Chapter Text
Jean-Luc, captain of the USS Stargazer, paced the small bridge. What was taking so long? "Bridge to Crusher. Jack, what's going on out there?"
"We almost have it Johnny....just a little more....come on Pug, we can do it....just aim your phaser over there....." Jack's voice got cut off by a loud boom.
"JACK! Report! Pug!" Jean-Luc went flying through the ship to the starboard airlock. He hastily shoved on am EVA suit and was out the airlock before Gilaad Ben Zoma could stop him.
Jean-Luc used the handholds to get to the nacelles. One of the nacelles was floating free. Jack and Pug had saved the ship...but at what cost?
Jean-Luc found Pug first. His eyes were wide and Jean-Luc was sure he was dead. He moved on. Once he found Jack, he would retrieve Pug's body. Jack was floating, tethered to the ship. His helmet had cracked and there was blood on his forehead. Jack looked like he was asleep, but until Jean-Luc got his body inside he wouldn't know if he was alive or dead. He untied Jack from the ship and attached the stay to his belt. Moving back to Pug, he did the same. As soon as they were safely in the airlock, Jean-Luc removed his helmet. "MEDIC!!! Medical emergency in Starboard Airlock! Two casualties!"
Ben Zoma had acted fast when his captain went out the airlock and there was a medic team already waiting. They pronounced Pug dead, but rushed Jack to sickbay. Ben Zoma helped Jean-Luc remove the rest of the EVA suit. "Number One, what am I going to tell Beverly?"
###
Jean-Luc looked down on his old friend on the biobed. His eyes were closed and he was draped in tubes. The large contraption bridging across his body was helping his lungs to inflate and deflate. Another machine kept his heart pumping. Jack had suffered near asphyxiation and had fallen into a coma. Doctor Greyhorse didn't know the full extent of the damage, and wouldn't until a neurospecialist could take over Jack's care on Starbase 32.
Beverly, Jack's wife was already on Starbase 32. She was a trainee doctor and was raising her and Jack's five year old son on the base. Starbase 32 was a regular stop for the Stargazer, so the family saw each other frequently along with Jean-Luc, who had been made an honorary uncle to their son, Wesley.
Jean-Luc had fallen in love with the young redhead before she had started dating Jack, but had never told her how he felt, feeling she would think him too old for her. The three of them used to spend all of their shore leaves together and Beverly soon became his other best friend. But now he would have to tell her he had been unable to keep Jack safe and he didn't quite know how.
After Jean-Luc received an update on Jack, he retreated to his ready room and initiated a call to Beverly. Beverly's smiling face filled the screen. "Oh! Hello, Jean-Luc, I was expecting Jack." In the background, Wesley was trying to climb into his mother's lap to see the screen. "Uncle Jawn Loo! I have stuffs to tell you!"
Jean-Luc smiled at the sight of his "nephew". "Hello, Wesley. Do you mind if I speak with Mommy first?"
"Ok. But I wants to tawk to you."
"You have my word, Wesley." Jean-Luc watched as Wesley slid off Beverly's lap and disappeared out of view. He looked at Beverly and her smile faded.
"Jack?"
Jean-Luc looked down, not able to meet her gaze even through the vidscreen. “I...I’m sorry, Beverly.”
“Is he...dead?” A tear rolled down Beverly’s cheek and Jean-Luc wanted to be with her to wipe her tears away.
“No, not dead . But he’s...he’s in a coma. Doctor Greyhorse doesn’t know if he...” Jean-Luc’s voice faded as he found himself wiping a tear away from his eyes. “Greyhorse doesn’t know if he’ll wake up, or what state he will be in when he does. I can forward the medical report to you...you’ll probably understand it better than me.” Beverly nodded and Jean-Luc pressed a few buttons to transmit the report. He watched as Beverly studied the file, hoping she would find something Greyhorse hadn’t that would increase Jack’s chances.
Beverly frowned. “Naturally, you’re bringing him here to Doctor Quiace?”
“Yes, but Beverly, we’re still weeks out. I don’t...I don’t know what to do.” He finished lamely.
“Where are you?”
“The closest base to us is Starbase Twelve, but their medical facilities can’t help us, we already checked.”
“If I get to Twelve, can you pick us up?”
“You and Wes?” Beverly nodded. “Jean-Luc...I need to see him. Just in case...well...what if he doesn’t make it?”
“He will make it, Beverly. I know he will. Jack is strong. And when he has someone like you waiting for him....of course he’ll make it.” Jean-Luc blushed. Beverly grinned. Jean-Luc really was adorable when he made comments like that. Beverly sometimes found it hard to ignore her feelings for the man, despite being married to Jack. Beverly pressed some more buttons on her console.
