The BLTS Archive- The Way It Should Have Been
by Karen Foy (kfoy@networktrainers.com)

---

Author's Note: The character Vic Fontaine comes from the DS9 episode
"His Way". He was played there by actor James Darren.

Timeline - This takes place after Insurrection, but before the season
finale of DS9.

Disclaimer: Paramount, the great and powerful, owns all of Star
Trek. I merely claim this story.

---

"Computer begin program,"  Deanna Troi said as she entered the room.
The scene was a dinner club, complete with numerous human patrons
enjoying their dinners and the soft music that flowed from the stage.
The band on the stage was playing what Deanna recognized only as an
old Earth ballad and a handsome gray-haired singer held the attention
of the audience.

"Amazing,"  Deanna said slowly as she was guided to her table by one
of the servers.  Will would love this, she thought to herself.  The
singer was quite mesmerizing as he sang the old love song, but what
really amazed Deanna was the way he related to the audience.  At one
point he looked directly at her and his kind eyes had a way of
grabbing at her heart, as if he could see right through her.

At the end of the set, the singer talked informally with the audience
for a moment and then excused himself and his band from the stage for
a few minutes.  But instead of making his way backstage, he headed
into the audience, smiling and shaking hands as he talked briefly with
various diners until he made his way deliberately to Deanna's table.

"Hi, how ya doin'?  I hope you're enjoying the show,"  the man stated
gently as he offered Deanna his hand.  "You haven't been here before,
have you?" he continued, looking directly into her dark eyes.

Deanna was stunned and intrigued.  If she hadn't known better, she
would have sworn that this was a real person, not a
holographically-generated image.  His manner was so casual and
"knowing" in some way, as if he could really read the feelings of the
person he was talking with.

"No, I haven't, and yes, I am enjoying the show.  I can see why this
place was recommended so highly.  It just seems so "relaxed" in here,"
Deanna answered.

"We aim to please.  The name's Vic Fontaine, head crooner for this
joint, and you are .... ?"

"Deanna, Deanna Troi.  It's nice to meet you Mr. Fontaine,"

"Please, call me Vic.  So what brings a lovely lady like yourself to
my humble abode, especially without your beau on your arm?"  Vic
asked.

"Now, what makes you think I have a "beau", as you put it?"  Deanna
inquired.

"Well, let's just say that I have a pretty good feel for people," Vic
answered.  "So, why are you alone tonight.  Is he on duty or
something?"

"On duty, what do you mean?" Deanna was not in uniform, so why would
Vic think Will would be "on duty"?

"Well, aren't most of you guys on this ship in Starfleet?"

"On this ship!"  Now Deanna was really confused.  "How do you know
we're on a ship?"

"Well, this is the Enterprise, isn't it?  At least that's what my
program tells me?"

Deanna just stared at him in surprise.  She was not used to a hologram
responding in such a manner.  Her face showed her concern.

"Don't worry, Deanna?"  Vic smiled.  "I'm harmless.  This is just the
way Felix programmed me.  I'll have to admit, it was a surprise to me
at first to find that I wasn't in 1962 Vegas anymore, or for that
matter Deep Space 9.  But it's still a good gig and you Federation
people seem like a pretty good crowd."

"Worf told me to expect the unexpected, but I must say, I didn't
expect this,"  Deanna said with a smile.

"Worf!,"  Vic's eyebrows shot up. "How is the big guy."  Vic paused
for a moment and then added softly.  "I was really sorry to hear about
what happened to Jadzia.  They were such a great couple.  So, how's he
getting along?"

"As well as can be expected, I guess," Deanna said.  "I saw him a
couple of weeks ago on the station.  As a matter of fact, that's who
sent me your program."

"Well, I hope you enjoy it."  Vic smiled and looked back to the stage.
"Look, it's been nice talking with you Deanna, but it looks like the
crowd's getting restless, so I better get back to work.  Stop in again
sometime, and bring your friends.  It's always great performing in
front of new faces."

As Vic made his way back to the stage, Deanna got up to leave the
holodeck. "Wait until Will hears about this," she said to herself as
she saved the program.

---

"Troi to Riker,"  Deanna called on her combadge as she headed down the
corridor toward her quarters.

"Go ahead."

"Will, do you have a minute?  I have something I'd like to talk to you
about."  Deanna said.

"Sure Deanna, I'm just working on some stuff in my quarters.  Come on
over," Will replied.  Riker smiled at the chance to spend some time
with Deanna. Their relationship had grown since their return from the
Ba'ku homeworld a few months before.

Deanna strode into Riker's quarters a few minutes later, the door
sensing her approach as it had been programmed to do, and gave the
Commander a sweet kiss and embrace.

"So, to what do I owe this welcomed respite from my reports?"  Will
said with a smile after the kiss ended.

"I've just seen something truly amazing, Will," she said.  "Worf sent
me this hologram program that they used on DS9 and I'll have to admit,
I expected something, you know, "Klingon", but this really threw me
for a loop."

Now Riker was intrigued.  Worf's holodeck programs were something of a
legend aboard the Enterprise and they weren't usually Deanna's choice
for recreation.  What could have her so excited.

"Okay, I'll bite," he said with a smile as he sat down on the sofa.
"What's got you so amazed?"

Deanna sat down next to him and continued.  "Well, it's sort of hard
to explain.  It's a nightclub from mid 20th century Earth.  I think he
said something about Vegas.  What's amazing is the main character.
He's just so ... so real.  I mean, you wouldn't know he was a hologram
if no one told you.  But, it's more than that, Will.  He knows he's a
hologram and on he knows he's board this ship."

"Wait a minute, Deanna.  What do you mean he knows he's a hologram?"
This conversation was getting serious.  Their last encounter with a
self-aware hologram was with Professor Moriarty in Data's Sherlock
Holmes mystery and that adventure nearly destroyed the ship.

