The BLTS Archive- Or Forever Hold Your Peace by Kerri Bush (Blondiee17@aol.com) --- Disclaimer: Yep. I did it, out of the goodness of my heart, for no money whatsoever, just to give all you people out there something to read. Paramount didn't do this, but they own everything except the situation. That's mine. MINE MINE MINE. Author's Notes: Please send your comments, criticism, whatever, because this is my first attempt, and I want to know how I did. Special thanks to Nancy. Without her, this would have never gotten done, and the spelling would have never been fixed. If you see something misspelled, blame her. :-) --- Jean-Luc Picard fidgeted nervously in his quarters. Get a grip, Johnny he thought to himself. She's your best friend, you've had dinner together hundreds of times. Sure another part of his mind answered But this time is different The Enterprise-E had re-launched only hours ago after undergoing two months worth of repairs at McKinley Station following the Borg attack. The repair time had given the crew some much needed shore leave, as well as time to meet up with old acquaintances. Picard had used this time to think about his past decisions, mostly about the ones affecting his social life. Truth be told, he had realized he was alone, and he wasn't getting any younger. He rearranged the centerpiece on the table, their scent reminding him of her perfume. He glanced over at the couch, where she had sat so many times before. He ran his hands over the table, remembering the last time she dined with him. He wasn't sure what had spurred this sudden longing for companionship, particularly a wife, but he knew that it was time he'd done something about it. There on Earth, Jean-Luc Picard had made a decision. Now if he could only predict how Beverly would react. --- Beverly Crusher was brushing her hair when the door chimed. Bev couldn't imagine who would be calling on her. The only person she could think of was Jean-Luc, but they were dining in his quarters later tonight. The mere thought of this 'date' was enough to make her stomach churn. They had dined together many times before, but this one felt different. There had been a different look in his eyes when he'd asked her to dinner. It was a subtle difference, one she just couldn't quite put her finger on... The door chimed again, bringing her back to reality. Continuing to brush her hair, Beverly called to the door. "Come in." Deanna Troi sauntered into Beverly's quarters. Deanna was smiling, but the smile faded when she glanced at Bev's outfit. "You're not wearing that to dinner, are you?" "What's wrong with it?" She looked down at her black leggings and oversized blue sweater. "Nothing's wrong with it, I just thought you might wear something a little more...dressy, that's all." Bev groaned. "Deanna, it's just dinner." "Beverly, it's just dinner with the captain." Bev rolled her eyes and dropped her brush on the counter. "You're acting like we've never done this before." She turned to look at her friend, but Deanna was nowhere in sight. Beverly found her in her bedroom. In her closet to be exact. "Damn it, Beverly, don't you have any sexy clothes?" "Let me guess. Either your or Will's date in the bet is tonight, and you're trying to set it up so you'll win." Deanna walked out of Beverly's closet holding a green dress. She held it up against her friend and shook her head. The neck was too high and the hem was too low. She ventured back into the closet. If I had a body like hers...hell, I don't have a body like hers and I still don't dress this way "Maybe I have something you can -" Beverly's words registered in her mind. Deanna stuck her head out of the closet and looked at Bev, her black eyes opened wide. "What bet?" "Don't play dumb with me. I know about the bet." "I don't have any idea what you're talking about." Beverly adopted her best 'mother' voice. "You know damn well what I'm talking about. The 'Bev and Jean-Luc sleeping together, or as Will puts it, bonking' pool." She folded her arms and continued. "It's the largest betting pool in the history of Starfleet. It consists of the entire Enterprise complement, minus two, of course, many crew members of seven different starships, the entire Starfleet complement of Deep Space Nine and half of their non-Fleet crew, as well as the majority of Starfleet Medical and Starfleet Command on Earth, including Will's favorite person, Vice Admiral Alynna 'Iceberg' Necheyev. Did I leave anyone out?" Deanna looked guiltily at the floor. "You left out the Academy." "The Academy's involved too?!? There are 15 year old kids betting about my sex life?!?" "Is there one?" Deanna asked hopefully. "No!" snapped Bev. "Not with Jean-Luc, anyway." "Oh. Who told you about the bet?" Bev grinned. "Never tell Alyssa Ogawa anything." Deanna frowned and continued rummaging through Beverly's closet. "Aha! This is perfect." She held up a deep purple dress. It had a low neckline and a hem that hit mid thigh, exactly what Deanna had in mind. As an added bonus, it fell off one shoulder. "I don't even think so, Dee." "Why not?" "It's too suggestive." "And I repeat: why not?" Bev plopped down on her bed. "You and Will and the rest of Starfleet are just going to have to accept that Jean-Luc and I are friends, nothing more. You can tell Data to start giving the money back." Deanna sighed. "I wasn't going to say anything, but since your being you're usual stubborn, bull headed, pain in the -" "Okay, I get the point!" "-neck self, I guess I'm going to have to spell it out for you. I sensed a difference in the captain. I can't describe it, it just feels like he's ready to make a change in his life, and this change somehow involves you." Beverly was suddenly fascinated with her shoes. Deanna regarded her friend. "Bev, I know you're afraid. But I also know this is what you want. It's time to be honest with him, and yourself." Beverly still said nothing. Deanna sat next to her on the bed. "Bev?" "Hmmm?" "Promise me you won't say no this time." Bev looked up at her friend. "One condition." "Which is?" "You help me find earrings that will match that blasted dress you picked out." Deanna smiled. "You've got yourself a deal." --- "Beverly, I would be honored if you... No, too formal. Bev, it would make me happy if you would-" The door chimed, breaking Jean-Luc Picard's rehearsal. He quickly surveyed the room, and upon seeing everything was in proper order, invited his guest in. She was stunning. The purple dress hugged her curves provocatively. Her gorgeous red hair was curled, and he noticed that she wore the teardrop diamond earrings, along with the matching necklace, that he had given to her for her birthday a few years back. "You look marvelous." Beverly gave him a shy smile while making a mental note to thank Deanna. She noticed Jean-Luc appeared preoccupied, and she hoped she knew why. The fear was present of course, it always was, but she was not going to say no to this wonderful man again. Beverly had finally admitted to herself that she loved Jean-Luc Picard, and she was going to make sure that he knew it. Dinner was the usual affair; they spoke of business, ship's gossip, and other mundane things as was their custom. She allowed him to lead her to the couch and pour