Q & A - Keith R. A. DeCandido [47]
“The label says twenty-three seventy-two. Isn’t that—” Beverly hesitated.
Picard nodded, not quite ready to drink it yet. “Yes, this is the first batch after Robert and Rene died.” The deaths of his brother and nephew in a fire had hit Picard hard when it happened nine years earlier. “It was difficult to deal with at first—I never really liked Robert, but I did love him. When I went home after…the Borg incident, we were finally able to bury the past. And Rene…” He trailed off. “A young life filled with promise…”
Looking up at Crusher, he said, “Their deaths made me realize how important it is to cherish what you have, to not assume it will always be there. I admit—in one particular case—it took some time for that lesson to sink in.”
Beverly smiled at him. “Thick head or slow learner?”
Picard smiled. “A little of both. I suppose I should taste this.” The captain sipped the wine and tried to hide his disappointment. “It would seem that Marie learned quite a bit over the past few years. The later vintage we drank in Data’s honor was much…smoother.”
“Has she taken over the winery?”
Setting the glass down, Picard said, “Marie always ran the vineyard herself. Robert knew the grapes better than anyone, but he had no head for business.”
Smiling, Crusher said, “But her knowledge of wine came from Robert by osmosis?”
“Which is not the best teacher,” Picard said with a nod. “She tried to hire the best vintners, but it was difficult to find anyone as good as Robert who wasn’t already committed to another winery.”
“Well, I’m glad she’s gotten better.” Crusher reached out her hand to him. And Picard happily kissed it.
“Such domestic bliss. Such tranquillity. Such heartfelt joy. It’s enough to make you throw up.”
Picard whirled around to see Q standing in the doorway to the bedroom, wearing a monk’s robe. He then recalled his own orders and turned back to Crusher.
“It’s a waste of time, you know,” Q said. “Trust me, as an old married man, this is a huge mistake. I mean, look at me and Q—we were companions for years, on and off, but once it came to a serious commitment, to reproducing, the whole thing went to pieces. First she couldn’t get enough of little q, but then when he grew up, she couldn’t handle it, and suddenly we weren’t a couple anymore. Oh, sure, now she’s back, but trust me, your best bet is to take a vow of celibacy.”
“So,” Picard said without paying any attention to Q, “how are the physicals coming?”
“Quite well, actually, though Lieutenant Leybenzon still hasn’t reported in, even though Worf promised he’d talk to him.”
Q shook his head. “I don’t believe this. First La Forge and that dippy new second officer of yours, now you two. I’m being given the silent treatment? I knew the human race was infantile, Jean-Luc, but this is beyond the pale.”
Picard offered, “I could remind him of his duty if you wish.”
“I’d rather you didn’t get into it yet, Jean-Luc,” she said. “Besides, there are enough issues with us having a relationship—”
Q, along with a chair, materialized between the two of them at the table. Q was now wearing the captain’s uniform he generally favored. “Which is one of about a thousand reasons why this is a stupid idea.” He grinned. “Besides, do you really think the two of you can match the thrills of your past relationships?” Q snapped his fingers, and he transformed in a flash of light into Odan, the Trill diplomat with whom Crusher had fallen in love. “Will you recapture the joy of Odan?” he continued, still using Q’s smarmy voice, which was something of a mixed blessing, as far as Picard was concerned. Another finger snap and he became Keith Hughes. “At least Doctor Hughes had something in common with you.” The fingers of Hughes snapped, and in a flash of light he became Ronin, the creature who had made Crusher into his love slave on Caldos. “Can Jean-Luc match