"I mean, he knows where he is, what year it is, everything."  Deanna
didn't miss the concern in Riker's voice.  "I know what you're
thinking, Will.  I was concerned too at first, but I don't think he's
a threat.  He said his programmer made him self-aware, and you know as
well as I do that Worf wouldn't have recommended him if he were a risk
to security."

Riker's concern eased.  He realized that Deanna was right.  Worf would
never recommend a program that could be a threat, especially to
Deanna.

"And there was something else.  It's hard for me to put my finger on
it, but it's like he's empathic or something, like he's got some
special insight into people.  I know, this sounds crazy, but with what
Worf told me about what happened on DS9, I'm beginning to understand
what he meant."

"What do you mean, 'what happened on DS9'?   Did Worf go to see him
after what happened to Jadzia?"

"No, it was before that, right after they were married.  Dr. Bashir
convinced Worf and some of the others stationed there to visit the
program. Do you remember Odo, the security chief?"  Riker nodded and
Deanna continued.  "Well, it seems that Odo had been secretly in love
for years with the Bajorian liaison, Kira, and that Vic helped the two
of them finally get together."

"Wait a minute, Deanna.  How can a hologram help get two people
together?  I mean, he can't actually plan things.  That would take
independent thought."

"I know.  It sounds crazy, but this guy actually did it.  He
manipulated the two of them into a situation where they couldn't
ignore their feelings for each other any longer."  Deanna paused for a
moment and then smiled at Riker.  "Remind you of anyone we know?"

"Okay, I see where you're going with this," Riker said with a smile.
"You just can't resist can you?  But you know this whole thing could
blow up in your face."

"I know, but it's worth a try.  You know they love each other Will.
They just need a little push in the right direction."

"Okay," Riker sighed.  "What do you have in mind"?

Deanna cried out a triumphant yelp and kissed Riker fully on the lips.
She loved a little conspiracy.

---

After a couple of hours of "planning" with Riker, Deanna entered the
holodeck doors again to find Vic at his usual spot in front of the
crowd. He acknowledged her entrance with a nod and walked over to
speak with her after completing his song.

"Well, hello again, Deanna.  I didn't expect to see you again so
soon."

"Hello, Vic.  Actually, I'd like to speak with you for a moment if you
don't mind."

"I never turn down a chance to speak with a lovely lady," he said,
indicating a table where they could talk.  "What's on your mind?  That
fella of yours giving you trouble?"

"Actually," Deanna said with a smile, "I just came from talking with
Will and we thought you might be able to help us with another
situation.  Worf told me about what you did for Odo and Kira."

"Well, I just helped them follow their own hearts.  They did the rest.
So what can I help you with?"

"There is a couple on this ship that have known each other for almost
30 years, but just can't seem to get it together, if you know what I
mean.  We know they love each other, but each is afraid of losing
their friendship if they take their relationship further.  So they
keep hiding their true feelings for each other."

Vic shook his head.  "For crying out loud, don't any of you people in
the 24th century know how to show someone you love them?"

Deanna laughed.  After all, it had taken Will and her almost 15 years
to  rekindle their romance.

"I know it seems that way, but we aren't usually this hopeless.
Things aboard a starship just seem to get in the way sometimes."

"Okay, fine.  So who is this hopeless couple?"

Deanna paused a moment and took a deep breath.  She knew there was no
turning back now.

"The Captain and Chief Medical Officer,  Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly
Crusher."

"Wow, you are at the top of the heap now.   So, what's their history?
If they love each other, what's keeping them apart?"

Deanna took the next few minutes to fill Vic in on what she knew of
the Captain and Beverly's relationship, beginning with a brief history
of their youth.  She told him about how they first met 30 years ago,
the Captain's friendship with Beverly's husband, Jack, how Jack had
died under Picard's command, and Beverly's assignment aboard the
Enterprise years later.  She explained her empathic perceptions of
them when they were together, how each of them had had other
relationships along the way and how those relationships had hurt the
other party, though neither one of them would admit it.  Deanna
concluded with a explanation of their relationship as it stood now, a
few months after Picard had met Anij on Ba'ku.

"Now, wait a minute, Deanna.  Maybe your Captain has moved on with his
life and wants to pursue his relationship with this Ba'ku woman."

"I thought about that Vic, but I don't think that's the real
situation.  I still feel the Captain's deep emotions when he's around
Beverly.  He's afraid of another rejection and I think he feels that
Anij is just safer. And I know that Beverly's feelings haven't
changed, although, I'll have to admit, she was hurt by his
relationship with Anij."

"So you think they just need a little encouragement to get on the
right track?"

"Exactly.  So what do you think?"  Deanna queried, still a little
amazed she was sharing all this with a hologram, let alone asking for
his advice.

"Let me roll it over for a little while.  In the meantime, why don't
you see if you can get Beverly to pay me a visit?  You said she was a
dancer in med school, right?"

Deanna nodded.

"Well, come up with something that will intrigue the dancer in her or
something."  Vic paused for a moment.  "And, don't tell her I'm a
hologram, okay.  Tell her I'm a visiting singer and just use this
program in my act."

A small smile crept across Deanna's face.  This guy is good, she
thought.

"Okay, but may I ask what do you have in mind?" she asked.

"You just leave the details to 'Uncle' Vic and get your doctor to pay
me a visit around seven o'clock tonight."

Deanna's mind was already racing when she exited the program.  Now all
she  had to do was come up with a way to get Beverly to the holodeck.

---

"Deanna, I really don't have time for this,"  Beverly pleaded from
behind her desk.  Deanna had been trying for the past 15 minutes to
convince Beverly that she needed a break and a visit to the holodeck
would do wonders for her.