her a glass of wine. They made a silent toast and settled into their usual seats. Jean-Luc cleared his throat. Here it comes she thought. "Beverly, you and I have known each other a long time..." --- "Fold." Deanna's voice was unusually cheerful for someone who had just parted with a great deal of money. Will Riker collected the chips from the center of the table. He glanced up at her. "Any particular reason we're so happy tonight, Deanna?" She gave him an accusing glance. "Can't a girl be happy without a reason?" The jumbled answers of "No," "It is unlikely," and "Doubt it," was all the answer Deanna needed. "Okay, fine, I do have an ulterior motive. So there." "Are you going to enlighten us, Counselor, or are we going to have to resort to torture?" Despite Geordi's joking tone, Deanna knew that these three men would make good on the threat. She put on her best I-Know-Something-You-Don't- Know face. "I was just wondering how Beverly's dinner with the captain was going." The men exchanged glances around the table, with all eyes settling on Deanna. They were all aware of the 'We're just friends, no really, we are, well, maybe we're not, no, we are' relationship between their captain and CMO. They had all put quite a bit of money into the bet, and the thought that this Betazoid was keeping something from them was enough to make these usually patient Starfleet officers spit nails. It was Data who broke the silence. "Why are you concerned with their dinner, Counselor?" "I just think that maybe he has something he needed to tell her." "And?" Geordi prompted. "Don't tell me I have to spell it out for you guys. Even Bev caught on rather quickly." Will grinned. "Somebody just made a hell of a lot of money." --- Beverly had tuned out most of Jean-Luc's obviously rehearsed speech. She was concentrating on his wonderful accent. I am going to make you very happy, Jean-Luc Picard She was so immersed in her own thoughts that she almost missed the climax of his speech. "...and I would be honored, I mean, I would very much like it if you would, what I'm trying to say is-" "Just spit it out Jean-Luc." He took a deep breath. "I know that this is a little untraditional, but I want you to stand beside me at my wedding." He looked up and saw the gleam in her eyes, and sighed in relief. "So, Beverly, will you be my best man, er, person?" --- That was quite literally the last arrangement of words Beverly had expected to hear. She cleared her throat. "Your best person?" "Yes. Nella and I are getting married. You remember Nella, don't you?" Oh, do I remember Nella "Yes, but I have to say that this is quite sudden." Beverly was doing her best to keep her voice from cracking, to keep the tears back behind her eyes where they belonged. He wants her, he used to want me, I waited too long, it's too late "I ran into her while we were on Earth, and it just feels like the right thing to do. Will you stand beside me?" Beverly swallowed. Oh yes, I'll stand beside you, but I should be the one in the white dress "Of course I will. When is this going to take place?" "We want to be married in six weeks. Nella won't be able to transfer until the week before, so I told her I would make all of the arrangements." He got up and started pacing. "I need your help Bev. I don't even know where to begin. I've never done this before!" "Six weeks? Jean-Luc, it takes six months to plan a wedding!" I shouldn't have waited so long. Why did I refuse him? "Beverly, I don't want to wait six months." You waited 25 years for me, but not six months for her? "If I can get a guest list by the end of the week, we can have invitations out a month in advance. I can do it." He sat down and embraced her. "Thank you, my friend." And thank you for crushing my existence "No problem. Just work with me, and we'll pull it off." She took a deep breath; the tears were becoming harder to contain. "I should be going now." Famous last words, Bev He nodded. "I'll get you that list as soon as possible. I want this as nice as possible." "It will be, Jean-Luc. Goodnight." He smiled at her and gave his own goodnight. As she walked out the door, he let out a sigh of relief. He walked to desk and sat down at his computer terminal. Might as well make the general announcement now --- Beverly was halfway to her quarters, going over the procedure of appendix removal in her head to control her emotions when she quite literally ran into Deanna Troi, who was just leaving Will's cabin after the poker game. Deanna smiled at her friend, but then sensed her troubled emotional state. "Bev, what's wrong?" Beverly could no longer hold back the tears. As they flooded down her cheeks, she turned to walk away and whispered hoarsely, "I didn't say no, Deanna." Deanna stood there in the middle of the corridor attempting to figure out what was upsetting her friend so badly if she hadn't said no. The door behind her opened. "Good, you're still there." Will Riker looked troubled. "I just ran into Bev. Will, she didn't say no, but she's so upset, I don't know what's wrong." "Come in, and I'll show you why." Deanna was confused even more by Will's statement, but she went in anyway. He led her to his computer terminal. Her facial expression turned from confusion to one of pure horror as she read the announcement. To: All crew members From: Captain Jean-Luc Picard It is my great honor to inform you of my upcoming marriage to Lt. Commander Nella Darren. The exact date has not been set as of yet, but the ceremony will occur in six weeks. I am also honored to inform you that my close friend, Dr. Beverly Crusher, will be serving as best 'person.' You are all invited, and when the date is set, it will be posted here. --The Captain. Deanna's eyes filled with tears. She allowed them to slide silently down her cheeks. She looked up at Will, her Imazdi, and whispered, "She used to be his best friend." --- "So, what do you think?" Deanna looked around the holodeck and took in the scenery. It was a large chapel, very dignified and elegant. There were rows and rows of pews lined up along the walls of the church. The center aisle opened up to a grand altar. "It's very nice, Beverly. Where did you say this was?" "Earth, England to be exact. This is a replica of Westminster Abbey, where all the royal religious functions were held. You think Nella will approve?" Beverly nearly spat the words out. Deanna knew that Beverly was having a difficult time dealing with this. In fact, most of the crew was having a difficult time dealing with this. After the initial posting announcing the captain's nuptials three weeks ago, snatches of conversations could be heard in the corridors about the ceremony, most of them along the lines of "I can't believe he's so blind!" "I wonder how she's taking it?" and "If Admiral Iceberg thinks they belong together, then surely...." Beverly was doing a wonderful job acting that she was happy for the captain. Deanna herself would have been thoroughly convinced had she not been able to sense her true feelings. Deanna wished there was something she could do to help her friend, but Beverly had buried this deep inside, just as she did everything else. "I think she will. But don't you think it's a little too big?" Beverly looked shocked. "Deanna, did you see the guest list?" When Deanna shook her head, Bev continued. "Between Nella and Jean-Luc, I'm sure every admiral, captain, ambassador, their significant others, and their dogs were invited! Not to mention all of Nella's family--even her fourth cousin twice removed!