Author's Note: Okay, I've only been to one con and that was AFTER I wrote this so don't howl if some of the details don't match what happens at the cons you've been to. I didn't know any better and was winging that part completely (actually, I was winging the whole thing!). Especially where the monetary considerations came in. I had no idea they charged so much money just to SIT close to the stage! I was appalled! In any case, here it is. Just something my warped brain conjured up one evening. NOT INTENDED TO OFFEND ANYONE!!!!

This is a P/C story, but Q makes a marginal appearance and isn't really in character with his 'game' or maybe he is, I'm not really as familiar with his character as I should be. There are others in it as well, but the story revolves around the captain and his CMO. I'm not completely happy with it yet, but don't really know where else to go.

Disclaimer: Paramount is the owner of this group, they just don't let them be free enough, while my imagination is sometimes entirely TOO free.

FREAKS

Captain Jean Luc Picard shook his head in wonder that Reginald Barclay could continually create so much havoc on his ship and still be a valued member of the crew. The lieutenant was obsessed with creating highly questionable holodeck programs involving recreated members of the senior staff, but with greatly altered personalities to suit Barclay's whim. Well, at least he USED to include the senior officers, but Picard had put a stop to that immediately he found out.

Reg was captivated by the fictional worlds he programmed and the characters with which they were populated. It was just bizarre, unnatural behavior as far as Captain Picard and his senior officers were concerned. The man was strange and unfathomable. Picard knew the diversions no longer interfered with Lt. Barclay's duties in Engineering and that was all the captain was concerned about professionally. Personally he thought the man's hobby unusual at the very least. Why couldn't the lieutenant program more normal recreations like horse back riding or fencing, or even ancient westerns like Worf's son or Sherlock Holmes mysteries like Mr. Data. Of course it was not the scenarios themselves that bothered Picard, it was that Reg practically lived his life inside them. Barclay did not seem to be able to relate to the real world well. His refuge was a realm of his own making. The captain was not someone who made friends easily, but he would rather they be real than created in his own mind.

Although Reg Barclay was not dangerous to himself or the rest of the Enterprise crew, the commanding officer, CMO, chief engineer and first officer were concerned about the level of fixation Mr. Barclay seemed to have with his recreational activities. Geordi had inadvertently found out that Reg had even gone to a conference during his last leave featuring new holodeck programs, accessories to enhance the illusions, scenarios with more reality, and the chance to mingle with others of his ilk. It was just eccentric as far as the chief engineer was concerned, but not something about which Geordi could speak to the lieutenant as long as it did not interfere with his duties. It was Reg's personal obsession. Commander La Forge could not reasonably ask his subordinate to stop pursuing the pastime.

The lieutenant's behavior made Dr. Crusher's skin crawl. She had expressly forbidden Mr. Barclay from using her likeness in his illusions and he seemed to be complying, but there was no real way to be sure without personally checking each and every one of his programs. That was something that made Beverly shudder even to consider. She really didn't want to know what he did in his off time and would rather not ask than actually make sure he wasn't using her physical image any longer. It was creepy and weird. The CMO did not want anything to do with such a diversion. She would simply rely on the captain and Data to keep an eye on the unpredictable lieutenant's extracurricular activities. Why couldn't he simply program more normal things like the rest of them? Beverly had once considered including a fake Jean Luc in one of her holodeck scenarios, but the thought was just too twisted somehow. It wasn't right to conjure up people you knew as holograms. She cringed just thinking about it. Reginald Barclay was definitely off-center and the CMO kept her distance as much as possible.

Counselor Troi had basically the same feelings about Lt. Barclay but not quite as intense. She knew he had his little preoccupation under control and she had Data check Reg's programs periodically to make sure none of the senior officers of the Enterprise were being used as enhancements to the fantasies. Data had not found any of their likenesses since Reg agreed to use unknown people, but it still concerned the counselor that Barclay seemed to live vicariously through the personalities he created. It was not really aberrant behavior or psychologically deviant, just peculiar. Deanna tried to understand why the man was not able to make friends with real people and have a normal social life aboard ship, but it was not something for which she had a frame of reference. Counselor Troi had always been able to make friends easily and enjoyed her companions and the activities they participated in together. It was how most of the people she knew lived their lives. Even her empathic abilities didn't really help her understand Reg Barclay's willingness to shun living beings for his own creations. She realized it was an acceptance issue, but also knew it was more than that as well. The counselor thought Lt. Barclay strange but did not agree with Commander Riker that Reg was simply a freak.

Will just couldn't understand the man at all. He did not comprehend why Barclay's only life seemed to be with the characters he created in the illusions. It was definitely abnormal as far as Riker was concerned. Yes, the first officer had certainly enjoyed Minuet's company, but she was an extraordinary holographic mirage greatly enhanced by the Bynars and not the usual creation. Yes, the lieutenant's personality was definitely alien to Will.

The commander was gregarious by nature and open to new experiences wherever he could find them. Hell, that's why he wanted to explore space. It afforded him the chance to encounter new species and have some excitement. It made marginally more sense to the executive officer when Captain Picard told him Barclay's ancient ancestors were arachnids. It explained Reg's need to spin webs of fantasy. It didn't make it anymore acceptable to Riker, however, just slightly more comprehensible. Will shook himself whenever his thoughts turned in this direction and realized he shouldn't judge others by his own beliefs. The galaxy was filled with foreign ideas, habits, creatures and ways of life. It was not Will Riker's duty to judge those things, just discover and possibly explain them to Starfleet. He would have a hard time explaining Lt. Barclay to them if the need arose though.

Reginald Barclay knew most of the Enterprise crew and especially her senior officers thought him a freak. It was one of the many reasons he preferred his own creations to those of reality. His illusions did not ridicule him or think him strange. His fantasies would conform to his programming. He didn't draft them completely, allowing the computer to add selections. The element of surprise was necessary for enjoyment, but he did create characters with which he could converse and interact about the subjects that interested him.

Reg knew he was obsessed, but controlled that need now so it did not interfere with his work. It was simply a mesmerizing hobby. Barclay admitted to himself it was quite nice at the conference he attended on leave to find others like himself; people who were also enthralled with the same pastime. At least he didn't feel the odd man out among that group. He was actually quite tame compared to some of the truly obsessed fans of holodeck recreation.

Reginald Barclay realized his behavior was a bit different from most of the crew, but could not believe it completely abnormal since there were others on the Enterprise who shared his favorite pursuit. They would converse with each other over the computer terminals or as small groups in their off hours and discuss their hobby. Reg thought of his pastime as something akin to creative writing.

Barclay had other interests as well, but the senior staff never knew of them because his other activities were not prone to accidental malfunctions like the holodeck. The lieutenant enjoyed the amateur productions Dr. Crusher used to produce on the Enterprise D. She had even managed to stage one or two since the E's launch two years ago, but the crew's time was more regulated on the new ship. Priorities had changed and their primary mission now seemed to be putting out the fires of one crisis after another instead of exploring the galaxy.

