Title: The Starfleet Academy Graduate
Author: longbeachtrekstar ( longbeachtrekstar@yahoo.com )
Series: TNG
Code: C/f
Rating: NC-17
Summary: And here's to you Doctor Crusher, Jesus loves you more than you will know, wo-wo-wo.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Star Trek. MGM/UA owns The Graduate (directed by Mike Nichols, screenplay by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry, based on the novel by Charles Webb). "Mrs. Robinson" and "Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel. This was written as a fan's tribute (to both genres); the only profit is (hopefully) an entertaining story.
Archiving: FFF, ASCEM, others please ask.
Feedback: Yes please, here or by email.
Note: The symbols ^ ^ are used to indicate dialog inspired by quotes from the film, as reprinted on various websites. In some cases it is close to verbatim; in others cases names, tech-lingo, and other text were modified to fit this story, but if the spirit of the words was inspired by the film then I gave credit where it was due.
Written for Round XII of the Femme Fuh-q Fest -- http://www.oocities.org/femme_fuhq_fest/
by longbeachtrekstar, August 2003
And here's to you, Mrs. Robinson
Jesus loves you more than you will know
wo-wo-wo
God bless you please, Mrs. Robinson
Heaven holds a place for those who pray
hey-hey-hey, hey-hey-hey
*****
Ensign Robin Lefler tugged nervously at the collar of her new uniform and stepped through the sliding double-doors into Ten Forward. Inside was a cocktail party for a group of delegates the Enterprise was transporting from one conference to another. From where and to where she couldn't remember, and didn't really care. It was not a mandatory event for junior officers, but when it comes to career advancement, Rule #35 was, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Corollary #1 to this rule was, "It's not who you know, it's who knows you." So Ensign Lefler had decided the evening was a good opportunity to let some of the brass get to know her.
Captain Picard noticed her enter, and although he didn't usually go out of his way to introduce himself to new crew members -- especially fresh ensigns -- to do so now would give him another chance to disengage from Lwaxana Troi. He'd already made two attempts, but she'd doggedly tracked him down. Perhaps the third time would be the charm.
"Hello, Ensign... Lefler, isn't it? Welcome to the Enterprise."
"Thank you, sir." They shook hands.
"If you don't mind my saying so, you are extremely lucky to get the flagship of the Federation for your first assignment."
"Flagship-smagship," said Lwaxana, pushing herself between the two of them. "Really, Jean-Luc, you can be so rude. Why don't you introduce me to your throbbing... charming! ... member... new! ... uh, new crewmember."
With a slight roll of his eyes, the Captain reluctantly acquiesced. "Ensign Lefler, this is Betazed Ambassador Lwaxana Troi..."
Lwaxana thrust her hand forward for Robin to shake. "... Daughter of the Fifth House, Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, Heir to the Holy Rings..." As she continued, Picard slipped away yet again. If the young ensign held her at bay for the rest of the evening, there might be a metal in it for her.
Lwaxana leaned close to Lefler conspiratorially. ^"I just want to say one word to you - just one word."^
^"Yes, ma'am?"^
^"Are you listening?"^
^"Yes, I am."^
^"Dilithium!"^
^"Exactly how do you mean?"^
^"There's a great future in dilithium. Think about it. Will you think about it?"^
^"Yes I will."^
With that, Lwaxana turned to pursue Picard once again.
Robin breathed a sigh of relief and turned, nearly bumping into Dr. Crusher. "Oh, pardon me."
"Ensign. I was *hoping* to speak to you." The doctor was not in uniform, wearing an elegant evening dress instead. She had a cocktail glass in her hand and her eyes were a bit glazed. "You just graduated from the Academy, didn't you?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Y'know, my son Wesley is at the Academy, too. Two more years to go."
"Why yes, I know Wesley."
"Really?" Beverly eyed the young ensign dubiously. "And what do you think of my son."
"Oh, he's very nice. I mean, I don't know him that well or anything..."
Beverly closed her eyes and shook her head, as if dismissing the subject. She swallowed the last of her drink and put the empty glass on a waiter's tray as he passed by. "I'm afraid I've had just a bit more than I should have. Would you mind walking me to my quarters."
"Uh, no, of course not." Robin gestured toward the door, but the doctor took hold of her outstretched arm and wrapped it around her own. As they walked toward the door, Beverly rested her head on Robin's shoulder. The ensign stared straight ahead, determined not to make eye contact with the various guests looking curiously at the couple exiting arm-in-arm.
