Data frowned and entered some information.

“What about using the deflector dish to initiate a quantum phase inhibitor? Perhaps that might work?”

Geordi sighed.
”Maybe, but I don’t want to tip our hand. If the rebels know we can see, they may become even more violent and now that it seems the Captain’s stuck down there I want to limit their knowledge of what we can do.”

The android processed that and sighed.

“I understand. Keep on it Geordi.”

The dark Engineer nodded.

“I’ll do that Data.”

                        Will propped himself up in the cockpit and struggled to stay conscious. Tapping the console, he opened a channel to the Enterprise.

“Data here Commander.”

Swallowing and taking as big a breath as he dared, Will grimaced in pain.

“Data I’m bringing the Calypso in on automatic pilot. When I’m close enough, use the tractor beam to dock her.”

“Aye Sir. We will beam you off as soon as you are within range. Are you sure you do not want us to meet you sooner?”

“No Data just transport me as soon as you can. Riker out.”

The bearded man listened to the whistling and gurgling coming from his lung and scowled.

“Not good…not good at all.”

                        The undergrowth was making their flight very difficult. Scratched and covered with twigs and leaves, the two officers made as much haste as they dared, moving in a straight line away from the downed shuttle. They had travelled three hundred metres when they suddenly burst into clear space and the ground disappeared beneath their feet. Beverly cried out and clutched at Jean-Luc as they plummeted ten metres straight down and into a fast flowing river.

The water was icy cold and Beverly struggled to hold her breath as she sank down in the torrent. Jean-Luc, his eyes firmly closed, felt the current grab him as he sank and whisked him along, his shoulder making solid contact with a submerged rock. The joint popped out of alignment and the Captain gritted his teeth.

With the pain of her severed stump lancing up her arm. Beverly kicked strongly and clawed her way to the surface. Heaving a big breath, she searched frantically for Jean-Luc, the swirling waters carrying her along at a brisk speed. Rushed into a dip in the water, she suddenly rose over a rock and caught a flash of red not far in front of her.

Furiously kicking her feet and stroking with her good arm, she angled across the current, keeping her target in sight.

Jean-Luc coughed uncontrollably, blood and water spewing from his mouth. Disorientated and dizzy, he couldn’t see which way to swim to find safety. The river suddenly descended through a series of rapids and the Captain was tossed around like a limp rag doll, at the mercy of the torrent. Twice submerged rocks pummelled him, further damaging his already broken ribs and exacerbating the tears in his lacerated lung. The current pulled him under without warning and he flailed with his arm, trying to reach the surface. Just as he was beginning to think he would surely drown, a hand gripped his fingers. He kicked convulsively and struggled upwards, aided by the hand that was pulling him. He broke the surface, coughing and vomiting. The hand let his fingers go and grabbed the back of his collar. Over the roaring of the water he heard Beverly’s voice.

“Just kick Jean-Luc…I’ll get us to the bank!”

Still coughing and gasping, he complied and Beverly allowed the current to carry them as she moved diagonally across the flow. They rode the water for over seventy metres before the river suddenly calmed and deepened. Now able to make progress, Beverly towed her burden the nearest bank and stumbled as her feet hit the sandy bottom. She turned and grabbed Jean-Luc under his arms but when she hefted him, he cried out in pain. The Doctor looked down and saw the grotesquely dislocated shoulder. Altering her grip, she dragged Jean-Luc up onto the pebbly drift and collapsed beside him, her chest heaving. Jean-Luc rolled onto his side and vomited again and again before writhing as he was wracked by a coughing fit. Blood and water left his mouth and Beverly gripped his arm.

“Try to relax Jean-Luc…take smaller breaths.”

He nodded, his eyes clenched shut. Within five minutes he was calmer and Beverly helped him to sit up.

“I’m going to put that shoulder back. I’ll be as quick as I can.”

He could only nod as he felt Beverly grip his elbow. The sharp jerk caused a flash of blinding pain and he cried out. The Doctor folded his arm across his chest and encouraged him to rest his hand on his shoulder.

“Keep it still. The pain should subside soon.”

Panting and shaking his head, Jean-Luc gasped,

“We have to find somewhere to hide. How is your injured arm?”

Beverly looked down at her stump and grimaced.

“The dressing is gone but it’s not bleeding. It looks clean.”

Jean-Luc nodded.

“And the pain?”

Beverly smiled without mirth.

“Don’t ask. What about you…can you see?”

Jean-Luc opened his eyes experimentally and groaned.

“Oh God…everything’s still spinning.”

He swallowed with haste as his stomach rebelled. Beverly saw his distress and gently pushed his head down.

“Keep your breathing even…in through the nose and out through the mouth.”

Unable to take deep breaths, Jean-Luc concentrated on not vomiting. When he felt under control again he nodded.

“Can you see anywhere we can hide?”

The Doctor looked up and scanned the surrounding bush. When she answered her voice was tight.

“Not around here, but if we make our way back upstream a bit, there’s a rocky escarpment we might find helpful.”

Jean-Luc nodded and held out his hand.

“Right. Can you help me up?”

He felt her grip his arm and between them, he gained his feet. Beverly slung one arm under his good shoulder and sighed.

“I’ll take it slow but you’d best feel with your feet.”

The Captain nodded, grunting as he took some weight on his injured leg.

“If we can, move away from the river. As long as we stay near, we’ll never be able to hear anything but the rushing water.”

Beverly nodded.

“Will do.”

Together they picked their way along the bank.

                  Data alerted Doctor Selar.

“Sickbay this is the Bridge. We are about to beam Commander Riker directly to your facility. Are you ready to receive him?”

Selar’s voice showed no trace of stress.

“We are ready Commander. Do you have any information about his injury?”

Data frowned.

“No Doctor.”

Just then Tactical announced,

“The Calypso is within range Commander.”

“Thank you. Transporter Room, energise. Security prepare to meet the Calypso when it’s docked. Remove any prisoners and incarcerate them in detention cells two and three.”

The android ignored the acquiescence of his orders and turned to Lieutenant Ford.

“Lieutenant I will be first in Sickbay, then the brig. You have the Bridge.”

“Aye Sir.”

               Deanna Troi stood in Sickbay willing herself to be still. With her hands fisted at her sides, she waited as the form of her lover materialised on a biobed. He was immediately surrounded by medical personnel and Deanna frowned as her empathic senses picked up the residue of the unconscious man’s pain.

Minutes later Will was being taken to surgery. Selar approached the Counsellor and arched a perfect eyebrow.

“Commander Riker has been shot with a projectile weapon. The projectile is lodged in his upper thoracic region and has damaged his lung. There has been significant blood loss, however there should be no impediment to a complete recovery from this injury as Commander Riker is fit and in excellent health. I will inform you when surgery is complete.”

With that the Vulcan spun on her heel and walked away. Deanna briefly closed her eyes and swallowed, the urge to wring her hands almost overpowering.

Knowing she had time to kill, the Counsellor turned to enter Beverly’s office when Data arrived. He went straight to her and adopted a sympathetic look.

“How is he Deanna?”

The Counsellor repeated what Selar had told her and Data sighed.

“That is good news. I must see to our prisoners. Will you be all right here?”

Smiling at his gentle concern, Deanna nodded.

“I’ll be fine Data. I’ll let you know when he’s out.”

The android nodded and left.

                       The large duranium doors to the detention cells trundled open and Data strode briskly in, his keen eyes not hampered by the subdued lighting. In each of the two occupied cells, medical personnel hovered over somnolent beings stretched out on the utilitarian bunks. Data waited patiently while the examinations took place and cocked his head when the nurse approached him.

“Report.”

Offering a PADD, the nurse shrugged.

“They are both unconscious Sir. They have been the recipients of a phaser blast…heavy stun would be my estimate of the level used. They’ll be out to it for some time yet.”

Data nodded curtly.

“Thank you Lieutenant, please report back to Sickbay.”
He beckoned to a nearby Ensign.

“Post guards within and without the detention area and inform me immediately as to when they regain consciousness.”

“Aye Commander.”

Taking one final look at the captives, Data left.

               Once again on the Bridge, Data said mildly,

“Tactical open a channel to the resort. I wish to speak with Mark Webber.”

“Aye Sir.”

Data sat and composed himself. Moments later the ubiquitous interstellar traffic director appeared.

“This is Mark Webber, how may I be of assistance?”

Data clasped his hands in his lap and kept his voice soft.

“I wish to talk to you about the Antarra Alliance.”

Webber’s face paled and his mouth twitched.

“Pardon?”

Data stayed glacial.

“The Antarra Alliance. I have reason to believe you have had dealings with them.”

Webber’s eyes darted restlessly.

“To whom am I speaking?”

“I am Lieutenant Commander Data, Second Officer of the Starship Enterprise.”

“I see. And just who says I’ve had dealings with the alliance?”

Data tilted his head.

“Actually Mr.Webber I do.”

The thin man tugged at his collar and looked over his shoulder.

“Well you’re sadly mistaken. Now I am a busy man so if there’s nothing else…”

Data crossed his legs and casually flicked at some non-existent lint on his trousers.

“Unfortunately there is Mr.Webber. I have reliable information that you have had direct contact with Juzz D’Ran. In response to his request you supplied the name of a fellow worker who in turn supplied information about Starfleet personnel. Are you aware you have committed an offence?”

The nervous man wiped his brow and squinted at the screen.

“What do you want from me?”

“I seek the answers to two vexing questions. What is the name of your colleague? And what is the name of the Ferengi Daimon who is aiding and abetting the rebels?”

Webber covered his face with his hands and trembled.

“What’s in it for me?”

Data allowed several seconds to pass before saying quietly,

“I might be convinced to make a note of your…generous help…in my report. Such a note would be viewed favourably by the authorities.”

The director sat back and slumped in his chair. Sighing in defeat he seemed to shrink.

“The man you want is the director of chalet allocation…Nathan Pilger. The Ferengi is Daimon Muzz. He was here about ten days ago, but I don’t know where he is now.”

Data nodded silently.

“I see. Tell me, have you had any communications from D’Ran recently?”

The frightened little man shook his head.

“No. Once I gave him Pilger’s name he dropped me like a stone.”

“And what did you receive for your information?”

Webber closed his eyes and sighed.

“One hundred and fifty bars of latinum.”

Data nodded.

“You can expect a visit from the authorities. Data out.”

The Second officer stared at his boots for several seconds before saying quietly,

“Tactical open a channel to Nathan Pilger.”

                 Beverly tried to ignore the throbbing ache in her wrist but the pain dogged her, gradually eroding her strength. Jean-Luc leaned heavily on her, his steps faltering as he stumbled along at her side. The Doctor brought them to a halt and was about to suggest they rest when the Captain suddenly dropped to his knees and heaved. With his empty stomach rebelling, he began to cough. Clutching at his chest, he brought up a quantity of bright blood and gasped as he tried to regain his breathing. Beverly knelt beside him and rubbed his back.

“Steady…try to relax.”

As he struggled for control, Beverly noted the laceration in his thigh was still bleeding. She looked around and spotted a small cleared area to their left.

“Jean-Luc can you stand?”

Still panting, he nodded slowly.

“Okay I’ll help you up.”

Once he was on his feet, Beverly led him to the clearing and encouraged him to sit on the ground. Jean-Luc was shaking and Beverly could see he was in the early stages of shock.

“I need to get your vest. Do you think you can help me take your tops off?”

He nodded and between them they slowly divested him off his upper clothing. Having got the vest, Beverly then helped him put his wet clothes back on.

“Right. Now do you think you can tear the vest in half?”

Saying nothing and with his eyes firmly shut, he held out his hand. Beverly put the garment in his hand and he gripped it with both hands, feeling until he found the top. Risking pain in his damaged shoulder, he held the vest up and exerted the necessary power required to tear it in half. Beverly’s hand covered his and she smiled.

“Thank you. Now I need you to drop your trousers down to your knees.”

He lay back and obeyed. The Doctor winced at seeing the mottled, bruised flesh and the sinister gash than ran across his thigh. She wrapped half of the vest tightly around the muscle and tucked the end in. Throughout the procedure Jean-Luc gritted his teeth and endured the associated pain

“Okay you can pull your pants up now.”

He slowly complied and lay quietly, his face showing his distress. As the Doctor wrapped the remaining rag around her stump, she stroked his temple and said softly,

“Tell me about your head injury.”

His voice was rough and very deep.

“As I told you I had a fractured skull and a sub-dural haematoma. There was also some intra-cranial bleeding. I was taken to surgery and treated but I didn’t stay in Sickbay to recuperate. I went back on duty and suffered another bleed. That landed me back in Sickbay, this time under orders to stay until the injury healed completely. I ignored the order and left medical as soon as I could. Judging by what I’m experiencing now, I can only assume I’m bleeding into my brain again.”

Beverly sighed and shook her head.

“Why so stubborn? You don’t usually flout the authority of your Doctor.”

Jean-Luc frowned.

“Selar is not my Doctor…you are.”

Beverly grew impatient.

“That’s nonsense and you know it! In my absence Selar is acting CMO and she was perfectly correct to insist you stay in Sickbay until you healed properly. Do you have any idea just how dangerous your condition is? Jean-Luc there could be repercussions…damage that we might have trouble fixing. Why were you so willing to take such a terrible risk?”

He reached for her hand and she gave it, feeling how cold he was.

“Beverly I couldn’t lie in Sickbay while you were being held captive somewhere. We had received your finger, then two more and finally your hand. D’Ran’s threats were becoming more dire and I chafed at our lack of progress. I had to do something…anything to find you.”

Beverly said nothing. Instead she felt across the hem of his tunic, searching for the hidden pocket that contained a personal phaser. Finding it empty, she sighed.

“Your phaser’s gone.”

He grunted and slowly sat up. Beverly looked up at the sky and tugged on his arm.

“It’s going to get dark soon. We need to find somewhere to hide for the night.”

Having gained his feet, Jean-Luc groaned and lifted a hand to his head. Beverly strengthened her grip on his arm and asked,

“Headache?”

He nodded and leaned forward as his stomach threatened to heave. The Doctor waited until he calmed then began to lead him into the bush.

                Deanna was seated beside Will’s sleeping form, watching as his chest rose and fell. Her eyes widened and she stood, going to his side and taking his hand. Her empathic senses had detected his rise to consciousness and she waited patiently as the big man’s eyes fluttered then opened. He stared unfocussed at the ceiling, a slight frown creasing his brow. Deanna leaned forward and spoke softly.

“Will can you hear me?”

He swallowed then opened his mouth, nodding slowly. The Counsellor placed her hands either side of his face and looked deeply into his eyes.

“Look at me Will…I’m here.”

The frown deepened and his eyes sluggishly moved until they found his lover. As Deanna watched they cleared and a smile emerged. His voice was husky.

“Hi.”

Her face glowing with happiness, Deanna sighed.

“Hi. How do you feel?”

“I’m okay. How long have I been here?”

The Counsellor kissed his forehead and sat on the edge of the bed.

“A little over seven hours.”

His eyebrows rose and he pouted.

