Red Is The Rose- Second half
Part Four
A week after the Ogarian incident, Jean-Luc was sitting on his sofa reading with soft strains of jazz music playing in the background, when his door chimed. Glancing at his watch he saw that it was 2345 and frowned. Who could be calling so late?
"Come." he said and when he lowered the book he was surprised to see Beverly smiling at him.
"Moby Dick again, Jean-Luc?" she said softly and he grinned at her.
"I can't help it. It's such a great book. You know I have always pictured myself as Ahab in the holofilm version...if I was an actor of course." Jean-Luc said and she laughed lightly, then her eyes grew troubled and the smile disappeared. "Beverly, what is the matter?"
She looked at him with her crystal blue gaze and he patted the seat next to him. She settled herself next to him and after a moment or two of silence; she met the hazel eyes of her best friend. There was no other way than to come right out and say it, so she took a deep breath and told him what had been on her mind for the past three weeks or so.
"I want to adopt Lia. I want to make her my daughter." Beverly said and Jean-Luc's eyes widened. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but she cut him off. "I know. I know. It is a big decision, but when I am with her it feels so natural. Like something that has been missing in my life is finally here. I have discussed it with Wesley and he is all for it. I just want to know if you approve. I had to know, is it completely selfish of me or is it the right thing to do?"
Jean-Luc sat there for a moment in stunned silence and Beverly bit her lip, waiting for him to speak. Finally he looked her directly in the eyes and smiled.
"I think it is a great idea," he said and she looked at him surprise.
"You really think so?" she asked him and he nodded.
"You and Lia have a bond that has been unquestionable since the first day and since we have had no response from any of her relatives, it seems the best course of action. I will draw up the papers tomorrow and send them to Earth for approval. You should have an answer in about 6-7 days." Jean-Luc said and Beverly gave him the smile of hers that had always made his heart do flips.
"Thank you, Jean-Luc." Beverly said and leaned over to give him a soft kiss on the cheek. Pulling back, she looked into his eyes and then leaned forward to kiss his mouth. Their lips met and a fire spread throughout both of their bodies, starting at the lips and ending at the very tips of their toes. Jean-Luc found himself kissing her back and when they finally parted she whispered "thank you" against his lips. Pulling away completely she ran the pads of her thumbs over his slightly parted lips. She rose and quietly left his cabin, her knees shaking at what she had just done. Jean-Luc sat on the couch in shock for about a full ten minutes after she left and finally he shook himself. He decided to draw up the papers for Lia's adoption then and there, after which he would take a very cold shower.
News of the impending adoption spread throughout the ship like wildfire and soon it was the day before it would become final. Everyone on board was ecstatic and the good energy was overwhelming. Everyone who was seen had a smile on their faces, including Data and Worf, who rarely smiled.
In sickbay, Beverly closed the medical PADD of Geordi LaForge and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Finally!" she muttered and placed the last of the completed medical scans of the senior officers on the pile. Rising and gathering the entire pile into her hands, she told Alyssa that she was taking it to the bridge to give it to the captain, personally. Alyssa nodded and Beverly headed for the turbo lift. On the way, the turbo lift stopped and Deanna came on. As it started its ascent once more, Deanna and Beverly looked at each other, then giggled like a couple of school girls.
"You are in a good mood." Deanna said and Beverly smiled.
"I have every reason to be, don't I?" Beverly said and Deanna nodded, agreeing completely. Beverly looked at the counselor and raised an eyebrow. "I am not the only one who was been in a good mood lately. I have noticed that you and Will seem to be smiling a lot more."
Deanna looked at her quickly and then away, a blush creeping up her neck.
"Deanna! You have been seeing each other again, haven't you?" Beverly cried, a look of astonishment on her face. Deanna laughed and gave Beverly a coy look.
"Uh-huh." she murmured and they both laughed.
"I want details!" Beverly said and the two women agreed to get together in Ten-Forward for lunch. The turbo lift stopped and they got off, Deanna heading for her seat and Beverly to where the captain stood at the front of the bridge. He met her eyes and she tried to ignore the heat that she felt low in her stomach. They hadn't discussed the kiss and she wasn't sure she wanted to. It was all too complicated for one simple conversation. Clearing her throat, she handed him the medical PADDs.