-- all of Jean-Luc's friends from France, and the diplomats from all over the Federation, I'm fairly sure this will be a standing room only event." "She invited her fourth cousin? Are you sure?" "Twice removed. Yes, I'm sure. I ordered, addressed, and sent the invitations." Deanna's brow furrowed. "I thought the bride was supposed to handle those things." "She's busy finishing up her duties at Starbase 43. Jean- Luc said he'd take care of it, then he asked me for help. So now I'm stuck doing it while he plays Captain." Deanna walked up to the altar. "So how is this going to work?" "Admiral Strakes will be here." Bev climbed the steps to the platform directly in front of the altar. "Jean-Luc and Nella will stand in front of him. The bridesmaids will be here, Will and I will be here. Later, I'm going to program in some people, so I can see where the floral arrangements need to go. I just don't know if I can get this done in time!" "Bev, you've got most of it done, and there are three weeks until the ceremony." "I do not have most of it done! I've sent the invitations and programmed the holodeck. I've still got to order the bouquets and boutonnieres, get the tuxedoes replicated, see about the bridesmaid dresses, have Ten-Forward decorated for the reception, and plan a bachelor party! On top of that I have to be CMO and general moral support for the groom. And as sure as I'm standing here, when Nella gets here in two weeks, she's going to hate everything I've done and want to rework it." Bev sank into a front pew. "At least Guinan is handling all the food for the reception. I couldn't do that too." "Nella is not going to hate it. It's beautiful, how could she?" Beverly looked as though she could name a few things. Deanna quickly continued. "Did you say something about tuxedoes? Won't all of us be wearing our dress uniforms?" Beverly smirked. "Deanna, if you had read your invitation, you would know about the tuxedoes. Nella wants an Earth ceremony. Including the good old marriage rites from the Bible. That means Jean-Luc, Will, Geordi, Data, and I will be wearing tuxes. You get to wear a dress of your choice." "You're going to wear a tux?" "The top half. I'm going to wear a black skirt instead of slacks. Be thankful you're not a bridesmaid. The poor girls have to wear lilac dresses." When Deanna's head dropped to the ground, Beverly thought the worse. "You're kidding, right?" Deanna faced her friend. "No. I got the request yesterday. She and I became friends while we were on the D. Alyssa got a notice too." "Alyssa too? She's not happy with taking my best friend, she's got to take two more of my closest friends as well!" "Bev, you know she doesn't mean it." "I know, I know, but it's still hard." Bev drew in a breath. "So, let's figure out where these flowers are supposed to go." --- "I can't believe there's only one more week left, Beverly. Just one. Seven days. That's it." Beverly didn't let her face show the exasperation she was feeling. This was their last breakfast together. Ever. Jean-Luc had argued with her about this, saying that they just couldn't stop their tradition, but Bev had held firm. It just wouldn't be proper for him to have breakfast with anyone other than his wife. Nella was beaming on board today. She had sent Beverly a communiqu‚ two days ago, thanking her for all she'd done and promising to help with the final arrangements. There was nothing left to be done. It was all taken care of, from assigning quarters to all of the guests to making the reservations on Risa for the honeymoon. Beverly had done it all. The trip to Risa was Bev's wedding present to them. Jean- Luc had done everything but refuse it, saying she had done more than enough already, but once again, she stood her ground. And now here they were, sharing their last meal together as just the two of them. "In one week, I'm going to be married." Beverly had hoped they could talk about something, anything else, but it just hadn't been her past few weeks. "Nervous yet?" He smiled at her. "Not yet. I'll let you know when I am." The comm. system beeped, alerting them of Nella's arrival. Jean-Luc rose to go meet his fianc‚e. He nodded at her, and walked out of his cabin. Beverly sat and started at his empty chair a moment. She allowed only one tear to travel down her face. --- "Dr. Crusher?" Beverly glanced up from her work. She was terribly behind in her reports, having been otherwise engaged the past few weeks. She had come in early today, since she wouldn't have much of a chance to work on them until after the wedding, now only 3 days away. And she still had a bachelor party to plan! Standing at her office door was Nella Darren. "Commander Darren, what can I do for you?" Nella entered her office and sat down. "Beverly, Jean-Luc just finished showing me the holodeck and plans for the reception. Everything is perfect." Nothing but the best for my best friend "I'm glad you approve. If there is something you want changed, it can be done, just let me know now so I'll have time." "No, everything is splendid. Is there anything I can do to repay you?" Beverly could think of one thing right off hand, but that would mean canceling the wedding. "There's no need." Bev consulted her computer terminal. "The flowers will be here at noon Friday. Guests should start arriving that morning. I've got a welcoming committee assigned. The ceremony begins at seven, with reception immediately following. Reception ends at midnight." Nella started wide eyed. "You have this all planned out. I wouldn't have even known where to begin." "I've done this before." "Yes, she definitely has." Beverly and Nella turned their attention to the door, where Jean-Luc had just entered. He sat and placed his arm around Nella's shoulder. "That, as this one will be, was a gorgeous ceremony. Beverly has a talent for these things." Beverly's emotions churned again. How she hated seeing them together. Better get used to it Bev. This is 'til death do they part. But then again, I'm a doctor... "Good, I'm glad you're here. We've got to talk bachelor party." Jean-Luc regarded her. "I thought Will would be the one to throw that." "It's the best person's responsibility." "I don't care whose responsibility it is, I don't want one." Beverly couldn't help but feel relief. She was overworked as it was, she was not looking forward to hosting a shindig with Will Riker breathing over her shoulder. "Fine. Your choice. Now why are you here?" He chuckled. "Never were tactful, were you Bev? I came to retrieve my bride for lunch." They stood to leave, when Nella spoke again. "Thank you so much for doing all of this. Should you ever need something, please call me." I need you to go back to wherever it is you came from! "I'll keep that in mind." As they departed, Beverly turned her attention back to her computer, but she could not concentrate. The vision of her Jean-Luc with his arm around Nella was haunting her. --- Before anyone knew it, the eve of the wedding had approached. Jean-Luc Picard was in his quarters trying to relax enough to sleep. The rehearsal had gone well, but had run late. Unexpectedly, the door chimed. Jean-Luc glanced at his chronometer. 