“That long? What’s the damage?”

Deanna left him briefly and returned with a small dish. Picking something up from the dish, she held it between her fingers close enough for Will to see.

“This was removed from your chest. It had lodged in your lung causing quite a lot of damage. You lost a lot of blood but everything’s been repaired.”

He reached up with a shaky hand and took the object, frowning as he inspected it.

“It’s not very big.”

Deanna snorted.

“It’s big enough.”

He sighed and shook his head.

“What’s been happening?”

The petite woman frowned.

“Data has been interrogating the planetary officials and the Captain is missing on the surface. We…”

Will gripped Deanna’s hand and struggled to sit up.

“What? How did that happen?”

Wishing to calm her suddenly agitated lover, Deanna tried to ease him back down onto the bed. Will brushed her hands aside and growled,

“Deanna! What’s going on?”

Sighing in resignation, Deanna lowered her head.

“The Captain left Sickbay against orders and took a shuttle down to the surface. We had a transmission telling us something was waiting for us at the chalet. The Captain found it and had it beamed up to the ship.”

Will frowned.

“What was it?”

Deanna grimaced.

“Beverly’s right hand.”

Will closed his eyes and swore softly.

“Then what? How did the Captain get stranded?”

Deanna sat on the bed and continued.

“We sent information of several hover cars, one containing Human female bio signs had taken flight not far from the chalet. He went to investigate and the shuttle was attacked. It went down but before we could beam the Captain up to the ship, the entire area became invisible to us. Geordi and Data have been trying to negate whatever it is that’s blanking out our sensors but so far…no luck.”

Will growled.

“So we don’t know if the Captain’s all right?”

Deanna shook her head.

“No.”

The big man pushed the covers down and slid from the bed.

“I need a uniform. Go and get Selar will you Dee.”

Knowing it was useless to argue, Deanna left his bed as the Commander approached a replicator. By the time Selar met with him, Will was pulling on his boots.

“Commander Riker I do not recommend you leave Sickbay.”

Will nodded curtly.

“I understand Doctor, however circumstances dictate otherwise.”

The Vulcan raised one eyebrow.

“Commander I have already had my orders ignored by the Captain. Are you going to repeat his actions?”

Will stood to his full height and looked down at the stoic woman.

“Doctor Selar I am leaving Sickbay with or without your blessing. I am aware of your objections and I will note them in the log, but I hope you understand…I must go.”

Selar cast Deanna a look of resignation then settled her unruffled gaze back on the Commander.

“Very well. If you experience any debilitating symptoms I expect you to return immediately.”

Will nodded once and stepped past the Doctor.

“Understood. Counsellor come with me.”

The two officers strode out of Sickbay, Deanna having to almost trot to keep up. They entered a turbolift and Will barked a single word.

“Bridge!”

                     Data was slowly pacing back and forth in front of the viewscreen, his hands clasped behind his back.

“So your defence is that you had always wanted to know what sex with a Deltan was like?”

The obese, sweating man on the screen squirmed in his seat.

“Well yes. Everyone knows how incredible sex with a Deltan is…I just wanted to find our for myself.”

Data nodded and ceased his pacing. Facing his quarry, the android lifted his head.

“My information tells me that you requested a Deltan who was in oestrus. Why?”

His face flushing a deep red, the fat man shifted again.

“I heard…that is I think I read some where that when Deltans are on heat they are at the optimum for sex. I heard they become insatiable and very…compliant.”

Data’s eyebrows rose.

“I see. And was the experience all that you had hoped for?”

“Yes.”

Data nodded.

“I would hope so because that dalliance is going to cost you dearly. Why did you choose Doctor Crusher? Surely there are other Starfleet personnel staying at the resort.”

Wiping sweat from his face and neck, the frightened man closed his eyes.

“She was the highest ranking officer staying. When I saw her name and the fact she was a Doctor, I accessed her profile and found she was a Commander.”

Data’s head snapped up.

“You accessed her profile? How?”

About to hear the answer, Data was interrupted by Will’s arrival. He held up his hand, silencing the director and signalled Tactical to mute the sound.

“Commander what are you doing here? You should be in Sickbay.”

Will grunted and pointed at the screen.

“Who’s that?”

“Nathan Pilger. He is responsible for allocating accommodation for the resort. Our information is that he supplied details about Doctor Crusher to the alliance in return for two nights with a Deltan in oestrus.”

Will’s eyebrows rose and he blew out a long breath.

“Wow! Has he admitted his guilt?”

“Yes Sir.”

Will nodded.

“Good. I’ll wait until you’ve concluded the interview then I want an update.”

Data frowned and shook his head.

“But Commander Riker, you should be in Sickbay. I…”
Will scowled.

“No way.”
He pointed again at the screen.

“Finish this.”

Data closed his mouth and turned back to the screen.

“Aye Sir. Tactical open channel.”

“Channel open Sir.”

“My apologies for the unavoidable interruption Mr.Pilger. I believe my question was…how did you access Doctor Crusher’s profile?”

The large man swabbed his streaming face. He closed his eyes and screwed up his face.

“I really would rather not answer that.”

“I am sure you don’t but I need an answer Mr.Pilger and I will not cease until I have one. Of course I can always have you beamed aboard…my security department is very good at extracting information from reluctant people. Did I tell you our head of security is a close personal friend of Doctor Crusher?”

Unwilling to submit to the threat, Pilger sagged.

“All right! I have a contact at Starbase 557. Her name is Sally Gilbee. In return for free lodgings here twice a year, she supplies me with information on visiting Starfleet personnel. Under normal circumstances I use it to tailor the individual’s holiday…make it a more…intimate experience. When the offer of a Deltan on heat came from D’Ran I couldn’t help myself.”

Data nodded and returned to his seat.

“I see. You have broken several laws, both civil and Starfleet. You can expect a visit from the authorities and I will contact you again if I require any additional information. Enterprise out.”

The android stood and addressed tactical.

“Please send a copy of this interview to Commander DeSota at Starbase 557 with my compliments. Inform him of the activities of Sally Gilbee and request he forward the outcome of the resulting investigation.”

“Aye Sir.”

Will stood and went to the engineering station. He called up the latest scans and scowled.

“We’re still in the dark.”

Data joined him and nodded.

“I am afraid you are right in two ways Commander. Not only are we still unable to penetrate whatever they have used to cloak the area, but night has fallen on that area of the planet.”

Will growled.

“Can we transport through it?”

Data shrugged.

“Unknown Sir.”

The big man ran a hand through his hair. Coming to a decision, he lowered his head and said softly,

“Data I’m taking a shuttle and a security detail down there. You have the bridge.”

The Second Officer frowned deeply.

“Commander I cannot allow this. With Captain Picard missing you have command of the ship. Let me go Sir.”

Will’s hand was warm on Data’s shoulder.

“No my friend this is something I must do.”
Deanna rose from her seat and raised her soft voice loud enough to be heard.

“Data’s right Will. Your place is here, on the ship.”

Will shook his head.

“No! Look we don’t know what happened to Captain Picard, he may be injured, captured…anything could’ve happened and we still don’t have anything on Beverly other than the fact that she’s missing her right hand. Who knows what may have been done to her lately. I have to do this…they’re my friends!”

Deanna and Data shared a look and Data sighed.

“Very well Commander but I must register my disapproval at your actions. It is against standing regulations.”

The big man grinned.

“So noted Data.”

He went to the Counsellor and took her hands.

“Can you sense them?

She closed her eyes and frowned.

“No. Since the area blacked out I’ve sensed nothing.”

“Okay keep trying and signal me if you sense anything. Data I’ll be in regular contact. Have a security team meet me in Shuttle bay four.”

“Aye Commander.”
Will stepped into the lift and smiled at his friends. Deanna said softly,

“Find them Will…bring them home.”

He nodded as the doors closed.

               The hunted officers found a rock overhang that afforded a modicum of shelter. Jean-Luc was lying on his side and although his eyes were closed, sleep eluded him. With the pounding in his head, the pain in his leg and chest and the ever-present dizziness and nausea, he lay quietly, trying to ease Beverly’s worry. The Doctor was seated beside her lover, cradling her throbbing arm. Earlier, in the waning light of the day, she had inspected the raw stump and found the beginnings of putrification. The terrible wound was weeping pus and serum, the surrounding flesh an angry red. Feeling tired, cold and feverish, Beverly leaned back, intending to see of she could at least doze. When her back made contact with the rough rock, she gasped and sat up, arching her back as pain shot through her muscles. The Captain heard her distress and sat up. He kept his voice low.

“What is it?”

Beverly swallowed and screwed her eyes shut.

“Nothing. Go back to sleep.”

He felt blindly for her good arm and finding it, squeezed it firmly.

“Don’t be so bloody condescending! What’s wrong?”

The Doctor quelled her rising anger and sighed.

“My back is injured and I just forgot and leaned back on the rock wall. It hurt.”

Jean-Luc let go of her arm and felt for her hand.

“How is it injured?”

“When the hover car I was in crashed it started to burn. I got away but it exploded and I was hit but some small metal shards. Some of them are still in my flesh.”

Jean-Luc frowned.

“What are you wearing?”

“A long sleeve shirt and slacks.”

The Captain scowled.

“That’s it? You must be cold. Help me get my tunic off.”

Beverly’s voice was softly amused.

“Why?”

His voice was devoid of humour.

“Because you can wear it…I have my shirt underneath.”

He felt Beverly stroke his face.

“No need my love, I’m running a temperature and I’m only going to get hotter. The best thing will be to keep me cool.”

There was a moment’s silence before Jean-Luc asked,

“Why are you running a temperature?”

Beverly sighed.

“Because my stump is infected.”

The Captain grunted then said,

“Take off your shirt.”

A startled Beverly frowned.

“Why?”

Jean-Luc lowered his head.

“I might not be able to see Beverly but I can feel with my hands. Perhaps I can remove some of the metal in your back.”

The Doctor thought about it for a full minute. Jean-Luc gave her the time she needed and was gratified when she said,

“Okay.”

He heard her remove her shirt and she turned so her back was to him.

“Ready.”

He lifted his hands and very gently felt from her shoulders to the top of her buttocks. With delicate care, using his fingers and nails, he prised out several pieces of metal, feeling Beverly flinch and blood trickle down her skin. It took over an hour and at its end Beverly was exhausted. She slowly put her shirt back on and Jean-Luc took her shoulders in his hands, turning her.

“Lie down with me.”

Trembling in pain and shock, Beverly sank to the ground on her side and allowed Jean-Luc to take her in his arms.

“Sleep my love, I’ll hold you.”

It took some time but she eventually drifted off. Jean-Luc stayed awake, content to stand guard over his lover.

                  With Will and the security team of five officers on board the shuttle was heavily loaded. It skimmed down to the last known coordinates and ran an extensive scan…and learned exactly nothing. Whatever was producing the dampening field was doing a superb job.

Will angrily tabbed open a channel and called the ship.

“Riker to Enterprise.”

“Data here Sir. Have you anything to report?”

Will snorted.

“No Data nothing. I’m going to initiate a search pattern of ever increasing circles. Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

“Understood Commander. At your present altitude we have you on sensors. I suggest you stay at that height to maintain your safety.”

Will smiled grimly.

“Acknowledged Data. Riker out.”

He turned to his team and addressed them.

“I want all of you looking out the ports. Look for smoke, breaks in the forest…anything that might give us a clue as to where our people are.”

The officers nodded and there was a quiet chorus of “Yes Sir.”

Will inputted the search pattern and squinted out the front screen, the powerful lights of the shuttle illuminating a wide area. For over half an hour they searched when suddenly one of his officers shouted,

“Incoming! Starboard side…it’s coming up fast!”

The alarm sounded and Will slammed his hand down on the console but not fast enough. The missile blasted into the craft and it slewed sickeningly, smoke and flames billowing from the damaged side. With the interior filling with smoke, Will struggled to keep the shuttle aloft. He fought a losing battle as the little ship plummeted to the forest below.

                    Data stood and spun to Tactical.

“Beam them off now!”

The Lieutenant’s fingers danced over the console but she gasped and lifted her head.

“It’s too late Sir, they’ve disappeared!”

               Will had just enough time to shout,

“Brace for impact!”

There was a deafening crash and the shuttle was violently thrown about as it descended through the trees. The cacophony ended abruptly as their ship met the ground with a deadly impact.

Miraculously upright the shuttle shuddered as an explosion blew out the starboard side. Three bodies spilled out and lay lifeless on the ground. In the darkened interior Will groaned and lifted his head. Blood covered his eyes and he winced as he raised his hands to wipe his face. As his hearing returned he heard pitiful sounds coming from the aft section. He slid out of his seat and crawled aft, finding the first officer lying on the floor. Will grabbed her arm and dragged her with him. The second victim was also on the floor, but sitting upright holding an obviously broken arm. He helped Will with his burden and they exited the ruined craft as quickly as they could.

Will and his helper, an Ensign, got clear of the burning shuttle and took stock.

“Can you walk?”

The Ensign nodded.

“Yes Sir.”

Will nodded slowly.

“And you still have your weapon?”

The young man hefted his phaser and nodded.

“Yes Sir.”

The Commander unholstered his own weapon and checked the charge.

“Right. We move the bodies clear and treat our wounded as best we can. Then you and I are going to continue our mission.”

The Ensign swallowed and nodded.

“Aye Commander.”

Will tapped his combadge.

“Riker to Enterprise.”

There was no reply.

“Riker to Enterprise respond please.”

Nothing, just static.

Will scowled.

“What is your name?”

“Thomas Phillips Sir.”

“Okay Tom, we’re on our own. Let’s get to it.”

Between them they dragged the three deceased crewmen clear and treated the unconscious woman as best they could. Will and Tom both took backpacks from the dead and checked the contents. The Ensign reported,

“I have rations, field dressings, a palm beacon and a tricorder Sir. How about you?”

Will grunted.

“The same. Take out the palm beacon and tricorder, we’ll be needing them.”

Tom nodded.

“Yes Sir…Commander will you let me treat your head wound?”

Will wiped at the trickling blood and shook his head.

“No there’s no time. Have we a spare tricorder?”

Tom checked and found one with the injured crewman.

“Yes Sir.”

Holding out his hand, Will took it and inputted some commands.

“I’ve set the automated locator. If we can find and destroy whatever’s cloaking this area, the Enterprise can send down help. Can you cope with your arm?”

The Ensign glanced down at his broken forearm and nodded.

“Aye Sir.”

Will stood and offered his hand, helping his companion to his feet. The big man deployed his tricorder and swept the area. Studying the results he sighed.

“I’m not getting much but there’s something on the ground about a kilometre from here. We should investigate.”

Tom settled his backpack and looked up at his Commander.

“Ready when you are Sir.”

Will smiled at the young man and activated his torch.

“Right. Let’s go.”

                   Jean-Luc was dozing when he suddenly began to cough. He released his hold on Beverly and rolled away from her the pain in his chest searing. Blood filled his mouth and he allowed it to flow out, trying desperately to catch his breath. He felt Beverly grip his shoulder and her voice sounded near his ear, low and tense.