Barclay also enjoyed gardening and fencing. But no one thought those hobbies strange or bizarre. If he spent days in the arboretum on a new cross-pollination, he was not thought eccentric, but if he spent a week on a new holodeck adventure, well, then he was a freak. The senior officers and most of the crew simply did not understand Reg's entertainment and what it meant to him. There was little he could do now to alter their opinions besides going about his off duty pursuits quietly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When the latest glitch in the holodeck system was repaired, due to Lt. Barclay's overloading the computer memory with his fantasy, the senior staff found themselves discussing it and Reg's obsession before their staff meeting the next morning. Even Captain Picard joined in the conversation. He basically knew what his officers thought about the lieutenant but wanted to clarify his own curiosity at the man's behavior. As their discourse progressed, Picard began to wonder if Mr. Barclay was not, in fact, as odd as he originally thought, but this line of inquiry was abruptly halted by a bright flash in the room. Picard did not have to ask what it might be. Q appeared in a captain's uniform in the chair at the opposite end of the table.

"Q! What the hell are you doing here? Get off my ship!" Picard mouthed the standard greeting he always had for the omnipotent pain in the ass.

"Mon Capitaine! So cheerful as always in the morning. It's lovely to see you as well." Q replied in his most irritating manner.

"What do you want now, Q?" Dr. Crusher was not in the mood to deal with the entity and made it plain by her tone.

"Listen Red, I'd be a bit more careful of that attitude if I were you, which I'm not. A situation for which I am grateful each and every day." Q obviously wasn't in the mood to deal with Dr. Crusher either.

"Q, why ARE you here?" Picard asked with resignation. There was nothing he could do to remove the creature so he might as well get it over with as soon as possible.

"Well, that's more like it, Jean Luc. I'm here to teach a lesson in humility." Q was far more direct than normal but it didn't answer the question completely.

Captain Picard and his staff were now visibly apprehensive. That answer could mean just about anything and it didn't sound pleasant. Before any of them knew what happened, Picard, Crusher, Riker and Data were flashed out of the room. Geordi, Deanna and Lieutenant Carson, the security chief, stood there stunned but unable to act. When Q removed someone, you just had to wait for him to return them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Captain Picard, his chief medical officer, first officer and second officer were all transported to the front of a building somewhere that appeared remarkably like Earth, but not the planet they knew in their own century. It seemed to be the late 20th century by the look of the area and the fact that automobiles were whizzing past them on the street. Q popped in behind them and waited a few seconds for the astonishment to clear before speaking.

"My dear captain, you are now in the early 21st century, the place: Pasadena, California, in front of the Civic Center to be precise. You will find tickets and passes in your pockets for an 'entertainment' called The Grand Slam. I won't tell you what it's all about yet, but you'll see soon enough. This 'show' starts tomorrow. I have provided you enough currency of the period to feed yourselves and hire sleeping quarters for the length of your stay, but not much more. Use it wisely." With that, Q disappeared in white light and the four were left stunned on the sidewalk.

"What the hell are we supposed to do now?" Dr. Crusher was furious and totally confused. She was not well versed in the records of this time. History was not one of her favorite subjects, unless it pertained to medicine. Slipping her hands in the pockets of her lab coat, Beverly found a tricorder, took it out and started to scan the area.

It was as Q said, early 21st century. The content of the air was heavily laden with carbon monoxide and other relatively harmful elements, but the people did not seem to be adversely affected or concerned about it. Looking up, the doctor noticed a brown haze in the sky that was visible as far as she could see. It was disgusting, but moderately breathable.

Turning to her captain in preparation to give him a report on the atmosphere, Dr. Crusher glanced up and her mouth dropped.

"Jean Luc! What's happened to you?" Beverly was stunned that her best friend now looked quite different from the man she knew. He was still basically the same, but some of his features had been altered. The fringe of hair around his head was now a light brown, the color it had been in his youth. His nose now pointed slightly down at the tip and his eyebrows were darker. It was so odd to see the familiar face look so different. Beverly Crusher, however, was not the only person surprised that moment.

Captain Picard looked at his CMO and was about to voice the same question when she beat him to it. Beverly's appearance was decidedly different. Her hair was now a brassier shade of red, not the proper color he was used to seeing since she allowed it to return to its natural shade instead of that blonde nonsense he detested. Her eyes were green instead of crystal blue and the shape of her face was now round instead of the pleasing angular form he enjoyed so much. Beverly's nose was not quite as patrician as it had been and her lips not as full anymore. The captain and CMO turned to Data and Riker to see if they were changed as well. Sure enough, Data no longer looked as much like Data and Commander Riker was different too.

Data's eyes and skin were yellower than before, his hairline altered and the color of that hair was lighter than usual, much lighter. Riker was a few inches taller and his beard had bits of gray in them, not much but definitely visible. He was quite a bit slimmer than normal as well; his hair was receding and not worn in the same fashion as always. The ice blue eyes were now hazel in color. It was the strangest feeling to see the people you worked and lived with every day so changed. Obviously Q had adjusted their features for a reason, but none of them could figure out why. Of course, it could just be one of his unhumorous jokes as well.

While perusing each other, the four noticed two people approaching and Captain Picard heard, as the two individuals came closer, one of them whisper loudly to the other.

"Jesus, the Trek freaks are descending already! Don't they know the damn show doesn't start until tomorrow?" The young woman shook her head and stared at the group of officers as she walked by. Picard had intended to ask her where the nearest lodgings might be obtained but was too stunned by her words to do so.

"Captain," Data chimed in, "what is a 'Trek Freak?'"

"I have no idea, Mr. Data. It is apparently not a compliment, however." Data nodded, he had realized that much, but was still confused as to the meaning of the derogatory term.

"What the hell is a 'Grand Slam' anyway?" Riker asked. He did not like this situation at all, but since there was little he could do about it, he thought they should at least garner as much information about the activity as possible.

"A good question, Number One, but I do not have the answers any more than you do. We need to find out where to hire lodgings and go from there I think." The captain let his command training take over. If they had to stay here they would need a place to sleep and some food. First things first. They would find out more about this 'entertainment' later. Picard just hoped it wasn't anything too raunchy, not with Beverly here. No, indeed, that would NOT do.

Taking the initiative, the captain walked to the small window at the front of the building and prepared to ask for directions to the nearest hotel. Before he could speak, the same woman who had passed them a few minutes before looked up and frowned.

"The show doesn't open until tomorrow, beam back then." Picard also heard her utter the word 'loser' under her breath as she looked back down to the book she was reading.

Controlling his temper and wondering how she knew he could beam anywhere, Jean Luc cleared his throat and replied, "Yes, Miss, we are aware that the Grand Slam is tomorrow. I was hoping you might direct me to a hotel somewhere in the vicinity. We need a place to sleep tonight and...." the captain, however, was not allowed to finish his sentence.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever (muttering the word 'freak' under her breath as well). Here, this is a list of some of the places you can stay in Pasadena. I wouldn't count on there being too many rooms left though, they fill up fast when the show's here." With that, the woman went back to her book.