"Everyone is in good medical condition, although many could use a shore leave." She said and looked pointedly at him, telling him that he was one of those people. He raised his eyebrows and she knew he had gotten the message.
"Thank you, Doctor. I'm sure..." he began when Data interrupted him.
"Captain, there is a ship approximately 2 light-years away. It looks to be a Federation starship, Sir." Data said and Jean-Luc looked at the screen.
"On screen." he ordered and moments later a ship appeared. It looked roughly the size of the Enterprise and indeed was a Federation craft.
"They are hailing us, Sir." Worf said.
"Open a channel and put it on screen." Jean-Luc told him and the found themselves looking into the eyes of an Admiral.
"I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise. How can I help you, Admiral?" Jean-Luc said and the admiral nodded.
"I know who you are. I am Admiral Colin Dune of the Federation Starship Essence. We have recently found our sister-ship the U.S.S Existence and upon our discovery we have found that a child, Malia Rose Walker, has been unaccounted for. After inquiring to Federation Headquarters we have learned that she is aboard your ship. Is this true?" Admiral Dune asked and Jean-Luc exchanged a glance with Beverly.
"Yes, Admiral, it is true. May I ask what you want with the child?" Jean-Luc said and frowned slightly.
"We have found a distant aunt of hers on Earth who is willing to take the child in. I will transport the official documents to your ship and I will personally come to collect her at 1300. I think an hour is enough time to get her things together." The admiral said and Jean-Luc cleared his throat.
"Sir, I wonder if I could talk to you in private?" Jean-Luc said and Admiral Dune nodded. "Commander Data, put the admiral through onto the private screen in my ready room."
Data nodded and soon the screen went dark. All eyes flew to Beverly. The doctor was visibly shaking and Deanna felt all the conflicting emotions as if they were her own. Anger, confusion, worry, and fear. Most of all there was fear.
"Take her to her quarters, Counselor. I think you're the best one to talk to her right now." Jean-Luc said and Deanna rose, taking Beverly by the arm and leading her to the turbo lift. Jean-Luc watched them and then frowned even more.
"All senior officers, be prepared to report to my ready room." Jean-Luc said into his comm. badge. Jean-Luc entered the ready room and saw the admiral waiting for him on screen.
"What can I do for you, Captain?" Dune asked and Jean-Luc sighed.
"Admiral, did you happen to notice in your reports that one of my crew was about to adopt this child?" Jean-Luc asked calmly and Dune nodded.
"Yes, but she is not the child's blood relative. Picard, you know and I know that it is not always safe for children on starships. This little girl has spent all of her four years of life on a planet and now to have her live always on the go is not a good idea. The Federation and the government of Earth has given me an order to bring her to her aunt and that is what I am going to do." Dune told him and Jean-Luc knew that there was no changing his mind. At least not by himself.
"Sir, let me send you a few of the crew's observations on how the child is striving, not suffering, by living on my ship. Then make your decision. That's all I ask." Jean-Luc said and Dune frowned, thinking it over.
"Agreed. But while I am debating this, the child will stay on my ship. It will be too cruel to prepare her and then separate her twice from this environment. I will beam aboard in 50 minutes. Have her and the observations ready." Dune signed off and Jean-Luc called his officers in to the room. He then asked Wesley to find Lia and bring her to the ready room in about ten minutes.
Once all the officers were gathered together, he explained the situation. Although they all listened most gazes went to Beverly, who sat soundless in her chair staring straight ahead. Jean-Luc sighed and sent a glance at her as well. He wanted to desperately say something or do something that would break her out of this trance she seemed to be stuck in, but he didn't know what. As if reading his thoughts Will spoke up.
"I think I might know how to bring her out of this, Sir." he said and Jean-Luc looked at him for a moment then nodded. Will looked at Beverly and said loudly, "I guess there are no other options, but to hand Lia over to the Admiral. If no one here objects, I think we should go get her ready to leave."
"No!" Beverly said suddenly and turned to glare at him. Everyone looked at her in surprise at the sudden outburst, but she ignored them all. "No one is taking my daughter anywhere. Not an admiral, not the Federation and definitely not some distant aunt who is 'willing to take her in'."
Beverly repeated the admiral's phrase bitterly and slammed her fist down onto the table.
"Dr. Crusher!" Jean-Luc said, more in shock that she would lose her control than out of anger. Beverly looked at him as if seeing he was there for the first time and suddenly her face fell. She covered her face with her hands and sank back into her chair.