“Jean-Luc…quiet! Listen.”

Gasping softly, Jean-Luc quelled his coughing with difficulty and eventually held his breath. Nearby he heard the sounds of someone moving through the bush. Light arced across the foliage and Beverly tugged on his tunic, whispering urgently,

“We have to move deeper into the rocks. Can you get up?”

Letting out his breath, he gasped and nodded. The Doctor helped him to his feet and gripped his arm as she led him away from their hiding place. Fat drops of rain hit them and a low rumble of thunder heralded an impending storm. The wind picked up and Beverly stopped to whisper again.

“This is good, the sounds of the storm will cover our movements.”

Jean-Luc nodded and Beverly urged him onwards, blindly making her way through the bush.

                    Geordi scratched his head and glowered at the screen.

“I don’t know! Look if I could figure this out I would but so far it’s defeated me.”

Data looked at his friend with sympathy and gently laid his hand on Geordi’s shoulder.

“I know you are doing your best Geordi, I did not mean to put excess pressure on you.”

The Engineer sighed.

“You didn’t Data but with Commander Riker and the team down there…and with us not knowing anything…well it’s frustrating. I…”

The Enterprise lurched to starboard as a blast impacted on her side. Alarms sounded and Data yelled,

“Red alert! Shields up! Tactical what happened? Who fired on us?”

The Lieutenant frowned, then gripped his station as another explosion rocked the ship.

“I don’t know Sir! There’s nothing out there. Sensors show clear space.”

The aft Science station erupted in a shower of sparks as yet another impact raked the saucer section. Data strode to the Command seat and barked,

“Helm evasive manoeuvres, Picard delta epsilon. Engage.”

The enormous ship executed a graceful roll and headed for space in an elegant arc. Once clear of the planet, she rolled to port and then climbed rapidly, jumping to warp five.

Data’s voice was tight.

“Are we being pursued?”

Tactical shook his head.

“I can’t tell Sir, there’s still nothing on my sensors.”

The Second Officer tilted his head.

“Helm come to a full stop.”

“Aye Sir.”

In silence the Bridge crew waited. After five minutes, when nothing happened, Data called to Geordi,

“Any thoughts Commander?”

The Engineer frowned, his blue ocular implants dilating.

“If that was a cloaked ship, it can fire while cloaked. We’ve not come across that before and I really don’t like the implications.”

Data pulled down the corners of his mouth.

“Indeed. I will send a report to Starfleet immediately.”
He turned to tactical.

“Damage report?”

“Impulse drive is off line and we have a hull breach starboard side, saucer section. Shields at eighty six percent and the port nacelle coupling is failing. Three dead and thirty nine injuries so far.”

Data nodded.

“Estimated time for repairs?”

“Five hours Sir.”

Geordi caught Data’s eye.

“I’d better get to Engineering.”

Data nodded and turned back to the screen.

“I wish to review the sensor logs. Please route the information to the Ready Room.”

“Aye Sir.”

                   Soaked to the skin for the second time, the shivering pair climbed over the rocky terrain, blindly feeling their way in the dark. Intermittent flashes of lightning allowed Beverly to plot her course and she spotted a likely hiding place not too distant. They were making slow progress to their haven when a light from a torch swept close by.

The Doctor pulled Jean-Luc down with her and whispered,

“There’s someone near. We have to be quiet.”

Jean-Luc nodded and tried to regulate his ragged breathing. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to take a breath, the pain and congestion forcing him to take shallow gasping breaths.

Beverly gripped Jean-Luc’s arm and began to crawl towards some boulders. They reached them and she pulled the Captain behind the straggly undergrowth. He felt her lips at his ear.

“There’s not much cover here. If we can avoid our pursuers, I think we can make a break for the rise. There’s a lot more cover there.”

Jean-Luc nodded and suddenly doubled over as his stomach heaved. Beverly held his shoulder as the upheaval brought on ragged coughing.

“Shh! Please Jean-Luc we have to be quiet.”

With his face screwed up in distress he managed to nod and savagely suppress his coughing. The blood he spat out mixed with the rain and soon disappeared.

A beam of light swept by and both officers distinctly heard,

“I’m telling you I heard something!”

Another guttural voice sounded annoyed.

“Where?”

The light lanced back and darted haphazardly around their hiding place.

“Over there somewhere.”

The rough voice grunted.

“Well you can go look, I’m staying out of the damned rain.”

The hiding officers heard the sounds of footsteps and disturbed foliage as someone cautiously approached. Beverly pulled her wet hair from her face and felt around for something to defend themselves with. Her hand found a good-sized rock and she picked it up. Jean-Luc whispered,

“What are you going to do?”

“If he comes too close I intend to attack him. If I’m quick enough…and lucky…he’ll be out cold before he knows what hit him.”

Jean-Luc frowned in the darkness, his defective vision never more so lamented.

“Do you think that’s wise? His compatriot is nearby.”

Beverly sighed.

“Do you really think we have a choice? I…”

She suddenly tensed as a flash of lightning showed the hunter rounding their boulder. Fortunately he was looking the other way. Beverly stood and flattened herself against the rock, raising her weapon and holding her breath. The tall man stepped closer and swung his head around, the light attached to his hat hitting Beverly full in the face.

Momentarily blinded, she reacted quickly, lunging forward and bringing down the rock where she knew his head would be. There was a satisfying hollow crack and the man staggered backwards, his hands going to his head. Unfortunately he cried out. Beverly pushed him hard and he toppled, the blaster in his hand flying out into the darkness. The Doctor fell to her knees and struck him again, putting all her strength into the blow. His body went limp and Beverly tore the light from his bleeding head. Switching it off, she was dragging his body into the boulder’s overhang when another beam of light suddenly picked out his boots. Beverly dropped him and retreated, but a loud report made her drop to the ground. The whine of a ricochet and falling fragments of rock told the officers that the remaining hunter had a projectile weapon. Beverly looked around frantically then scuttled sideways into the thicker bush. The lone gunman rounded the boulder and shined his hand-held torch on Jean-Luc.

“Well what have we here? Get up and put your hands above your head.”

Jean-Luc rose slowly and said quietly,

“I can only raise one hand, my shoulder has been injured.”

The hunter stepped closer and shone the light in Jean-Luc’s face.

“I don’t care…do as you’re told! And open your fucking eyes!”

The Captain shook his head.

“I can’t.”

The man growled.

“Oh really? Well I’ll just have to give you some encouragement!”

There was a moment’s silence then Jean-Luc was hit a full-blooded blow to his stomach. He dropped to his knees and retched. A rough hand grabbed him by his collar and hauled him back to his feet. Something hard pushed against his teeth and foetid breath washed over him.

“Open your damn mouth.”

Jean-Luc complied and cold steel invaded his mouth.

“You do as you’re told or I’ll blow your fucking head off.”

Although it caused great pain, Jean-Luc raised his hands above his head and opened his eyes. With everything spinning he tried to steady himself but groaned piteously. He heard a sinister click as the weapon was cocked and the metal was slowly withdrawn from his mouth.

“That’s more like it. Now I’ll let you in on a little secret. I wasn’t overly fond of my companion, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let you get away with what you did. I’m going to put my torch down and you’re going to remain still.”

The light descended until it illuminated Jean-Luc feet. The voice was low and deadly.

“Right. Now I’m going to teach you a lesson.”

The hulking man took a step forwards and Beverly came out of her hiding place and attacked him from behind. She brought the rock down on his head and he staggered, yelled in outraged anger and spun around, bringing the pistol to bear. Beverly dived to her side as the gun fired and rolled once, coming to her feet and darting around the rock. The hunter raised a hand to his head and roared at feeling the flowing blood. He swung back to confront Jean-Luc to find him gone. Grunting with frustration, the big man picked up the torch and aimed it at the scrub, bending to peer through the low branches.

Beverly, who had climbed the boulder, launched herself and landed on his bent body. He was driven to the ground and lost his grip on the torch. The Doctor landed another blow with the rock but the huge man struck back, bringing the grip of the gun down on her neck. Seeing stars, Beverly rolled free and attempted to stand. Her feet were swept from under her and as she hit the ground, a shot glanced off the rocky soil close to her head. Her assailant lunged forward and kicked her savagely, connecting with her jaw. Beverly curled up, dazed and shocked, trying to protect herself. He took several steps back, aiming the gun at her and trying to find the torch. He spotted the beam in the scrub and moved towards it, bending down while keeping the pistol trained on his victim. As his fingers closed on the torch, he was kicked in the head and fell onto his behind. Jean-Luc staggered from the bush and kicked him again as he scrambled to aim the gun. The Captain dropped to his knees and gripped the gun hand. The man grunted and punched Jean-Luc with his free hand but the Captain hung on, forcing the weapon to the ground. Three times he was punched in the head and he held on but the man altered his attack, landing a savage blow to Jean-Luc’s broken ribs. With a cry of agony, Jean-Luc pitched forward and the man wrestled the gun free and brought it down viciously on the back of the Captain’s head. His body went limp and the hunter pushed him off. As the brute struggled to his feet he was again struck on the head, this time by the metal torch. He went down on all fours and Beverly grunted as she hit him again and again, not stopping until he lay motionless on the muddy ground.

With the rain pelting down, Beverly knelt by her lover and used the torch to inspect the wound on the back of his head. It was bleeding freely and her tears mixed with the falling rain on her face.

“Oh God no…Jean-Luc…please no…”

                   Will grunted as he wiped the rain from his eyes and scanned the derelict hover car. Ensign Phillips was scanning around the periphery of the wreck as Will completed his survey. Stooping low, he exited the car and called his companion.

“Tom over here.”

The Ensign appeared and Will gestured to his tricorder.

“There’s a body inside and DNA traces all over the car and one of them is from Doctor Crusher. Have you found anything?”

The young man nodded.

“Yes Sir. There is blood on the ground near the left side of the car and someone, I think the owner of the blood, was dragged some distance into the bush. Rain has all but erased the traces but they’re just visible. The trail ends about fifteen metres over there then it simply disappears.”

Will nodded.

“Can you identify the DNA?”

“No Sir…nothing on file.”

The bearded man sighed.

“Well at least it’s not Doctor Crusher.”

He inputted new parameters into his tricorder and slowly turned three sixty degrees, scanning as he went. Suddenly stilling, he backed up and intensified the scan before grunting and looking up at the Ensign.

“We have another target two and a half kilometres south east of here. Are you up to a little more bush bashing?”

Tom grinned and nodded.

“Yes Sir.”

Will returned the grin, his appreciation and respect for the youngster growing.

“Right let’s get going.”

Aiming his palm beacon, Will pushed into the bush, silently praying that his friends were all right.

             Data, Deanna and Geordi were seated in the Observation Room going over the available information. Data looked to Deanna and sighed.

“I have gone over the sensor logs and I cannot explain how we didn’t detect the cloaked ship. There was nothing, no spatial disturbances and no emissions of any sort to give them away.”

Geordi unclasped his hands and used them to give form to his words.

“We know we can detect Klingon and Romulan cloaked ships with tachyons so obviously this is technology we’ve not seen before. Data did you inform Starfleet about what happened?”

The android nodded.

“Yes Geordi. They advised me that they were looking into it. I am expecting a communiqué from them at any time.”

Deanna sat forward.

“Wait a minute. I know we were unprepared for the attack but how do we know this isn’t a new Romulan device?

Geordi smiled.

“For some time now, all Starfleet vessels have incorporated a low intensity tachyon burst in the sensor grid. In effect, every time we scan anything, the surrounding area is saturated in tachyons. If it were a Romulan ship…or Klingon for that matter, we would know.”

Deanna sat back and frowned.

“Data is it possible the Ferengi Daimon who’s aiding the alliance could have obtained new technology we don’t know about?”

Data shrugged.

“Anything is possible Counsellor, in fact judging by the technology employed in the echo relay, I would say it is more than likely.”

Geordi suddenly sat forward and placed his hands on the table.

“Data we found that relay by the sub sonic displacement it emitted. What if that was part of its cloaking device?”

The Second Officer tilted his head, his eyes darting back and forth as he accessed information.

“The sub sonic displacement only occurred when it was relaying communications. If indeed we are dealing with a cloaked Ferengi ship then unless they open communication channels and transmit they will remain invisible to us.”

Geordi grinned, sat back and took a large breath.

“You’re forgetting something my friend.”
Data frowned and raised his eyebrows.

“Geordi I do not forget anything.”

With a smug smile, the Engineer folded his arms across his chest.

“Really? Then tell me Data, what would happen if we were to broadcast a low frequency resonate pulse?”

Data’s eyes sharpened.

“Ah I see. Such a pulse would, in theory, cause a sonic shadow to develop around anything in its path. Also, again in theory, it would have the propensity to cause any sub sonic equipment to activate.”

A predatory smile grew on Geordi’s face and he nodded.

“Damn right. The only problem is how to approach the area without getting our nose bloodied.”

Data frowned.

“You are assuming the mystery ship is still in orbit around Kalara II.”

Deanna answered.

“It makes sense Data. If Muzz is in on this with the alliance he would have a vested interest in keeping us away.”

The android nodded.

“I agree. Have you any ideas about how we can approach the planet undetected Geordi?”

The Engineer’s ocular implants contracted.

“As a matter of fact I have.”

              Nearing exhaustion and with her head throbbing, Beverly managed to drag Jean-Luc into the shelter of a rock overhang. She laid him down and scooped up some soil to rest his head on. Next she gently felt along her jaw, wincing when her fingers discovered the displaced bone. Now with two torches, she placed one on her head and used the other to inspect her stump. In the confusion of the fight the makeshift bandage had been torn loose and the raw flesh was bleeding sluggishly, but it was the insidious red lines that snaked up her arm that caused the Doctor to sigh. The flesh around the terrible wound was an angry red and pus caked the exposed area. Shuffling forward, Beverly stuck her arm under a small cascade and, turning on her head light, used her now free hand to wash the wound. The pain was almost unbearable and she sobbed quietly until she heard Jean-Luc groan. Quickly by his side, she gripped his arm and spoke gently.

“Can you hear me Jean-Luc?”

He swallowed and opened his mouth to gasp. His voice was ragged.

“Yes.”

“Do you remember what happened?”

He raised a hand to his head but Beverly grabbed it and held fast.

“Jean-Luc?”

He grimaced and slowly shook his head.

“No. Where are we and why am I wet?”

Beverly closed her eyes and sighed.

“We’re on a planet called Kalara II. I was kidnapped and you came to rescue me. Both our transporters crashed and we’re stranded in the bush, hiding from my abductors. You were already badly hurt, but during a fight just a little while ago, you were hit on the head and rendered unconscious.”

Jean-Luc opened his eyes and moaned loudly, immediately shutting his eyes again.

“Oh God…what’s wrong with me?”

Beverly released his hand and gently stroked his brow.

“You are suffering from bleeding in the brain. It’s causing the vision disturbances, nausea, dizziness and pain. Now you can add a severe concussion. We have to find help Jean-Luc.”