"Thank you." Captain Picard was always courteous. He was also annoyed at the surly attitude of the woman. Jean Luc did not think she had any cause to be so rude. Turning to his companions as he scanned the list, he realized they did not know where these places were. The woman said the establishments on the list were in Pasadena. The captain recalled that Pasadena was part of Los Angeles and he had been there several times during his Academy days. It didn't look the same as he remembered, but then it was 400 years earlier. They would simply have to ask directions.

"All right, we need to find one of these accommodations soon. The young woman said it might be difficult to get rooms. Let's see if we can get some directions and find one or two on the list."

"Jean Luc, look, there's a map of some kind on the back." Beverly noticed it as he held up the brochure to read.

"Oh. Well, that makes this a bit easier then." Little stars on the tiny map marked all the listed hotels. The Civic Center was also clearly indicated. It would be a snap now.

Finding the first place on the list, the group entered the stylish premises and walked to the front desk. Captain Picard ignored the strange looks tossed their way. Beverly was staying very close to him while Riker and Data brought up the rear. Data's head turned with every curious or contemptuous gaze they received. He was fascinated by the behavior of these human beings and would like to have investigated the cause of such surveillance. Not being permitted the time, however, the android moved on with his companions.

Approaching the desk to speak with one of the employees, Picard and Crusher noticed the clerks rolling their eyes at each other as they smirked.

"May I help you, Sir?" The 'sir' was said with a slight sarcasm that the captain let pass.

"Yes, thank you, we would like rooms for the night." Jean Luc was determined to remain polite.

"I'm sorry Sir, we're completely full this evening. Perhaps another hotel will be able to accommodate your party."

"Oh. I see. Would you happen to know of one that is reasonably priced and might have rooms available?" Jean Luc figured it couldn't hurt to ask. He was pleasantly surprised that the man gave him the name and address of another establishment and told him how to get there. It was called Motel 6, whatever that meant. The captain supposed it would be as nice as this hotel, and gave his officers the information as they walked.

When they arrived, Jean Luc thought the clerk must have given them the wrong directions, but he saw the large, rather ugly sign that indicated this was, indeed, Motel 6 so he moved towards the door marked 'Office' with a small glowing sign. There was no one behind the counter and no indication that anyone was around to help them. While the officers were looking about, a middle-aged man came in from another door and gazed at the group standing in his lobby.

"Oh God, more of them." The man had several 'Trekkers' staying in his motel, but these four were the worst of the bunch. No one else had on COSTUMES! At least not today. 'Oh well,' he thought, 'they're not destructive and they're usually quiet so what the hell.'

"May I help you," he asked in a tired voice.

"Yes, please, we would like rooms for the night." The captain replied hoping the clerk had given them correct information.

"Okay, but I only have two left. You'll have to make do with those."

"That would be fine." Jean Luc was relieved they would not have to search further for lodging.

"Okay, I'll need your credit card for the payment. That'll be $74.69 per room. Do you want to pay for each room separately or together?" The clerk looked up as he reached for the non-existent credit card. Frowning he wondered what the hell these people were up to when he noticed them looking at each other questioningly.

"Will this suffice?" The captain held out a small wad of cash and looked hopefully at the man. Jean Luc didn't carry a credit voucher, it wasn't necessary on the ship, and he doubted it would work in this time period anyway.

"Sure," the man replied shrugging his shoulders, "Money is money."

Data refrained from pointing out the fact that the man's statement was redundant.

Processing all the paperwork and asking for the older guy's signature, which seemed to throw the man, the clerk handed them the room keys and directed them out the door. Before leaving, however, the apparent leader of the group asked if there was somewhere to get dinner close by. The clerk gave them several different choices and turned his back, moving through the door from which he had entered.

Handing Dr. Crusher a key, the captain led the way to rooms 17 and 18. Opening the door, they were all a bit surprised at the basicness of the accommodation. It had two beds, what looked like a really bulky and overly large computer screen, a table, two chairs and a dresser. Glancing at each other they all managed to shrug sooner or later. It would have to do. They didn't need luxury; they simply needed a bed, indoor and reasonably secure.

Beverly finally walked into the room and examined it further. She found a bible in the drawer of the table between the beds, figured out how to turn on the lamp and saw a thick yellow book beside the bible. The larger tome had an image of two fingers standing on an open book with a box surrounding the picture. Beverly had no idea what this could be and flipped through it quickly to discover some sort of directory. Well, that might help them later.

Walking to a door she assumed to be the bathroom, Dr. Crusher discovered the very old-fashioned faucet, lavatory and tub. There were towels and two little bars of soap near the sink. It was quaint, but sufficient enough for their needs right now. The big question was who was going to share her room. It would be ridiculous to try to cram three people in one room and leave her alone in this one, so she gestured for the captain to join her away from Data and Will. Whispering her question and reasoning to him the doctor waited for his reply.

Jean Luc was a bit stunned by Beverly's question, but saw the sense in it. The captain knew what HE would prefer but refrained from making assumptions about Dr. Crusher's wishes. She did not indicate a preference. Picard decided it would be best if the CMO and Data shared quarters tonight and he and his first officer would bunk together. Data did not need to sleep and would be discrete in any given situation that might cause undue embarrassment. Beverly would be safe with the android. Jean Luc sighed at having to make that announcement, but everyone agreed, even if he did think he saw a flash of disappointment cross the doctor's face. He knew it was probably just his imagination anyway and let it go.

"Well, now that we have lodgings for the night, perhaps we might explore a bit." Jean Luc Picard was not going to pass up the opportunity to get a first hand glimpse of history. Since this was a Q-induced scenario, he did not believe it possible to pollute the timeline so there would be no harm done if they ventured out. Q didn't work that way. His schemes always included returning them to the moment they'd left the ship, at least most of the time. And one rarely had to worry about the Prime Directive in such cases.

"Are you sure that's such a good idea, Captain," Riker asked, unsure of the affect they might have on this era.

"Yes, Number One, I think it will be fine. Q always alters things so the timeline stays in tact, at least he usually has in the past, so I don't believe we will do any harm if we investigate our surroundings." Captain Picard certainly didn't want to stay cooped up in these rooms until he was forced.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

During the officer's 'exploration' of Pasadena, they continually garnered stares, comments (mostly rude or derogatory and involving the words 'freak' or 'loser' quite a lot) and snickers. Captain Picard was beginning to get irritated by all the nonsense. He had checked himself and his companions quite thoroughly by now and could not see anything amiss, besides their slightly altered appearances, which should not affect strangers in such a way. The captain noticed Beverly and Will conducting the same investigation and was confirmed in his belief that they were not very different from those gawking at them.

Yes, they were all dressed relatively alike, but it was the Starfleet uniform and they had no alternative clothing from which to choose. It was different from what the people around them wore, but not nearly as outlandish as some of the outfits at which Picard found himself staring.

One young woman had several small rings through the side of one nostril, another circlet in her eyebrow (which made him wince) and quite a few more in each ear. Her hair was jet black, but obviously not her natural color, her skin quite pale, and she had what appeared to be ebony lips as well as garish makeup around her eyes. Jean Luc was appalled at her appearance, knowing the young lady to be human, but the smirk on her face told him she thought him equally odd.