2350. He didn't know who would be calling on him; he had seen everyone at the rehearsal. Grateful for the diversion however, he opened the door to reveal a certain woman holding a champagne bottle and two glasses. "Beverly. What brings you here?" She stepped into his cabin and made her way to the couch. "I know you said you didn't want a bachelor party, but I just couldn't let you get off scot-free." Setting the two glasses on the coffee table, she sat and poured the champagne. "And I had to make sure Nella wasn't here." He frowned. Was Beverly jealous of Nella? She hadn't shown any signs of resentment, but then again, they did used to spend a lot more time together. No, if Beverly were jealous, he would be the first to know. He could read his friend like a book. "Is that so?" "Yes, it is nearly midnight. It's bad luck for you to see the bride the day of the wedding, and I intend to hold tradition." She motioned for him to sit. When he did, she handed him a glass. "Which is why I'm here. The best person is supposed to make a toast at the wedding, and I need to practice." Of course. How could he think that Beverly would be jealous? She just wanted to make sure he didn't curse his wedding. How sweet. "I doubt you need to practice. You're good at everything you do, Bev." I assure you, I am. Not that you'll ever know now. She raised her glass. "To us. What we were, what we are, and what we will be." And what we could have been. she added silently. And what we could have been. Jean-Luc added silently. He had loved Beverly once, and would have made her happy. He had waited, given her time, but he realized Fate was not for their union. Fate was for his union to Nella. They finished their drinks silently. Beverly said her goodnight and started to leave when Jean-Luc stopped her. He kissed her cheek, in traditional French fashion. "Thank you Beverly. For everything." She gave him the smile, the smile that melted his heart. "That's what I'm here for." She walked out again, and he didn't stop her. What did I do to deserve such a wonderful friend? For the last time as a bachelor, he watch Beverly Crusher, the woman of his dreams for so long, walk out his door. We could have been so wonderful, Bev. But as the song goes, sometimes love just ain't enough, is it? --- Will Riker, Geordi LaForge, and Data were standing in Transporter Room Three. Beverly had assigned them to the "welcoming committee." In addition to those duties, Will was a groomsmen and Geordi and Data were ushers. They had been here since 0800 hours, greeting the guests. Now it was 1500, and they were awaiting the last party, Admirals Strakes and Necheyev. Admiral Strakes was about as old as God and had twice as much money. He was the head honcho in Starfleet, and would be performing the marriage ceremony. And what party would be complete without Admiral Iceberg? Will leaned against the wall. "You know, I really did not think this was going to happen." Geordi nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean. Even after I got the real invitation, I still thought Bev would open her mouth and say something. But she hasn't, this wedding is going to take place, and then we're going to have to give all of that money from the bet back. Just how much money is it, Data?" "Quite a bit. There are a great many people involved in this." Will stroked his beard. "Even though I think he's making a big mistake, I do hope the captain and Nella are happy." Data and Geordi said the same. The comm. system beeped. Will grimaced. "Now its time to meet my favorite admiral, Admiral Alynna Iceberg, I mean, Necheyev." --- Deanna couldn't believe her eyes when she walked into Ten- Forward. It had been completely transformed from an everyday bar and hangout to a beautiful reception hall. Floral arrangements, bows, and white table cloths decorated the room. In the middle of each table, set for 10, was a centerpiece of lilac and white roses. Beverly had simply outdone herself. Deanna scanned the room for the telltale red that would locate her friend, but saw none. There were tons of other people in the room: florists, guests, and people helping out, most of which were sickbay staff. Deanna found Alyssa Ogawa, her fellow bridesmaid, and inquired about Beverly's whereabouts. Alyssa looked horrified, and pointed in her boss's general direction. Deanna made her way over to that area, and discovered why Alyssa had been so frazzled. If Deanna could describe Alyssa as frazzled, then there was no word to describe Beverly. She was dressed in jeans and a tee shirt. She wore no makeup. Her red hair was put up in rollers, which was why Deanna had been unable to spot it. From the expression on her face, it was plain to see that the infamous Howard temper was about to let loose. In her angered state, it was easy to see the exhaustion on Beverly's face. Deanna saw the poor victims of Beverly's wrath: the florists. "I said TWENTY roses in each centerpiece, ten of each color! Not nineteen, not eighteen, TWENTY! You didn't think I was going to count every rose in every centerpiece, did you? Well I did! I want it fixed. And it had better be fixed before the wedding, which means you have four hours to fix all fifty of them! So you better get started!" The florists were more than happy to comply, and Deanna approached carefully. "Bev, I think you need a vacation." "I think I need a stiff drink." "That can be arranged also. We are, after all, in a bar." Beverly sighed. "I'm glad you're here. It means I don't have to chase you down. Here." Bev handed Deanna two white boxes. She opened them. Inside the first were two roses, one lilac and one white, tied together with lilac and white ribbon. The second contained an entire bouquet of white and lilac roses. "The single stems are yours to carry, the bouquet is Nella's. You can get it to her, can't you?" Deanna nodded. "I'm helping her dress." Deanna looked at her friend carefully. "Bev, you need a break. Let's go have some lunch." "I can't. I've still got to get the boutonnieres to all the men, make sure they all have the right tuxes, finish checking over everything here and at the holodeck, get dressed myself, and walk Jean-Luc down to the holodeck." Beverly eased herself into the nearest chair. "Deanna, you know I love you, but I'm not doing this again. You're going to have to plan your own wedding." "Oh no, that's what my mother is for. And of course you're going to do it again. You'll have to plan your wedding." Beverly met Deanna's gaze. "Deanna, this is my wedding." In an instant Deanna understood. Everything here was what Beverly had intended for her own wedding. All the flowers, the holodeck setting, the way the reception was set up, and even the invitations had been what Beverly had wanted herself. It was all what Beverly had wanted for her wedding to Jean-Luc Picard. "Come on Bev, there must be something you would do differently." "True. I would have chosen mint green rather than lilac." Deanna sunk into a chair opposite Beverly. "Of course you would have. You look great in dark