Reunion - Michael Jan Friedman [116]
“And you are afraid you wall do something to embarrass Captain Morgen-or even jeopardize his ascension to the throne.” “Exactly,” Crusher said. Picard shook his head. “No need to worry. Unlike you, i have had time to veritably immerse myself in Daa’Vit custom. And I can tell you there are no hidden traps to catch you by surprise.” She looked at him. “You’re sure?” “I’m sure. Do you feel better now?” “As a matter of fact,” she told him, “I do.” Taking a quick survey of her quarters, Crusher turned and headed for the door. The captain followed her out. Once in the corridor, they headed for the nearest turbolift. There was a spring in Picard’s step that the doctor hadn’t noticed for days. She approved-and not just in her capacity as chief medical officer. It was good to see the man feeling so chipper after all that had come before. Maybe his good spirits were contagious, she mused-because by the time they reached the lift, she felt pretty chipper herself. “You know,” she said, surprising herself a little, “I was actually dreading seeing the people from the Stargazer. was The captain shot her a glance. “Oh?” “It’s true. I didn’t even want to come out of my quarters.” He grunted. A moment later, the lift arrived and the doors opened. They stepped inside. Once they were in the privacy of the conveyance, Picard cleared his throat. “To be perfectly candid,” he said, “I was a little apprehensive myself.” Crusher saw him in a new light. “You were apprehensive? For godsakes, why?”
He turned to look at her. “I thought our visitors would bring back memories. Matters I hadn’t quite laid to rest.” And suddenly, she understood. She’d boen so wrapped up with her own ghosts, she’d forgotten the captain had some of his own. “What about now?” she asked. “Now,” he said thoughtfully, “I am glad I had a chance to see my old friends again. All of them—living and dead.” She took his arm and squeezed it affectionately. “I know the feeling, Jean-Luc. I know it quite well.” That was how they emerged from theft —with her arm tucked into the crook of his. And it was still there when they entered the transporter room, where they found the others already waiting for them.
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Picard leaned back in his ready-room chair, trying to ignore the damage Greyhorse had inflicted on him. Unfortunately, as his mind cleared, he was becoming that much more aware of the pain. His former shipmates—Idun and Pug-apparently intended to wait with him until Dr. Seiar arrived. Beverly Crusher had wanted to stay as well, but Picard had assured her again that his injuries were not all that serious, and that she was needed more down in sickbay. After all, should past prove to be prologue, she would have her hands full with slipstream-exit victims.