"Beverly, I think you would really like this program.  It's a dance
club and I know how much you like to dance.  Besides, we all need a
little relaxation every once and a while."

"So what's so great about this group anyway."

"To begin with, it's not a group.  He's a singer who uses the holodeck
as a re-creation of a 1960's Las Vegas show.  And second, it's a lot
of fun. Besides, he's a great singer and not at all bad to look at.  I
really think you should meet him."

"Deanna, I don't ..."  Beverly started, but was cut off.

"Listen, Beverly.  Just give it a try.  What harm could it do?  You
might even enjoy it."

Beverly sighed.  She knew Deanna would not let up until she agreed.

"Okay, fine.  I'll come by for a little while.  What did you say this
guy's name was again?"

"Vic Fontaine.  The show starts at 19:00 hours in Holodeck 3.  Don't
be late and wear something other than your uniform.  This is a classy
place and it's supposed to be fun."

"Right," Beverly sighed.  "Fun.  Okay, I'll be there."

---

Beverly strode into the holodeck at 19:10 expecting to see some of the
other Enterprise crew since the program was already playing.  She was
a little surprised that she didn't recognize anyone in the crowd and
there were no uniforms to be seen.  A hostess approached her as the
doors closed and she was seated at a table near the bar.

Deanna was right about one thing, she thought.  The atmosphere was
relaxing. A man on the stage, whom she figured with Vic Fontaine, was
singing an old Earth tune.  As he neared the end of the song, he
looked directly at Beverly and smiled sweetly.

Beverly was taken aback a little.  There were plenty of other people
in the crowd, but he had, quite noticeably, singled her out with his
gaze.  She also had to admit that Deanna had been right about another
thing.  He was quite handsome.

When the song ended, Vic excused himself from the stage as the band
behind him continued to play low.

He made his way through the crowd, stopping occasionally to chat with
members of the audience, until he was standing right in front of her
table.

"Good evening.  I'm Vic Fontaine.  You must be Beverly," he said
softly as he extended his hand towards her.

"Hello," she said, accepting his hand in hers.

Vic could see the confusion in her eyes as he continued to hold her
hand.

"Deanna told me to look for a beautiful redhead, but I must say she
didn't do you justice," he said before raising her hand to his lips
and kissing it gently.

Beverly just smiled.  She had to admit, this guy was smooth.  "Thank
you," she replied.

"Mind if I join you?  I've been on that stage for a while and would
enjoy the company for a moment."

"Of course, sit down Mr. Fontaine," she said, indicating the chair
across from her.  Beverly was usually shy around people that she
didn't know, but somehow she felt completely comfortable around this
man.

"Everyone calls me Vic.  So, Deanna says you're a doctor aboard the
ship. How long have you been traveling among the stars?"

She laughed gently.  "Most of my life really, one way or another.  How
about you?  Does your tour take you from ship to ship most of the
time?"

"No, not really," he said with a smile.  "This is my first starship,
though I did do a gig on Deep Space 9 not too long ago."

"Really?  I know a few people on the station.  Did you stay long?"

"Not too long, but enough about me.  I'd like to find out more about
the real Beverly Crusher.  Tell me, how is it a beautiful lady like
yourself comes to my joint without some handsome guy on your arm?"

Beverly surprised herself as a smile crept across her lips.  His line
of questioning would have seemed offensive if asked by someone else,
but she instinctively felt she could trust this man, as if she had
known him for years.

"What makes you think he's not going to join me later?"  Beverly was
beginning to enjoy their flirtatious game.

"I think he must be a fool not to.  But then again, maybe he's just
not sure he'd be welcomed?"

Beverly was taken aback again.  "You seem to have me at a
disadvantage, Mr. Fontaine,"  she smiled sadly, a little uncomfortable
for the first time that evening.  "It seems Deanna has told you all
about me, but I know very little about you."

"Deanna didn't have to tell me anything, Beverly.  That look in your
eyes just now told me everything I need to know."  There was a
gentleness in Vic's  eyes and voice that calmed Beverly's uneasiness.

She smiled weakly and took a drink of wine that a waiter had placed
there a few moments before.

"Am I that transparent?" she said slowly.

"No, let's just say that I've seen the look before."  He paused for a
moment.  "So, why haven't you told him how you feel?"

Beverly laughed nervously.  "I'm not sure it would make a difference
anymore."

"Don't be so sure of that.  It's hard for a man to resist a woman
who's in love with him, that is, if he knows she's in love with him."

Beverly laughed nervously.  "He's done a pretty good job of it
lately,"  she said, taking a long drink from her glass.

"Well, you know what they say, 'a bird in the hand'."   He didn't
finish the old saying as he caught her gaze and held it for a few
moments.  He could see that Beverly understood his meaning.

"So what you're saying is I should just waltz in there and tell him
how I feel?"  Beverly said shakily and paused for a few moments.
"It's just not that easy between us."

"You told me, didn't you?"  When she didn't respond, Vic continued.
"Look, Beverly, it's never going to get any easier, but maybe I can
help a little. Have dinner with me later this evening, after my show
is over.  Maybe together we can come up with something."

Vic could see the hesitation in her eyes.  This was going to take a
little more work than he had first imagined.  "What was it with these
people?" he said to himself.

He leaned in a little closer to her and took one of her hands in his
own. "You Starfleet types do eat don't you," he teased.  "Come on, it
could be fun.  We don't have to talk about anything you don't want to.
We could just have a nice dinner, a bottle of the house's best
champagne, maybe even dance the night away.  I've been told you're a
pretty good dancer and I'll make it a point not to step on your toes."

Beverly looked into his eyes.  Vic was quite charming and, at another
time, she could have been swept away by this man.