purple, but the lighter shades look horrendous with your hair." The comment coaxed a small smile out of Beverly. "Bev, you're tired. Take a break." "I have the rest of my life to take a break. Excuse me, but I've got things to do." Beverly pushed herself out of the chair and went in search of more people to yell at. Deanna merely looked after her, wondering if she were going to be able to make it through the actual ceremony. --- Will Riker walked into the holodeck. He was dressed in the tuxedo Beverly had given him to wear, and was ready to get this over with so he could start returning money. He now stood outside of Westminster Abbey. Guests were filing into the chapel in an orderly fashion. He made his way inside and quickly found the groom and best person. Jean-Luc looked dignified, as well as scared, in his tuxedo, though it did seem a little out of place to see the great starship captain in anything but a uniform. Beverly also looked nice, in her tux jacket and her own long black skirt. Her long red hair was put up. Upon seeing him, they both waved. "Why are you both dressed for a funeral? I thought we were going to a wedding." Will's joke was enough to make them both smile. Beverly turned to the groom. "Nervous yet?" "Bev, I told you I would tell you when I was nervous, and I am not nervous." Will raised his eyebrows. "Is that so?" Jean-Luc turned to look at his number one. "Yes it is so. I am not nervous. I am terrified!" The organ started playing in the chapel. Bev heard the cue. "Well, then you've got exactly five minutes to calm yourself, because we start now." Jean-Luc looked even more terrified. "You have the ring, don't you Beverly?" She held up her hand. On her right pinky was the emerald, diamond, and sapphire golden wedding ring. "Got it. Let's go." They walked single file down the center aisle of the Abbey. Will led the procession, with Beverly about a yard behind him, and Jean-Luc a yard behind her. Will saw his favorite person, Alynna 'Iceberg' Necheyev sitting close to the altar. She wore a formal red dress. Even the Iceberg can look nice when she wants to. Will took his place beside the altar. Half a minute later Beverly was standing in front of him. Another thirty seconds passed, and Jean-Luc was standing in front of Beverly, beside the steps to the altar. Beverly flashed him a supportive smile. No one in the audience suspected the inner turmoil she was feeling. --- Deanna Troi saw her three friends take their places, and signaled for Alyssa to begin her walk. Deanna tugged at the form fitting lilac dress. Beverly was right, the color was awful. Behind her Nella Darren was pacing nervously. Deanna had sensed a feeling of uncertainy from her all day. It was the stronger now than it had been earlier. Deanna attempted to reassure her. "Nella, it's just nerves. It's okay." Nella did not look the least bit convinced. Deanna saw that Alyssa was taking her place beside the altar, and she turned quickly gave Nella a last bit of sentiment. "You love him, he loves you. Of course this is right." Deanna then began her walk up the aisle. Though she was sure Deanna was right, she just couldn't shake the doubtful feelings. It is just nerves. It is. --- Vice Admiral Alynna 'Iceberg' Necheyev, as she was known throughout Starfleet, watched the wedding party take their places. She looked over to the groom, her favorite captain. Picard was turned, receiving a word of encouragement from the best person, her second least favorite commander, Beverly Crusher. Her least favorite commander, Will Riker, stood behind them. As much as Necheyev disliked Beverly Crusher, she knew, as did everyone else, that she was Jean-Luc Picard's soul mate. Alynna had even invested a small sum into the bet the Enterprise crew had started. When the wedding invitation had come, announcing Picard's betrothal to Nella Darren, no one had more shocked than Necheyev. The familiar strains of "The Wedding March" floated across the chapel. Alynna stood with the rest of the crowd in honor of the bride, doing her duty as an Admiral. --- Nella Darren swallowed. She couldn't calm her stomach, and she held on to her uncle's arm for balance the whole way down the center aisle. She tried to smile at Jean-Luc, but it took all of her concentration to stay upright. She took in the scene before her. To her left was her two closest friends from her days on the Enterprise-D, clad in those lilac dresses that added to her nausea. To her right was her husband to be, the great Jean-Luc Picard. Also there was Will Riker, a man Nella did not know well, but she did know of his reputation as a womanizer. She was there too. Nella Darren hated Beverly Crusher. She tried her best to tolerate her, for Jean-Luc's sake, but it was she that demanded he spend less time with the doctor. Nella did have to give Beverly credit though, she had done an outstanding job with the wedding. The reason Nella disliked Beverly so was simply because she thought that it was her fault that her relationship with Jean-Luc had failed the first time. Sure, he used that dangerous situation excuse, but deep down, she knew it was because of his precious Beverly. But if she were so precious, he would be marrying her, not me. Nella finally managed that smile, stood a bit straighter, and finished her walk down the aisle. --- Admiral Strakes' shaky voice filled the room. He was reading the Earth marriage rites from the Bible. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite this man and this woman in holy matrimony..." Will Riker still couldn't believe how well Beverly had held up through all of this. He knew if Deanna had knocked him over the head with an unexpected engagement announcement, he would have gone to pieces and begged her to reconsider. Beverly had done none of that. "...who gives this woman in marriage?" Nella's uncle stated he gaveth, kissed his niece, and took his place in the audience. Will also knew that Beverly would need a friend when all of this was over, when there was no wedding plans to distract her thinking. He hoped she trusted him enough to let him help. When she needed a shoulder, Will was more than willing to offer his. "...If anyone, has any reason, why these two should not be united, speak now, or forever hold your peace." Will was damned sure he could give just reason, but he couldn't do that to his captain. It wasn't his place. He promised to forever hold his peace. --- Deanna stood by Jean-Luc Picard's bride, who in a perfect world, would have been Beverly Crusher. She held the gold wedding band, which in a perfect world, would have been inscribed 'Love Beverly.' She stared at the best person, who in a perfect world, would have been Will Riker. But a perfect world this was not. In this world, Deanna stood next to Nella Darren, held a ring inscribe 'Love Nella' and stared at Beverly Crusher. To everyone else, Beverly was exactly as she should be: proper, dignified, and happy for her friend. Only Deanna, and perhaps her mother, who was in attendance as the diplomat from Betazed, were tuned in to her real feelings of overwhelming loss. Deanna knew Beverly would need a friend when all of this was over with. She hoped the doctor trusted her enough to come to her. "...If anyone, has any reason, why