“Wes and I can leave tonight on a fast shuttle and be there in...one week? That doesn’t look right. How far away are you?”
“A few days from SB Twelve, about six from you.”
“Could we put Jack on a passenger shuttle to get him here faster?”
“No, unfortunately. We asked. They aren’t equipped to transport medical emergencies like Jack. What we really need are those hospital ships they keep talking about, but it sounds like those are at least thirty years away.”
“Tell me about it, Jean-Luc. I’ve even written a paper about the benefit of having hospital ships, but command is determined to finish the plans for the new class of ship first.”
“If you come to Starbase Twelve, I can have a shuttle meet you and it won’t take us off course.”
“Please don’t send Pug. I can’t stand the...” Jean-Luc had a pained look on his face. “What did I say?”
“Pug....Pug didn’t make it. He was with Jack when it happened and by the time I got out to check on them, Pug was dead.”
“I’m sorry, Jean-Luc, that was very insensitive of me.”
“You didn’t know. I think I will come to Starbase Twelve to meet you. I suspect it’s the only way that will keep Wesley in check in a small shuttle.” Beverly’s eyes twinkled.
“You sure you want to be in a small shuttle with my son? You realise you’re talking about your nephew, right? The one who managed to take apart Jack’s old phaser before we even knew he had it?” Jean-Luc chuckled. “I’ll endeavour to cope. I’ll just let him pilot....”
“You wouldn’t!”
“Ah, watch me, my dear.” Jean-Luc’s face turned sober again. It was nice to banter with Beverly, but the situation with Jack was too serious to lose sight of it. “You’ll give me your itinerary? Just in case....” he trailed off, not wanting to say ‘In case Jack dies’. Beverly nodded.
“I’ll see you in a week. Now, where is that nephew of mine and what on Earth is so important that he can’t send it to me in a letter?”
“I have no idea. But wait and I’ll get him for you.”
“Beverly? Are you going to tell him about Jack?”
“Yes, but only that he is injured. No reason to worry him.” Beverly disappeared from the monitor and soon Wesley appeared. “Uncle Jawn Loo!!” Wesley turned to his mother and made a shooing motion with his hand, obviously something he had picked up from one of the adults in his life. “Moooooommmmm-eee, I want to talk to Uncle Jawn Loo alooooone.” Beverly shrugged at Jean-Luc in the monitor and backed out of the room. “Don’t go when Wes is done, I’ll make the travel arrangements now.” Jen-Luc nodded and focussed all his attention on the energetic five-year-old on the screen.
###
“Captain, are you sure you want to go alone? We can send someone with you...or I could go and meet Beverly and Wesley...”
“Gilaad, please. It’s Beverly. I told her I would personally meet her at Starbase Twelve, and I intend on keeping that promise.” Ben Zoma sighed inwardly. He knew his Captain had feelings for the Second Officer’s wife, and would do anything for her. “If you’re sure, Sir.”
“I’ll be fine, Gilaad. Two days to get there, one day to wait for Beverly to arrive, and then two or three more days, depending on your location, to get back to the ship. You can handle things for five days, can’t you?”
“Of course, Sir.”
“Then it’s settled. Is the shuttle ready for me?”
“Aye.” Jean-Luc slung his pack over his shoulder. “Then, you have command until I return, Number One.”
The shuttlecraft on board the Stargazer were small and slightly cramped for living space, so they really were not designed for long trips. There was the main console at the front with seats for pilot and co-pilot, and two side panels that could be activated for science or engineering use. Behind and up a few short steps there was a table that doubled up as an eating area and a meeting area, with a replicator not too far away. Beyond the table there was a curtained off room on the left that contained two bunks and a small facility for bathing, and the opposite side contained a very small sickbay. More like a first-aid area, if truth be told. At the rear, the shuttle held a single transporter pad and a larger multi-use cargo area. It would be cramped space for him, Beverly, and Wesley, but they would be fine for a few days. With nothing in the cargo bay, it at least would give young Wesley plenty of space to run around and play in.
Jean-Luc tossed his bag onto one of the bunks and pulled out a book. Once he was safely on his way, he could engage the auto-nav and relax with a book. Beverly and Wesley were already on their way to the base, but Jean-Luc still sent her a short message to get her know he would meet her in three days. The message would get routed to her personal PADD he knew she always had with her.
Jean-Luc docked his shuttle in the shuttle bay on Starbase 12 and was greeted by the quartermaster. “Captain Picard, we weren’t expecting you.”
