Years After The Jalara
Chapters 7-8
She was finally aboard the Enterprise! The last day seemed like an eternity, but she would have to wait, anticipating Will's arrival. The best part, however, was she was now the Ship's Counselor.
They had to pick up Will and the other crewmembers up at Far Point Station. Her excitement grew,but She knew she had to contain it.
A day later they were at Far Point. She sensed Will had been beamed aboard.
"He's here!" she thought. Excitement, so strong. "He'll be on the bridge soon."
She wanted to be the first to great him, but not be too obvious about it. So, she positioned herself to be one of the last to leave the turbo lift onto the bridge.
"O.K., here goes" she thought.
Will had turned toward the opening turbo lift. He knew she was here too. He felt her presents stronger than ever and he knew that she knew he was here. Anxiety rose, but it was good anxiety.
The Captain called Deanna to join them. Picard introduced them and realized they knew each other.
Ten years and the feelings were still there. He knew for sure now that she knew he was going to be here. Emotions ran rampid.
"No," he said to himself finally "she just viewed the files of the Senior Officers. That's all"
then it hit him. Her voice in his head, touching his soul. "Do you remember what I taught you Imzadi? Can you still sense my thoughts?"
He was so shocked all he could think in his mind was an overwhelming "Yes!" Nothing more, but he knew she sensed it and how tongue-tied he was.
"A pleasure Commander" emphasizing the rank, trying to show only him that she was impressed.
Picard noticed something between them and said, "Have you two met before?"
"We.. We have, sir" Will said remembering their experience together.
Thoughts raced through his mind and then he heard. "I too would never say good bye, Imzadi." She sounded a bit sad, but it was nice to hear.
Chapter 8
Shortly after they departed from Far Point Deanna heard the chime to her quarters.
"Come in" Deanna said.
She stood there watching Will enter the room. He then stopped halfway.
"Deanna." he said softly and gently.
"Will" she responded with joy and sadness all wrapt into one.
Flashes from their time in the Jalara ran through both their minds Days and nights of passionate lovemaking. Days of running from the Sindereen. All ending on a sad note.
Will pulled himself together, instead of grabbing her and embracing her. He said "It's been a long time Lieutenant."
"Must we be so formal, Commander." she responded.
"Deanna", he started, "My first impulse is to grab you and hug you, but it's been so long."
"Mine too. And yes, it has."
"How.. Why?" Will stammered.
"Many reasons. Starting with, I wanted a career away from home, my own life, and you Will."
"I had no idea."
They talked for hours and then realized it was getting late and they had duty in the morning. They had decided to start from square one, as though they had just met again for the first time. They had no idea how trying to pick up where they lift off and continue a relationship that started and end ten years ago would affect them and their careers. They thought it best to just start over.
What they did not know was fate had other plans. The Imzadi bond goes so deep, that in time their relationship would be renewed, reflourished and take on a new form than that of the past.