Jean-Luc suddenly gripped Beverly’s arm and rolled to his side. The coughing fit resulted in more blood being brought up and Beverly could do nothing but hold his shoulder and wait until he calmed.

Once again on his back, he panted raggedly, his hands holding his head.

“Mon Dieu…the pain…”

The Doctor closed her eyes.

“I know my love…I’m so sorry I can’t help you.”

He shivered and Beverly sighed.

“We were caught in the rain, it’s been pouring for hours now.”

The Captain frowned and tried to get enough breath.

“What about the ship? Can we contact them?”

“Nope. There must be something preventing them from finding us Jean-Luc otherwise we’d be home and dry by now.”

Jean-Luc’s hands left his head and covered his stomach.

“I feel sick.”

The red head frowned. Being unable to help her lover was the epitome of her worst nightmare. Striving to take his mind off his misery, Beverly asked,

“What’s the last thing you remember?”

The Captain frowned, his hands gently rubbing his midriff. After a minute or two his eyebrows rose.

“Swimming?”

He then shook his head.

“No wait…I was drowning! You…you saved me. I remember now. I discharged myself from Sickbay and took a shuttle. It was hit by a missile.”

Beverly smiled.

“That’s right. So you can’t remember anything from after we fell into the river?”

He scowled.

“No, nothing.”

“Well basically we’ve been on the run. We found a hiding place but the bad guys flushed us out. We got to here but we were discovered. There was a fight and between us we got rid of our pursuers.”

Jean-Luc gasped.

“Your hand! How are you?”

Wishing to allay his concern, Beverly’s voice was light.

“Oh it’s okay…a little sore. Once we’re back on board the Enterprise I’m sure Selar will have it fixed in no time.”

Jean-Luc nodded.

“Yes, we were careful to put both your hand and fingers in stasis so they can be successfully reattached.”

The Doctor smiled.

“Good thinking.”
Jean-Luc raised one hand and groped for her arm. Beverly took it and squeezed affectionately. Jean-Luc smiled and tried to sigh.

“I do remember our time at the chalet…I love you.”

The Doctor kissed his cheek.

“I’m glad you remember Jean-Luc…I love you too.”

“Have we anything to defend ourselves with?”

Beverly smiled widely.

“As a matter of fact yes. She turned and picked up the pistol, gently pressing it into Jean-Luc’s hand.

“I liberated this from one of our assailants. The other man had a blaster but I can’t find it.”

“And what of these men? Are they still a threat?”

Beverly sighed.

“Maybe. The one who hit you is dead but the other is unconscious.”

Jean-Luc nodded.

“I see. Have we anything with which to immobilise him?”

The Doctor shook her head.

“Unfortunately no.”

“Then we need to get away from here.”

Beverly took the gun and slid it under the waistband of her trousers.

“I agree but you really shouldn’t be moved.”

“We seem to be running out of choices Beverly. If we stay here we’ll most certainly be found.”

The Doctor sighed.

“You’re right of course. Do you think you can stand?”

The Captain grunted and held up his hand.

“If you’ll help me.”

Taking it slowly, Beverly helped Jean-Luc to his feet. He swayed dangerously and groaned softly but he steadied himself and nodded.

“All right, lead on.”

As they moved from their shelter into the rain Beverly commented,

“At least we can see where we’re going now.”

Jean-Luc advised,

“Keep the light aimed low. We don’t want to attract attention.”

“Good idea. I’m heading up the escarpment. It may be difficult for you, but there’re many more places to hide up there.”

Jean-Luc clenched his teeth and remained silent, concentrating on keeping his breathing as even as possible.

With Beverly’s arm around him, he ignored his pain and gave her his trust.

                 Will and Tom found the ruined shuttlecraft and stood with deep frowns as they scanned the remains.

“There’s blood inside Commander…Captain Picard’s blood.”

Will grunted.

“Yeah there’s some out here too as well as some from Beverly. Going by the tricorder they climbed down this tree and spent some time here on the ground.”

Will gave his head a sharp shake, sending drips flying. Tom wiped at his wet face and shook the water off his tricorder. Shining his palm beacon over to his left, he walked over to the thickening bush and scanned extensively.

“Commander? There are DNA traces on the underside of this foliage consistent with both Captain Picard and Doctor Crusher. It seems they went in this direction.”

Will nodded.

“Yep and there’s evidence they were followed. I’m picking up more DNA and cellular residue from six sources.”

Tom grimaced and shook his head.

“It seems pretty obvious they’re both injured…we have to find them Sir and quickly.”

“I know. The only up side is that they’re together. Come on, I’ll lead, you stick close to my back and try to protect your arm.”

The Ensign smiled.

“Thanks Commander.”

Lightning flickered as they pushed into the bush, followed by the muttering of thunder.

                   Deanna sat in the Command chair, Data at her right. Geordi was at the aft Engineering station and they waited patiently as he worked on his calculations. The Counsellor sighed and briefly closed her eyes.

“What do you think of Geordi’s idea Data?”

The android tilted his head and turned to face her.

“Geordi’s suggestion has an eighty nine point four percent chance of succeeding Counsellor.”

Deanna sighed again.

“Yes but it’s risky isn’t it.”

Data hesitated then nodded.

“There is a significant risk involved, yes, however I do not think anything else would work as well.”

Deanna crossed her legs and rubbed her forehead.

“So let me get this straight. We’re going to use the unusually strong magnetic field around Kalara’s south pole to mask our approach, which will be at warp four. We drop out of warp only fifty-two kilometres above the planet and come to an emergency stop…hoping that the computer has calculated the distances and speeds correctly. Then we sit within the magnetic field and emit the resonate pulse towards our previous coordinates.”

Data smiled.

“Correct. If we are quick enough…and fortunate in the extreme, we will detect the cloaked ship and hopefully disable it before it is aware of our presence.”

Deanna snorted.

“That’s provided we don’t plough straight into the planet, or get caught too low in the atmosphere. It’s a hell of a gamble Data.”

The android shrugged.

“While I agree there is a modicum of luck involved I still believe the plan has a good chance of succeeding.”

The Counsellor looked deeply into his eyes and swallowed. Geordi’s voice broke the spell.

“Well we’re as ready as we’ll ever be.”

Deanna sat up straight and addressed the Ensign seated at the Helm.

“Helm do you have all the information you need?”

The nervous young woman nodded.

“Aye Sir.”

“Then engage and allow the computer to take control.”

With a trembling hand, the Ensign carried out her orders and watched the viewscreen as the mighty ship turned on her axis and made the effortless jump to warp.

                    D’Ran snarled at the diminutive Ferengi standing before him. With savage fury, he gripped the lapels of the little man, hoisted him to eye level and marched across the Bridge, shoving the Ferengi hard against the wall.

“And I’m telling you we have to find Picard and Crusher! Don’t you understand that without them we lose everything?”

Muzz gripped the man’s hands and kicked ineffectually with his feet.

“Put me down you cretin! Don’t you realise that the Enterprise will be back? The flagship of the Federation is not going to be content with being run off. Their Captain and Chief Medical Officer are missing and now…thanks to your stupid, trigger happy compatriots; there are more Starfleet personnel on the surface. It’s only a matter of time before they discover the cloaking generators and once they take them out we will lose our advantage.”

D’Ran abruptly released the Daimon and he fell awkwardly to the deck. With as much dignity as he could muster, the little alien stood and strode to his command chair. The alliance leader followed and stood beside the Daimon, chewing the inside of his mouth.

“You’re wrong. The Enterprise won’t endanger their missing crew and they have no idea where Picard and Crusher are. If we find them first we will maintain the upper hand…in fact I will be in a position to threaten Starfleet itself.”

Muzz’s jaw flapped open and he stared. His high-pitched voice shrieked.

“Are you completely insane? Starfleet won’t deal with you…they’ll destroy you and me with you! We have to leave! And do I have to remind you of the secrecy of this technology…and the fact you haven’t paid for it yet? If Starfleet get their hands on the cloaking device there will be trouble and you my friend will take the brunt.”
D’Ran sneered down at the little Daimon.

“Yes you’d do that wouldn’t you…you little troll. You’d wash your hands of everything just to make a profit.”
Muzz smiled avariciously.

“What do you think I’m here for? I do not share your lofty ideals of war and autonomy for your people! I agreed to help you for nothing but latinum and, may I remind you, the third payment is overdue.”

D’Ran lazily leaned over and wrapped his hand around Muzz’s throat, squeezing until the veins stood out on his neck.

“You’ll get your money Muzz…when we get Picard and Crusher.”

He let go and Muzz collapsed forward, his hacking cough ringing around the Bridge. One of his crew suddenly barked,

“There is a ship approaching at high warp Daimon!”

Muzz straightened, his eyes streaming. He croaked,

“Is it the Enterprise?”

The crewman studied his console then suddenly shook his head.

“I…it has disappeared Daimon, but the warp signature matches the Enterprise.”

Muzz did not hesitate.

“Prepare to leave orbit.”

D’Ran grabbed his collar and shook him.

“No! We must stay.”

About to argue, Muzz was silenced by a disrupter pointed in his large ear. D’Ran hissed,

“You will stay and find my prizes or I will vaporise you.”

The Ferengi swallowed, sweating heavily.

“You do realise we can’t raise shields with the cloak engaged?”

D’Ran smiled evilly.

“Don’t worry my little friend, they’ll never see us.”

                  Jean-Luc was becoming increasingly distressed. With the pain in his head reaching unbearable proportions, his feet stumbled over the rocks as they slowly climbed. Unable to continue he groaned softly and fell to his knees, gripping his head and falling forward. Beverly grabbed his shoulders, her voice urgent.

“Jean-Luc what is it?”

His reply was strained.

“I can’t go on Beverly. You go…find some shelter…leave me.”

The Doctor strove to keep the panic from her voice.

“Come on Jean-Luc it’s just a little further, you can do it.”

He retched ineffectually and groaned, shaking his pounding head. Beverly tried to lift him.

“Jean-Luc we’re exposed out here, we need to find somewhere to hide. Come on my love…”

To his credit he did try to rise but abruptly cried out and fell to the wet ground, his body shuddering and twitching. As Beverly fell to her knees beside him his body lost it’s rigidity and he lost consciousness. Frantic with fear, Beverly risked discovery by turning on her head torch and rolling the Captain onto his back. When she examined his head, she was shocked to see blood trickling from his right ear.

“NO!”

Now beside herself with fear for her lover, the Doctor gently pulled Jean-Luc into a sitting position then knelt in front of him, holding both his hands in her surviving hand over her shoulders. With a heave she hefted his weight and staggered to her feet. Unable to use the hand-held torch, that was shoved into the waistband of her pants. By now uncaring of the danger, she used the head torch to light her way as she struggled upwards, frequently falling to her knees and tearing the skin.

When she finally spotted a likely hiding place she was quietly sobbing. The ever-present rain pelted down adding to her misery. It took the last of her meagre energy to cover the remaining metres to the small cave she’d seen. By the light of her torch, she quickly inspected the cave before entering and dragging Jean-Luc after her.

She placed the Captain in the recovery position then lay beside him, exhausted and sick, her injuries throbbing and the insidious red lines on her arm now almost reaching her armpit. Her transition to sleep went unnoticed.

                    Will was frowning over his tricorder and stopped, almost causing a collision. Tom backed up and shifted his backpack.

“What is it Commander?”

Will let out a frustrated breath.

“I’m not sure. I’m getting screwy readings…what does your tricorder read?”

Tom reached into his tunic and retrieved his instrument, deploying it and running a scan. He frowned and shook the running water from his eyes.

“Same here Sir. As far as this is concerned, the track goes for another twenty-seven metres then…stops.”

Will grunted.

“That’s what I get, but what’s after that?”
Tom shrugged.

“I’ll go and have a look.”

The First Officer grunted again and moved so Tom could get past. The Ensign had only gone a few metres when Will called,

“Hang on I’m coming too.”

With their eyes glued to their instruments, neither was prepared for the sudden drop. Tom fell, his yelp of fright alerting the Commander. Will lunged forward and grabbed Tom’s backpack. The weight of the young man pulled Will from his feet and he was dragged face down to the edge in the slippery mud. His foot caught in a shrub and he halted, gasping and straining to find something to grab with his free hand.

After several seconds Will steadied himself and called,

“Are you all right Tom?”

The youngster’s voice shook.

“Yes Sir.”

“Okay just hang on…I’m trying to find a way to pull you up.”

“Understood Sir.”

Having dropped both the tricorder and palm beacon, Will’s eyes strained in the dark. In the gloom he made out the shape of a shrub and stretched his arm, grunting with satisfaction as his hand made contact with the trunk. He rolled onto his side and anchored his feet in the small tree that had arrested his slide.

“Tom?”

“Yes Sir?”

“I’m going to pull you up now.”

There was no reply as Will applied himself to his task. Centimetre by centimetre Tom was hauled up. Soon both men were laying in the rain each giving thanks in his own way. Will eventually sat up and looked around, spotting the palm beacon nearby. He rose and picked it up and by its light, soon found the tricorder. Will heard his young officer chuckling and went to him, his voice amused.

“What’s so funny?”

The Ensign’s laughter gave way to a quiet sob.

“Dammit Commander that was close…and will you look at this? I still have the tricorder and palm beacon!”

Will snorted and went cautiously to the edge of the drop, using his light to peer into the darkness.

“Don’t get too excited Tom. It’s a drop of about ten metres but there’s a river down there. Chances are you would’ve survived.”

The Ensign joined his Commander and used his light to verify Will’s words. With a grunt, the young man left Will’s side and scanned the surrounding foliage.

“Sir? There’s DNA from both Captain Picard and Doctor Crusher on this bush.”

Will turned and began to scan.

“I know. Scan around the area…see if they went left or right.”

Ten minutes later Tom’s quiet voice broke through Will’s concentration.

“Commander? I have found DNA from the six pursuers, but nothing of our targets.”

The beared man sighed.

“I agree.”

Tom went back to the edge and looked down.

“Do you think they went over?”

“Seems like it.”

Tom took a large breath.

“What now?”

Will aimed his torch to the right and pushed back some bushes.

“We get down to the river and check the banks.”

Tom nodded and followed his CO.

                “We have them!”

Deanna leaned forward and barked,

“Shields up, red alert! Are the weapons on line?”

“Aye Sir.”

“Lock on phasers, full intensity and load the forward torpedo bays with quantum charges.”

She turned to Data and nodded.

“I would appreciate your input Data.”

The android nodded.

“Now that we have their profile we have the opportunity to render them helpless. However I think it expedient to issue a warning.”

Deanna nodded, pursing her lips.

“Agreed. Tactical, open a channel.”

“Channel open Sir.”

The Counsellor stood and fisted her hands on her hips.

“Ferengi Vessel this is the Starship Enterprise. Drop your cloak and prepare to be boarded. You have five minutes to comply.”

                 Muzz watched his display with hawk-like intensity. Slapping his thigh in frustration, he swivelled in his chair and said querulously,

“Where is it?! A ship that size cannot simply disappear!”

