96 A Time to Love by Robert Greenberger

Author:Robert Greenberger [Greenberger, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure, Media Tie-In
ISBN: 9780743462884
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: 2004-05-30T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

POURING OUT TEA into his cup, Jean-Luc seemed to savor the aroma, using his vintner's nose to check the bouquet of his beloved Earl Grey. As he sipped, Beverly reached for the fruit platter, appreciating the rainbow presentation. Not for the first time, she marveled at his thoughtfulness. Jean-Luc always put his whole heart into preparing the breakfast they shared each morning in his cabin.

"Let me guess, you were up by six hundred, reading reports from the watch command," she said, teasing him for his predictability.

"Oh, more than that," he said casually. "I also checked the latest reports from Starfleet Command and the other sector ships in the area. Spoke with two other captains and checked in with Commander Riker." He reached for a muffin and a creamy spread, a smile on his face.

"Any luck finding his father?"

"None yet," he said quietly.

Time for a change of subject, Beverly thought. But what could they discuss that would lighten the mood?

Certainly not the lack of progress in her liscom gas research.

So they ate in companiable silence for a minute until Picard began talking about some of the galactic scuttlebutt he heard from his fellow captains: promotions and reassignments and the like. Good. Some harmless gossip would cheer them both. The change in topic worked its magic until Picard raised another troubling matter.

"The brass seems to think we need a looking over," Picard said, referring to an upcoming inspection tour.

"You think this is related to the demon ship?"

"No. All the ships this far out are on the schedule," he explained. "It just strikes me as a waste. From everything I read, the rebuilding has been hampered by supply issues, so the schedule for putting ships on line has slipped. Those are problems they should be focusing on, not whether or not there's dust in a crewman's quarters."

"Well, dust can be a virulent breeding ground," Crusher said.

He smiled at her, the mood changed. "Thank you, Beverly."

"It's what any good CMO does," she replied. She hadn't yet mentioned Yerbi's job offer to Jean-Luc, and she had no intention of doing so today either.

"So, what's your plan this morning?"

"I need time to review everything. There's an awful lot of information to absorb and process. Medical mysteries take more time than most other problems."

"Indeed. Well, stay here if you think that's the right thing to do. I'll be beaming back down to see Morrow within the hour."

"How's he handling this?"

"Actually, he's one of the more impressive ambassadors I've encountered," Picard said as he patted his lips with a cloth napkin and rose. "Rather refreshing."

"And cause for hope," Crusher finished.

"May it stay that way," he replied with a smile. Gesturing, he led her out into the corridor as they went their separate ways.

Riker woke up, his senses alert. Someone else was in the room. He looked up quickly, hands balled into fists, ready in case the violence had invaded Seer's home.

It was one of the girls. The racer, he thought, blinking at her. She just stared at him.

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