Okay, I get Crusher being so close to him, but Troi too? Isn't it a little unprofessional for her to get so touchy-feely with him? And referring to him as a "good little boy" - isn't that a little condescending? No wonder he's not recovering that quickly - they're treating him like a child. :( I do like the line about "being guilty of needing someone," though I'm not sure why he needs medical/shore leave to fix that problem (though I'm glad Crusher's planning to go with him). Also, how is taking leave going to prevent Starfleet from breathing down his back?

Haha, what indeed! I liked this chapter - good to see him on the road to recovery, but acknowledging that he's "lonely." Aww!

Well, hooray for deadlines. But...seriously Beverly? A hot bath to bring down a fever? Isn't that like, the opposite of what you're supposed to do? (Lukewarm/cold bath to bring down fever without meds, please!) Also, is she just going to hold him, or clean him up? Poor Jean-Luc. :( Glad Riker was around to help carry him though!

Aww, this was perfect! I especially love the end, where he finally gets to comfort her a little. But one small question: where does the blame really lie?

Some questions: how did Riker know that he wasn't sleeping, if he was breathing and not responsive and his eyes were closed? Also, I get how Beverly wants to protect him from everything (and that is incredibly touching), but is it really in everyone's best interest to skirt protocol when he's clearly having issues? I mean, presumably those tests are in place to make sure of everyone's well-being: not just his, but everyone he commands. Also, when did Riker get the right to call him Jean-Luc? I thought the only person on the ship that could do that was Beverly. The only times I remember Riker referring to the captain by his first name, he was being deliberately rude. I also don't get the point of having Deanna there at the end. She seems not particularly helpful, and to be somewhat invading his privacy. And what's Beverly doing leaving the room? Is she at least going to stay in his quarters? If I were her, I would have stayed by his side!

I remember the episode when Crusher pointed out that she was the only person on the ship that could give Picard orders. Teehee. And wow Will has an appetite! Now I know why he got so fat by the end of the series - it was Deanna's fault! Also love the bit about Picard giving Wesley romantic advice. That is just so funny on so many levels. Nicely done.

Dr. Crusher has the best bedside manner of any Star Trek doctor. I have to think she'd be just as tender with any equally-damaged patient, but she wouldn't enjoy caretaking as much.

Yes. Yes. This is what I was missing at the end of that episode.

"He seemed to barely be standing, held up like a broken puppet, waiting for the last string to snap"...that is fantastic imagery! I love how you wrote this story.

Great story!

Great job with this story. You expertly handled a very serious PTSD case, showing the different stages of Picard's ups and downs. Picard's recovery from Cardassian torture was an emotional roller coaster. I'm glad he had three understanding, trustworthy friends to help him recover.

Your description of events and characterization of people made for a fascinating read. You did a great job capturing the spirit of the Next Generation universe. This story felt like a believable compliment to the actual tv episode.

My only piece of criticism is that occasionally there were misspelled words. It happened infrequently and wasn't a big deal, but I figured I'd let you know. The one mistake that sticks out to me is that more than once, you misspelled "corner" as "comer." Otherwise, this story was a treat to read! Well-written and well thought out.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us!

Very well done, as always. Well told. Insightful. And the little touches to the Picard/Crusher courtship/relationship were delightful. And I always suspected the Riker was a milk and cookies kind of guy.

Love the hold story very chapter. Keep it up please

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! A majestic tale laced with brilliance in word weaving. Thanks for the great ride :-)

Another great chapter! Excellent writing, can't wait to read more.