One turbolift ride and a short walk later, they were outside the doctor's quarters.
Dr. Crusher finally released Robin's arm. ^"Would you mind walking ahead of me. I feel funny about coming into dark quarters."^
^"But it's light in there."^
^"Please."^ They entered the doctor's residence. It was family quarters, with a main foyer and two adjoining bedrooms. ^"What do you drink? Bourbon?"^
"Oh, I don't drink." The doctor prepared two drinks anyway and pushed a glass into her hand. Robin took it and gave it a sniff, wrinkling her nose.
^"I'm sorry to be this way, but I don't want to be left alone here."^
"What about your husband?"
"Jack died when Wesley was a baby. He didn't tell you?"
Robin shook her head. ^"Are you always this much afraid of being alone?"^
^"I'm very neurotic. Computer, music."^ With a chirp, some prearranged instrumental music started. ^"May I ask you a question? What do you think of me?"^
^"What do you mean?"^
^"You've been on board for a few weeks. You must have formed some opinion of me."^
^"Well, I think that you are a very... nice... person. Dr. Crusher, if you don't mind my saying so, this conversation is getting a little strange."^
Beverly stepped closer. "As I said, my husband died quite a long time ago. In fact, it's been such a long time..." She reached toward Robin, who shrank back.
^"Oh my god. Oh no, Dr. Crusher, oh no. You didn't... I mean, you didn't expect...?"^
^"What?"^
^"I mean, you didn't really think that I would do something like that?"^
^"Like what?"^
^"What do you think?"^
^"Well, I don't know."^
^"For God's sake, Dr. Crusher, here we are. You've got me in your quarters. You give me a drink. You put on music. Now you start telling me how long your husband has been gone."^
^"So?"^
^"Dr. Crusher, you're trying to seduce me... aren't you?"^
^"Well, no, I hadn't thought of it. But I feel very flattered, I suppose."^
Robin was suddenly not just uncomfortable, but very embarrassed. ^"Dr. Crusher, will you forgive me for what I just said?"^
The doctor seemed not to have heard her. "I have a nice picture of Wesley in my room. Would you like to see it?" Robin hesitated. "Oh, please." They both entered Beverly's bedroom. On a shelf above the bed, among various other photos and knick-knacks, was a portrait-sized photo of Wesley with a goofy smile on his face.
Robin smiled. "How old was he."
"It was a few years ago... uh, about sixteen. He's coming here for a visit soon -- in a few weeks." Beverly turned her back to Robin. ^"Will you unzip my dress? I think I'll go to bed."^
^"Oh well, goodnight."^ Robin turned away.
^"Won't you unzip my dress?"^
^"I'd rather not, Dr. Crusher."^
^"If you still think I'm trying to seduce you...?"^
^"No, I don't, but I just feel a little funny."^
^"Come on. It's hard for me to reach."^ Robin relented and unzipped the dress. ^"Thank you. What are you so scared of?"^
^"I'm not scared, Dr. Crusher."^
^"Then why do you keep running away?"^
^"Because you're going to bed. I don't think I should be in here."^
^"Robin, I am *not* trying to seduce you!"^
^"I know that, but please, Dr. Crusher, this is difficult..."^
^"Would you *like* me to seduce you? Is that what you're trying to tell me?"^
^"I'm leaving now. I apologize for what I said. I hope you can forget it. But I'm leaving right now."^ Robin turned to leave again, this time making it as far as the foyer before Beverly called after her.
"Robin, before you go, could you bring me my comm-badge? It's right there on the table."
"Uh, I don't think..."
^"For God's sake, Robin, will you stop acting this way and bring me the badge!"^
Robin picked the badge up from the table and reentered the bedroom. Beverly stepped behind her, blocking the doorway. Robin turned and gasped. Beverly was completely naked. ^"Oh God. Oh, let me out."^
^"Don't be nervous."^
^"Get away from the door."^
^"I want to say something first. Robin, I want you to know that I'm available to you, and if you won't sleep with me this time..."^
^"Oh, my God."^
^"... if you won't sleep with me this time, I want you to know that you can call me up anytime you want, and we'll make some kind of an arrangement. Do you understand what I...?"^
^"Let me out."^
^"Robin, do you understand what I said?"^
^"Yes, yes, let me out."^
^"Because I find you very attractive. Now, anytime you want, you just..."^
^"Oh Jesus."^ In a sudden act of desperation, Robin pushed past Beverly and left for good this time.