The hapless crewman at the console bent lower, as if getting closer to his screen might disclose the answer.

“I don’t know Daimon! They approached so fast and didn’t do anything to avoid the planet. Perhaps there was a malfunction and they crashed into it?”

Muzz sneered.

“And perhaps my mother fed me for free! They didn’t crash you slug, they are hiding. Find them!”

D’Ran crossed his arms and sighed theatrically.

“I’m telling you we’re safe. They can’t see us.”

Muzz turned and stared.

“Considering you were seriously injured when you came aboard, you show an astonishingly blasé attitude towards your continued good health. We are facing the most lethal Federation Starship there is! Do you really think their disappearance is a coincidence? I think we should…”

The man a Tactical took a step back and shook his head.

“Daimon! Our communication system has just self-activated. We are broadcasting!”

“What! Shut it down fool!”

“I can’t. I…”

Just then the message came from the Enterprise. The beings listened and Muzz groaned.

“I knew it! Prepare to drop the cloak and raise shields. As soon as possible, jump to warp at any heading away from this cursed planet!”

D’Ran grabbed Muzz’s collar and brandished the blaster.

“Stop! Before you raise shields, beam me down to the planet! Now!”

Muzz waved a hand and snarled,

“Go! I will return for my payment D’Ran, never think I won’t.”

The rebel glared down at the Ferengi as he disappeared in a swirl of blue light.

                    Deanna watched the viewscreen as the Ferengi ship shimmered into shape. Before she could hail them, the ship blasted into warp and fled. She spun on her heel and snapped,

“Pursuit course! Engage!”

The Enterprise turned and elongated in a sustained surge of incredible energy as she took up the chase.

                    Will looked up at the lightening sky and sighed. The rain was easing and the first light of dawn was pinking the heavens. Tom was peering down at his tricorder.

“As far as this is concerned, the cliffs go on for over two kilometres Sir. If they went into the river and survived, then it’s most likely they made it to the opposite bank.

Will nodded.

“Agreed. We need to get down there and cross the river. Do you think you’re up to it?”

The young man grinned and nodded.

“Yes Sir.”

“Right. Scan for a suitable place to climb down.”

                     Beverly felt a tickle on her cheek and brushed her hand over her face. She sighed and shifted slightly before the tickle disturbed her again. With an annoyed sigh she again brushed her hand over her cheek only to encounter something large and with numerous legs. With a cry of alarm, the Doctor sat up and flung whatever it was away from her head. A large sooty black spider-like creature righted itself and hissed, rearing up and exposing two wicked fangs. It rushed at the red head and she yelled in fear and swiped at it. It baulked then lunged, sinking its fangs deeply into Beverly’s hand. Horror swept through the Doctor as she raised her hand and brought it down sharply, squashing the creature in a gory mess on the cave floor. Turning her head abruptly, Beverly closed her eyes and shuddered, concentrating on settling her stomach. When she felt in control, she turned on her torch and swept the little cave with light. She saw no more spiders and breathed a sigh of relief. Next she turned her attention to Jean-Luc. With the light illuminating his prone form, she re-examined his head. More blood had flowed from his ear and blood was seeping from his mouth, his breathing laboured and gurgling.

Gritting her teeth, she called softly,

“Jean-Luc? Jean-Luc can you hear me?”

He was unresponsive. In desperation Beverly picked up one of his hands and beseeched,

“Squeeze my hand Jean-Luc…please squeeze my hand if you can hear me.”

Nothing. Very gently Beverly lifted his eyelids and shone the torch in his eyes. The left pupil reacted but the right was dilated and fixed.

“Oh God we need help!”

Chewing her lip, Beverly looked to the cave entrance and saw the light for the first time. She crawled out and raised her head, noting that the rain had finally stopped. She stood on unsteady legs.

“Dammit I need to find help…but I can’t leave him! What the hell can I do?”

As she turned to re-enter the cave she was overcome with dizziness and lost her balance and fell. A strange taste invaded her mouth and her vision skewed. She moaned and closed her eyes.

“No…the damned spider…venom…I must…”

She opened her eyes and watched in fascination, as everything turned grey. Her loss of consciousness was seamless.

              Deanna paced in the command well.

“What is their speed?”

“Warp nine point five Sir.”

The Counsellor looked to the Second Officer.

“Do you think they’re at their maximum?”

Data nodded thoughtfully.

“From what we know of Ferengi vessels, yes, I think they are at their limit.”

Keeping her eyes on the viewscreen, Deanna said quietly,

“Increase speed to warp nine point eight.”

The reply was nervous.

“Aye Sir.”

Tense seconds passed before Tactical muttered,

“We’re catching them Commander.”

Deanna’s smile was grim.

“Hail them.”

The Counsellor took her seat in the command chair and raised an eyebrow when Tactical reported,

“They’re answering Sir.”

Composing herself, Deanna said firmly,

“On screen.”

The Ferengi facing them smiled and bowed.

“I am Daimon Muzz of the Franchise. How can I be of help?”

Deanna smiled in return and tilted her head.

“You can drop out of warp, lower your shields and come to a stop.”

The alien frowned and shook his head.

“Not possible I’m afraid. I have urgent business and I cannot be delayed.”

Keeping her smile in place, Deanna sighed.

“That’s a pity because if you don’t accede to my requests I will be forced to open fire on you…and I won’t stop until you are dead in the water.”

Shock registered on Muzz’s face, his hands raised in horror.

“You would attack my ship without provocation? What are you…pirates?”

Deanna’s smile widened and she contemplated her boots.

“You know full well who we are…and we know what you’ve been up to. I will ask you one final time Daimon, come to a full stop and lower your shields.”

The little being jutted out his chin and sneered.

“I do not listen to females!”

The viewscreen reverted to the image of the fleeing ship and Deanna pinched the bridge of her nose. Sighing, she lifted her head and said quietly,

“I want two torpedoes to detonate in front and two immediately behind that ship. If that doesn’t bring him to his senses, target their engines and weapons and fire with full phasers and torpedoes on my command.”

The reply was subdued.

“Aye Sir.”

The entire Bridge crew watched the screen as blasts exploded fore and aft of the Ferengi vessel. When it showed no inclination to stop, Deanna closed her eyes and swallowed.

“Fire.”

It was over in five minutes. Muzz returned fire but he was at a significant disadvantage. The Enterprise’s quantum torpedoes shattered his shields in three hits and the following phaser strikes destroyed his weapons. Two strategically placed torpedoes rendered the engines inoperable and the Franchise shuddered to a halt, as Deanna promised, dead in the water.

The Counsellor turned to her Exec and ordered,

“Take an away team and secure that ship. Bring Muzz to me, we’ll put a tractor beam on the Franchise to tow it back to Kalara.”

Data stood and nodded.

“Understood Commander.”

 He started to walk to the aft turbolift when he stopped and faced the Counsellor. His voice was soft.

“Well done Sir.”

Deanna was still smiling when he left.

                 Will looked over at the cliff edge then refocussed on his tricorder.

“Right, they went in here.”

He gestured over to the cliff.

“That’s the spot. I’m assuming they were carried downstream a bit…we should scan as we walk along the bank.”

Tom nodded then winced.

“Sir? If they were in the water and went over those rapids…”

Will sighed.

“I know. Still, they’re both strong swimmers, all we can hope is that their injuries weren’t too severe.”

The two men proceeded to traverse the bank, scanning as they went. Seventy-three metres downstream Will stopped.

“Tom! I’ve got something.”

The Ensign came to his commander and watched as Will walked a little way into the surrounding bush. He was soon back at the river.

“It’s them. They exited the river here and went a little way into the bush before heading back upstream.”

The young man grinned.

“Then they’re okay?”

The Commander shook his head.

“No. There’re traces of blood from both of them. Come on I’ve got a feeling we need to hurry.”

The sky slowly cleared and by mid-morning bright sunshine bore down on the searching officers. Now mostly dry, they came across the site of the fight and discovered the body of the dead rebel, hidden in a shallow grave. With grim determination Will and Tom pressed on.

             D’Ran assembled his compatriots and outlined his plans.

“They can’t be far. From what we know they’re both injured and if Benock’s report is true, Picard is virtually blind.”

Benock, the brute who had fought with both Jean-Luc and Beverly grunted.

“My report is accurate! Picard cannot open his eyes and has an injured arm…”
He grinned evilly.

“And we know Crusher has only one hand.”
There was an undercurrent of cruel laughter before D’Ran sneered.

“That didn’t stop them from killing Heddon and rendering you unconscious you fool.”

He turned to the eight men that surrounded him and lowered his voice.

“Look we’re dealing with highly trained Starfleet officers. They won’t give in without a fight, but hear me. I want them alive! Do what you have to to subdue them but if any of you kill either of them, I will take your life in return. They are vital to our plans. Understood?”

The men grumbled their obedience and D’Ran looked down at his screen.

“Very well. We will use this hover car as our base. I want you to fan out in pairs…I know our instruments are hampered by the cloak, but it should be a simple matter to find them. I will wait here. Remember…I want them alive!”

The men checked their weapons and left the area. D’Ran sat on a stump and absently ate some dried meat.

“Soon…soon I’ll have you then we’ll see about my demands.”

                   Deanna listened carefully to Data’s report.

“That’s fine Data. Secure the Franchise’s crew in the detention cells and make sure Muzz is kept separate. I’ll come down to interview him as soon as I can.”

“Aye Commander, Data out.”

The Counsellor directed her next question to the Con.

“How is the tow progressing?”

The Ensign turned and smiled.

“No problems Sir.”
”Good increase speed to three quarters impulse.”

The Ensign frowned.

“Sir that will put a significant strain on the connection. The recommended maximum speed for towing is…”
Deanna stood and gave the young woman a hard stare.

“I am well aware of the recommendations Ensign. Carry out my order.”

Blanching, the Ensign turned back to her station and inputted the relevant instructions. The sound of the impulse engines changed and a shudder ran through the ship. The officer at Tactical said quietly,

“Shearing forces have exceeded tolerances.”

Deanna turned and said with steely resolve,

“Can we maintain this speed?”

The Lieutenant checked his console and nodded slowly.

“Yes Sir, I believe we can.”

“Good. ETA at Kalara II?”

“Three point two hours Sir.”

The Counsellor stood and nodded.

“Very good. You have the Bridge Lieutenant, until Mr.Data returns. I will be at the detention cells.”

“Aye Sir.”

Deanna plexed as she rode the lift. Exiting at the appropriate deck, she walked through the large doors to be confronted by a yelling Ferengi. Data stood impassively outside the cell, staring blankly at the captive.”

Coming to stand at the Second Officer’s side, she gently tugged his sleeve and gestured for him to move to the far side of the cavernous room. Over the sound of Muzz’s strident voice, Deanna said,

“Data Lieutenant Briggs has the Bridge and things are a little tense up there. I have ordered us to increase speed to three quarters impulse. The Franchise is still with us but…”
Data held up his hand.

“I understand Counsellor. You wish to return to Kalara as quickly as possible. I will monitor the tow closely and if necessary, I will make appropriate adjustments.”

Deanna smiled, her eyes warm and sparkling.

“Thank you. Now just what is Muzz complaining about?”

Data sighed.

“As you are most probably aware, he insists he is innocent of any perceived crimes and is adamant in his wish to lodge a formal complaint with both Starfleet and the Federation.”

Deanna sighed.

“Well that’s fairly predictable. All right Data, you go, I’ll handle him.”

The android nodded and left the room. Deanna walked slowly over to the still ranting Ferengi and stood quietly, content to simply watch him.

Muzz shouted and gesticulated but no matter what he said or did, the stoic woman remained unimpressed. Finally he quietened and stood defiantly silent.

Deanna pursed her lips and kept her voice deliberately soft.

“How long have you been involved with the Antarra Alliance?”

Muzz folded his arms across his chest and tilted his head.

“Who?”

The Counsellor smiled coldly.

“We have independent witnesses who implicate you in several crimes against Starfleet and the Federation. It would be in your best interests to drop this façade of ignorance and answer me.”

Muzz’s eyes glittered, his mouth sneering.

“Listen to me female. Who I choose to do business with is none of your concern. You would be better served devoting your time to rounding up real criminals…the Orions for instance, now they break laws!”

Deanna clasped her hands in front of her and lowered her head.

“We know that D’Ran is the leader. What did you charge him for your help? So far we have established that your assistance included supplying weapons, transport and a very interesting cloaking device.”

The Ferengi spat on the floor and said sullenly,

“You’ll get nothing from me.”

The Counsellor sighed.

“Very well, but I feel I should remind you that we have specialists on your ship as we speak, and their sole purpose is to study your cloaking device. Once I have their report I’m sure there will be more questions for you.”

She turned and left the incarcerated alien and, as she reached the doors, Muzz shouted,

“You won’t get away with this woman! I will see you cashiered.”

The doors trundled open and Deanna left, a frown marring her classical face.

                  Will and Tom, following nearby energy readings, came across a hover car and beside it, resting on the ground was an alien device of moderate size. Will scanned it thoroughly and grunted.

“The tricorder is having trouble analysing this, but with what it can process, I’d say it was some sort of generator.”
Tom walked around the metre and a half square box and nodded.

“I agree Commander. Do you think it has something to do with the cloak?”

Will scratched his cheek and blew out a frustrated breath.

“My guess is yes. It’s activated whatever it is. How about we see if we can turn it off?”

Tom grinned, his eyes dancing.

“Now that sounds like fun Sir. Where do we start?”
Squatting down on his haunches, the big man studied the control panel and tentatively pressed a button. The cover of the panel abruptly closed and the device began to hum. Intrigued, Will touched the cover only to suffer a jolt that threw him backwards, leaving him on his rear two metres away.

Tom ran to his side and grabbed his arm.

“Commander Riker! Are you all right Sir?”

Will shook his head and rubbed his hand.

“Yeah I’m okay.”

He stood slowly and unholstered his phaser. Tom swallowed and looked back at the device.

“You’re going to destroy it?”

Will grunted as he set his weapon on maximum. He muttered,

“Protect yourself Tom.”

He took aim and fired.

Both men expected an explosion but what happened was completely unexpected. The device glowed and expanded, then suddenly collapsed silently into a smouldering wreck, wisps of smoke rising lazily into the air.

The men approached cautiously and scanned the remains, Will snorting with satisfaction.

“If I’m right we just opened a hole in the cloak.”

He tapped his combadge and called,

“Riker to Enterprise.”

The response made the big man smile.

“Enterprise here. Are you all right Commander?”

“I’m okay Data but Ensign Phillips is injured and we have two dead and one badly injured at the crash site.”

“Understood Sir. Have you located Captain Picard or Doctor Crusher?”

Will sighed.

“Not yet but I think we’re getting close. Can you lock onto us?”

Will could hear the regret in Data’s voice.

“I am sorry Sir but we cannot. We are presently en route back to Kalara after a battle with a Ferengi vessel. We have the Daimon and crew in custody and their ship under tow. Our ETA is two hours, providing we can maintain current speed.”

