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Picard had been polite. “Doctor Bashir, I’ve heard excellent things about… I believe Doctor Crusher said it was stabilizing therapies for… EM field-induced viral mutations?”
“Thank you very much, Captain. I hope we won’t see a need for it anytime soon, but we’re distributing the information.”
Then, Picard:
“We last met when you were on the Enterprise—”
When a 27-year-old Julian snuck on board and into the sickbay to use its bio-imaging systems.
“—after you assisted Commander Data with his dreams.”
“Oh yes!” Julian said, smiling at the thought of his friend. “What an incredible experience. I know you were of great help to him as well.”
The captain’s eyes flicked to the perimeter of their position in the reception area. Seeming to confirm that no one else was waiting to approach, he softened.
"It was truly fascinating. And I was honored to be able to share in Commander Data's exploration of—well, in a way, strange new worlds."
Who would have guessed? They got along wonderfully.
It was now Day 3 of the commemorative event on Bolarus IX. The facility at the Cliffs of Bole was stunning, with well-appointed rooms and beautiful views.
There were only a couple of scheduled events each day, which left a lot of time to kill. Sure, Julian could have been spending it on research.
But the captain, a stunning man who apparently shared a great deal of interests with Julian, seemed to be quite receptive to them finding each other for meals and conversations.
Julian was very attracted to him.
And well, he was 35 and newly single—2 months out of a relationship with a 300 year-old Starfleet legend. Admiral Ross already avoided him whenever they were in a room together. Really, he could live with a bit of coldness from the captain of Starfleet’s flagship if a few comments were off base.
By Day 2 he’d decided to flirt a little.
Picard had matched it. Gracefully. Deliciously slowly.
They were sitting in the building's outdoor bar, watching the sunset.
“You quoted Poe the other day,” Julian said, keeping his tone light. “Have you read much of his poetry?”
“I haven’t. Is there anything you recommend?”
“Well, our discussion of Data reminded me of ‘A Dream Within a Dream.’ You know, I... I have a copy on a PADD I brought with me.” Julian made eye contact. “Maybe I could show it to you privately?”
An expression of sharp interest spread across Picard's face. “I’d like that,” he said, voice low.