*****
It was actually still rather early, so -- trying to put the unusual incident behind her -- Robin returned to the party. She took a seat at the bar next to Counselor Troi, whom she'd met during her orientation when she first arrived. They chatted a little while, and the empath quickly picked up on the ensign's agitated state.
^"I'm just a little worried about my future,"^ Robin confided.
^"Robin, relax. You're only twenty-one. You've got plenty of time to worry about your future. I wish I was your age again, because you'll never be young again."^ Deanna leaned a little closer, as if about to part with a secret. Robin reciprocated. ^"Robin, can I say something to you? I hope you won't mind my giving you a friendly piece of advice. I think you ought to be taking it a little easier right now than you seem to be. Sow a few wild oats, take things as they come, have a good time with the guys, and so forth. You look to me like the kind of gal who has to fight 'em off."^
Robin decided it was time to call it a night.
*****
The next evening, Ensign Lefler found herself back in Ten Forward. It was much quieter than the night before. She didn't even know if the delegates were still on board. Not being part of the Bridge crew, it was amazing how little she actually knew about the day-to-day operations of the ship. For eight, sometimes ten or fourteen hours a day, her entire world was a chair in front of a square meter of computer screens and switches. Eventually, she knew she'd make some friends, but for now... After all, Rule #21 was, "When in Rome, do as the Romans."
She looked down at the half-drunk cocktail glass on her table. Her head had a slightly light, swimming feeling. She looked around surreptitiously, making sure no one was watching her. As casually as she could, she fingered her comm-badge. "Ensign Lefler to Dr. Crusher."
"Crusher, here," came the business-like response.
Robin spoke in a low monotone, being sure not to draw any attention to herself. ^"Doctor, I was thinking about last night, after the party."^
^"Where are you?"^
^"And I was wondering if I could buy you a drink or something?"^
^"Where are you?"^
^"Uh, Ten Forward. Now, I know it's pretty late, and if you'd rather..."^
^"Give me twenty minutes. Crusher, out."^
Seventeen minutes later, Dr. Crusher entered Ten Forward and sat down at Robin's table. "It's good to see you again. I'm glad you called."
"Thank you. Would you, uh, like a drink? Or maybe something to eat?"
Beverly leaned across the small table. "What I'd really like to do is go back to your quarters."
^"Really? Uh, look, maybe we could do something else together. Dr. Crusher, would you like to go to a movie?"^
"No Robin. What I'd like is to go back to your quarters."
"Okay... okay, sure. But, uh..." Robin lowered her voice to a whisper. "I don't think we should leave here together."
"Fine. You go ahead and I'll follow in five minutes." Robin nodded and got up to leave. "Robin."
"Yes?"
^"Isn't there something you want to tell me?"^
^"Well, I want you to know how much I appreciate this. Really."^
^"Your number."^
^"What?"^
^"Your room number, Robin. I think you ought to tell me that."^
^"Oh, you're absolutely right. It's 568."^
^"Thank you."^
^"You're welcome. Well, I'll see you later, Dr. Crusher."^
Robin walked quickly back to her quarters. Stepping inside, she looked around the well-lit room. "Computer, lights down." The lights were automatically reduced to twenty-five percent standard. "No, that's too dark. Lights up... no, lights down."
She stepped into the bathroom and started brushing her teeth. She stared at herself in the mirror. What was she doing? Why was she doing it? She rinsed and spit just as the doorbell chimed. "Come in!" she called, entirely too loud.
Beverly stepped into the room. Looking around, she asked, "Why is it so dark in here? Computer, lights up." Once again, the room was illuminated. Beverly smiled and approached Robin. She put her arms on Robin's hips and leaned forward. Robin ducked and stepped away. "Robin, *what* is the matter?"
"Nothing... nothing."