The Commander frowned.

“Understood Data. We will continue with our search but it’s most likely we will be re-entering an area covered by the cloak. I will contact you again if I can. Riker out.”

Tom hefted his backpack and pointed up at the escarpment.

“The last readings indicate they went up there Sir. Shall we?”

Will grinned and nodded.

“After you Ensign.”

                    Beverly awoke dazed and confused. Her left hand was grossly swollen and numb up to her elbow. The rest of her body tingled unpleasantly and it took almost ten minutes before she remembered where she was. Groaning, she rolled onto her side and struggled up to her feet. With faltering steps she made her way to the cave, dropped to her knees and slowly entered. She picked up a torch with difficulty but had to employ her teeth to turn it on. Jean-Luc was deathly pale and barely breathing. Blood had settled around his head and the Doctor softly cried as she completed her examination.

“Oh dear God…we’re running out of time!”

She was trying to make Jean-Luc more comfortable when she heard movement outside. Silently she picked up the pistol and checked to see how much ammunition she had left.

“Seven shots.”

As she pondered her options, a gruff voice said from surprisingly close at hand,

“You in the cave…come out with your hands up.”

Beverly remained silent. The voice, after waiting a few moments said,

“We know you’re both injured. Come out or we’ll come in…and we won’t be gentle.”

Beverly cocked her weapon and shouted,

“Leave us alone!”

There was laughter from two people.

“Leave you alone? You’re what we’re looking for! Look, we can help you. We know Picard is injured and you must be in a lot of pain. Why not come out? We’ll take you to our base and treat you both.”

Beverly looked down at her desperately ill lover and screwed her face up in worry. He needed urgent medical care and she was unable to help him. With a sigh, she realised she had no option but to accede. She called out,

“All right, I’ll come out but someone will have to come in for Captain Picard. I am unable to move him.”

The voice muttered,

“Fine, just throw out any weapons you have.”

Beverly stared at the pistol with regret before shuffling to the entrance and throwing the gun outside. As it was still cocked, it discharged as it hit the ground. There was a shout from the two men as they took cover. Beverly gasped and shouted,

“Sorry, that was my fault! It was cocked and I forgot.”

An angry voice replied,

“You’d better not forget anything else Doctor! Are there any more weapons?”

“No.”

“Right, come out with your hands up.”

Dizzy and with her body tingling, Beverly felt her tongue beginning to swell. She swallowed with difficulty and shuffled out of the cave.

             Will had just crested an outcropping of rock and was helping Tom scale the last bit when he suddenly straightened and lifted his head.

“Did you hear that?”

Tom nodded.

“Yes Sir. It sounded like gun fire, and close too.”

Will grunted.

“Yeah. I think things are going to get interesting.”
He slapped his combadge.

“Riker to Enterprise.”

Nothing.

“Okay we seem to be cut off again.”
He scanned with his tricorder.

“No life signs as yet, but there is a direction for the shot. Are you ready?”
The Ensign nodded.

“Aye Sir.”

Will jerked his head.

“Right come on then.”

                  Deanna was seated in the Command chair, Data at her side. The Counsellor had been devoting deep thought as to how to get Muzz to admit his guilt. The android Second Officer cast her a sidelong look and sighed.

“Counsellor we will achieve orbit around Kalara II in forty-five minutes. What are your orders?”

Deanna sat up and faced her friend.

“I can’t see how we can help any of our crew on the surface. It would be better if we devoted ourselves to defeating the cloak. Tell me Data, would the sub-sonic pulse help?”

Data tilted his head and pulled down the corners of his mouth.

“Without the emptiness of space as a background, we would not be able to create the ‘shadow’ that revealed the Ferengi vessel. However, a sub-sonic pulse may cause any cloaking generators to malfunction, that is assuming such generators are used. We must bear in mind this is unknown technology we are dealing with.”

Deanna nodded.

“How much longer do the technicians on the Franchise need?”

“I am expecting their report within the hour.”

Deanna sighed.

“And do we know what area Will contacted us from and if it has been re-cloaked?”

“No Counsellor.”

Deanna stood and pursed her lips.

“I see. Well we have much to do. I’ll be with Muzz, let me know when we’ve achieved orbit.”

“Aye Sir.”

               The man who approached Beverly did so with a weapon trained unwaveringly on her. He was slightly built but well muscled and alert. Having got to the Doctor, he grabbed her right forearm and dragged her clear, allowing a bigger man to enter the cave. As he stooped, Beverly said,

“Captain Picard is very badly injured. Please be as gentle as you can, especially with his head.”

The man grunted and disappeared inside. He soon reappeared, coming out backwards and dragging Jean-Luc by his collar. Beverly was relieved to see that one of the big man’s hands was cradling the Captain’s head. Having got to Beverly’s side, the man stopped and gently laid Jean-Luc’s head on the ground. Beverly looked the man in the eye and said softly,

“Could you roll him on his side please? Not only is the back of his head severely damaged, but he’s bleeding into one of his lungs. Being on his side will help him to breathe.”

The man looked at his companion, frowned and sighed gruffly.

“Very well.”

He stood and gestured to his mate. They walked a short distance away and began to talk in muted tones. One of the men removed a small device from his jacket and spoke into it. He was just receiving a reply when two bright orange beams of light speared out from the surrounding bush and caught them both, holding them briefly in the concentrated energy beams before ceasing and allowing the men to collapse unconscious on the ground.

Will and Tom emerged and traversed the rise to Beverly and the Captain. The Doctor looked up with tears in her eyes. With difficulty she spoke.

“Will thank God! Quickly have the Captain beamed up to Sickbay!”

Will squatted down and grabbed Beverly’s shoulder.

“We can’t Beverly. There’s a cloaking device that’s covering this area. All I can do is take you back to where we know the cloak is down. Can you walk?”

Stifling her anguish, the Doctor nodded.

“I think so, but I’ll need some help. Will the Captain is severely injured. We really shouldn’t move him, but…can you carry him? Is it far?”

Will sighed.

“About two and a half kilometres. Tom will help you and I’ll carry the Captain.”

Beverly turned and smiled at the young Ensign.

With her tongue swelling further, talking was becoming increasingly difficult. She proffered her right arm and raised her eyebrows. Tom gently took her arm and placed it across his shoulders, his arm encircling her waist. Will moved to Jean-Luc’s side and eased his hands under the unconscious man, rolling him into his embrace as he stood. Jean-Luc’s head lay comfortably against Will’s shoulder. The Commander caught Tom’s attention.

“Ensign if anything happens and we get separated, take Doctor Crusher back to the hover car we found. If communications are down, use the car to get out of the cloaked area. Stay at treetop level and watch for any retaliation from the bush. As soon as you’re clear, land and have the Enterprise beam you both up.”

The young officer frowned.

“Okay Sir, but what about you?”

Will looked down at his CO and sighed.

“My responsibility is to protect the Captain. If I don’t make it back to the hover car I expect you to carry out my orders…we’ll be counting on you to get back to the ship Tom.”

The Ensign straightened, his youthful face settling into a look of resolute determination.

“Aye Sir, you can depend on me.”
Will smiled and the four officers began their slow journey.

             Deanna and the Ferengi Daimon stared at each other, one with speculation, the other with overt hostility. After several minutes of silence, the Daimon snorted and retreated from the energy field barrier and went to sit on his bunk, lowering his eyes and ignoring the Counsellor.

Deanna sighed quietly and lifted her head, keeping her voice soft.

“Daimon Muzz what do you hope to achieve by your continued belligerent attitude? You are incarcerated and without any means of escape. Surely you can see that your situation can only be exacerbated by your obstructive behaviour. It’s only a matter of time before we capture D’Ran and I’m sure he won’t hesitate to implicate you and anybody else who helped him. Face it Muzz, you’re on your own.”

The Ferengi sighed and looked at his boots, scratched his left ear and yawned expansively. After a leisurely stretch, he sauntered over to the barrier and folded his arms across his chest.

“Tell me…what is your name?”

“Commander Deanna Troi.”

Pursing his thin lips, the little alien looked surprised.

“A Commander? Interesting. Well Commandeer Troi what can I expect for my cooperation?”

Deanna clasped her hands behind her back and smiled inwardly.

“While I cannot speak for the judiciary, I have the power to inform them of any help we receive from any sources, including from the perpetrators. However I must warn you, the charges are dire. Abducting and assaulting a Starfleet officer is a serious offence and we still don’t know what happened to our Captain or the away team sent to find him and Doctor Crusher.”

Muzz scratched his chin, seeming to consider her words.

“And if I admit to helping the Alliance…what then?”

Deanna frowned.

“That is a difficult question. The planet designated as G337 is not a member of the Federation, therefore any actions you took with the Alliance is technically none of our business, having said that however, since D’Ran’s actions have involved Starfleet personnel and your use of alien technology against us in acts of belligerence have brought you into direct conflict with us, that brings you and the Alliance under the auspices of federation law.”

The Daimon raised his hands and whined,

“I am not to blame for D’Ran’s actions! Look I admit I aided the Alliance by supplying weapons and technology, but I warned him against taking his war to the Federation! I haven’t even been paid!”

Deanna smiled coldly.

“Well I would suggest this little venture is going to cost you more than latinum Muzz. How do we deactivate the cloak on Kalara?”

The Ferengi shrugged.

“I cannot help you with that. The units that make up the grid are powered by a bio-cellular matrix interface. Once programmed, it will only recognise one individual and that’s D’Ran.”

Deanna’s eyebrows rose.

“Bio-cellular? Living tissue?”

The Daimon nodded.

“Yes. The makers use their own cells and clone enough to do the job. Each grid is tailored to the individual who intends to use it.”

Deanna sighed.

“Very Well Muzz I will make a note of your cooperation. That is all for now.”

She turned and left abruptly. As she exited the room, a call came from the Bridge.

“Data to Troi.”

“Troi here.”

“Counsellor we have achieved orbit around Kalara.”

“Understood Data, I’m on my way.”

               Tom was growing increasingly worried about Beverly. She was very pale and sweating and he could feel heat coming off her, causing him to stop and ease her to the ground. Behind him, Will stopped and with a soft grunt, sank to his knees and laid his burden on the soft earth. The Ensign gestured to his CO and the two men moved off a little.

“Commander I’m worried about Doctor Crusher. She’s very hot and, although her mouth is open, she’s having trouble breathing.”

Will wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded in agreement.

“It’s the same with Captain Picard. There’s blood coming from his ear and mouth and he struggles to take a breath.”

Tom looked over at the resting officers and then turned back to Will.

“What do we do?”

With grim determination, Will gripped Tom’s shoulder.

“We get them back to the ship as soon as possible. We should…”
There was an explosion of dirt as an energy blast struck the ground beside Beverly. Will and Tom dived to their charges, drawing their phasers and peering into the surrounding bush. Will pointed to a thick trunk and Tom nodded, gathering Beverly and helping her to take shelter. Another blast stung Will into action. He grabbed his Captain under his shoulders and dragged him off to the left, heading for a jumble of large rocks. As he rounded the cover, a blast shattered the side of a boulder sending splinters of rock in all directions, some embedding themselves in Will’s side. He grunted, made sure his Captain was safe and returned fire. Tom’s voice was remarkably steady. From several metres away he called,

“Commander are you all right?”

Will got off two more shots before he replied,

“We’re fine.”

There was a fusillade of concentrated fire from at least three blasters hammering the rocks that sheltered Will and Jean-Luc. The First Officer returned fire at the hidden snipers and called out to Tom.

“Follow your orders Ensign. Good luck!”

Tom hazarded a look around the trunk and noted the fire was directed at Will’s hiding spot. Taking a silently protesting Beverly, he led her quickly and efficiently into the bush.

Will climbed up the rocks for a better view and caught some stone chips to the face, cutting his brow and cheek. He did, however see one of his attackers. Taking aim, with energy beams lancing in around him, he squeezed off a shot and was gratified to see the man hurled backwards, his blaster flying free from his senseless hand.

The big man scrambled back down, holstered his phaser and picked up his Captain. Using the rocks as a screen, he melted into the bush.

                     Deanna strode onto the Bridge and sat in the Command chair.

“Report Mr.Data.”

The android turned to face her.

“We are at present in a high geo synchronous orbit directly above the cloaked area. Our scans detected one small section that was free of the cloak, however in the last three point seven minutes, it has since closed.”

Deanna nodded.

“I see. Are we ready do saturate the area with the sub sonic pulse?”

“Yes Commander.”

Deanna sat up and peered at the screen.

“Then by all means do it.”

Data issued the appropriate orders then devoted his attention to his monitors. Several minutes passed before he sighed.

“I am afraid we have met with no success Commander. Apparently this cloak differs in some way to the one on the Ferengi vessel.”

Deanna chewed the inside of her mouth.

“Muzz told me that the cloak uses a bio cellular matrix interface. Does that help?”

Data tilted his head and frowned.

“I am unfamiliar with that technology when used in cloaking devices. I will require time to consider the ramifications.”

The Counsellor sighed.

“Take whatever time you need Data but bear in mind what’s happening on the planet. By the way, when you reported to Command, did you mention what was going on here? Did you tell them of the abduction or the extortion attempt?”

The Second Officer has the good grace to look embarrassed.

“No Deanna I did not.”

The counsellor looked deeply into his golden eyes and said softly,

“Why Data?”

He sighed.

“I reasoned that if Captain Picard wanted Starfleet involved he would have contacted them as soon as this started. Instead he took it upon himself to lead the investigation, then go as far as to go down to the planet to search for Doctor Crusher. I came to the conclusion that he wanted to keep this…’in house.’”

Deanna smiled at her friend and patted his arm.

“I agree with you Data, but if this goes on too much longer, we’ll have no choice but to inform Command and accept their handling of the situation.”

Data nodded and sighed.

“Yes Sir.”

Deanna looked back at the screen.

“Go down to Engineering and join with Geordi on getting the cloak down. Have you got the technician’s report?”

“Yes Commander.”

“Fine. Incorporate what you need and you may interview Muzz if you think he could supply any more information.”

Data nodded and stood.

“Aye Sir.”

He walked a few steps then turned and said softly,

“We will get them back Deanna.”

She smiled up at him and watched as he left the Bridge.

             Will moved as quickly and as quietly as he could through the thick foliage. His pursuers followed at a distance, the occasional energy beam streaking by, but it was obvious the hunters couldn’t see him.

Coming to a fast flowing creek, Will stepped into it and proceeded to wade downstream, casting anxious looks down at his senseless burden. Jean-Luc was in serious trouble and without medical intervention soon, was facing a very uncertain future.

The creek wended and shallowed, slowing Will as he negotiated the rocky bottom. Seeing a likely place to exit, the burly Commander left the watercourse and pushed into the dense bush, finding a suitable place to gently put his Captain down. Checking to make sure he had a good field of fire, Will lay down and covered himself with leaf litter as he waited for his quarry.

After five tense minutes two men appeared cautiously coming down the creek, weapons raised. Will took a steadying breath and pressed the trigger. One man fell immediately; the other dived to one side and, remarkably, got off a shot. It went well wide, but Will returned fire, searing the man’s boot as he disappeared into the bush on the opposite bank.