"I'm sorry, Captain." Beverly said and lifted her face from her hands to meet his gaze.
"It is all right. We know how hard this must be for you. Everyone knows what to do? I will need your observations in 30 minutes. Can you do that?" Jean-Luc asked and the others nodded their agreement. The ready room's door opened and Wesley walked in, with Lia holding his hand. Beverly got up as Lia ran over to her, and kneeled down in front of the child.
"Mommy, what's going on? Wesley said that you wanted to see me. Am I in trouble?" Lia asked and shaking her head Beverly bit her lip, then pulled the child to her in a tight hug. Lia could feel Beverly's body shaking and the fear coming off of her.
"Mommy, what's wrong?" she asked in a tiny voice, some of Beverly's fear having been transferred to her. Beverly pulled back and held Lia in front of her, looking directly into her eyes.
"Sweetheart, do you remember when you first came aboard and Captain Picard said he would send out a communication about finding your relatives on Earth?" The child nodded, her face one of confusion. Beverly forced herself to put cheer into her voice as she stated the next part. "Well, we have just met an admiral who has been sent here by an aunt of yours to bring you to live with her. Sweetie, you have family on Earth and they want you to come live with them."
Lia's eyes widened as the information sunk in and then she began to shake her head violently.
"No, you're my family! I want to live with you. Please, Mommy, don't make me go. I'll be good, I promise. Please don't send me away!" Lia sobbed and Beverly gathered the child in her arms. Lia wrapped her arms around Beverly's neck and clung to her tightly.
"Oh, Lia. You weren't bad and I don't want you to go. I love you so much and I am going to fight this with everything I have." Beverly said and Lia nodded, but didn't loosen her grip from Beverly's neck. Beverly stood, lifting Lia up with her and settling the child on her left hip. All the officers had watched this heartbreaking scene and shifted uncomfortably, their own sadness rising in them. Deanna had tears running down her cheeks and leaned into Will for comfort. Even Jean-Luc felt a tightness in his throat, as he forced his emotions to stay in check. Wesley shook his head and looked angrily at Jean-Luc.
"It's not fair! They can't just take her away. She belongs here with us." Wes cried angrily and Beverly reached out her hand to her son. He took it and his eyes pleaded with Jean-Luc. "Please, sir. You have to do something. It was only one more day and..."
Wes trailed off, the rest of the sentence not having to be spoken.
"I know, Ensign." Jean-Luc said and sighed loudly. "Right now we have no other options, but to get her ready to leave. We will discuss this matter with Admiral Dune when he comes aboard."
Wes was about to open his mouth to say something more, but Jean-Luc cut him by raising his hand.
"Why don't you take Lia to the holodeck and spend some time with her? I will help your mother pack." Jean-Luc suggested and Wes nodded, taking Lia from Beverly. The woman didn't want to let the child go, but knew that Jean-Luc was right and told Lia that she would come get her soon.
"Sir, I will check for those documents that Admiral Dune said that he was sending." Data said and Jean-Luc nodded.
"The rest of you, please go do as I asked and then return here when Admiral Dune arrives. Number One, you have the bridge." Jean-Luc said and they all dispersed. Jean-Luc followed a quiet Beverly to her quarters and in silence he watched her pack a small bag of Lia's belongings. When she got to the white teddy bear that Lia slept with every night, her eyes began to tear and she covered her face with her hands. Jean-Luc saw her shoulders were shaking and went to her, pulling her to his chest.
"Shh." he soothed and let her cry, placing his hand on the back of her head and holding her close to him. "It will be all right, Beverly."
"God, I hope you are right." Beverly whispered tearfully and after a moment more of crying she lifted her face. She gave a small laugh and smoothed her hand over the wet spot on his suit that her tears had created. "I'm sorry, Jean-Luc."
"Don't be sorry. We will all miss her if she must leave." The woman in his arms began to shake her head at his words and he took her by the shoulders. "Beverly, listen to me. You know I don't want her to leave either, but if it comes down to that, you must think of Lia."
Beverly gave him a strange look and he knew he would have to explain.