these two should not be united, speak now, or forever hold your peace." Deanna was damned sure she could give just reason, but she couldn't do that to her captain. It wasn't her place. She promised to forever hold her peace. --- Alynna Necheyev paid little attention to the ceremony. She could recite the whole speech by heart. Rather, she watched the attendants. It was the first time she could remember Jean-Luc Picard looking nervous. He shuffled his feet, looked at his bride, and glanced at his best person from time to time in a vain attempt to speed the ceremony up. Despite her calm appearance, Alynna knew that Beverly must be dying inside. She knew that the doctor would need a friend when all of this was over. She hoped there was someone Beverly could trust enough to turn to. And, if not, then she, Alynna Necheyev, would offer her support. No one should have to go through this kind of misery alone. "...If anyone, has any reason, why these two should not be united, speak now, or forever hold your peace." Alynna was damned sure she could give just reason, but she couldn't do that to her favorite captain. It wasn't her place. She promised to forever hold her peace. --- Will Riker wished the old Admiral would hurry up. He knew tradition said a full minute must pass after the "or forever hold your peace" statement to allow someone to speak up, but really, who was going to do that? Everyone knew the whole purpose of this was for a wedding to take place. So who in their right minds would say something? So Will was definitely shocked when he heard someone voice their disapproval. At first he thought his mind was playing games with him, but he heard astonished gasps in the crowd. If there had been any doubt in his mind, it would have been gone after he saw the expression on Jean-Luc Picard's voice. Any smidgen of doubt clinging to his thoughts would have been completely banished when the statement was uttered again. No, Will thought. She is not doing this. An unmistakable, easily recognizable female voice filled the room. "No. This can't happen." --- The crowd was silent. All were in total shock. No one could remember a wedding where someone had spoken at the "or forever hold your peace" part. But then again, this woman did have the right to speak. She was the only one in the room with that right. Jean-Luc turned to look at the woman standing beside him who had spoken. She was the last person he'd ever expected to object. After all that had been done... "Nella, what are you saying?" Nella Darren turned to face the man she almost married. "Jean-Luc, this isn't right." Jean-Luc was confused. "What do you mean not right? It was right an hour ago!" Nella took a deep breath. She had to tell him now, in front of everyone, or she would never say the words. "You can't marry someone you don't love, Jean-Luc. Oh, I don't doubt that you love me, not really. But I'm selfish. I want you heart, mind, and soul. I have only a fragment of your heart, I dwell in only the conscious part of your mind. This I could live with, this I could be happy with. The only condition I make is your soul. I want it fully and completely. But I have no claims on your soul. Jean-Luc could not believe what he was hearing. Of course he loved her! He was marrying her, dammit. "You do have my soul, Nella. You've had it for a long time." Nella did something then that only one person had ever done and gotten away with it. She laughed in Jean-Luc Picard's face. "That is the biggest lie I've heard in a long time. You soul belongs to another, as does the rest of your heart and your subconscious mind. I'm afraid I can't go into a marriage with those terms. I'm sorry." With those words, Nella stepped down off the platform, and walked out of the chapel, out of the holodeck. Beverly couldn't believe what was happening. Nella had told Jean-Luc Picard off in front of God and everybody else. A part of her was upset that she had done this to her best friend in front of all of these people. The rest of her however, was more concerned with how to handle the crowd. And then there was that tiny part of her mind that was screaming Yes, oh God, thank you! Beverly took charge of the situation. She cleared her throat. "As you can easily see, it appears the wedding will be delayed a bit. If you will follow Geordi and Data- Geordi, Data, wave please- they will lead you to Ten- Forward. There are refreshments there, please help yourselves, and we will get all of this straightened out." Beverly then stepped up on the platform, where a very upset Jean-Luc stood. She leaned over so only he could hear. "Go talk to her." When he didn't move, she said a little bit more forcefully, "Go talk to her before she leaves the ship!" He nodded, and made his way down the platform. --- Will Riker had been leading the majority of the guests out. He whistled, and the crowd parted to let the jilted groom out the door. Will caught up with Deanna as she was going out the door. "Deanna, can you believe this?" Deanna's eyes were wide. "No! I never expected this." The couple made their way to Ten-Forward. In the center of the room was a long table, filled with food and beverages. At the end of the table was the large white wedding cake. Will scanned the room and quickly found where Geordi and Data has sat. They moved to join them. "I don't believe this is happening!" Geordi started in as soon as Will and Deanna got to the table. "She told him where to go at the altar!" "I know. I never thought she had the gall." Will looked around the room. "Where'd Beverly get to?" Data cocked his head. "She is talking with Admiral Necheyev." Will grimaced. "Collaborating with the enemy is an offense punishable by death." "Will, can you lay this rivalry to rest just for a little while?" Deanna turned, and sure enough, she spotted red and black. "She's coming over here." Beverly sat down next to Will. "Hi all. How are you? Enjoying the show?" Geordi shook his head. "Bev, if you planned all of this, then you deserve the Federation Award of Theatrical Productions." "I did plan the wedding. The jilted at the altar thing was ad-libbed by my actors." "So what do we do now?" Deanna asked. Bev shrugged. "We wait for act two." --- Wait they did, for an hour and a half. By then, the party was in full swing, mostly as a way for the attendants to entertain themselves. Will managed a dance with his favorite admiral, Geordi and Data were devouring Rigilian caviar, and Beverly was counting the roses in the centerpieces, with a watchful Deanna behind her back. "Damn." Bev said. "What is it?" "The florists didn't fix this one." "Sue them." "I might." Bev glanced around the room. "Any sign of them?" Deanna answered in the negative. Beverly sighed. "Then I suppose it is my duty as best person to hunt down the groom and figure out just what exactly is going on." "It would be appreciated." Bev groaned. "There is no rest for the weary." --- Beverly finally found her prey in the holodeck. The Westminister Abbey program was still running. He sat in the front pew, directly across from the altar. He was staring down as his hands. Beverly couldn't stand to see him so broken. Seeing him like this reminded her of what she must have looked like to Walker Keel all those years