^"Would this be easier for you in the dark?"^
^"Dr. Crusher, I can't do this."^
^"You what?"^
^"This is all terribly wrong."^
^"Do you find me undesirable?"^
^"Oh, no, Dr. Crusher. I think, I think you're the most attractive of all my superior officers. I mean that. I find you desirable, but I... for God's sake, can you imagine my parents? Can you imagine what they would say if they just saw us in this room here right now?"^
^"What would they say?"^
^"I have no idea, Dr. Crusher, but for God's sake, they brought me up. They made a good life for me, and I think they deserve better than this. I think they deserve a little better than jumping into bed"^ -- she dropped to a sudden whisper -- "with the ship's doctor!"
^"Can I ask you a personal question?"^
^"Ask me anything you want."^
^"Is this your first time?"^
^"Is this what?"^
^"It is, isn't it? It's your first time."^
^"That's a laugh, Dr. Crusher. That's really a laugh."^
^"It's nothing to be ashamed of."^
^"Wait a minute."^
^"On your first time, if you're afraid of being inadequate..."^
^"Inadequate!"^ Robin pushed herself against the doctor and kissed her, rising up on her toes just a bit to reach her. She fumbled with Beverly's uniform, wrestling it down off her shoulders and exposing her breasts. She bent down and started running her tongue over them.
Beverly looked down at the back of Robin's neck and smoothly undid her uniform, effortlessly slipping it off, caressing her neck and upper back. She reached down deep inside Robin's uniform, all the way down to her pussy. It was soaking wet, and the doctor started massaging it with the palm of her hand. Robin moaned, letting one of Beverly's nipples slip out of her mouth. Beverly rubbed harder, slipping two fingers inside her. A few more moments and Robin collapsed in orgasm.
Beverly put her arms around Robin and escorted her to the bed. Lying down beside each other, Robin continued to gush in anticipation. She thrust her own hand inside Beverly's pants and grabbed her cunt. It was completely dry. Robin had had her first orgasm, and this bitch wasn't even turned on yet!
Robin began worrying again about what she was getting into as Beverly climbed on top of her.
*****
Two weeks later, Robin was in Beverly's quarters yet again. After that first night in her own, they'd been meeting here ever since. Sometimes they met several nights in a row, sometimes they'd skip a few. Once, Robin had tried surprising her in Sickbay during the day, and Beverly had nearly exploded. It was made clear to her that they were not to socialize during the day, and it soon became evident that they weren't to do so in the evening, either. The entire affair was their secret. Robin sighed. There just weren't any rules that seemed to cover her situation right now.
Beverly stripped naked and climbed onto the bed. Robin pulled her top off. Beverly walked on her knees to the edge of the bed and began licking her tits.
Robin pulled back. ^"Will you wait a minute, please? Dr. Crusher, do you think we could say a few words to each other first this time?"^
^"I don't think we have much to say to each other."^
^"Look, for weeks, all we've done is come up here and leap into bed together."^
^"Are you tired of it?"^
^"I'm not, no. But do you think we could liven it up with a little conversation for a change? Tell me about, uh, Jack! You must have been very much in love."^
A sarcastic, "Huh!" escaped from Beverly.
Robin climbed onto the bed and lay next to her. "You weren't in love?"
"We were beginning to love, maybe, but we got married too soon."
"Why?"
"We... had to."
Robin giggled just a bit. "Why in the world did you *have* to?" She looked at Beverly, who only stared down at the sheets. "Oh my God, was it Wesley?"
"It was... an accident."
"An accident? No one has 'accidents' anymore."
"Well, we did!"
Robin's curiosity got the better of her. ^"Where did you do it?"^
^"In a shuttle."^
^"What kind of shuttle was it?"^
^"What?"^
^"Really, I want to know."^
^"It was a Ford, Robin -- a Ford Type 6 Shuttlecraft."^
^"A Ford! That's great. So old Wesley Crusher got started in a Ford."^
^"Don't talk about Wesley."^
"Why not. Won't he be visiting in a few days?"
"Yes, but I thought you said you didn't really know him?"