"That little girl worships the ground you walk on. No matter what anyone says you are the only mother she has known and because of that, you have to put her first. Earth is where she was born, where her blood family is. She deserves a chance to learn about her roots, about where she came from. She knows you love her. We all do. But, ask yourself and answer truthfully, is a starship really the best place for her to grow up? When Admiral Dune comes to take her, he will get the crew's observations about you and her together, but if his decision is to still take her with him, you must respect that decision. Lia will fight it as hard as she can, maybe even try and hurt you emotionally, but you stay strong for her. Be her mother."
Beverly listened to him and knew deep down that he was right. No matter how much it hurt her to have to let her go, Lia did have the right to learn of her real family. Wesley had been older when they had come aboard and more than ready to live on a starship. Was it fair to Lia to take her away from a planetary life to live among the stars, always going from one place to another? What about when they face dangers such as the Orgarians, the Cardassians…the Borg? Maybe it was for the best. She looked into Jean-Luc's concerned hazel eyes and nodded, giving him a brief smile.
"You'll have to help me. I don't know if I can do it alone." Beverly said softly and Jean-Luc lifted her hands to his lips. Kissing her knuckles sweetly, he nodded.
"I'll always help you," he said and she took a deep breath. Glancing at the clock she saw that it was time to go collect Lia.
Part Five
Beverly stood and Jean-Luc grabbed the bag off the bed, quickly putting the teddy bear in and closing it. As they made their way to the holodeck each person they passed touched Beverly's arm and offered their sympathies. Finally, just when Beverly thought she couldn't take anymore, they reached Holodeck #2. When Jean-Luc typed in his entrance code the computer beeped and the door to the holodeck opened.
Jean-Luc and Beverly entered to find themselves walking through a grove of tall trees on either side of a dirt lane. Beverly placed the bag of clothes by the door and they followed the path up to the top of a tall, grass-covered hill. Coming over the top, they reached a flat plain and to their left stood a windmill, over looking a small bay area. Beyond that lay grassy hills as far as the eye could see and the sun was setting in the west, a bright orange and pink ball of flame. It painted the sky in shades of purple, blue, orange, and reds making it a painter's dream.
At the top of the hill sat Wes with Lia ensconced in his lap, his arms wrapped around her protectively. She was sucking her thumb, as she only did when she was scared or extremely tired. She lay back against Wesley's chest and together they stared out at the beautiful scene. Beverly faltered a step and Jean-Luc took her elbow, helping her over to where the children sat. When the adults arrived at to stand just behind them, neither one acknowledged their presence right away, but moments later Lia spoke.
"It's quiet here, don't you think? Quiet and... perfect." she said, sounding so much mature than her four years of life. She lifted her head up and shading her eyes, smiled at the two people. In more of a plea, than a demand she said, "Sit with us."
Jean-Luc and Beverly sat down on the grass, feeling the cool blades beneath their hands as they placed them on the ground. Lia crawled off of Wes's lap and onto Jean-Luc. He was surprised at first, but then he wrapped his arm around the little girl's waist and shifted so that he was sitting cross-legged and she was settled comfortably in his lap. Lia tucked her head under his chin and her tiny hands danced across his arm, tracing absent-minded circles on it, but concentrating on the scene in front of her. Beverly sighed and edged closer to Jean-Luc. She laid her head down on his shoulder, looping her left arm through his right and entwining her hand with his. Wes reached out and took his mother's other hand and closed his eyes, letting the rays of the sun warm his face. Intertwined, as their lives and hearts were, they all sat in complete silence watching the sun setting behind the hills and making the bay appear to be on fire. The peace was interrupted minutes later by the beep of Jean-Luc's comm. badge.
"Captain." was all Deanna had to say and they all knew it was time.
"We'll be right there, Counselor." Jean-Luc said and the badge beeped again, letting them all know that the transmission had been ended. Lia tilted her head up and Jean-Luc looked down into her heart-shaped face.
"It's over, isn't it?" she asked quietly and all he could do was nod. The child rose and stared out at the bay and the little town next to it. "I would have liked to see it for real one day, Captain. I bet your house is beautiful."
Jean-Luc looked with her out towards the town of Labarre, France, where his family home was located. He crouched down to her level and pointed towards a house set apart from the others with many acres around it.
"Do you see that old French colonial house to the left? The one with the orchards and grape vineyard behind it?"
"Uh-huh. I always imagined that was your house." Lia told him and Jean-Luc nodded.
"It is." Jean-Luc said and Lia gave him a small incredulous smile.