Finally tiring of the glances and remarks, the captain ushered his little expeditionary force back to their temporary quarters after dinner. He felt an unfamiliar need to hide from the eyes of the people who thought them so strange. Data, Riker and Picard retired to one room while Beverly went to 'freshen up' in the other. When Data and Will started to discuss the relative merits of Klingon cooking, the captain decided it was time to see what his CMO might be doing. He hoped she wasn't asleep yet as he knocked on the door. Waiting a few seconds for a reply without receiving one, he knocked again, and a third time. Finally, the door flew open and Jean Luc's jaw dropped.

Beverly was standing there in all her glory with a small towel barely wrapped around her. The look on her face was annoyed, but the blush gave away her feelings of embarrassment at being caught by the captain in such a state of undress. She had thought it was Data and was irritated since she'd brought the key back to him before returning to her already opened door.

"Oh, Jean Luc, I thought Data had forgotten the key." Beverly's voice returned first. "Well, don't just stand there! Come in so I can shut the door!" The captain moved quickly at her words not wishing to leave and wanting to avoid any further embarrassment for her or himself.

"I'm sorry, Beverly," he finally replied as his body moved past her. She was still wet from her shower, hair hanging damply against her ivory skin. Jean Luc swallowed hard. This might not be a good idea after all.

"Um, I'm sorry," he said again as she gave him a questioning look. "I was just wondering what you were doing in here all alone and thought I'd come over and...." he didn't finish his sentence. The smirk on Beverly's face stopped him. He swallowed again.

"Have a seat, I'll be out in a minute." She smiled triumphantly at his lack of composure and sauntered slowly back to the bathroom. Beverly knew she was teasing him, but it was his own fault. The elated grin on her face would not go away. She could see it quite clearly in the mirror and considered, for one brief moment, walking back out, without the towel. 'No, that would not be a good idea,' she thought, 'as much fun as it might be, it would definitely not be a good idea.' Once back in her uniform, Beverly tied her wet hair back and went to join the captain. He had discovered the remote control.

"Beverly, have you seen this?" Jean Luc was looking at something called 'Bay Watch' and seemed quite fascinated. Once Beverly watched for a few minutes, she understood why his eyes were glued to the screen. Half-naked women with large breasts seemed to be the entire content. She had no idea what it represented, the sound seemed to be off or not working properly, but the intent was clear. Throwing a disgusted look at her friend, Beverly sat beside him on the bed.

They spent the next hour flipping through the various channels, until they came across the most incredible discovery. Something called Star Trek: Deep Space 9. As they watched, stunned by the likenesses they knew quite well, both jumped slightly when Worf's face appeared on the screen.

Jean Luc actually tried to speak with him thinking perhaps Q had given them the ability to communicate with their friend on the space station. The captain discovered quickly that it was simply a replaying unit and no messages could be sent. He had finally found the mute button and pushed it so they could here the broadcast.

Worf, speaking with other crew on the station, then scenes involving other personnel played across the screen. It was the bizarrest thing either one had ever seen. And just when they were getting into a suspenseful situation, the transmission would cut abruptly to some advertisement. This happened every few minutes and Picard found it highly irritating. Beverly had the wherewithal to get Riker and Data during one of these interruptions and the two officers sat on the other bed mesmerized just as the captain and CMO had been.

Once the transmission ended for good, Data examined the back of the box and found several cables running out of it to the wall. He indicated that they were some sort of ancient coaxial transmitters that fed a signal into the small box on top of the console and emitted the pictures they had witnessed. It really didn't explain their origin, but it did make clear the reason why they couldn't contact Worf.

After discovering all he could without disassembling the unit, Data switched it back on. Now the scene had changed to the Enterprise D. Then it showed Jean Luc and Beverly waking in the cell on Kes-Prytt with the implants attached to the backs of their necks. Jean Luc and the doctor jumped up.

Riker smiled, he had always wondered what happened on that mission between his captain and their CMO and now he might actually find out. But Picard was appalled. He did not want to relive that adventure and he certainly did not want his first officer knowing any more than what he'd indicated in his official report. The fact that Beverly had grasped his arm in a tight clench told him she was not happy about this development either. Grabbing the remote from Data's hand, the captain quickly terminated the pictures being shown. Riker and Data stared at their commanding officer wondering what had made him act so precipitously.

"I think it's time we all went to bed." The captain would make it an order if necessary. He did not want Will going back to their room and trying to bring the 'episode' back on the console there. Jean Luc would have to leave Beverly with Data to make sure the same thing was accomplished here. Bidding his chief medical officer and the android good night, Captain Picard waited for Riker to leave first before following closely. He shot Beverly a look of trepidation before closing the door behind him.

None of them could figure out how the mission to Kes-Prytt ended up in the 21st Century, or why it would be transmitted to them while they were here. It had to be some sort of inane joke by Q. It was the only explanation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rising early, the four officers had breakfast at the same place they had eaten dinner. The food wasn't great but it didn't take much of their currency to purchase it so they accepted their fate. Riker thought the breakfast at 'Denny's' far better than their dinner, but was still annoyed at the service. The waitress smirked at them the entire time they were there while making strange remarks about 'beaming up' and 'making it so' which made Picard turn slightly pink. Some of the patrons actually pointed and laughed openly. Others were more discrete, but the four knew they were being ridiculed without even looking.

Beverly was getting angrier by the second. There was absolutely nothing wrong with any of them except they were all in uniform. She felt the captain's hand squeezed hers under the table in an effort to calm her Howard temper. She knew her face was slightly red with the building wrath and Jean Luc was trying to head it off before she exploded. The doctor took a calming deep breath and gently returned the pressure of his hand to let him know she would try to relax.

After their meal was finished the group journeyed back to the Convention Center to find out what 'The Grand Slam' was all about. When they arrived at the doors, their collective jaws dropped again. Besides seeing Klingons and Borg where there should not be any, they were also amazed at several people dressed in varying Starfleet uniforms. The next shock was a freestanding board. It contained pictures of Data, Dr. Crusher and Captain Picard, with unfamiliar names underneath them. The accompanying statement fairly shouted, 'Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner and Gates McFadden Appearing Today Only." Times were indicated for these appearances and that tickets were available at the box office.

"What IS this?" Dr. Crusher heard herself say in a whisper. "That's a picture of ME. And YOU and DATA. I do not understand." Shaking her head she looked at her companions to see if they might have an answer to this oddity. "What the hell is Q doing?"

"I don't know, Beverly, but I have a feeling we'll find out fairly soon." The captain was just as stunned by the photograph of himself, grinning slightly back at him. It was just bizarre, although he had to admit the photo was flattering and the one of Beverly was extremely nice.

Leaving their likenesses behind, the officers entered the building, handing their tickets to the person at the door and getting their hands 'stamped.' Another smirk from this individual almost sent Beverly over the edge, but the captain grabbed her hand and pulled her along before she could issue a retort to wipe that snotty grin off the man's face.

"Come along, Doctor," Jean Luc said as he forced his CMO away from the offending attendant. The man shook his head at the fact that the Trek Freaks were so 'in character' the Captain Picard dude actually called the brassy red head 'Doctor.' But then, they had the orange 'Gold' seating passes in their hands as well so he figured if they spent that much money they could be as 'in character' as they wished.