He still sensed her apprehension and didn't want to mislead her.

"Beverly, look at me," he paused until she looked into his eyes and
smiled sadly.  "I'm not a fool, Beverly.  I know where I stand, but I
would enjoy the company and I have a feeling you could use it too.
I'll even invite Will and Deanna.  Just say you'll come."

She smiled at him.  He truly did understand her and wanted nothing
more from her than to enjoy her company.

"I'd love to," she said softly.

"Great," he said, standing.  "Listen, I have some work to do
backstage.  Running a show is more than just song and dance, you
know,"  he said, grinning.  "I'll be done about nine o'clock and I'll
reserve us the best seat in the house.  Okay?"

"Okay.  And Vic," she paused a moment.  "Thanks for understanding."

He grinned widely.  "That's what I specialize in."

---

After Beverly left the holodeck.  Vic asked the computer for Troi's
location.

"Deanna?" he called over a communications channel after patching it
through to her quarters.

Deanna sat up stiffly from her position on the sofa.  "Vic, is that
you?  How are you contacting me?"

"Just a little trick I learned on Deep Space Nine," he replied.
"Listen, Deanna, I'm meeting Beverly for dinner tonight at nine
o'clock and I ..."

"Dinner tonight?" she cut him off.  "I thought you were meeting her at
19:00."

"I did.  She just left, but I need a little more time with her if
we're going to pull this off.  And I need you there too, and Will."

"Okay Vic, but I'm confused, what do you need from us."

"I think it will make Beverly more comfortable.  Besides, it'll be
fun.  A little dinner, a little dancing, maybe even a little
romancing, ya know what I mean."

"Wait a minute Vic.  Don't carry this thing too far.  Remember,
Beverly doesn't know you're a hologram.  I don't want her to get
hurt."

"I know Deanna.  Trust me.  Beverly and I talked all about it.  You
were right, she's really hooked on the guy.  I wouldn't stand a chance
if I tried."

"Okay, but what's the plan.  What are Will and I supposed to do?"

"You just follow my lead.  Oh, and one more thing."

"I'm almost afraid to ask," she answered.  Deanna wondered what his
next request would be.

"Make sure the Captain drops in around nine-fifteen.  And remember,
dresses for the gals and tuxes for the guys.  This is a classy joint.
Okay, Deanna?"

Deanna agreed reluctantly.  She wasn't sure how she was going to get
the Captain there.  Perhaps, Will could help, she thought.

A few minutes later, she and Will were discussing the plan in his
quarters.

"I don't know, Deanna.  Maybe we should back off from this for now.
It's really none of our business."

"Will Riker, I'm surprised at you," she scolded him.  "Beverly and the
Captain are both our friends and this is for their own good.  You know
they belong together, they've just gotten "sidetracked" for a little
while, that's all.  And don't tell me not to get involved.  They're
our friends, so we're already involved."

Riker sat silently on the sofa for a few moments, contemplating what
the Captain, or Beverly for that matter, would do to them if they ever
found out about their little scheme.  He had to admit, the thought of
his Captain and CMO finally getting together did have its appeal.
They were his friends and he wanted them to be happy.  He didn't have
to be an empath to know that they loved each other deeply, or at
least, they could if they were given the right opportunity.  Right, he
said to himself, we're not manipulating them; we're just giving them
an opportunity.  A small smile on his face grew into a wide grin with
this realization.

"Okay, but if this backfires, it was all your idea," he said, taking
Deanna in his arms.

"I take full responsibility," she answered, kissing him fully on the
lips. "So, can you take care of getting the Captain there?"

"I think I can come up with something," he grinned.

---

Picard sat in his ready room without a clue as to the conspiracy that
was forming on his ship.  It had been a fairly routine day and he was
just finishing some reports when the chime on the door sounded.

"Come," he answered as the door opened and Riker entered the room.

"What can I do for you Number One?" he said, laying a pad on the desk
wearily.

"I can come back if you're busy, Sir."

"No, not at all, Number One.  I was just about finished for the day.
What's on your mind."

"Well, Sir, I was wondering if you would join Deanna and I for a late
dinner tonight with some friends on the holodeck."

Picard thought for a moment.  Riker almost never asked him to dine
with him, especially if he were having dinner with the Counselor.  He
must have something important on his mind.  The thought roused
Picard's curiosity.

"A special occasion, Will?" he asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"No, no," Riker stammered, trying not to make Picard suspicious of the
invitation, but yet keep him interested.  "We'd just like your opinion
about something."

Picard eyed his first officer.  Riker appeared uneasy about something,
but he decided not to push the issue.  After all, what harm could
there be in dinner?

"I'd be delighted, Will.  What time?"

Riker smiled.  It had worked.  "I think Deanna said everything would
be ready by 21:00 hours."  He paused for just a second for effect.
"On second thought, better make that about 21:15, you know how women
are.  We'll be in Holodeck 3, and Captain, we've been asked to wear a
tux.  Deanna said it's a 20th Century dinner club.  Sort of like the
club in your Dixon Hill program," he added.

"Very well then,"  Picard said.  "I'll see you there at 21:15."

With a nod, Riker left the ready room.  He just hoped that this wasn't
going to blow up in their faces.

---

When Beverly entered the holodeck, Will and Deanna were already
seated, talking quietly with Vic.  A band was playing softly on the
stage.

As she approached the table, Will and Vic stood, the latter taking her
hand and kissing it gently.  "Beverly, you look lovely," he stately
softly. "Please," he continued, pulling out a chair next to him, "have
a seat."

Will tilted his head and grinned at Deanna.  He had to admit, Vic was
smooth, especially for a hologram, a fact that he had to remind
himself was a secret.