"Really?" Lia asked and looked back out over to it. Jean-Luc nodded and she gave a small sad sigh. "One day, maybe you'll invite me to come visit your house and then I can see you again."
"I tell you what. If you are allowed to stay, the next shore leave we have on Earth, I will take you there." Jean-Luc told her and she grinned at him.
"Mommy and Wesley too?" Lia asked and Jean-Luc looked over at Beverly and Wes who gave him small smiles. Jean-Luc turned back to the child and gave her assurance that they would be welcome too. Lia nodded and gave him a real smile. "I believe you because captains are honest and you are the best one of all."
She gave him a hug and Jean-Luc forgot all his inhibitions and hugged her back. Reluctantly pulling away he met Beverly's eye.
"We need to go," he told her and she drew in a deep breath. They had taken two steps when Lia stopped short and shook her head.
"Mommy, I don't want to go!" Lia cried suddenly and Beverly looked down as the girl ran to be by her side. "If you love me, you won't make me go. We can run away. Someplace they'll never find us. "
Beverly felt tears well up in her eyes, but remembering what Jean-Luc told her moments ago, she blinked them away so Lia did not see them.
"Wesley, will you go with the Captain and please tell Admiral Dune that we will be right there? I want to talk to Lia alone for a moment." Beverly said to him and the teen nodded. Jean-Luc gestured for the boy to go first and walking behind him, put a comforting hand on his shoulder. When they were gone, Beverly knelt down in front of Lia and looked deep into the girl's eyes.
"You know I love you and that I want you here with me always, but you also know that it might not be able to happen." Beverly told her and Lia turned her face away, frowning. Beverly took her chin in her hand and made Lia look her in the eyes. "No, look at me. No matter what happens, you have to be strong. This admiral knows what's best for you and we have to do what he says."
After a moment, Lia closed her eyes and threw her arms around Beverly's neck.
"I'll be strong. For you, I'll be strong." Lia cried into Beverly's hair, reminiscent of the day they first found each other. Beverly held her close, before standing and placing Lia on the ground. Taking her hand, she picked up the tiny travel bag, the teddy bear's head sticking out of the top.
"Computer, end program." Beverly said and the computer did as told. Only Lia and Beverly had already walked out the door with the image of the sunset forever in their minds. They went to the ready room with all the senior officers waiting for them along with Wes, Jean-Luc, and Admiral Dune. The latter had small pile of PADDs in his hand, which the officers had put their observations on.
"You must be Malia." Admiral Dune said, smiling warmly at the child. Lia looked up at Beverly, who nodded discretely, and with a sigh she let go of Beverly's hand. She stepped forward, her tiny hand extended.
"Yes, sir. If you don't mind, I like to be called Lia." She said and the surprised admiral accepted the handshake. Lia let go and stepped back to stand beside a proud Beverly.
"Well," said Admiral Dune smiling at the child, trying to coax one onto her unhappy face. "If you are ready to go I can get started on reviewing your case."
For a moment the Admiral thought she was going to bolt and refuse to go with him, but to his amazement she lifted her head high and stared at him.
"I'm ready." Lia said bravely.
"Would you like to say good-bye now?" Dune asked and that made Lia's brave act drop briefly, before she nodded. The girl walked to where the officers stood in almost a line formation. The first person she came to was Data.
"Good-bye, Data. I still wish I could have one of Spot's kittens. Maybe you can send one to me if I go to Earth?" Lia asked and Data nodded.
"Of course. The black and white one, that you admired, will be yours." Data said, no emotion in his voice, but if one looked hard enough they could say his face was sad. "If I could feel human emotion, I believe I would be extremely sad."
Lia gave him a small smile and moved on to Worf.
"I am going to stay a warrior and keep up with my martial arts." She told him and Worf gave her what looked to be a small smile.
"I will tell Alexander to work hard in order to keep up with you." Worf said and she nodded. Moving down the line, she came to Geordi.
"You're going to missed very much around here, Kiddo. You were the only one who could get their hand in the instrument panels." Geordi teased her and Lia laughed. He bent over and gave the girl a hug. When he let go, Lia came to Deanna. Lia's eyes teared up and she crooked her finger to bring Deanna down to her height. With the pads her tiny fingers she brushed away the tears from Deanna's face.