The staring was not so pronounced once they were inside. There were no more rude remarks either, just smiling faces and a few compliments on their 'costumes' and the accuracy of their appearances. It was all very confusing. The group wandered about for a while checking out the displays and booths set up to entice the people milling around to purchase their goods.

Jean Luc found many items with his face on them and was astounded to see dolls of himself, Riker and Data. He couldn't find one of Beverly, but was sure there must be one or two somewhere. Picard noticed that there seemed to be many more items with his first officer's face than the captain's own, but was relieved there didn't seem to be any 'Picard Earl Grey Tea' next to the coffee with Riker's name on it. The clerk in the booth complimented the four on their attire and close resemblance to the people named on the board outside. Jean Luc had no idea how to respond so simply said 'thank you' and left.

When it was finally time for the main attraction to start, the officers found their way to an auditorium and waited outside for a few minutes trying to discover if Q had given them tickets to this event as well. They found that their 'gold preferred seating' passes entitled them to entry and went inside, taking seats as close to the front as possible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gates McFadden was scheduled to appear first, but Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner were both backstage with her before she went on. They had been catching up with each other and discussing future projects when the stage manager told her she had five more minutes. Gates leaned in to move the curtain just enough to see the audience and was only mildly astounded to find four people near the front who looked so much like her, Patrick, Brent and Jonathan Frakes but she had to show the others. Calling her friends over to the curtain, she indicated the four people she'd seen.

"Now THOSE are serious fans!" She chuckled. Gates actually enjoyed these shows quite a bit. It gave her the chance for a massive ego boost and the fans weren't as remotely rabid as the press and general public usually made out. The people she'd met at these functions were really quite nice and occasionally so star struck they had a difficult time finishing a sentence. But generally they were normal people who simply enjoyed the TV shows and wanted to meet their favorite actors and actresses. Besides, it raised money for her charities and that was a very important aspect to her.

The questions the fans asked during these things were sometimes silly and redundant but occasionally intelligent and pertinent. The fans always seemed to know the rumors before any of the people actually involved with the shows. It amazed her how quickly they heard about what was going on.

On top of everything else, the conventions paid well. The actors got all expense paid trips to Europe or Australia, and enjoyed themselves in the process. Her own fans didn't mob her unduly and she had even stopped on a few occasions to converse with them after one of her plays in New York. It was gratifying to have people tell you they liked your performance. As long as no one threatened her or her family, she didn't think these people any different than any other TV show fans she encountered.

Patrick was a bit more apprehensive since he'd been mobbed on several occasions, especially in England where he was more well known. Brent enjoyed the cons as well. It was fun and why not?

If it convinced the backers in New York that your name could put butts in seats then it was easier to get the money to produce plays or be hired to act in one. That was what it was all about. Being able to practice their art. The more name recognition, the more people wanted you to headline their play, star in their movie, be on their show. It was part of the job and if it took a few personal appearances to get her plays produced, well, it worked for Patrick, why not Gates McFadden?

Gates heard Patrick chuckle and Brent produce a low whistle at the sight of the four. It was always a bit odd to see people dressed like your character, but it was part of the territory. The Klingon costumes were the best. Some of the fans had done a lot of work and spent some serious cash to get it right. No, they were not freaks, just enthusiastic fans, no different from fans of any other TV show with a following. The X-files people were just as devoted, but they didn't really have the costume options like Star Trek fans.

Patrick Stewart enjoyed these little outings as well. He got to see his friends, garnered the ego boost, and occasionally accepted the ones in Europe to get the free trip home and see his other friends and family, but he had been too busy with work lately to go to any shows. He liked the fans too and made sure he was always gracious. Nothing got around quicker than a bad fan experience and Mr. Stewart did not want to be responsible for that kind of rumor.

The mob scenes disturbed him a bit but he'd learned how to anticipate and deal with those since his first forays into conventions. The actor was continually amazed at the popularity of a television show that had ceased production well over twenty years ago. But then, Lucille Ball had been dead for many years and her shows were as embraced as ever. Of course the Star Trek feature films helped keep the characters fresh, but it was still astounding. And Captain Jean Luc Picard had afforded him the ability to run his own show now. He had his own production company and could choose his roles with care. He had a small staff in his office on the Paramount lot that was efficient and professional and was thoroughly enjoying his career.

They all got a bit tired of the same questions being asked repeatedly at every show, but knew it was just the nature of the business. There were standard answers for standard questions and they all knew it. But the people who paid to see the actors did not seem to mind. They were usually respectful and kind. Some of them were, however, obsessed with seeing Patrick's and Gates' characters get together, but that was nothing new. He'd spoken with Berman about it once or twice while the TV show was still running, and knew Gates would always give her wholehearted support to those inevitable Picard/Crusher questions. Patrick would just roll his eyes at her answers. They both knew the producers weren't going to put that kind of relationship in one of the feature films because it didn't sell tickets and the story was supposedly too complicated to explain in a two-hour action/adventure. It was the same thing with the Wesley Crusher character reappearing or Q. Much as the fans seemed to love Q, and Patrick had respect for John de Lancie as well, and the rest of TV show characters, if the general, non-Trekker public didn't buy tickets the films would end quickly. Paramount was, after all, in it for the money, not just to please the fans.

Hearing her introduction start, Gates stood waiting for her cue. The roar of applause was quite gratifying when she walked on stage and waved to the audience. She glanced at the four look-alikes and was rather amazed that they seemed perplexed and unhappy. None of them applauded which was rather odd behavior for people who had gone to so much trouble to show their love of the show. Putting the thought out of her mind for the moment, Ms. McFadden took the mike from the MC and said hello. More applause was the response. With that, she waited until the flashes died down a bit, then launched into her little prepared speech and began the Q&A.

Every once in a while she would take a glimpse over at the four people who sat rigidly watching her. She could not figure out what they were all about and would move her thoughts back to the questions being asked. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the woman dressed as Dr. Crusher lean forward, watching intently. Gates saw the woman jump slightly when someone in the audience asked the actress about her son, Jack, and she replied that he was fine wondering why the woman would be surprised at the question. It was a standard query for a con and the actress always answered the same. Jack was fine. She wouldn't discuss him much more than that. Her private life was not open to much inquiry and she intended to keep it that way.

When the session was over, Gates thanked the fans for their love and support, waved and went backstage to find her way to the autograph table. She smiled at Patrick and Brent on her way out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Beverly Crusher was just astounded at the fact that the woman on the stage looked EXACTLY like her, spoke like her, had her gestures and mannerisms and was indistinguishable from her. The only discernible difference was the actress wore reading glasses while reciting some letter she'd received.

Glancing at Jean Luc, Dr. Crusher suddenly remembered their altered appearance and looked at the actress more closely. When someone asked Gates how her son, Jack, was, Beverly jumped. Her son was named JACK? This was just too fantastic. Comprehending nothing about Ms. McFadden's history, Dr. Crusher could not know the reasons behind the woman's naming her son Jack. Once the doctor considered the question, she realized it could have nothing whatsoever to do with her own dead husband and wondered if Q was simply toying with her.