"Thank you," Beverly said with a smile.  "And I must say that the two
of you are looking very handsome this evening yourselves," nodding to
Vic and then to Riker before taking the seat she was offered.

The four of them talked casually for a few minutes, Vic telling them
the latest news from DS9 and the people he had met there.

Riker was amazed at the complexity of this character.  He was telling
stories about the adventures on the station as if he were a real
person and had really developed a relationship with the crew there.

When the band started a new song, Vic looked over to Beverly.  "Would
you care to dance," he stated softly.

"I'd love to," she said smiling, amazed a little at how comfortable
she still felt with someone she hardly knew.

After the couple walked to the dance floor.  Riker leaned over to
Deanna.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Deanna?" he said, concern evident
in his voice.  "I mean, Beverly doesn't know he is a hologram.  I
don't want her to get hurt.  What if she starts getting a little "too
attached" to Vic? They're dancing awfully close."

Deanna smiled to herself.  She had to admit.  They did look quite
comfortable together.

"I don't think we have to worry about that Will.  Vic told me that
Beverly had made it quite clear to him that she didn't want a
relationship with him, other than friendship."

Will sighed in relief.  "Well, you wouldn't know it to look at them."

"I know.  Isn't it wonderful?  If only the Captain could see them
together like this.  Maybe it would shake some sense into him."

"Well, don't look now," Will added.  "But I think the "shaking" is
about to begin."

Deanna looked casually toward the holodeck entrance.  Picard was
standing at the door and his eyes were clearly on the dancing couple.

After a moment, he shook himself and searched the room, looking for
the familiar faces of Riker and Troi.

"Captain,"  Will said after standing to gain Picard's attention.

Picard saw his first officer and counselor at a table across the room
and went to join them.

"Glad you could join us, Sir," Deanna said as he approached the table.
"Please, have a seat."

"Thank you Counselor," he said as he sat down next to Riker.  Picard
looked back to the dance floor.  When he realized he had been staring
for several moments, he turned back toward the seated couple and
cleared his throat. "So what's the occasion, Number One?"

"Oh, nothing special Captain."  Riker's mind was racing to come up
with an acceptable lie.  "Just friends getting together."

"I see," Picard said, careful to hide his surprise from Deanna.
Perhaps, he thought, Riker wasn't ready to speak in front of her.
"Well," he said, taking a glass of wine that a waiter had placed in
front of him.  "Then here's to friendship."

Will looked quickly at Deanna and then to Picard.  "Right, to
friendship," he said as they all raised their glasses.

"Speaking of friends, Captain, I don't think you've met our host, Vic
Fontaine.  He's over there with Beverly," she said casually point over
to the dancing couple, as though she thought Picard had not noticed
them.  "He uses the holodeck program to recreate 1960's Las Vegas.  He
also sings in the band.  He's really quite talented."

"So I can see," Picard said grimly as he looked directly at the
couple.  The tone of his voice was not lost on Deanna and she bit her
lip to fight back a smile.  "I wasn't aware that any new entertainers
had boarded the ship."

"Oh, he just showed up earlier today," Deanna said, trying not to
smile.  "I'm sure he's all right Captain.  I know he performed for
quite a while on Deep Space Nine.  Worf even recommended him."

"Indeed," he said, not taking his eyes off the dancing couple.  "Well,
my former security officer's tastes have certainly changed since he
left the Enterprise.  I didn't realize he enjoyed this type of music.
It seems a little 'tame' for a Klingon."

"Oh, I don't really think it was the music that attracted him,
Captain.  I think it was the atmosphere Vic creates here. Now, how did
Worf put it?" Deanna paused a moment, choosing her words carefully to
add the desired effect.  "Oh, yes, I remember, he said it was almost
as romantic as seeing Klingon opera for the first time."

Picard raised his eyebrows and stared at the Counselor for a moment.
He couldn't remember when he had ever heard the words "romantic" and
"Klingon" in the same sentence.  "Really, Counselor?  I don't think
I've ever thought of Worf as being a romantic," he said with a smile.

"Don't let that cool, Klingon facade fool you, Captain," Will chimed
in.  "When I served on that Klingon warbird a few years ago, I heard
tales from some of the women that would make your hair curl."  He
paused a moment as he saw the Captain's gaze turn sharply towards him.
He cleared his throat and added uneasily, "Uh, no offense, Sir.".

Picard smiled slightly despite himself at his First Officer's slight
discomfort.  "None taken, Number One."

Deanna chose this opportunity to add more fuel to the Captain's fire.

"Well, there is more to Worf than meets the eye, but I'll have to
admit I was a little surprised myself when Worf suggested that I
introduce Vic to Beverly."  She took a drink of her wine before
continuing. The comment had it's desired effect.  The wave of emotions
that she felt from the Captain were unmistakable.  "I guess he is more
of a romantic than even I gave him credit for."

"They do seem to be hitting it off pretty well, don't they?"  Riker
added innocently to Deanna.

Picard's eyes were no longer on his companions at the table.  They
were again glued to the dance floor.  After a moment, he turned back
to Troi and Riker, his captain's mask firmly in place.

"Well, I for one, am looking forward to meeting our host.  He sounds
like a ascinating fellow.  Tell me Deanna, how long is scheduled to
stay aboard the Enterprise?" Picard asked.

"I'm not really sure, Captain.  I think he was at Deep Space Nine for
several months.  I guess, he'll stay as long as he crew continues to
enjoy his show.  From what I understand, he's alone and just goes
wherever people ask for him."

"So, he didn't bring his family aboard the ship?"  Picard asked.

"No, I don't think he has a family, Captain.  At least, Worf didn't
mention one."  Deanna paused for a moment and then grinned, raising
her eyebrows a little as she looked at the dancing couple.  "He's
certainly not acting like he has a wife and kids stowed away
somewhere."