With the chuckling creek the only sound, Will kept absolutely still, attuning himself to his surroundings in the hope of sensing his opponent. The odd strained gurgling from nearby made him frown in confusion, momentarily unable to identify the source. With a sudden gasp, he realised the sound was coming from his Captain. Backing out of his hiding spot, he crawled quickly to the stricken man to find him struggling to breathe. Will put his phaser down and gently lifted Jean-Luc’s head, and grimaced as blood dribbled from the Captain’s mouth.

The Commander was placing Jean-Luc on his side when the sounds of dreadfully laboured breathing abruptly stopped. Will gripped Jean-Luc’s arm and said urgently,

“No! You will not die…not while you’re with me!”

He rolled Jean-Luc onto his back, took a deep breath, pinched the Captain’s nose and forced his breath into Jean-Luc’s one functioning lung. Blood welled in the Captain’s mouth, causing Will to spit when he took another breath. He established a rhythm and was settling into it when an energy blast struck him in the shoulder. He was flung off his knees and sent sprawling. With one arm numb from the shoulder to his fingertips, Will reached for his phaser, only to find he’d left it on the ground beside the Captain. He scrambled to his left, just in time to avoid another blast, this one aimed at his head. Once under the cover of the undergrowth, Will knelt and tried to move his numb arm, the smell of burned flesh nauseating, more so because he knew it was his own.

The sniper, believing Will had retreated, stepped into the little clearing and stood over the suffocating man on the ground. He toed Jean-Luc disinterestedly and pushed the Captain’s head to one side with his boot, watching emotionlessly as blood flowed from the Captain’s mouth. The man sniffed loudly, hitched up his pants and bent to pick up Will’s phaser. The Commander saw his chance. He launched himself from his hiding place and knocked the man over. Will was on his feet first, but the hunter swung his blaster up. In desperation, Will kicked the hand that held the blaster and was gratified when the weapon flew from his hand. Pressing his attack, Will aimed a kick at the man’s head, but he rolled and jack knifed, his legs sweeping Will’s feet from under him. As he hit the ground, the man pounced on him and Will struggled as hands closed tightly around his throat.

With only one functioning arm, Will forced his hand up until it covered his attacker’s face. His fingers found the man’s eyes and he gouged deeply as his own vision began to grey.

The man howled in agony and the deadly pressure on Will’s throat disappeared. The First Officer rolled to his side, dragging in deep lung fulls of air. His vision cleared and he rose to his feet as the hunter crawled helplessly, his hands feeling the ground around him, searching for a weapon. Will stepped over him, picked up his phaser and shot the alien at point-blank range. He was back at Jean-Luc’s side in seconds. Will’s fingers detected a very faint pulse in Jean-Luc’s neck, but he wasn’t breathing. Ignoring the throbbing pain in his throat, Will re-commenced resuscitation.

                  Tom checked the readout on his tricorder and urged Beverly to keep going.

“Just a little further Doctor.”

Her strength rapidly failing, the Doctor ordered her feet to keep moving as Tom took most of her weight. Ten minutes later, he cautiously pushed some foliage aside to reveal a hover car.

Without hesitation, Tom went to the car, opened the hatch and eased Beverly into the front seat. He then tapped his communicator.

“Phillips to Enterprise.”

There was no reply. He shook his head and entered the car, frowning over the controls. He snorted and said absently,

“Well it’s a little different to what I’m used to, but I think I can manage to fly this thing.”

When there was no sound from the Doctor, he cast her a look and swore softly. Beverly was slumped sideways, unconscious. He checked her pulse and noted her very shallow breathing. With his one good arm, he activated the craft’s systems and inputted the appropriate instruction to lift off. They rose to the treetops and he gripped the yoke, steering for the chalet. Once under way he increased speed to maximum.

                    The Ensign at Tactical was beginning to feel tired. The tension on the Bridge had been high for some time and the young woman’s concentration was waning. She stifled a yawn and, as her eyes filled with tears, a telltale light blinked on her console. She blinked rapidly and checked her readings before looking up and reporting.

“Sir we have a hover car emerging from the cloaked area. Scans identify the combadge of Ensign Thomas Phillips, one of Commander Riker’s party.”

Deanna stood and said tightly,

“Hail him.”

“Aye Sir. Enterprise to Phillips.”

The reply was instant.

“Phillips here Enterprise. Request immediate assistance. I have Doctor Crusher and she requires urgent medical attention.”

Deanna frowned.

“Tactical can we beam them up now?”

“No Sir. That would cause the hover car to crash, thereby endangering anyone in the area. I suggest they land and exit the vehicle.”

The Counsellor lifted her head.

“Did you hear that Ensign?”

“Yes Sir. I’m looking for somewhere to put down now. Stand by.”

Seven tense minutes passed before tactical reported,

“They have landed and left the vehicle.”
Deanna barked,

“Transporter room, lock onto Ensign Phillips’ combadge and beam up two people, directly to Sickbay.”

“Aye Sir.”

The Counsellor nodded to the Lieutenant at the Con.

“You have the Bridge Lieutenant, I’ll be in Sickbay.”

The reply was ignored as Deanna hurried to the lift.

                Tom sighed with relief as medical personnel relieved him of his burden. As he watched Beverly being put on a bio bed, Doctor Simon Katich gently gripped his shoulder and led him to another bio bed. He was sitting quietly as his broken arm was repaired when Deanna entered the facility. Noting the intensive activity around Beverly, she made her way to Tom and waited patiently until Doctor Katich nodded to her. With a gentle smile on her face, she stepped forward and spoke quietly.

“Report Ensign.”

Tom spent several minutes describing what had transpired. Deanna, upon hearing how badly injured her Captain was, kept her face neutral but when she learned how Tom and Will had been separated, she frowned and shook her head.

“You couldn’t help him?”

Tom sighed and shook his head.

“I wanted to Counsellor, but he gave me a direct order then reminded me of my duty. I had no choice but to obey.”

Deanna closed her eyes briefly and nodded.

“And when you left him, he was facing three attackers armed with blasters?”

“Yes Sir.”

“Did you detect him with your tricorder when you got to the hover car?”

Tom shook his head.

“No Sir. We found we only got sporadic readings while within the cloak. We could pick up the energy signatures of technology but bio signs were iffy at best.”

Deanna nodded.

“I see. You say Captain Picard was bleeding from his ear and mouth and his breathing was difficult. Did he deteriorate any further while you were with him?”

Tom shrugged.

“That’s hard to answer Counsellor. I was looking after Doctor Crusher…Commander Riker was caring for the Captain. But Counsellor, from what I saw, Captain Picard is in serious trouble. Have we found a way to penetrate the cloak yet?”

Deanna smiled encouragingly and patted the Ensign’s arm.

“Not yet but we will. After you’ve finished here I want you to go to your quarters and rest. I want a full report, but tomorrow will be soon enough, however if you think of anything that you believe is important, contact me immediately. All right?”

Tom nodded.

“Aye Counsellor.”

As Deanna turned to leave his bed, Tom frowned and lifted his head, calling Deanna back.
”There is one thing Counsellor. When Commander Riker and I found the hover car there was some sort of generator nearby we decided was involved with the cloak. Our tricorders couldn’t identify the technology and we decided to destroy it. The Commander used his phaser on the highest setting, but oddly, the device didn’t explode as we expected. It expanded, glowed then seemed to…collapse. It was weird. Anyway as soon as it was destroyed a small hole appeared in the cloak and the Commander was able to contact the ship.”

Deanna smiled, her obsidian eyes glittering.

“Thank you Ensign, I’ll relay you observations to Engineering.”

Leaving Tom, Deanna moved to Beverly to listen as Selar issued her orders.

“Nurse Ogawa prepare Doctor Crusher for surgery. Lieutenant Garvan monitor the amount of toxin in the blood and call me if the infiltration reaches eight point five.”

Receiving compliance from her nurses, Selar stepped away from the bed and turned to face Deanna. With stoic calm, the Vulcan raised one perfect eyebrow.

“You wish to know Doctor Crusher’s condition.”

Deanna nodded.

“She has several injuries that will respond well to treatment. However she appears to have been bitten by something with potent venom. To treat her successfully I will need either a specimen of the creature or antivenom from a medical facility on the planet. I will treat her injuries but until I have something with which to treat the venom infiltration, she will be kept in stasis.”

Deanna sighed and nodded.

“I understand. Do you want me to contact the planet, or do you want to do it?”

Selar tilted her head.

“If you don’t mind Counsellor, I will do it. I am acquainted with the director of the resort’s main hospital.”

The Counsellor smiled and bowed her head.

“Very well, do so at your convenience.”

Her voice softened and she lifted her head.

“Tell me Selar, what about her severed hand and fingers? Do you think you can re-attach them?”

Both of Selar’s eyebrows rose.

“Under normal circumstances I would have said such a procedure would be fairly straightforward, however the venom has interfered with the nerves, muscles and mucous membranes…it has even compromised the pulmonary functions. I would not even consider the procedure until we have either eradicated or negated the toxins in her system.”

Deanna sighed and nodded.

“Very well I’ll return to the Bridge. Please keep me informed as to her condition.”

Selar bowed her elegant head.

“Of course Counsellor.”

Deanna left Sickbay, worry and fear dogging her steps.

               D’Ran punched the door of the hover car and growled,

“Crusher has escaped! M’Barok gather the rest of the men, something has happened to Karrin, Huss and Sutto. Their last transmission had them pursuing Picard and another officer. I will go with you, it’s imperative that we find them.”

The rebel nodded but hesitated.

“Do you think it wise D’Ran? Shouldn’t you stay here and monitor the cloak? What if they manage to open another hole?”

The leader shook his head brusquely.

“No I am growing tired of this little game, it’s high time we ended it. We may have lost Crusher but with Picard I will maintain my leverage. Use the bio sensor Muzz sold us, it should be able to find them.”

M’Barok frowned.

“But didn’t Muzz say there was a danger of radiation spill if we used it within the cloak?”

D’Ran shrugged.

“We will only need it for a short time, don’t be such a coward M’Barok. We’ve faced deadlier things together.”

The rebel scowled and turned on his heel, contacting the other members and calling them to their position. He bent low into the car and liberated a small instrument.

D’Ran bit off a piece of dried meat and waved his hand.

“Don’t use that until everyone’s here.”

M’Barok shook his head and sat sullenly on a stump.

            Selar’s voice was expressionless as usual as she called the Bridge.

“Selar to Troi.

“Troi here.”

“Counsellor I have been in contact with my colleague and she assures me there is only one venomous creature on Kalara, an arachnid common in the forested areas. She has antivenom specific for human administration and is in the process of transporting up sufficient quantities for Doctor Crusher’s treatment. I will inform you of her progress after I have administered the applicable dosages.”

Deanna sighed and briefly closed her eyes.

“Understood Doctor, thank you. Troi out.”

The Counsellor had just read the latest output from the computer when she was again hailed.

“Data to Troi.”

“Troi here.”

“Counsellor would it be possible for you to join me in Engineering please?”

Her eyebrows rose and she nodded.

“Yes Data, I’m on my way.”

She stood and said quietly,

“Lieutenant you have the Bridge.”

Minutes later she was with Data and Geordi. The android turned to her and gestured to a monitor.

“Counsellor we believe we have a solution to the cloak.”

Deanna smiled, her fathomless black eyes glittering.

“Well done! What do we have to do?”

Geordi held up his hands and frowned.

“What we’re going to suggest is a little radical, but hear us out. We target the cloaked area and hit it with a broad phaser blast.”

Deanna’s mouth opened and she shook her head.

“Geordi…we can’t…”

The dark man smiled.

“It’s not as bad as you think. We couldn’t figure out how to tackle this until you passed on Ensign Phillips’ report about what the phaser did to the device Commander Riker and he found. Then we realised what we were dealing with. It’s living tissue Counsellor and it will react the same way as any living tissue when hit with the right intensity of phased energy. If we calculate this right, every living thing within the target area will be stunned. And once the tissue is inactive the cloak should drop.”

Data lifted his hand and gestured, his actions showing his enthusiasm.

“Once that is achieved we simply scan for Human and other bi-pedal life signs and beam them all up to the ship. We deactivate all weapons in transport and sort the rebels from everyone else while they are unconscious. If by chance we beam any innocent parties aboard, we can simply return them before they regain consciousness. They should awaken none the wiser.”

Deanna rubbed her forehead and sighed.

“How accurate can we be and just how powerful will the blast need to be?”

Geordi and Data glanced at each other and Geordi shrugged.

“We still have to do the calculations but I’m confident we can deliver a shot that will do the job nicely.”

The Counsellor looked her friends in the eye and came to her decision.

“Very well go ahead. Make your calculations, programme the firing sequence then contact me when everything is ready. I’ll be on the Bridge.”

The two officers nodded, their faces solemn.

“Aye Sir.”

               The six rebels gathered around D’Ran and watched as he activated the small scanner. He swept it left and right before suddenly stopping, a sly grin of triumph on his cruel face.

“We have them! Two point three kilometres to the northeast. Check your weapons, I want the stun settling only. As I’ve already stressed. I want Picard alive. Understood?”

There was a grumble of agreement and the party set off.

                Will’s frustration was growing by the minute. As he applied mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to the Captain, his mind frantically searched for a solution to his problem. As long as he was tied to his CO, providing life-giving oxygen, he was unable to find a way to get them back to the Enterprise. He knew by the amount of blood coming from the Captain’s mouth that soon resuscitation wasn’t going to be enough. If he didn’t get them up to the ship soon, the Captain would bleed to death.

Every so often the big man would pause in his efforts to tap his combadge to call the ship. So far there had been no replies.

His mind narrowed in focus, concentrating solely on his friend. Time became meaningless as the rhythm of his actions took over and his existence fine-tuned into the monotony of breathing into the Captain’s mouth, watching his chest expand, then turning his face to take another breath.

                D’Ran silently signalled his men to halt. Stepping forward, he eased some foliage aside to watch Will as he knelt beside Jean-Luc. Smiling with predatory glee, the rebel boldly walked into the little clearing and said quietly.

“Get to your feet and put your hands up.”

Will’s body flinched but he hesitated only a second. Not breaking his rhythm, he said calmly.

“No.”

D’Ran scowled and stepped up to Will, pressing his blaster into Will’s back.

“Do it or I will shoot you.”

Between breaths, Will’s voice had a trace of resignation.

“If you do that, the Captain will die. I take it you don’t want that?”

D’Ran growled and placed his foot on Will’s back. With a hard shove, the First Officer was pushed off his knees. The bearded man looked up at the rebel and shook his head. With calmness he didn’t feel, he got back to his knees and resumed his resuscitation. The rebel’s arm arced down and backhanded Will on the back of his head. The Exec ignored the assault and doggedly continued. D’Ran was incensed.

“What are you doing to him?”

Will breathed steadily into the Captain before saying,

“I am breathing for the Captain as he is unable to do it himself.”