“I’m sorry. Would you happen to have quarters for me for two nights? I’m here to meet some passengers off the shuttle from Starbase Thirty-two that arrives tomorrow. The day after, we’ll be departing again for the Stargazer.”
“Jack Crusher’s wife?” Jean-Luc raised his eyebrows at the man. “Actually, yes. And their son will be with her. How did you know?”
“Her name’s on the manifest for the shuttle. Only reason I can think of for you to be here to pick up passengers. How is Commander Crusher?”
“No change, unfortunately.” The quartermaster frowned. “Right, well if you’ll come with me, we can sort out some quarters for you. I assume you’d like a room for Doctor Crusher and her son for tomorrow?”
“If you could spare it. Or, if you could arrange quarters for me that would be large enough to share, that would be fine. Beverly and I have bunked together before and I daresay Wesley would relish the thought of bunking in with his uncle.” The quartermaster chuckled. “That might be easier to arrange.”
Jean-Luc made sure he was waiting at the bottom of the gangway connecting the passenger shuttle to the base and when Beverly appeared holding onto Wesley’s hand, he couldn’t help but smile. Wesley tore his hand out of his mother’s and came running down the gangway nearly toppling over a Bolian to launch himself at Jean-Luc.
“Uncle Jawn Loo! Mommy said you’d be here!” Jean-Luc caught the boy and hefted him up into his arms. “Oof. Have you been eating bricks?” Wesley giggled and flung his arms around Jean-Luc’s neck. “Uncle Jawn Loo...is Daddy ok? Mommy told me he was hurted...” Jean-Luc lowered the boy to the floor and knelt down to look him in the eye. “Wes, your daddy was injured, but you know what? He saved the ship. Your daddy is a hero.” Wesley beamed. “You’re my hero too, Uncle Jawn Loo.” Jean-Luc ruffled the boy’s hair and held onto his hand as Beverly continued down the gangway at a more subdued pace.
“Jean-Luc.” Beverly wrapped her arms around Jean-Luc and buried her face in his neck. Jean-Luc wrapped his free arm across Beverly’s back and held her close as he felt her tears wet his neck. “Beverly, it’s going to be alright. Jack’s a fighter, you know that.” Beverly sniffed and lowered her arms. “You’re right.” She lifted her head and gave Jean-Luc a kiss on the cheek. “Hello, Jean-Luc.” Jean-Luc returned the kiss and reluctantly let go of her. “We have quarters for the evening here if you want to rest up...or we could board my shuttle and be on our way.”
“As much as I want to get to Jack, I think I’d like to rest first. Perhaps take Wesley to the arboretum so he can run around? There was barely any room on that shuttle for children to play.” Jean-Luc nodded and took the bag Beverly had slung over her shoulder. He placed a light hand on her back and she leaned into his shoulder. “Thank you for meeting me.”
“Anything for you, Beverly.”
###
Wesley was running around the cargo area of the shuttle. “Uncle Jawn Loo, can I fwy the shuttle?”
“How about you sit next to me and watch while I fly the shuttle?”
“But...”
“No buts, young man. Listen to your uncle.” Wesley pouted. Beverly glanced over at Jean-Luc and smiled. “Sorry. He really doesn’t like being cooped up in shuttles. I’m hoping once we’re on the Stargazer he behaves himself better.”
“It’s fine, Beverly. I’ll get us out into open space, set the auto-nav, and then let Wesley think he’s flying the shuttle. It’s no problem.” He reached out and squeezed her hand. “Why don’t you get some sleep? The bunks aren’t the most comfortable, but they’re serviceable. You look tired.” Beverly shot her best friend a wry smile. “Is that your way of telling me I look horrible?”
“Beverly, you wound me. You know I think you’re always beautiful.” Beverly blushed and leaned up to give Jean-Luc a kiss on the cheek. “You’re lying, but it’s a nice sentiment.” She turned to Wesley. “I’m going to go get some sleep. You listen to your uncle and don’t touch anything unless he says you can!”
“Ok, Mommy.”
Beverly disappeared behind the curtain and removed her shoes, jacket, and skirt before laying down on one of the lower bunks. Surprisingly, the bunks were wider than the ones she and Wesley had to endure on the other shuttle. They also were fairly comfortable. Beverly rolled over and inhaled the pillow. Jean-Luc must have used this bunk. The pillow smells like his aftershave. She shook her head. I shouldn’t know what my best friend’s aftershave smells like... Beverly drifted off to sleep thinking about her best friend instead of her ill husband.