Picard's eyes turned back to the dance floor.  He understood Deanna's
meaning.  Over the last few minutes, he could have sworn that the
temperature aboard the ship had risen ten degrees.

---

Vic held Beverly close in his arms as the two floated with the music.
They occasionally smiled at each other, but rarely talked except to
compliment each other on their dancing.

"You really are very good," Vic stated softly.

Beverly blushed at the comment and smiled sweetly at him.

"Thank you," she said.  "You're not so bad yourself."

"Ahhh, but I do this for a living.  I mean, I'm an entertainer.  I'm
supposed to be suave and debonair," he smiled at his own joke.

"Well, Mr. Fontaine," she laughed lightly.  "You're very good at your
job."

"Thank you, my lady," he said, overacting a little and bowing his head
slightly.

Again she chuckled lightly.

"You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet, don't you?"

"Of course," he smiled.  "What can I say?  It's a gift."  He paused
for a moment and looked deeply in her eyes.  "Too bad all of this
charm is wasted on someone whose heart is already taken."

Beverly smiled sweetly back at him and kissed him lightly on the
cheek.  "Thank you."

"For what, being a good loser," he laughed lightly.

"No," she said, "for being a good friend."

"My pleasure.  You're a fascinating woman, Beverly Crusher.  I think
that Captain of yours must be a fool."

He paused for a moment, looked over toward their table and smiled.
"Speak of the devil.  Don't look now, but I think we're being
watched."

Beverly's heart nearly stopped when she glanced over at the table and
saw three sets of eyes looking their way when she only expected two.
She quickly faced Vic again and tried to continue smiling.  Vic
noticed her stiffening in his arms and held her tighter to support her
as they continued to dance.

"Maybe you'd like to sit down," he said gently.

"No,"  she countered quickly, looking over to a set of glass doors
nearby. "Uh... where do those go?"

"To a balcony and a small bar," he answered.

"Good.  I think I could use a drink right now."

"Your wish is my command," he said gallantly and glided her through
the doorway and out of the Captain's sight.

Back at the table, Picard's stomach was doing flip-flops.  He was
doing his best not to react to what he had just witnessed on the dance
floor.  He couldn't believe what was happening.  Good God, he thought,
Beverly had only known this man for a matter of minutes.  He noticed
her blush in his arms as they spoke softly, dancing so close to the
music.  And then she had actually kissed him before she allowed him to
whisk her away to what he guessed must be a more private location.

From his seat, Picard strained his neck to see what lie past the
doorway. He could see a little corner of what seemed to be a bar.  He
turned back toward Riker and Troi and forced a smile.

"You know, Number One, this was a wonderful idea, having dinner
together. We should do it more often.  Too bad some of the other crew
couldn't have joined us."

"Oh, we invited some of the other senior staff, Captain.  Data and
Geordie may be joining us later and we asked Beverly, but, well, you
see, I think she had other plans,"  Deanna said, acting a little
uncomfortable for his benefit.

"Yes, I see.  Well, I think I'll get another drink while we wait for
Mr. Data and LaForge," he said, smiling and trying to act as casual as
possible. "Could I get you two anything," he added as he rose from his
chair.

"No, Sir.  We're fine," Riker replied quickly, holding his breath to
keep from laughing.  "You go ahead."

After Picard was out of site, the two officers looked at each other
and nearly fell out of their chairs.

---

When Picard made his way past the doorway, he could see the two of
them leaning against the far side of the balcony.  Beverly had her
back to him, her head resting on Vic's shoulder as he spoke to her
softly.  Vic saw the Captain enter the room out of the corner of his
eye and slowly placed his right hand on Beverly's back, caressing it
gently.

Beverly had been completely taken off guard by seeing Picard at the
table, so soon after discussing her feelings with Vic.  The drink Vic
had given her helped, but she was still a little shaky and appreciated
Vic's support and understanding.

She looked up at him and smiled sadly.  "I seem to keep thanking you,"
she said as she placed her right hand gently on Vic's cheek.

Knowing that Picard was watching them intently, Vic looked directly
into Beverly's eyes.  "Do you trust me?"  She nodded.  With that, he
enveloped her in his arms and kissed her passionately.  When the kiss
ended, Beverly was too dumbfounded to say anything.  She just stared
at him blankly.  Vic smiled warmly back at her for a moment and then
motioned with his eyes for her to look toward the doorway.  The sight
of the quickly approaching Captain made her breath catch in her
throat.  "Jean-Luc," she gasped.  "I didn't know you were standing
there."

"Obviously," Picard spoke between his clinched teeth.  Then with a
forced smile he continued.  "I just came in to get a drink.  You must
be Mr. Fontaine.  I've heard so much about you."

"Yes,"  Beverly was stammering, "Vic, this is Jean-Luc ... Captain ...
Captain Picard."

"Well, Beverly's told me so much about you Captain," Vic replied,
extending his hand.  "It's very nice to meet you finally."

"Likewise, I'm sure, Vic,"  Picard answered, making sure to use the
man's first name as Beverly had before.  Stiffly, Picard took the
man's extended hand.  "So, Vic, when did you come on board?"

"Oh, just earlier today, Captain.  I just popped in from Deep Space
Nine.  I think you know some people over there, don't you?  I must
say, you have a fine ship."  Vic looked directly at Beverly and
smiled.  "And an even a finer crew.  Everyone has made me feel very
welcomed."

She returned the smile.

"Yes," Picard stated calmly and looked at Beverly.  "We have a very
friendly crew."

Beverly recognized a tenge of jealousy in Picard's manor.  The thought
amused her.  It serves him right, she thought.

Back at the table, Troi and Riker were becoming concerned that neither
of their friends had returned from the balcony.