“Why?”

Will frowned.

“He has lung damage and is bleeding into one or both lungs. If I don’t get air into him he will drown in his own blood.”

The rebel called over one of his men and gestured to the stricken man. The alien scanned the Captain, grunted and showed D’Ran the result of the scan. The two men talked quietly for a while before one of the waiting men was called. He carried a knapsack and D’Ran showed him the scan. The alien nodded, opened the knapsack and took out a small package. To Will D’Ran said,

“I believe we can help your Captain. Keep doing what you need to.”

A rebel knelt beside Will and nudged him to move up Jean-Luc’s body. Scowling, Will acquiesced and watched out of the corner of his eye as the alien took a sharp blade and cut Jean-Luc’s shirt and vest, opening the fabric and baring his chest. He then used the same blade to cut deeply into the side of the Captain’s chest. Will stopped and protested only to earn a savage kick.

“Don’t stop!”

The alien then took a small tube and pushed it into the incision. Blood dribbled from the tube and the rebel left his place to go the Jean-Luc’s opposite side to repeat the manoeuvre. He looked up at D’Ran and nodded, withdrawing with a gesture from his leader.

“That should help.”

Will grunted and closed his eyes.

D’Ran knelt beside Will and watched what he was doing with interest.

“What is your name and rank?”

Between breaths, Will replied,

“Commander William Riker.”

D’Ran grinned.

“A Commander? And what are you Commander of?”

“I am the First Officer of the Enterprise.”

The alien laughed coldly.

“Oh this is too much! I have here the Captain and First Officer of the Federation flagship!”
He turned to his men and raised his arms.

“The Gods have smiled on us! Make a litter, we will leave immediately.”

Will closed his eyes and growled,

“Are you insane? Look the Captain is bleeding into his lungs and he has a severe head injury. If I don’t get him to medical aid soon he will die. Lower the cloak and let us transport to our ship.”

D’Ran stood and moved behind Will and unholstered his blaster. He sighed and pointed it at Will’s broad back.

“You are beginning to bore me.”

He then shot Will and reached down to grab Will’s collar to haul his unconscious body off the Captain. Over his shoulder he said,

“Make another litter.”
He then pointed to one of his men.

“You…continue doing what he was doing and keep Picard alive.”

                     Data and Geordi exited the turbolift and strode onto the Bridge. Geordi went to the aft Engineering Station while Data took his place at Deanna’s right.

The Counsellor looked at the android and smiled.

“Report Data.”

“We are ready Counsellor. The intensity has been calculated, the target identified and the firing sequence inputted.”

Deanna nodded and looked at the viewscreen. In her soft lyrical voice she said,

“Tactical are you prepared?”

“Aye Sir.”

“Then fire when ready.”

As the Ensign pressed the appropriate key on the console, she sighed,

“With pleasure Sir.”

                 D’Ran sniffed as two of his men lifted Will onto a makeshift litter. Jean-Luc was already suspended between two aliens, while another man awkwardly applied resuscitation. The leader bent to pick up the knapsack when the area was suddenly bathed in bright orange light. He had enough time to scream,

“NO!”

Before he, and all the others, fell to the ground unconscious.

                    Deanna sat forward, the tension of the moment making her frown. In silence all the Bridge crew stared at the screen before a quiet beeping alerted the Tactical Officer.

“Sir! The cloak is down.”

Deanna stood and lifted her head.

“Troi to Transporter Room.”

“Transporter Room Two. Lieutenant Henson speaking.”

“Lieutenant as per your instructions, beam all Human and bi-pedal life forms directly to Cargo Bay four. Lieutenant Martin are you and your team ready?”

“Aye Sir. We have restraints and holding cells available.”

“Good. Doctor Selar are the med teams standing by?”

“Yes Counsellor.”

Deanna nodded decisively.

“Right! Transporter Room, energise.”

She turned to her officers and gestured to the lift.

“Data, Geordi, you’re with me. Lieutenant you have the Bridge.”

                 Selar pushed past the security detail and knelt by the Captain. After a quick scan she stood and turned to her colleague.

“Assess everyone. I will transport Captain Picard straight to Sick Bay.”

She stood and lifted her head.

“Transporter Room, two to beam directly to Sick Bay.”
They were gone by the time Deanna arrived with Geordi and Data. The Counsellor went to Will’s side and winced as she saw the stone shards embedded in his side and the cuts on his face. She asked the attending Doctor,

“How is he?”

Doctor Katich smiled.

“It’s not too bad Counsellor. Unfortunately he’s taken a blaster shot at point blank range…he’s going to be very sore when he wakes up.”

Deanna smiled and nodded.

“Understood. Are there any other injured?”

Katich nodded.

“Yes Sir. The aliens all appear to have been exposed to Narron radiation. They will require Fessyn treatments.”

Deanna looked around her as security personnel pulled the alien’s hands behind their backs and applied restraints. They were thoroughly searched and a growing pile of assorted weapons stood in the middle of the room. Data, who had been questioning the staff, came to stand at Deanna’s shoulder.

“It would seem we have not beamed up anyone we should not have.”

Deanna nodded absently as she watched Will being taken to Sick Bay on an antigrav bed.

“Thank you Data. Do we know when everyone will wake up?”

The android tilted his head.

“The intensity of the phaser blast should render all life forms unconscious for at least two hours.”

Deanna turned to her Second Officer and smiled.

“Fine. Send an away team down to the planet and retrieve all the cloaking generators. You have command, I’ll be in Sick Bay.”

Data smiled.

“Understood Counsellor.”

                Will groaned as he woke up, his entire body aching. His eyes cracked open and he was delighted to see his lover standing by his bed. His first attempt at speaking was a dismal failure and Deanna smiled as she gently gripped his hand.

“Hold on Will, I’ll get you a glass of water.”

She returned quickly and lifted his head, placing the straw in his mouth. He drank greedily, his eyes closing as the deliciously cold liquid flowed down his throat. He settled back down and smiled. His voice was rough.

“How am I?”

The Counsellor sighed and stroked his brow.

“You’ve had some minor surgery to remove pieces of rock from your side and the facial lacerations have been repaired, but the blaster shot you took is going to take a while to fade. How do you feel?”

He sighed and grimaced at the pain that caused.

“Actually I feel like I’ve been hit by a shuttle at warp five. How is everyone else? How is the Captain?”

Deanna frowned.

“Captain Picard is in surgery. Ensign Phillips is fine and the Ensign you left at the crash site is going to be okay. We also retrieved the dead. Beverly has been treated successfully and Selar hopes to re-attach her hand and fingers tomorrow morning. As for the rebels, they were exposed to Narron radiation and are undergoing Fessyn treatments. The whole lot of them are in the detention cells.”

Will swallowed and nodded.

“Dee we’re going to have to get some help with this. We’ve too many people to handle, what with all the Ferengi, the rebels…it’s way too much.”

Deanna sighed.

“I know. Data told me he’d refrained from telling Command about what’s been going on out of respect for the Captain’s wishes, but I agree with you, it’s grown too big for just us. I’ll contact Command and request another ship to rendezvous with us. At least we can off load some of our prisoners.”

Will grunted.

“As soon as I’m able I’ll table my report. Will you be okay ‘til then?”

The Counsellor grinned.

“Yes, I’ll be fine.”

Will sighed softly.

“Dee…the Captain…it’s bad isn’t it.”

Deanna’s face fell and sorrow filled her expressive eyes.

“I haven’t seen Selar since she took the Captain to surgery, but Simon told me it’s serious. Will…I can barely sense him…he’s only just hanging on.”

The big man closed his eyes and frowned.

“Does Beverly know?”

Chewing her lower lip, Deanna’s eyes slid over to Beverly’s bed on the other side of the room.

“She knows enough to be very frightened Will. I intend to inform her of anything I’m told about Captain Picard, I think not knowing is worse for her at the moment.”

Will nodded.

“Agreed. Let me know what Selar says will you? I may be stuck here, but I don’t want to be kept out of the loop.”

Deanna bent and kissed his brow.

“Rest assured my love, you’ll be kept informed. Now I have to get to the Bridge. I’ll be back after shift.”

Will smiled and watched as his lover left. He sighed and looked up at the ceiling, his thoughts centred on his Captain.

                 “Data open a channel to Command and route it to the Ready Room.”

“Aye Sir.”

Deanna entered Jean-Luc’s office and took a seat behind his desk. She turned the monitor towards her and waited patiently until she heard,

“Channel open Counsellor.”

The face that appeared on the screen was friendly.

“This is Captain Brett Lee.”

Deanna smiled.

“Hello Captain this is Commander Deanna Troi, acting Captain of the Enterprise.”

The man’s eyebrows rose.

“May I ask where is Captain Picard?”

Keeping her voice steady, Deanna replied,

“Captain Picard has been severely injured. The First Officer, Commander William Riker has also been injured, necessitating me to assume command.”

The Captain frowned.

“I see. What can I do for you Commander?”

Deanna sighed.

“We have a problem Sir.”

“Go on.”

Deanna spent the next ten minutes describing all that had occurred since Jean-Luc first called for assistance. She ended by asking,

“Captain Lee, we require another ship to help us with this.”

Lee nodded, a rueful grin on his face.

“I would say you do. Look I need to take this to a higher authority; I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Lee out.”

Deanna sat back from the desk, rubbed her forehead and sighed heavily. Lifting her head she called,

“Data would you come in please?”

The android entered and stood before the desk. Deanna smiled tiredly up at him and gestured to the seat. He sat and the Counsellor clasped her hands on the desktop.

“Data as you know I’ve contacted Command. I’ve told them everything and requested the help of another ship.”

The Second Officer sat quietly; the only movement was from his eyebrows, which rose.

“I see Counsellor. Have they offered any reaction?”

“Not yet. I spoke to Captain Brett Lee. He said he needed to speak with a higher authority. I hope to hear back from them soon.”

Data nodded.

“And do you think this will impact deleteriously upon Captain Picard?”

Deanna sighed.

“I don’t know. Technically speaking Captains have a great deal of latitude in how they handle certain situations. It’s a matter of personal and professional experience that guides their decisions. It may be argued that Captain Picard was within his rights to pursue this matter on his own, even though he involved the Enterprise, but the collusion of the Ferengi and the overt actions against Starfleet by the Alliance muddies the waters. I’m afraid we’ll just have to wait and keep our fingers crossed that Command takes a lenient view.”

Data looked at his hands and frowned.

“Which fingers should I cross Counsellor?”

Deanna chuckled.

“None Data it’s a metaphor.”

“Ah.”

Deanna stood and Data came to his feet.

“Counsellor, if I may ask, when will Commander Riker be back on duty?”

Deanna stretched and arched her back, kneading her fingers into her lower spine.

“Probably the day after tomorrow.”

The android nodded.

“I see. Then may I suggest you get some rest? You have been on duty for three continuous shifts.”

The Counsellor smiled warmly.

“I will Data, as soon as I hear from Command.”

                 Deanna was dozing in the Ready Room three hours later when the call came. Sitting up, she pushed her hair back and blinked away her sleepiness before activating the monitor. She was confronted by an Admiral. The stern woman nodded brusquely.

“You are Commander Troi?”

“Yes Admiral.”

“I am Admiral Monika Roitinger. How is Captain Picard?”

Deanna kept her voice even.

“He is still in surgery Admiral.”

The woman scowled.

“I see. Prognosis?”

“Unknown Sir.”

The Admiral sat back and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

“This has come as quite a surprise Commander. Captain Picard would be the last officer we would expect to get tangled up in something like this.”

Deanna stayed professionally neutral.

“It is unusual Sir.”

“Can you tell me why he decided to attempt to solve this problem on his own?”

Deanna offered a small sigh.

“He was highly motivated Sir…personally motivated.”

“How?”

“I’m sorry Sir but I’m not at liberty to divulge that information.”

The Admiral’s eyes darkened.

“Why?”

“I am the Enterprise’s Counsellor and as such, Captain Picard is one of my patients. I must invoke patient confidentiality.”

The vexed woman sat up and glowered.

“I see. May I ask if this situation has compromised Picard’s ability to command?”

Deanna shook her head, a frown on her face.

“Unequivocally no Sir. His ability to command, his objectivity and balance were unaffected.”

There was silence as the two women regarded each other. The Admiral pursed her lips and nodded.

“Very well. The Perth is en route to your position and will rendezvous with you in eighteen hours. I want a full report from you as soon as possible. Roitinger out.”

Deanna smiled grimly at the Starfleet logo. Having already completed most of her report, she spent the next half an hour finishing it and sent it with an unkind thought for the officious Admiral.

“I hope you choke on it you old bat!”

She rose stiffly and walked out onto the Bridge, waving Data back into the Command chair.

“I’m going to my quarters Data. The Perth will rendezvous with us in about seventeen hours. Contact them and bring them up to speed.”

The android nodded.

“Aye Sir. Goodnight.”

Smiling tiredly, Deanna left the Bridge and boarded a lift. Having stated her destination, she called Sick Bay.

“Troi to Sick Bay.”

“Doctor Lah here Counsellor.”

“Any news on Captain Picard?”

“No Counsellor…wait…Doctor Selar has just come out of surgery. I’ll get her for you.”

Deanna waited a few seconds before she heard the calm Vulcan.

“Counsellor Troi I have completed the surgery on Captain Picard.”

“How is he?”

There was an uncharacteristic short silence.

“Counsellor perhaps it would be best if you came to Sick Bay. My report is rather…disturbing.”

Deanna swallowed and set her jaw, savagely quashing the panic that welled.

“Very well, I’m on my way.”

                 When Deanna arrived in Sick Bay she was directed to Beverly’s office. Inside she found Selar quietly dictating her report to the computer. The Vulcan paused her recording and nodded to the Counsellor. Deanna took a seat and steeled herself.

“How bad is it?”

“It is very serious Counsellor. Captain Picard’s head injury is beyond my abilities to repair. I have done all that I can, but I cannot do much more than remove the excess blood, drain off the extraneous fluid and stabilise him. There are fragments of bone embedded in his brain I am loath to disturb and the brain tissue itself has been severely traumatised. The initial injury was bad enough but he sustained another blow to the same area and the effect has been catastrophic.”

Deanna lowered her head and covered her face with her hands. Selar waited patiently while the Counsellor gathered her composure.

“Prognosis?”

“Unknown. All I can do is recommend you get Captain Picard to a medical Starbase as soon as possible. He needs specialist neurological treatment.”

Deanna frowned.

“We will have to stay here at least eighteen hours. Will he be all right?”

The Vulcan nodded.

“Yes. He is in stasis now, I expect his condition to remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.”

“What of his other injuries?”

Selar offered a PADD.

“All other injuries have been healed, although it is highly likely I will have to clone a new lung. I doubt the repairs will hold as the organ was significantly damaged. I have taken some cells and initiated the process; the new lung should be ready for implantation in seven days. He is undergoing deep regeneration on several parts of his body and is being transfused to replace serious blood loss. He is profoundly unconscious.”

Deanna sighed and rubbed her forehead.