Out in the cockpit, for Jean-Luc refused to consider it a Bridge, Jean-Luc was instructing Wesley. Wesley was sat in the co-pilot’s seat on his knees so he could see everything and listened as Jean-Luc received instructions for leaving the shuttle bay. When Jean-Luc pointed at one of the buttons in front of Wesley, he pushed it and got a deep thrill as he heard the thrusters come on. “Did I do that?” Jean-Luc grinned at the boy. “You did indeed, Wes.” Jean-Luc busied himself entering in the coordinates for the small shuttle to travel to and once they were free of the station, he engaged the auto-Nav and locked it to his security code so Wesley couldn’t accidentally turn it off.
“Right. I promised you flying lessons when you were older last time we visited, didn’t I? “ Wesley nodded. “I’m older now, Uncle Jawn Loo!”
“So you are. So let’s call this lesson one...”
Jean-Luc spent several hours explaining everything on the console to Wesley, who to his surprise never seemed to get bored and just kept on asking questions. Jean-Luc knew Wesley was bright, but he hadn’t realised just how smart the boy was and made a mental note to talk to Beverly about Wesley’s education. Jean-Luc knew how hard it was to be the smartest kid in your class, but at least Wesley didn’t have a belligerent older brother like he had.
“Uncle Jawn Loo, is Daddy going to die?” Jean-Luc faltered. How could he answer the boy? Truthfully?
“Wesley...I think we should wait for your mother to talk about your father, alright?”
“Mommy cried a lot.” Jean-Luc felt his heart tighten. “Wes, she’s just worried about your father.”
“Are you worried about him?”
“Of course I am, he’s my best friend. He’s very ill, Wes. That’s why we’re going to go see him.”
“Cos Mommy can fix him?”
“I...don’t know, Wes. I think she’ll try. We’re going to bring him to Doctor Quaice.”
“I like Doctor Quace. An’ Mrs Quaice is nice too.” Wesley yawned.
“Hmm, I think it’s bedtime for cadets.”
“Nooooo. I’m not....sleepy....” Wesley yawned again and rubbed at his eyes .
“Tell you what. You put on some pyjamas and I’ll get you a glass of milk and then read you a story, ok?”
“Ok, Uncle Jawn Loo.”
“But be quiet, we don’t want to wake up your mother.” Wesley held his finger to his lips and tiptoed behind the curtain. Jean-Luc went over to the replicator and asked it for a glass of warm milk with a dash of nutmeg, his Aunt Adele’s favourite method for getting to sleep and ducked behind the curtain. His heart was in his throat when he saw Beverly on his bunk, her red hair splayed out on the pillow. She looked like an angel. He shook himself out of his thoughts and helped Wesley into the bunk on the other side and then he crawled in next to him. He passed Wesley his milk and took the book Wesley held out and began to read.
Beverly slowly woke up and listened to the soft baritone of her best friend reading a bedtime story to Wesley. She smiled. For someone who claimed to not like children, he really had a way with them. Or perhaps it was just with Wesley. Jean-Luc had told Beverly once before that Wesley reminded him of himself when he was his age. Beverly rolled over and took in the sight before her. On the opposite bunk, Jean-Luc had Wesley cuddled in his arms as he read to him. He really would make an excellent father. It’s a shame he never had any children.
Wesley had finally fallen asleep and Jean-Luc untangled himself from the boy before tucking the covers in around him. “Lights, 30 percent,” he whispered as the room’s lighting dimmed. He was backing out of the room when Beverly stuck her hand out and pulled him down onto the bunk with her.
“Where’s my bedtime story?” Jean-Luc smiled in the low light. “Sorry if we woke you. Please, get some more sleep.”
“What about you?”
“Well, someone appears to be sleeping in my bunk...” Beverly grinned. “It seems pretty roomy. I think you’d fit.”
“Beverly....”
“We used to share a bed all the time, what’s the difference now?”
“Jack?” The last time he had shared a bed with Beverly, she hadn’t been married to Jack, let alone dating him.
“I...” tears pooled in her eyes. “Jean-Luc, I just need someone to hold me right now...please?”
Jean-Luc shrugged out of his jacket. “I think I can manage that.”
“Aren’t you going to take off your trousers? If you’ve forgotten how, I’ll help. ” Beverly cheekily reached for the button on Jean-Luc’s trousers.
“Beverly!” He shook his head at his friend and removed his trousers. “There. Happy now?” Beverly lifted up a corner of the cover for Jean-Luc to slide in next to her. It was a tight fit, but if they both were on their sides, they would fit. “Mmm, yes.” She gave Jean-Luc a chaste kiss on the lips before rolling over and pressing her back into his chest. Jean-Luc groaned, but wrapped his arm around her to hold her close. It was going to be a very long night...