Jean Luc was also surprised by the question and the child's name. He felt Beverly's startled movement next to him and reached his hand for hers. It was an instinctive gesture and she clutched at his hand, keeping it tightly enclosed in her own. When the people around them began asking questions about Captain Picard's relationship with his CMO, he could feel the blush rising up his cheeks. Jean Luc didn't dare look at Beverly now. Her hand abruptly removed itself from his and he felt her edge slightly away from him. It seemed his friend was as embarrassed as the captain about their private lives being discussed so openly and casually by people they did not know. It was bad enough to have rumors and gossip on the Enterprise, but at least those people were their crewmates and friends! This audience seemed to know everything about them. It was unnerving!

Captain Picard was about at his limit when Brent Spiner appeared on stage. The man looked extraordinarily like Data, except his hair was a completely different color and receding quite a bit, his eyes were as blue as Beverly's and he was human. Other than that, the features were exactly the same. Mr. Spiner spoke with the same voice and had quite a sense of humor, which Data would now be able to envy since receiving his emotion chip. The man on stage was quite witty and animated as Data tried to be sometimes and Jean Luc found himself chuckling at the jokes made. The audience asked about Data and the 'show' frequently. The captain wondered if they might be referring to the transmission they saw last night but did not have an answer.

When Mr. Spiner's time was up, the captain knew his double would be next and tensed. Beverly's hand crept back into his and he squeezed it not really understanding the apprehension raging within him. When the man named Patrick Stewart appeared on stage, the roar from the crowd was deafening. The four officers winced at the overwhelming sound.

The shouts and applause for the other two actors had been loud, very loud, but this was something one could physically feel. When it finally died down, Picard had a chance to look at his double more closely. This Stewart fellow was wearing glasses and had apparently shaved the little hair on his head completely off. Jean Luc had been toying with that idea lately, but had never done it. What would be the point?

Picard listened to the questions and was rather surprised at the man's answers and charming sense of humor. Mr. Stewart seemed to smile quite a lot. The captain noticed Beverly's rather salacious smile at the sight of the man on stage and a spasm of jealousy shot through him. Now that was unexpected! Jean Luc had always believed his CMO was attracted to, if anything about him captivated her, his mind, his intellect and personality. He wondered now if that were true or if she was drawn to his physical form as well.

Beverly Crusher was so bloody gorgeous it made him ache to touch her sometimes, but he never once thought she might want him physically as much as he did her. Her refusal to 'explore' their feelings for each other had made him believe she was not sexually attracted to him, but now he wasn't so sure. Captain Picard did not think himself handsome, at least not like Jack Crusher. There was no contest in his mind. Jack was a physically attractive man and Beverly had been drawn to that and his personality as well. This was all so very confusing and uncomfortable. Picard knew he had a strong and forceful personality and had always assumed that was what drew certain women to him. He had never lacked for female attention, but the one woman he had loved for so long was seemingly out of his range. He turned to look at her and found a curious gaze directed at him. She increased the pressure of her hand on his and smiled. It meant something, he just had no clue what.

Beverly had no idea Jean Luc could look so good in denim pants, an olive t-shirt and black jacket. He also wouldn't look bad if he had to wear glasses, not that it would ever be necessary in their own time, but it gave him an even more distinguished look. It was interesting to see him in another guise and be able to stare for so long. The man on stage was just as splendid looking as her captain and friend, but the actor was more relaxed, more at ease with smiling and joking with the audience than Beverly had ever seen Jean Luc Picard.

She felt her friend tense as she smiled at his double while thinking wicked thoughts. He really was extraordinarily good looking. 'Why did I ever tell him I was afraid to explore our feelings,' she thought, then banished it quickly. No, it would never work. Not unless they both gave up their careers and left Starfleet. They couldn't marry and stay on the same ship any longer. New regulations, new ship, new life. Dr. Crusher turned her head to gaze at the man she secretly loved and was a little disturbed by his altered appearance. She smiled and squeezed his hand when he turned to look at her, however. 'Well, maybe we could just try to work it out,' she mused. 'How bad could it be? Better yet, how wonderful could it be?'

When Mr. Stewart's session was finished, the group walked out of the auditorium and went with the flow of the crowd to the autograph tables. Beverly immediately moved closer to Gates McFadden's area and watched the woman intently. It was so strange to be able to scrutinize someone who looked and behaved exactly like you. Dr. Crusher knew she was staring but there were so many people around that she didn't think anyone would notice. The fact that she wasn't the only one doing so helped. Dr. Crusher really wanted to ask Ms. McFadden why she'd named her son Jack, but didn't think she could get close enough. Beverly saw the actress glance in her direction a couple of times and tried to indicate that she would like to speak with the woman, but wasn't sure her message was clear.

Finally, when Gates took a short break, Beverly moved a bit closer and saw the woman glance at her again. Seeing her double lean over to whisper to a large man with SECURITY on the back of his shirt, Dr. Crusher watched as he came towards her. She was startled by this move and was ready to make a run for it, but the man smiled and asked her if she would follow him. Searching for Jean Luc's face and finding it after a moment, Beverly gestured her intentions and moved off after he nodded.

Dr. Crusher was escorted by the security guard to a small, enclosed area behind the table. Gates McFadden greeted her graciously and asked her name. When Beverly told her, the woman seemed mildly startled, but then replied gently and smiled.

"No, I mean your real name."

Beverly looked at her double and sighed in resignation at the futility of trying to explain, and stated, "That IS my real name. I know this is bizarre and I have no hope of making you understand, but my name is actually Beverly Cheryl Howard Crusher."

"Okay," Gates put up both hands slightly to calm her ardent fan and back away a few inches not wanting to upset the woman. She was glad she asked the security guy to be here too, just in case. "If that's your name, then that's your name. I didn't mean to upset you." Gates didn't want the woman to think she was going to force it out of her.

"No, it's all right, I am just very confused right now and don't really know how to explain all this. I...." Beverly hesitated and figured it was just better to ask the question she really wanted the answer to first and go from there. "Would you tell me why you named your son Jack?"

"Oh, well, his real name is James Cleveland McFadden Talbot. Jack is his nickname. Why?" Gates was a bit puzzled by this question. Definitely not the normal conversation she had with any of her fans.

"Just....curious I guess." Beverly wasn't going to tell her the real reason since the woman obviously had no idea who Dr. Crusher was. "When did you do this 'show' everyone has been talking about?"

"Um," now Gates was really bewildered. This woman was dressed as her character and had apparently gone to the trouble of dying her hair red, the color wasn't good enough to be mistaken for natural, and now she was asking about a TV show she'd obviously seen or why would she be here at all? "1987 to 1994. But I'm sure you already know that, right?" She figured she might as well just give her the answer and see what happened next.

"And it's now early 21st century, so that would be over twenty years ago," Beverly murmured under her breath. She had crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive, protective gesture and was now looking at her boots. 'Okay, what does that mean? Anything? Not really,' she thought trying to come up with something else pertinent to ask the actress. Twenty years ago in Beverly's own time, she had just taken her assignment as CMO on the Enterprise D. That first mission at Farpoint and the reason Jean Luc Picard did not want her on his ship ran quickly through her mind. Her captain no longer felt that way about her, or so he'd said, but she knew he had not been telling the truth when he spoke the words and his invitation that next night after dinner confirmed what she knew already. Jean Luc was still in love with her, only more deeply than he had been when they'd first met.