"Please don't cry, Aunt Deanna. It will be okay." Lia said softly and Deanna pulled the girl to her in a hug. Lia played with Deanna's black curls and tried to be strong like her mom had told her. Pulling back, Lia looked to where Will was waiting next. In one swift movement, she found herself in the air and then in his arms again. She laughed lightly and he held her in front of him.
" 'I think I'm going to miss you most of all Scarecrow'," Lia said, reciting word for word what he had read to her only a couple weeks before just before her nap. He chuckled and smiled lovingly at her.
"You be good, Princess." Will said and Lia nodded. "We'll see you soon."
Lia bit her lip and then placed her mouth to his ear, whispering something to him.
"It's a deal." Will said and he rubbed noses with her in an "Eskimo kiss" to seal the agreement. Then he placed her back on the ground and she looked to her right at Jean-Luc.
Lia suddenly snapped to attention and saluted him, like in a formal greeting or good-bye. Jean-Luc saluted her back, but his eyes were twinkling. They had already said their good-byes on the holodeck and needed no words now. He was her father figure, in both their hearts, and each knew that this was hurting the other on an inexpressible level. The child held the position for the proper amount of time, but her arm fell to her side when she looked at the last person. Lia walked over to Beverly and hugged her hard. Beverly felt the hot tears roll down Lia's face and onto her neck.
"I'm trying to be strong, Mommy. I really am, but it's so hard." Lia cried into her neck and Beverly held her tighter.
"I know, Sweetheart. I know." Beverly said and forced the tears in her eyes to disappear. She pulled Lia away and held her to look in her eyes. She wiped away Lia's tears gently with her thumbs, and then stood straight.
"Hold my hand, Mommy, and don't let go." Lia said to Beverly as the doctor led her down to Admiral Dune. Lia looked up at Beverly one last time and then drew in a deep breath, saying, "I'm ready, now."
Adm. Dune reached his hand out, but Lia refused it and took her small travel bag from him instead.
"Thank you, Sir, but I can carry it." Lia said and he nodded. Giving a nod to Jean-Luc, he motioned for Lia to exit. Lia walked, looking straight ahead, but her hand stayed in Beverly's grip until only their fingertips touched. Then she was gone.
Once out in the hallway, the doors shut automatically the sound causing Lia to pause in her tracks. Adm. Dune thought that the girl would breakdown into tears, but she quickly pulled herself together and kept walking. He stopped her, placing his hand gently on her shoulder, and she met his concerned face.
"My dear, it's okay to cry." Adm. Dune told her and when she gave him a watery smile, he let out a heavy sigh. "You must hate me."
"I'm not going to cry unless I have something to cry about. I know you are just doing your job, so I don't hate you. My mommy said that I would have to be strong and so what you say, cause you and the Federation know what's best." Lia gave him her little speech and Adm. Dune began to again follow the escort to the transporter room. At the door, Lia's hand quietly slipped into his and glancing down he saw a single tear fall down her cheek. Squeezing her hand in comfort he frowned, deep in thought.
Conclusion
Hours passed, but to Beverly it might as well have been days or even years. She had gone back to work in sickbay, telling a protesting Jean-Luc that she needed to work. Deanna had come in twice before Beverly told her that if she came in again without a medical injury, Beverly would personally give her one. Deanna had laughed and when she came in the third time, she had her hands raised in surrender.
"It's time for lunch. You said you wanted details." Deanna reminded her and for the first time in 5 hours, Beverly smiled.
"Yes, I did." Beverly said and told Alyssa that she was taking lunch. Alyssa barely looked up from the medical journal she was reading and nodded.
Lunch was pleasant and more than once did Deanna get Beverly to laugh or smile, which had been an underlying intention.
"He didn't?" Beverly asked incredulously at the end of the conversation and Deanna nodded.
"He said it was high time for us to come to our senses and I agree with him." Deanna said, grinning at her friend's stunned face.
"So you told him yes, right?" Beverly asked and Deanna smiled sheepishly. "Deanna?"
"I told him I would think about it." Deanna said and before Beverly could say anything she added, "Of course I'm going to say yes, but I figured I'd make him sweat a little first."