ago, after Arveda. What she had needed then was a good friend, and Walker had been that friend. Now she would be that friend for Jean-Luc. She approached quietly. "May I sit down?" He looked up at her, and his sad eyes seemed to brighten a bit. He patted the spot next to him. "Be my guest." She sat, and she saw that he was holding the ring he'd bought Nella. They simply sat together for a bit, Jean-Luc drawing strength off of her presence. Finally he spoke. "Where is everyone?" "In Ten-Forward. They kind of started the reception." "Good. At least some of your work won't go to waste." He sighed. "She's right, you know." "Right about what, Jean?" "How she doesn't have my soul. I'm afraid I gave that away a long time ago." "Jean-Luc, look at me." Beverly waited until his eyes met hers, then continued. "Love is not something you run out of. The more you give, the more you have. So what if you gave your soul to someone else years ago? It's still there for you to give away again." He laughed. "You, Beverly Howard Crusher, are the last person in the universe that has a right to speak about love. You loved Jack, gave him your soul, didn't you?" She nodded. "He's dead, been dead for 20 years, and look at you. Still unmarried, still alone, still loving him. You've had relationships, but you've loved none of those men like you loved Jack, with your soul. Jack was the only one who's had it, and he took it with him to his grave. So don't go and preach to me about still having my soul when yours was lost long ago." Beverly immediately grew defensive. "I did love Jack with my soul, and I always will love him, but you're right, he's dead, and has been for a long time. But you are wrong about me loving no other. I have loved one, but he chose not to return my love." "Then, my friend, it appears we are in the same boat." They sat for a long while, silent, pondering over what the other had said. "Bev?" "Yes?" "You said he chose not to return your love. How could anyone not love you?" Beverly smiled. "He and I were good friends. One day, he announced to me he was getting married. It crushed me, but I was determined not to ever let him know." If you only knew, Jean-Luc, if you only knew. "Much the same happened to me. I met her, fell in love immediately, and discover that she was already engaged. It nearly destroyed me. I have loved no other like I loved her." If you only knew, Beverly, if you only knew. They gazed into each other's eyes for an eternity. They both knew. But they both also knew what had to be done. They both knew what was right. Beverly spoke again. "Did you talk to Nella?" "Briefly. She asked me to give her some time to think." "You'd better go talk to her again. Get her decision. I don't know how long we're going to be able to keep the guests occupied." He nodded, and stood. "Beverly, I don't know what I'd do without you." Beverly grinned. "Your life would be boring without me, for starters." He laughed. "That it would be. See you later." He ran his fingers along her cheek, letting only his fingernails touch her, then turned and exited the holodeck. Beverly sat for awhile longer in the chapel, searching for help from some greater power to ease the torment in her soul. --- Much later, Jean-Luc Picard exited the guest quarters and stood in the corridor. He leaned against the bulkhead and gathered his thoughts. Nella had made her decision. He made his way to his quarters. He needed to retrieve something before he did anything else. Quickly obtaining the object from it's resting place, he started to make his way to Ten-Forward, to announce the decision. He then changed his mind. Beverly. Beverly should know first. He inquired the computer about her location, and went to announce to her the good news. --- Alynna Necheyev had assumed control of the chair Beverly had vacated, right next to a very unhappy Will Riker. I swear Iceberg does this to me on purpose. I'm gonna kill Bev for doing this! Necheyev was all too aware of Riker's dislike for her. She had decided to go out of her way to make her least favorite commander's life miserable. "It's been nearly three hours. Has anyone seen the bride and groom?" Deanna was all too aware of Riker's dislike for Necheyev, as well as Necheyev's smugness for making Riker suffer. "No. Beverly went to look for them, but that was over an hour ago," she informed the admiral. As if on cue, Jean-Luc Picard walked into the bar. Everyone immediately quieted at his entrance. He smiled and gave them the news. "Thank you for being so patient. It appears there will be a wedding after all. If you will all proceed to the holodeck, we can get this done, and finish the reception." The guests began making the journey back to the holodeck. Beverly was nowhere in sight. Will hoped she was handling this as well as before. He accompanied everybody's favorite admiral back to the site of the ceremony. --- Alyssa Ogawa was walking to the holodeck, wondering where in Creation Beverly had gotten to, when someone grabbed her arm and pulled are aside. "Alyssa!" Alyssa faced her captor. "Beverly! Where have you been?" "Here and there. Look, I don't have much time, I have to get to the holodeck. Here." She handed Alyssa a ring. "Give this to Deanna. I've got to get going." Before Alyssa could say a word, Beverly had turned and gone. She stared after the image of her friend, with her long red hair swaying behind her. Funny. I could have sworn Beverly had her hair up earlier. --- Will Riker stood outside of the abbey, as he had three hours before. Only this time, there was just two of them. "Where's Beverly?" The groom shrugged. "I have no idea." The organ started playing. "We can't wait for her. Flag down Data, he can take your place. Here." Picard handed Will the ring. They got Data's attention and sent him down the aisle. There were murmurs from the crowd, all wondering where the best person was. Will stepped up in front of Data, in Beverly's place. He watched as Alyssa Ogawa made her way down the aisle. He glanced down at the ring. It was a golden band set with a single diamond. Funny. I could have sworn it was set with emeralds and sapphires as well. --- Deanna looked behind her once more before beginning her walk. Nella was nowhere in sight. She's probably on her way. Deanna stepped into her place and was horrified to see Data where Will should have been, and Will where Beverly should have been. Alyssa had said Beverly had given her the ring to give to Deanna, and had run off. She must be with Nella. It is the only explanation. Deanna looked down at the ring. It was a golden band set with tiny diamond all the way around. Funny. I could have sworn there weren't any diamond before. --- Alynna Necheyev was once again seated in her place close to the altar. She watched with mild surprise as Data and Will walked in ahead of Picard, rather than Will and Beverly. She didn't blame her one bit for backing out. The last three hours must have completely overwhelmed her. Alynna was considering granting the doctor a two week vacation when all of this was over. She will definitely need to get away after this. Her thoughts were interrupted as Deanna Troi took her place, and the Wedding March was played for the second time today. Necheyev stood, and