"Are you all right?" Gates was now concerned that this supposed fan might not be well. She wasn't making sense and that was decidedly not normal. The actress had never met anyone at one of these shows that acted like this. It was weird and beginning to make her very nervous. The people Gates met at the cons were usually excited to meet her and quite courteous and flattering, but they were never incoherent or frighteningly bizarre. Just enthusiastic fans. This woman who called herself Beverly Crusher was completely different from any of the people outside. Even if the fan chose to stay 'in character' they usually made sense, although it was a bit odd, it wasn't this weird.

"Yes," Dr. Crusher responded bring her head up quickly. "Yes, thank you, I'm fine, just a bit confused and astonished." Well, now what?

"Why do these people....why are they so enamored of you and the other two men?" Beverly was still unsure of the purpose of Q's strange little adventure and wondered if this might be the reason; to find out about these alternates.

"Well," Gates said hesitantly wondering what this woman could possibly be thinking. There weren't fans who went to THIS much trouble to look like her character and then feign complete ignorance for the reasons behind conventions like this one or the fans in general. "I guess they just liked the show and the films. Isn't that why you're here?"

"No, actually it isn't. I had no choice in the matter." Dr. Crusher answered automatically while thinking what to do next.

"What do you mean?" The question was asked gently, Ms. McFadden didn't really know what else to say.

"I mean....never mind," the CMO answered abruptly. Better just end this and find the others and see if they could get Q to take them back. But then a thought popped into her head unexpectedly and she took a step towards Ms. McFadden who seemed to tense visibly. "Do you really think the cap...." she hesitated, knowing she needed to make this sound as if she were not speaking about herself and Jean Luc. "Do you think the captain and Beverly should further their relationship?" Dr. Crusher realized it still sounded odd since they were apparently supposed to be fictional characters, but she didn't know how else to put it.

"Well," Gates was a little startled by the strangely put query, but gave her the standard supportive answer, "Sure, why not? I know Patrick doesn't think the producers want to use another romantic storyline in the next film but I think it would work very well if they had the right script. I think the fans would love it, don't you? I know I would personally like to have a meatier role in the next movie. Do something more exciting than scan people and spout medical jargon."

Beverly was not sure what to make of the answer, it was her job to scan people and the 'medical jargon' was part of her career. Dr. Crusher was a bit irritated by the fact that this woman had totally reduced her profession to such trivialities. She wasn't really positive what she'd hoped to garner from her question, but tried to reply without seeming idiotic or annoyed.

"Yes, I suppose you're right. Do you....?" Beverly was going to ask if the actress really thought a relationship between the two 'characters' might work when she realized it would sound worse than her last question.

"Um, thank you Ms. McFadden, I appreciate your speaking with me like this." Dr. Crusher offered her hand and Gates shook it, a bit confused. Usually the actress was the one who had to terminate these conversations, but this woman was obviously finished with their talk and turned to leave. Gates didn't know what to make of the little scene that just had taken place. It was definitely the oddest encounter she'd ever had with someone she thought a fan, but was apparently on a whole different level than anything the actress had dealt with before.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beverly found Jean Luc staring at his double as she had her own and knew exactly what he was thinking. She edged in next to him through the crowd and smiled when he turned to look at her. The quickly suppressed jump at her unfamiliar face was a small reminder that she did not look as much like the woman with whom Beverly had just spoken as she normally did. It was the same for her when she gazed at her best friend.

Maybe that's why Q altered their faces. So they would not look exactly like these people and be mistaken for them by the adoring fans. It was at least a reasonable explanation. She whispered her sudden revelation to Jean Luc and saw understanding light up his eyes. Yes, that had to be the reason. Beckoning to Will and Data, the captain shared the discovery. The actors believed the four officers to be ardent fans of their TV show, which was the same as the one they'd seen last night on the console in the motel room.

Captain Picard suddenly realized the lesson in humility was their being placed in this situation so the general public could teach them how it felt to be considered a freak. Obviously these fans were as enamored of these actors and the characters they played as Barclay was with his holodeck program. It all came crashing through Jean Luc's brain instantly and the flash startled him almost as much.

Suddenly they were once again aboard the USS Enterprise where they belonged. Deanna, Geordi and Lt. Carson were still in the Observation Lounge right where they left them, none the wiser. They did not recall their friends being absent from the staff meeting and Jean Luc knew Q had altered time again.

Finishing his staff meeting quickly, Jean Luc had Riker, Data and Dr. Crusher remain afterwards.

"Well, Number One, what do you think?" The captain wanted his first officer's impressions.

"Definitely weird." Riker said the first thing that came to his mind, knowing his commanding officer would agree. "I never realized how humiliating it is to be so different from what other people perceive as normal."

"Yes, Captain," Data chimed in. "The people we saw in the audience during the 'show' were perfectly normal humans with a highly developed interest in a particular television program of the era. It is curious that they were thought odd by their peers."

"Not really, Data," Beverly offered. "We think Lt. Barclay is different because he's so obsessed with holodeck programs, but it's basically the same thing. He enjoys it, it no longer interferes with his work and as long as he doesn't incorporate any of us into them, it does no harm. It's simply his hobby and we ridicule him for his indulgence." Dr. Crusher now realized how judgmental she'd been and how it felt to frighten and annoy others simply because of their perceptions.

It didn't matter how much time Reg spent pursuing his pleasures, as long as it harmed no one else and if it didn't alter his own perception of reality, what was the problem? The people at 'The Grand Slam' were as normal as she was; they simply enjoyed their pastime more than she enjoyed most of hers. It was all a matter of degrees.

Jean Luc nodded at Dr. Crusher's statement. He had been guilty of the same judgments again Lt. Barclay and was ashamed at making the statements earlier about Reg's being obsessed and bizarre.

Dismissing his first and second officers, Jean Luc touched Beverly's arm in a silent request for her to stay behind. She turned to face him and saw the questioning look in his eyes.

"What?" She didn't have a clue what he might ask her.

"Well, to begin with, it's wonderful to be able to look at your face and not see it so altered." Jean Luc saw Beverly smile and nod at this assessment. He continued after allowing himself the pleasure of drinking in the lovely face of his friend, "But what I wanted to ask was, did you speak to that actress? What was her name again?" Jean Luc could not remember and he took the excuse to again stare openly at his companion now that she was back to her normal, extraordinarily beautiful appearance.

"Do you have any idea how truly exquisite you are?" He asked before his brain could stop the words from leaving his mouth.

"Yes," Beverly answered his first question before she could register the last comment. "What?" Her surprise at his compliment was evident in the startled look on her face.

Clearing his throat and glancing down before stepping closer to Dr. Crusher, Jean Luc straightened his back and decided to brave the storm. He wanted to know how she really felt, but realized she would never tell him without some coercion.