At that moment Will came into Ten-Forward and saw them at the table laughing. He smiled and walked over to say hello. At his arrival, the two women looked up, then at each other, and began laughing even harder. As he stood there looking confused, Beverly rose and excused herself, telling Deanna she'd talk to her later. Shooting a glance and a good-bye Will's direction, Beverly gave another giggle and rushed out before she became hysterical with laughter. Will gave Deanna an even more confused look, but she just smiled sweetly at him.
"What was that all about?" he asked and she shrugged.
"I don't know what you are talking about, Commander." Deanna said, rising as well. She leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips. "I have an appointment in 10 minutes. Excuse me."
With a coy smile and a wave, she left him standing by the now empty table.
"Women," he muttered and sat down as Guinan walked over to talk.
Jean-Luc had been edgy all day and although he tried not to show it, the crew knew that he was on pin and needles waiting for the admiral to hail him. It was around 1800, when the call they had all been waiting for, yet dreading at the same time, came to the bridge.
"On screen." Jean-Luc told Worf and seconds later Adm. Dune's face appeared.
"Picard, I have made my decision. Please allow me to beam down and meet you in the same room as before."
"Of course, Transporter Room 2 prepare for the arrival of Admiral Dune."
"Aye-aye, sir." Came the reply.
"All senior officers, report to my ready room." Jean-Luc gave the command and minutes later they were all gathered together and waiting for the admiral. The ready room doors opened and Admiral Dune walked in...alone. Jean-Luc, who stood next to Beverly, heard a small soft cry escape her lips and he fought the desire to hold her. She stiffened again and glancing at her, Jean-Luc saw something his her eyes that he hadn't seen since Jack Crusher had died. It made him shudder and curse the admiral for putting it there.
"I reviewed all of your observations and I must say, Counselor Troi, your empathic ones were most interesting." Dune addressed Deanna, who nodded politely while discretely brushing her hand against Will's hand. The touch was the only thing that could begin to comfort her rattled nerves. Dune turned to address them all and sighed.
"My job is not always an easy one or pleasant one. I hate having to tell hopeful people that their spouses are dead or that their children won't be coming home to them. Or that a child they had grown to love can't stay with them any longer." Admiral Dune, looked at Beverly alone and said, "Dr. Crusher, I am...happy to say that today is not one of those days."
Beverly's face and the rest of the officers showed confusion, then Beverly's expression transformed into one of hope.
"Okay, Ensign." Adm. Dune said into his comm. badge and the ready room doors opened to revel Wes standing in the doorway. He motioned behind him and in ran Lia, a grin on her face. Beverly dropped to her knees as Lia flung herself onto the woman.
"Mommy, he said I could stay. It's okay now. He said so!" Lia cried and Beverly couldn't talk out of sheer joy. She could only hold her closer and mouth the words "Thank you" to Adm. Dune. He nodded and felt choked up himself, as he watched the doctor smother her daughter with kisses.
"She's yours, Dr. Crusher. Her aunt on Earth says that she is happy Lia has found a home and only requests to be informed of her progress through the years. Other than that you have no threat that she will take her away." Adm. Dune told her and Beverly sent up a prayer of thanks. "I'll give the official papers to Captain Picard and then I'll be on my way."
Lia finally let go of Beverly and turned to him. "Thank you, Sir. Thank you for letting me come home."
"You're welcome, child." Adm. Dune said and with a wave walked out through the ready room doors and was escorted to the transporter room.
"This calls for a celebration!" Geordi said and they all agreed.
"In more ways than one." Will spoke up and all eyes flew to him. Beverly looked at Deanna, who gave her a small smile, and Beverly knew what was coming. "About two hours ago, Counselor Troi agreed to be my wife and make me the happiest man in the universe."
"Oh, Will, that was horribly cliche'." Deanna whispered and he laughed. The others stood shock still and then the room thundered with applause and cheers.
"I get to be flower girl, right Uncle Will?" Lia cried, racing over to him. He laughed and swung her up into his arms.
"That was the deal we made before you left, right?" Will asked her and nodding her head excitedly, she grinned at him. "Then you betcha, Princess!"
"Yippee!" She shouted, thrusting her arm in the air in a triumphant punch. Lia looked over to where Beverly stood, smiling and holding Jean-Luc's hand. He was smiling too and they were talking quietly. A sly smile appeared on Lia's lips and a gleam appeared in her eyes. She was back with her mom and brother and was going to be a flower girl. Maybe one day she would have a daddy too...
THE END Sequel "Not Your Daughter" coming soon.