"What do you think is going on out there?" Riker asked.

"I don't know, Will.  They've been out there for a long time.  Maybe
you should go check on them.  I felt the Captain was pretty upset when
he left."

"I think you're right.  Don't give away my seat, okay?"  Will grinned
and kissed Deanna lightly on the cheek before rising from the table
and heading for the balcony doors.

As he entered the bar area, Will could see the three of them standing
near the balcony.  As he walked up to them, Beverly snaked her arm
around Vic's waist.

"Well, Captain," Beverly said with a smile.  "You do expect us to be
courteous to our guests, don't you?"

"I'd expect nothing less, Doctor," he replied with an equally
challenging smile.

Vic could see trouble was brewing between the two and was happy to see
Riker approach the group.  Riker didn't miss the tension between the
Captain and Beverly.  Perhaps, he thought, he should get Beverly out
of there before one of them said something they shouldn't.

"Captain, I see you've met our host," Riker stated when he joined
them.

"Yes, indeed, Number One.  Mr. Fontaine and I were just getting to
know one another."

"Well, don't let me interrupt.  I was just wondering if Beverly would
like to dance,"  Will stated as he bowed slightly in her direction.

Beverly smiled mischievously at the suggestion.  "As long as you don't
mind, Vic?" she asked innocently.

"No, go ahead.  Just save me a dance for later," Vic replied.

With that, Beverly leaned toward Vic and kissed him on the cheek
before
taking Will's offered arm and being led toward the dance floor.

The two men watched as Beverly and Will left the balcony.

Vic turned back toward Picard and motioned toward the bar.  "So, would
you like a drink, Captain?"

Picard smiled slightly at Vic for a moment.  This could be an
interesting conversation, he thought. "Of course," he answered.

"What's your poison?"

"Scotch, neat," the Captain replied, smiling slightly at Vic's choice
of words.

Vic leaned over to the bartender.  "Make that two."  After receiving
their drinks, he handed one to Picard.  The two men leaned slightly
against the bar and studied each other for a moment, each waiting for
the other to make their next move.  Vic decided to take the chance.

"Your doctor is a lovely woman,"  he stated.

"Indeed she is.  We've been friends for a long time."

"Friends?  Really?  I thought perhaps there was more to it than that,"
Vic stated flatly.

Picard was amazed at the man's directness.  He couldn't quite
understand it, but despite the previous tension of the situation,
Picard no longer felt as threatened by him.

"And what would make you think that?" he asked.

"Oh, I don't know.  I guess I'm just a little surprised that someone
else hasn't snatched her up by now."

Picard studied him for a moment.  If Fontaine wasn't pulling any
punches, neither would he, he thought.

"Is that what you intend to do, 'snatch her up'?" he asked.

Vic smiled.  "When a fruit is ripe for the picking, it's a shame to
let it stay on the vine."

"So, you plan to try your hand at a little gardening?"  Picard
couldn't help but smile a little at his own choice of words, despite
the implications.

Vic chuckled at the question.

"It's a tempting idea, Captain, but if there's one thing you learn in
show business, it's you never go where you're not welcomed."

Picard raised an eyebrow.  "You looked pretty welcomed a few minutes
ago," he replied.

Vic smiled and looked down at his drink.  "Beverly is a nice lady, but
I knew from the start that I didn't stand a ghost of a chance with
her."  Vic paused and looked directly at Picard.  "Or haven't you
figured that out yet, Captain?"

Picard stared back at him.  "I don't know if I understand your full
meaning."

Vic shook his head.  These people are really dense, he thought.  "Why
am I not surprised?" he said aloud.  "You people don't get out much,
do you?"

Picard gazed at him with a confused look on his face.

"Never mind.  Look, Captain.  How can I put this so you will
understand?" He paused for a moment.  "Beverly's off the market."

The look he received from Picard was more confused than before.

"You still don't get it, do you?  Let me spell it out for you.  It's
kinda hard to woo a lady whose already in love with someone else," he
said impatiently.

Picard still didn't say anything.  He just stared a Vic for a moment.
Vic decided there was no longer any use beating around the bush.

"Oh, come on, Captain, wake up!  The lady's nuts about you.  And don't
tell me you don't feel the same way."

Picard looked down at his near empty glass.  "I'm sure you're
mistaken, Mr. Fontaine."

"Mistaken?  You gotta be kidding me.  A blind man could see it with a
cane!" Picard didn't respond, so Vic continued.

"Look, Captain.  She's out there on the dance floor with Will.  Why
don't you just go out there and tell her how you feel?"

Picard sighed.  "I've done that before," he said quietly.

"And what happened?"

"She walked out on me," he replied.

"And?" Vic inquired.

"And .... nothing.  We remained friends, nothing more.  That was four
years ago."

"Four years!  Well, maybe you should have gone after her.  Maybe, you
should go after her now.  A lot of things can happen in four years, ya
know.  A lot of things can change.  What have you got to loose, that
is, if you're still interested?"

Vic paused for a moment to study the Captain.  He had done all he
could, he decided.  It was now up to them.  He stood up from the
barstool.

"Life's too short, Captain.  Don't waste any more of it."

Vic looked over toward the balcony door just as Riker and Beverly were
returning from the dance floor.  He motioned with his eyes to the
returning couple.

"Well, Captain?"  Vic continued, not sure if he had gotten through to
him or not.  "I think we have business to take care of, don't you?"
Beverly and Riker joined them at the bar.

"It's time for my next set.  Beverly, I'll see you later."

Vic quickly kissed Beverly on the check and gave Picard a challenging
look as he passed him and made his way out the door.  Will quickly
made an excuse about leaving Deanna alone for so long and was gone
before anyone could say a word.