"I said, you are quite the most exquisite woman I have ever known. That actress was as beautiful as you are now, but there were very subtle differences I think, just as there were between myself and Mr. Stewart."

"Jean Luc, I...." Beverly dropped her head. She could feel the blush climbing and didn't know what to say to this man. The captain was behaving oddly and she wasn't sure what to do about it. His words had washed over her with a feeling of warmth that she had not felt in a very long time. Even after Jean Luc returned from Ba'ku and she knew he would not see Anij again, she hadn't felt this kind of emotion from him. He had just blocked her out as she had him. It was a mutual avoidance because they were both unsure of the other.

The captain gently raised Beverly's face to his own with a soft touch under her chin. Taking another step closer, until their noses almost touched, he gazed into her restored sapphire eyes and spoke quietly to the woman he loved.

"Beverly, I need to know what you were feeling when you looked at my double and smiled so wickedly."

Dr. Crusher felt her blush deepen at his question. She knew her thoughts were quite lascivious at the time, but the man looked so damned good in jeans and a t-shirt. It was all she could do not to put her hand on Jean Luc's thigh at that moment. Beverly had just managed to refrain from the gesture by biting her lip.

"I....I don't think I should tell you, Captain," she finally replied as her gaze lowered. She couldn't look at those hazel pools and not kiss him when he was standing so close to her. His scent wafted across her and she breathed deeply. Beverly knew it would only make it harder to disengage, but she couldn't resist. She loved the smell of him and always leaned in closer until she caught it whenever they were together. It was an exquisite torture that she secretly loved to make herself suffer.

"Why won't you tell me? Was it that unflattering?" Jean Luc knew it was not true. The look in her eyes when she gazed at his double was too filled with desire for him to believe it was not sexual in nature. He simply wanted her to say it. Not having removed his finger from under her chin yet, he gave it a little nudge to elicit her response.

"No," Beverly whispered, still not looking at the captain.

"Then tell me." Jean Luc smiled, knowing he would have to coax her into confessing, and pleading slightly so she would know he wasn't angry or upset.

"I....I can't." Finally looking up her eyes now pleaded for him not to force her to admit she wanted him in the worst way.

"Would this help, ma belle Beverly?" Leaning in the few centimeters that parted their lips, he brushed his against hers and felt her melt into his arms. 'Guess it did help,' he thought with a triumphant grin that vanished when he pressed their bodies closer together.

Beverly moaned in his arms at the feel of his frame conforming to hers. It was a wonderful sensation and she wanted it to last. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she let go of her fear and responded to the captain's advance. Beverly felt his strong hands on her back and delving into her hair as he pulled her closer still. She moved her hips against his and felt the rumble of his own moan through her entire body.

Breaking for air, Jean Luc buried his face in her sweet, soft hair and whispered that he loved her with his entire being. It was difficult not to feel apprehensive about her possible response, but he could not stop his body from tightening at her silence. Feeling her pull back he was saw her hands go to either side of his face and watched the spreading smile that lit her own.

"Jean Luc," she murmured, still smiling brightly, "You never cease to amaze me!" That said, she kissed him again and then told him she had loved him for years, but had been afraid of the intensity of that emotion, afraid she might lose him as she lost Jack, afraid they would be separated by Starfleet, afraid of the fact that he took her breath away.

He was astonished that Dr. Crusher was actually telling him she wanted him, physically. Jean Luc knew he wasn't dreaming when he felt her hand lower to his backside and squeeze. He hadn't meant to make that noise in his throat when the surprise and delight at her action caught him unawares. Beverly chuckled as she kissed him again. The captain thought he might attempt the same maneuver and was quite pleased with her response as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that night, after their shifts were complete and they had dined by candlelight, the two officers lounged on his sofa, caressing and discovering each other. Their discussion was effortless now and centered on their feelings. They were in no hurry just yet. Each was still a bit uncertain about the other and it would take a while to relax enough for the evening to progress to the bedroom. Neither had any doubt, however, that's where they would end up. Jean Luc would do anything in his power, short of a direct order, to make her stay with him this night. Beverly independently decided she would withdraw only if he attempted to call security to remove her from his cabin. Otherwise, she had no intentions of leaving this evening.

About an hour later, the thought of why it had taken them so very long to get to this point popped up. They both wondered at approximately the same moment. The next instant they were engaged in yet another passionate kiss and Jean Luc felt himself rise, lifting Beverly in his arms to take her to his bed. She did not protest as he half expected, but kept her lips pressed firmly to his.

He gently lay her back on the pillows and settled himself close beside her. She caressed his cheek and he leaned down for another kiss, pulling back afterwards to gaze lovingly at the splendid creature with him. It was a dream he had many nights. Now it was finally happening and he wanted to savor every single second of this experience. Beverly, however, was impatient for the next kiss and pulled his lips to hers for another taste.

"You told me once we shouldn't be afraid to explore," Beverly enticed him with her innuendo after they parted.

"Mmm, yes, you are correct Doctor, I do believe I made that statement." Jean Luc loved the teasing banter between them. It was almost as arousing as seeing her finally where he wanted her most, but not quite.

"Well, Captain, you're the intrepid explorer, see what you can discover." Beverly moved her hand slowly up his muscled chest and slipped it inside his shirt.

"Doctor, you seem to be the one on an expedition, why don't you tell me what you've found?" He chuckled and bent to kiss her again.

"I might when I've made a more extensive investigation of the terrain, Captain." She was rather enjoying the use of their professional titles, it was quite sensual. Rolling him over on his back, Beverly proceeded to discover the fastenings to his shirt while his hands explored her firm behind, then slid up her back to ascertain what might be under the dress she was wearing. The disrobing took several long, delicious minutes before they were completely naked and took the opportunity to stare lustfully at each other.

Jean Luc was quite thrilled that his fantasies did not do this magnificent woman justice. Beverly was no less excited at the sight of him in all his glory. He was equally stupendous in her eyes. She reached for him and heard the groan of pleasure escape his lips as he whispered her name. Their mutual expeditions were slow and sensuous, lasting all night and continuing in the shower before breakfast the following morning.

Jean Luc Picard was never again in doubt about his physical attractiveness to Beverly Crusher. She reminded him almost every day and sometimes more than once a day at that. She was under no illusions about his cravings for her either. They expressed their desires quite fittingly to each other and did not have a further qualm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lieutenant Barclay was rather amazed at the interest some of the senior officers seemed to be taking in his hobbies. The acceptance level had risen without apparent cause and Reg gladly answered any and all questions put to him by the first officer, Dr. Crusher or Captain Picard. Once he was over his initial hesitancy, Barclay rather enjoyed explaining the intricacies of his holodeck programs and how they could be adapted for other scenarios. He did not drone on as the lieutenant felt his superiors suspected he might. Reg simply shared his excitement and managed to mention his other interests as well; gardening, drama, stellar cartography.

Barclay no longer felt the odd man out, at least not most of the time and his extracurricular activities were now accepted instead of being shunned by the senior staff. He did not know why the sudden change in attitude occurred, but was less apprehensive about discussing his pursuits now that he was no longer a 'freak.'

THE END.