^"Well, I guess I'll have to ask him out on a date and find out what the big deal is."^
^"Robin, don't you *ever* take that boy out. Do you understand that?"^
^"Well, why shouldn't I?"^
^"I have my reasons."^
^"Well let's hear them."^
^"No."^
^"Let's hear them, Dr. Crusher, because I think I know what they are. I'm not good enough for him to associate with, am I? I'm not good enough to even talk about him, am I?"^
^"Let's drop it."^
^"We're *not* dropping it. I'm good enough for you, but I'm not good enough to associate with your son. That's it, isn't it?"^
^"Robin."^
^"Isn't it?"^
^"Yes!"^
Robin jumped up from the bed. ^"You go to hell! You go straight to hell, Dr. Crusher."^ She began getting dressed. ^"Dr. Crusher, this is the sickest, most perverted thing that's ever happened to me."^
^"I know, I know. I'm a sick and disgusting person."^
Robin suddenly and uncontrollably softened. ^"Look, I like you. I wouldn't keep coming here if I didn't like you. I enjoy it. I look forward to it. It's the one thing I have to look forward to."^
^"Promise me... Promise me you won't go out with Wes. I just couldn't handle it."^
^"All right, I promise, for Christ's sake. I promise never to take out Wes. Let's not talk about it. Let's not talk at all."^ She stripped off the clothes she had been putting on and climbed back into bed.
*****
Lieutenant Commander LaForge's voice came from behind Lefler. "Cross-connect circuit X2 to circuit X3R."
Robin twisted in the tight space below the Bridge console. "Just a moment... Got it."
"Okay, that should do it." As Robin crawled out from the workspace, Geordi helped her to her feet. "Good work."
"Thank you." She looked around excitedly at the entire Bridge -- the numerous controls, the many displays, the Captain's chair, and especially the viewscreen. "And thank you again for letting me help you up here."
"No problem." Geordi gave her a brotherly wink. "The next time the Bridge systems need a full diagnostic, I'll see if I can get you on the schedule."
Just then the turbolift doors opened, and Crusher and Troi entered the Bridge in the midst of conversation. "So when is he due to arrive?" Deanna was asking.
"1400 hours this afternoon -- we'll rendezvous with the Zhukov. He gets to stay here over a week until we drop him off at Oceanus IV, where he'll conduct some off-campus studies this semester."
"And he's not staying with you?"
"No, he insisted on his own quarters, or another roommate -- anyone but his mother," Beverly laughed. "There's a little welcome for him tonight at 2000 hours in the Observation Lounge."
"Not Ten Forward?"
"No, he didn't want anything too big."
The two of them passed by LaForge and Lefler as they spoke. Beverly and Robin made eye contact for only the briefest of moments. Deanna, however, stopped and looked directly at Robin. "I have a wonderful idea. Robin, you know Wesley Crusher, don't you?"
"What? Oh, uh, yeah, I suppose." Robin buried her head in the diagnostic kit she was sorting through.
"Well, he'll be visiting for a while, and there's a get-together for him this evening. I'm sure he'd love to see someone more his own age."
"I'm sure Ensign Lefler has other plans," announced Dr. Crusher.
"Yes, I'm afraid I can't..."
"Now what was I telling you before about loosening up and having some fun, hmm?" Deanna smiled. "Besides, that's an order, Ensign."
"Really, Counselor, I don't think..."
Geordi interrupted with mock seriousness. "Ensign, I believe you've been given a direct order by a superior officer. Now I expect you to obey it."
"Yes, sir."
"Excellent," beamed Deanna. "We'll see you in the Observation Lounge at eight."
*****
Lefler arrived at 2000 hours sharp. Unlike the earlier cocktail party, this was now a mandatory event for her, and she left it to the senior staff to be "fashionable." Wesley himself didn't show until almost eight-thirty, and Deanna wasted no time in escorting him over to Robin. "Wesley, I believe you already know Robin Lefler."
"Oh, yeah. You were a T.A. in some of my Molecular Circuitry labs." He seemed genuinely happy to meet her again. "So how is everything going for you here? Isn't the Enterprise great?"
"Well, it certainly isn't anything like what I expected."
"Oh, I know. I learned *so* much from all the officers when I was here."
"Yeah, me too."
Beverly ushered Wesley away quickly. He spent the next couple hours making the rounds, visiting with everyone there. Some conversations seemed to be mere formality, while others were based on obvious friendship. Throughout the evening he kept making time to talk with Robin, however briefly.
Finally, most of the guests had gone, the welcome cake was reduced to a platter full of crumbs, and empty punch cups occupied every horizontal surface in the room. Robin and Wes ended up sitting in the corner, gazing out the observation window. Robin lost track of how long they'd been talking. Somehow, the conversation came back to her.
^"I'm just... worried,"^ she said.
