𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐒𝐎.

the   ringing   of   a   thousand   voices   is   still   in   his   mind,   a   collective   navigating   through   a   hundred   different   scenarios   at   one   time.   efficient,   cohesive,   organized.   but   this   was   an   afterthought,   some   remnant   from   long-ago.   jean-luc   holds   his   breath   as   he   separates   himself   from   the   memory,   reminding   himself   that   the   words   just   spoken   were   true.   he   was   safe.   that   part   of   him,   as   locutus,   was   in   the   distant   past,   despite   the   fact   that   his   surroundings   made   it   feel   so   real   again.   the   smell   of   metal   juxtaposed   with   a   sterile   environment   sends   a   shiver   down   his   spine.   picard   takes   a   moment   to   breathe   as   he   regains   his   equilibrium.   he   turns,   looking   for   the   owner   of   the   voice   who   had   just   pulled   him   out   of   his   momentary   nightmare.   ❝   can   it   be?   ❞   he   wonders.

❝   overthinking   is   an   activity   that   i   partake   in   far   too   much   for   my   own   good,   ❞   jean-luc   murmurs   as   he   looks   across   the   desk   at   the   younger   man.   the   crows   feet   on   the   corners   of   his   eyes   pull   taunt   as   he   offers   a   cordial   smile,   thumb   tapping   on   the   binding   of   the   book   he's   been   all   -   but   ignoring   over   the   course   of   the   past   several   days.   ❝   when   you   haven't   the   luxury   of   time,   as   you   yourself   have,   ❞   he   continues,   ❝   you   end   up   squandering   your   opportunities.   thank   you   for   the   reminder.   ❞

jean-luc   can   feel   the   terror   in   the   room   as   he   stares   at   seven,   silent   and   pensive.   the   tension   between   them   is   so   thick   that   a   knife   could   suffice   in   cutting   through   it.   she   obviously   has   some   very   intense,   very   personal   emotions   about   what's   going   on   and   while   he   isn't   privy   to   her   reasoning   just   yet,   he   knows   this   is   of   the   utmost   importance.   ❝   help   me   understand,   then.   ❞   jean-luc   invites   gently.

#UPSTARS.   an   independent,   private,   selective   portrayal   of   admiral   jean-luc   picard   of   star   trek:   the   next   generation   &   star   trek:   picard.   written   by   jean   (   she   /   they,   30s,   GMT-8   ).   canon   &   headcanon   compliant.   please   read   rules   before   following.   you   must   be   21+   to   follow.