waited for the entrance of the bride. The doors of the chapel opened, and the bride entered. --- The organist abruptly stopped playing. Everyone in the chapel gasped in surprise, except for Jean-Luc Picard. He simply smiled like a kid at Christmas. He was receiving the only thing he had ever truly wanted. For walking slowly up the aisle was Beverly Crusher, the woman who possessed his soul. She was unescorted. She had let her hair down, her beautiful, gorgeous red hair that Jean-Luc adored. She wore a mint green dress that fell straight to her ankles, the same dress that Deanna had deemed too modest for her to wear to their dinner over a month ago. She again wore the teardrop diamond earrings with the matching necklace. She carried a single white rose. Jean-Luc was oblivious to the shocked stares of the guests, who had all expected Nella Darren to come down that aisle in a white dress on the arm of her uncle. He only knew one thing: the woman he had loved for so long, had wanted for so long, was coming to him to become his wife. Nella had been right. You can only marry someone you love. --- Will couldn't help but grin when he saw Beverly walking down that aisle. Everything suddenly fell into place. Her hurried affair of ditching the ring onto Alyssa, her absence in the wedding party, and the difference of the ring he held in his hands. Will recalled a conversation he'd had with the captain a few years ago, while they were still on the D. It was late, they had been in the captain's office attempting to finish some reports that needed to be sent out. Out of the blue Will had asked, "Do you believe in love at first sight?" Picard had taken a sip of his tea and answered, "No, Will, I'm afraid I don't." He then leaned back in his chair and smiled. "I do believe she had to walk by me twice." Will had said nothing. Picard continued his story. "It was twenty years ago or so. I was on Earth during a short leave. I had gone to the old Academy hangout to see some friends. I went in, ordered my drink, and sat with a couple of acquaintances I had. Then she walked in." He closed his eyes. "To this day I can see the scene perfectly. I can remember the clothes she wore down to the shoes on her feet. I can remember what song was playing on the radio. I can remember the accent she spoke with, the slight accent one has while going through speech therapy courses to rid oneself of the accent. From first sight, I wanted her. It was lust, pure and simple. But who wouldn't want her? She was beautiful. Then she walked right by my table, and I knew that I would never feel the way I felt about her for anyone else. I was sure I would marry her someday. I was so sure that I went out and bought a ring. But it wasn't to be." "What happened to her?" Will inquired. "I found out she was involved with someone. I kept my distance. I wasn't going to break up a relationship. She went on to have an outstanding career which I've kept up with. I run into her from time to time." "Does she know?" "Know what? That I loved her with every fiber in my being? That I would jump at the chance to show her how love her? That she would make me the happiest man alive? I don't think she knows. But I still have that ring. Perhaps someday..." Will remembered when the things that had been salvaged from the wreckage were returned. He remembered how Picard had gone through his box, and had looked so relieved when he found a small, black case. Will now realized that in that case had been the ring he was now holding. The ring Jean- Luc Picard had bought more than twenty years ago for Beverly Howard. It appeared that someday had indeed come. --- Beverly took her place beside Jean-Luc, the man she had given herself to so long ago. She smiled at him. He didn't take her arm, as he had Nella, but placed his own arm around her waist. They stood, facing old Admiral Strakes. Jean- Luc nodded, and the admiral reluctantly began his speech. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite this man, and this woman, in holy matrimony..." Beverly listen to the admiral repeat the ancient words. Nearly everything was perfect. Only two things were amiss. The first was Nella's astonished family members in the audience. The second was those absolutely horrid lilac dresses the two women she would have chosen to be her bridesmaids wore. But she could handle that. She was marrying the man she had loved for so long. "...If anyone, has any reason, why these two should not be united, speak now, or forever hold your peace." Not a word was spoken. --- "Data, are you sure?" "I assure you Commander, I am correct." "But you're sure?" "I am." "Ah hell." --- The Risan sun had risen four hours ago, but a newlywed couple had yet to rise. They lay together, enjoying the completion of their souls. Jean-Luc Picard caressed the sleeping form beside him with his eyes. He longed to touch her, to know she was really there, but he let her sleep. He had kept her up all night. She really is good at everything. It was hard to believe that after 25 years of waiting, she was finally his. No other man had any claims to her. She belonged to him. The 25 years had been well worth the wait. He tried to shut out the fact he had almost married another. Though it had only occurred three days ago, it seemed like it had happened years in the past. He could hardly remember any other woman besides Beverly. In all reality, there never had truly been another. What was the word Deanna used? Imzadi? The beloved, the one that touches the soul? Yes, Beverly was definitely his Imzadi. He let himself indulge in the sight of her. She was so peaceful now, sleeping. The lines around her eyes were eased. How many of those lines had he caused in the past month and a half? He wanted nothing but to make her happy, yet he had caused her pain. She had loved him enough to let him go, as he had let her go all those years ago. His train of thought was interrupted by a beep. He reached over his wife- his wife, he would never get over that- and tapped the computer terminal, conveniently located next to the bed. He saw who the message was from. Jean-Luc moved back carefully to his side of the bed. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Bev? Wake up." "Go away. I'm sleepy." He laughed and gently touched her face. "You've got a message, love." Beverly opened her eyes. Love. He called me love. "From who?" "Deanna." Beverly sat up and turned the computer on. She read the information on the screen. 'To: Dr. Beverly Howard-Picard' Beverly Picard. I like that. It's got a nice ring to it. She wondered briefly why Deanna had chosen Howard instead of Crusher. She'd have to ask her later. It didn't really matter. Beverly accessed the message. When she finished reading it, she laid back on the bed, a smile on her lips. Jean-Luc pulled her into his arms and ran his fingers through her hair. "What did she say?" "Oh, just wanted to make sure we were both still alive. Told us to actually leave our room once in awhile. And they have a winner in the bet." "Do they?" "Mmm-hmm. Will is not happy about it either." Jean-Luc chuckled. "Why, because he lost?" Beverly smiled at her husband. "No, because the winner is everybody's favorite admiral, Alynna 'Iceberg' Necheyev." --- The End