^"About what?"^
^"I guess about my future."^
^"What about it?"^
^"I don't know. I want it to be..."^
^"To be what?"^
^"Different."^
Wes reached over and took her hand. "Would you like to go for a walk in the Arboretum?"
Say no, she thought to herself. Say good night and get the hell out of here. She smiled her first genuine smile in weeks. "Sure!"
*****
"How could you? I told you to stay away from him!"
"I was ordered to. What else could I do?"
"Well, you certainly don't have to *keep* spending so much time with him."
"But... I like him. He likes me."
"That's not important. It's time you learned that things like that are not important."
*****
Robin strapped on the dildo one more time. Like the phallus she was about to use, their relationship was entirely mechanical. She'd long ago given up trying to carry on any meaningful conversation. She climbed on top of Beverly and slid inside her. She loved the device. She felt empowered by it as she thrust it in and out of the doctor. If they weren't going to talk, she would communicate through it instead, channeling all her repressed frustration through its artificial shaft. No matter how hard she thrust, however, Beverly took it and just asked for more.
Robin redoubled her efforts, intent on making this time hurt. She was starting to get off, but it was due less to the base of the cock rubbing against her clit than to the venting of her aggressive feelings.
She looked at the picture of Wesley, on the shelf above the headboard. It both thrilled her and creeped her out a bit to have him watching as she did his mother. After a few moments, she decided the creep factor outweighed the thrill. She reached up to turn the picture face down when she realized that two sets of eyes were staring back at her -- one set of happy eyes in the photo itself, and another set of eyes, utterly shocked, reflected in the glass.
"Wes!" Robin looked over her shoulder and saw Wesley standing in the open doorway, eyes wide, mouth agape. He dropped the PADD that was in his hand and fled. Robin pulled out and turned around, the faux cock bobbing lewdly in front of her. "Wesley! Wesley, wait!"
"Wesley?" cried Beverly. "Oh my God! Oh my God!"
Robin struggled to undo the straps. She hated this damn device. Damn it, get it off! Finally it came loose and she tossed it to the floor, running after Wes. She reached the foyer just in time to see the door to the main hallway sliding shut. She ran toward it, it slid open, and she thrust her arms to the side, catching herself at the threshold before she stepped into the hallway naked.
"Wes! Please!" she called.
An off-duty couple was strolling by. They stopped and stared at her, dumbfounded. She gave them a stare back. "What!" she snapped, then stepped back as the door slid shut.
Turning around, Robin was hit in the chest by her uniform top. "Get out!" screamed Beverly, throwing Robin's clothes at her. "Get out, damn it, out! How could you? How could you?"
"Me?"
Beverly was in tears, pushing Robin toward the door. "Get out, you bitch! My God, Wesley!" Robin barely managed to get her uniform on before stumbling into the hall, holding her boots in her hands.
*****
An hour later Robin was in Ten Forward. She'd returned to her quarters, but sleep was beyond her. She took a chance that neither Wes nor Beverly would venture out in public -- that she wouldn't run into them here. Two empty highball glasses sat on the table in front of her, and one half-full was in her hand. She reached over to a keypad on the edge of the table and called up a song on the "jukebox." Funny how that old term still remained. The song she picked was nearly as old. She let the ice melt in her drink, let the moody music wash over her, and let the tears run down her cheeks.
"Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain, still remains
Within the sound of silence...
"And in the naked light I saw, ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never shared, and no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence"
*****
The next day, Robin performed her shift duties like a zombie. Geordi tried to engage her in some pleasant conversation, but eventually gave up. When her shift was over, she stopped by the mess hall, filled a tray with food, and then stared at it until it went cold. She returned to her quarters.
Stepping into her room, she was surprised to find that the reduced lighting did not come up automatically. She was about to order the computer to do so when she noticed the silhouette of someone seated in the corner. It was a female form, with long hair. Robin froze as her heart rate soared. Beverly? Should she call security? "Hello?"
^"Do you, umm... do you want to tell my why you did it?"^
"Counselor?" Robin's heart turned to stone and sank into the pit of her stomach.
^"Do you have some sort of personal hatred for me, or is it just your way of having a good time?"^
"Hatred for you? You mean you... you and Doctor Cr- ?"
"Don't say her name! Don't even think about her with that filthy little mind of yours. You should know that if I have my way, your next assignment may very well be a terra-forming mission to the Delta Quadrant. And I have more than a *little* influence with the First Officer when it comes to assignment recommendations."