Beverly was a little uneasy by their sudden departures and looked at
Picard shyly.

"Well, it looks like we've been deserted."

"It would seem so," he said.  "Would you like to go back and join the
others?"

"No, this is fine.  It was getting a little crowded on the dance floor
anyway."

He motioned her over to a barstool and she sat down as he took up a
place standing next to her, leaning slightly against the bar.

Beverly was beginning to get nervous at her closeness to Jean-Luc.
She wondered what he and Vic had been discussing in her absence.  Jean
-Luc seemed much more comfortable with the situation than when she had
left with Will for the dance.

"Would you like something to drink?" he asked.

"Sure.  A white wine would be nice,"  she answered.  Picard got the
attention of the bartender and ordered her drink, placing his own on
the bar next to them.

"Your new friend is an interesting fellow."

"Yes, he is," she said, smiling mischievously.  "Very interesting, and
very charming."

"Hmm.  A little forward thought, don't you think?  I mean, you hardly
know him Beverly."

Beverly flashed him a brilliant smile.  "Why, Jean-Luc, if I didn't
know any better, I'd say you were jealous."

"I am NOT jealous.  I'm just saying that you really don't know
anything about him.  I can't put my finger on it, but there's
something "unnatural" about him."

"Well, I think he's very natural," Beverly countered.  "And a VERY
good dancer."

Picard knitted his brow and stared at her.  "Hmm.  You can't be
serious?"

"You ARE jealous!"

"I am not!  I just don't want you to get hurt."

Beverly was beginning to get angry.  What did he have to be jealous
about, she thought to herself.  He was the one gallivanting around on
Ba'ku a few months before.  She turned away from him and started to
get up from her seat.

"Well don't worry, Captain.  Vic would never hurt me.  We know just
where we stand with each other, unlike some people I know."

"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Picard spat out.

She gazed at him angrily, got up from the barstool and tried to walk
away. He grabbed her arm.

"Let me go, Jean-Luc," she said firmly, trying to break his grasp.

He held her firm and set his jaw.  "No.  I won't let you go, not this
time. Not until you hear what I have to say."

She gazed at him defiantly for a moment, but sat back down on the
stool.

"Beverly, please."  He took a deep breath and let it out.  After a
second, he lessened his hold on her, his hand now laying gently on her
forearm. "I'm sorry.  Forgive me."  He took another deep breath and
continued.  "I AM your friend, Beverly.  Don't go.  Please."

For a moment, the two were silent.  Jean-Luc tried to catch her gaze,
but she refused to look at him.  Tears were forming in her eyes.

"Beverly, please," he pleaded again softly.  "Look at me."  Slowly, he
traced his hand up her arm and placed it under her chin, gently
raising her face to look in her eyes.

When she didn't resist him, the look in her eyes nearly shattered his
heart. A single tear had escaped from her eyes and traced down her
cheek.  The anger in her eyes was gone.  In its place, Jean-Luc saw
uncertainty and pain.  He took his thumb and gently wiped the tear
from her cheek.

"What do you want from me, Jean-Luc?" she pleaded.

The question momentarily stunned him.  What did he want?   Seeing
Beverly in the arms of another man had brought back emotions that he
thought were long since buried.  He had loved her from the first
moment he laid eyes on her. He still loved her, he realized, more than
life itself.  The realization turned his mind to clay and he couldn't
form the words to tell her.

His silence and stunned look brought her anger back to the surface.

"That's what I thought," she said, turning away from him to walk away
again.

But he couldn't let her leave.  Not again.  "Beverly, wait, please."

He had taken her arm again in his hand to hold her steady.  His
emotions
were too close to the surface for him to speak the words in his heart.

"Jean-Luc, I'm getting tired of this game of yours.  So let's just
call it a night, all right, before one of us says something that we'll
regret."

"Wait!  Please," he pleaded as he searched her eyes for a moment.
"Dance with me?" he asked gently.

"What?" she answered shakily.  "Jean-Luc, I don't think . . ."

He cut her off.  "Please.  I don't want you to leave.  Just one
dance?"

She stopped for a moment and looked slowly into his eyes.  What she
saw there made her heart nearly stop.

Slowly, she raised her right arm and placed it over his shoulder, her
fingers resting on the back of his neck.  He released her other arm
and took her left hand in his.  She rested her head on his shoulder,
just under his chin.

Through the open balcony doors, they could hear the gentle music
playing as a man's voice began to caress the song.  It was Vic.

As they began to sway to the music, Beverly's body relaxed for the
first time since she had spotted him on the balcony and she leaned in
slowly against him.

Picard smiled at the gesture and closed his eyes for a moment.  How he
had longed to have this woman in his arms again, holding her close.
Neither spoke for several minutes as they danced to the old melody.

Picard broke the silence as he pulled back to look in her eyes, still
moist from the earlier tears.

"Beverly, I'm sorry.  I ...", he spoke, but was silenced by Beverly
gently placing her fingers on his lips.

"Jean-Luc, don't."  She smiled softly at him.  "No more apologies
tonight. Just hold me."

He kissed the fingers that still lingered on his lips and took her
hand gently back in his own.  He could see the love in her eyes and,
for the first time in his life, knew that it was only there for him.

Slowly, he leaned in to brush his lips gently with hers.  The kiss
grew in its intensity with each beat of the soft music that flowed
around them.

Pulling back slowly, he looked again in her still moist eyes and spoke
hoarsely.

"I love you, Beverly.  I always have."

Tears anew began to form in her eyes as she began to comprehend the
words that she had so longed to hear.

"I love you, too, Jean-Luc."  She smiled gently as she spoke.  "I
think it's time for us to go home."

He pulled her in again for another kiss, this one filled with the
promise of wonderful things to come.

---

The End