^"Listen to me. What happened between me and Dr. Crusher was nothing. It didn't mean anything. We might just as well have been shaking hands."^
^"Shaking hands? Well, that's not saying much for my... for the doctor, is it?"^
^"The point is I don't love her. I love Wesley."^
Troi got up and advanced menacingly toward her. "Oh, she's not at all crazy about *that* either." She stopped about twelve inches away from Robin, who remained frozen in fear. "Do yourself a little favor, you slut. Stay away from Beverly. Stay away from Wesley. Stay away from *me* while you're at it. Just tend to your work and keep your nose out of places it doesn't belong." With that, Deanna turned and left, leaving the petrified ensign in her wake.
*****
Robin awoke the next morning with no enthusiasm about reporting for duty. She got up nonetheless, and after washing and dressing for work, she was on her way out when she noticed that her message light was flashing on the computer console.
It was from Wesley. ^"Robin. Please forgive me for not doing this face to face, but I know what I'm doing is the best thing for you. My mother is so upset, you've got to understand."^ Robin felt weak and sat down as Wesley spoke. "I know it wasn't your fault -- I know all too well the kind of woman my mother can be. She asked the Captain to adjust course and speed to arrive at Oceanus a day early. By the time you receive this, I'll be gone. I love you, but it would never work out. Take care of yourself."
Robin looked at the time index on the message. It had only just been received, but it had a delayed delivery -- there was no way to know when it was sent. "Computer, locate Wesley Crusher."
"Wesley Crusher is in the main hallway of Deck Four, Section Two."
Transporter Room One, she thought. She exited her cabin and ran down the hall. Moments later she reached Deck Four and headed toward the transporter room. Turning a corner, she saw Wesley coming down the hall with his mother, Counselor Troi, and Captain Picard.
Robin ran up to Wesley. ^"Wes, I love you. I love you so much. Do you believe that?"^ Wes nodded silently. ^"Do you?"^
^"Yes!"^
"Then come with me!" She grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him behind her.
Dr. Crusher grabbed Robin by her other arm, and they turned to face each other. ^"It's too late!"^ Crusher yelled.
^"Not for me!"^ Robin snapped back, twisting free and running away with Wes.
They reached the transporter room just meters ahead of the now-pursuing farewell party. To the duty operator she shouted, "The Captain needs you outside! Hurry!"
The bewildered crewman stepped outside, and Robin closed the door behind him. Punching away at the keypad beside the door, she shouted to Wes. "I can lock them out, but it won't last long. I hope you can transport us down, or this will be the shortest escape in history."
"I can do it," he responded, working the controls. "I'll try to encrypt our coordinates so they can't follow right away. Be sure to get rid of your comm-badge."
She tossed it away, and they both stepped onto the transporter pads as the program engaged. Her muscles became immobile and her hearing went away. The last sense she lost was her sight. As her vision filled with the shimmering light of transport, she saw Beverly and the others force their way in. It was too late for them to do anything. They stood there, soundless, mouthing what Robin was sure was a colorful montage of orders and obscenities.
Moments later they materialized on a beach -- there were a lot of them on Oceanus. "This is beautiful," said Robin.
"I just aimed for a beach. I had no idea what it looked like."
"Still, choosing a beach was itself romantic. Especially in the middle of a hot pursuit," she giggled.
"We're in big trouble," said Wes.
Despite Wes's concerns, Robin was positively giddy. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. "Don't worry," she smiled. "I'll tell them I kidnapped you."
"But what about you?"
"I really don't care."
^"Don't care? But you just graduated. Would you mind telling me what those four years of college were for? What was the point of all that hard work?"^
^"You got me."^
^"Don't you think this whole idea is a little half-baked?"^
^"Oh no, Wes. It's completely baked. It's a decision I've made. I love you."^
"So what, then? Do you want to get married?"
"Married? For crying out loud, Wes, I said I love you -- why would I want to marry you? I just wanna fuck. For once, I just wanna fuck someone that I actually like."
Wes stared at her silently for a moment. "But your future..."
"Fuck the future."
*****
Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
A nation turns its lonely eyes to you
ooo-ooo-ooo
What's that you say, Mrs. Robinson?
Joltin' Joe has left and gone away
hey-hey-hey, hey-hey-hey
(End)