A Star Trek Next Generation based fan fiction novel

Reginald Barclay discovers that space is not the final frontier

Where No Man Has Gone Before

Chapter 3: Truth

Knowing that I was not expected to be on shift, I need Geordi to tell me what to do until he has me back on the schedule.
He most likely would be at the senior officers briefing which should be almost done when I get there. I want to be there
before they disperse for their separate departments. If only to see their reactions to the new female me.

I get to the outer door for the captain's observation lounge where the briefing is being held, just as the first are
leaving. I am nearly ran down by Worf and his subordinate security officer. After they pass me and before the door gets a
chance to close, I hear the jr grade man say, 'Is that Barclay? Nice.' That puts a wider smile on my face.

I step over to Geordi where he is talking with Data. "Pardon me commander. Chief, I've been cleared by Starfleet for duty,
where do you want me, sir." I gave him what I thought was a sweet innocent smile.

Before Geordi can speak, Data says, "Miss Barclay, it is a pleasure to see you healthy. You seem to be adapting quite
remarkably, all things considered."

Before he can ramble on, I touch him on the arm, "That's very sweet of you Data, thank you for saying so." Data cocks his
head as he looks at my hand on his arm. "What is it Data? Something wrong?"

He says, "Fasinating, you seem to no longer suffer from your previous insecurities. When you get a chance, I would like to
discuss your take on your physical transformation."

I say, "That would be nice Data, let's make it a date." Teasing him. Geordi about died, trying to keep from laughing out
loud. Then the conversation was halted as Captain Picard and Commander Riker approached us.

The captain in fine spirits says, "Good morning, Miss Barclay, I see you're ready to get back to work. Your clearance came
through just before the briefing started. Good to have you back."

"Thank you, sir, and a pleasure to get back on the job sir, please, call me Regina, will you?"

He says, "Regina it is then. I'm certain your mother was happy with your choice of names, honoring her and your
grandmother while still being respectful of your father. Admiral."

"Thank you, sir, I appreciate you saying so." I say in all honesty.

Riker says, "Miss Barclay, I'm sorry, Regina, I spoke to Deanna last night, she is very eager to return and meet with
you."

"Thank you, sir, I'll look forward to that meeting." And I meant it. Before my change, I was fixated on the fair counselor
Troi, always unobtainable in my eyes, as she only had eyes for Riker. And now I could understand why. The way she looked
at him was the way I found myself seeing Geordi, with my new perspective.

Geordi says, "If you'll excuse us gentlemen, we've got a lot of work to do in engineering." He lightly takes my arm
steering me towards the door, I wave over my shoulder, not taking my eyes off of him.

************************************************

I spent the day at Geordi side, always together, sharing the labors of routine maintainance aboard a starship, a seemingly
never ending cycle of adjustments and minor repairs. I'm not sure if his goal was to keep an eye on me, to be certain I
could still do my job or not. Or whether he had his 'eye' on me. I sure hoped it was the later of the two.

It was very fortunate for me that, somehow, part of this whole gender change thing due to the little crystalline rose, was
that it seemed to instil in me the natural behavior on how to act properly as a young woman. One thing I found out as the
day continued on, my only fear that my smaller size would leave me lacking strength to do the more labor intensive chores.
Thankfully, that didn't seem to be the case, in fact, I seem to be slightly stronger than I was as a male. This raised
many questions in my mind. I was really going to have to research what I could on that little pink crystalline rose.

By the end of the day, Geordi seemed to be satisfied I was fully capable to do my duties. Usually a day like this would
have me dragging in tired submission, today, though, I felt like I was as fresh as the start of the day.

At the end of shift, Geordi asked, "So Regina, do you have plans for later on?" Looking hopeful.

I answer, "Yes, I'm meeting someone for dinner." He looks unhappy to hear that.

Then he says, "Ok then, have a nice dinner." Trying to see the bright side like he always does, one of the reasons we're
friends.

Before he can get away, I take a hold of his arm and smile sweetly at him, "So, where are we going to eat?" The biggest
grin spreads across his face.

With that smile still on his face, "You do that like it comes so naturally, you constantly amaze me Regina."

I bat my eyes at him in an overly dramatic way, "Why thank you Geordi," putting on an air of southern charms. And he
started laughing, his laughter was so contagious that I started giggling, drawing lots of attention as we left
engineering.

************************************************

As we walked, Geordi held my hand, I really liked that, it was comforting in a way. We ended up in Ten Forward again
finding a table in the corner where it was secluded and relatively alone. An attendant took our orders and was soon back
with our meals, as well as two Andorian Starfires, pointing back at Guinan across the room.

We waved our thanks to her, as she went about talking with those at the bar. We sipped our drinks as we ate, making small
talk about nothing in general, just enjoying each others company. Making jokes and laughing, the evening went by very
quickly. We lost all track of time again and before long the night was getting late.

Rising, Geordi asks, "Can I see you to your cabin Regina?"

I rise with his hand, "I would like that Geordi." We walked out holding hands again. Guinan behind the bar smiled after
them.

The walk to my cabin is far too short for my liking, when we reach my door. I turn into him and put my hands on his chest
and look into his eyes, I say, "Thank you for a very pleasant evening Geordi, I don't know when I've enjoyed myself more."

Geordi, "The pleasure was all mine Regina, the best date I've had in a long time. Can I see you tomorrow?"

"Do you mean a date? Since we'll see each other tomorrow for work." Teasing him a little. "Of course we can go out again."

Geordi says, "Great, I'll see you in the morning then. Oh, by the way, I want you to sit in on the morning briefing with
me, I need my best girl by my side."

Before he can get away, on impulse, I lean in and give him a kiss on the lips, soft and tender. I break the kiss and lean
towards the door, it opens and I step through and let it close. The last thing I see is the look on his face as he traces
his lips with the fingers of his right hand.

I leaned against the closed door, my heart pounding and a warmth spreading through my insides. I'm thinking, Oh my god,
did I just kiss Geordi? My best friend. I knew from my body's reactions, that I was more than a little aroused from just
that simple little kiss. I had never felt like this before in all my 38 years of living, I mean, I've known lust, every
man has. But this was something bigger, more powerful than lust. Is this what love feels like? I'm not sure. I really wish
Deanna was back on board, she could help me. But can I wait that long, if I can't, I'll talk to Beverly, her and Deanna I
can trust. Maybe even Data.

I get ready for bed and tell the computer to wake me at 0630hr to get ready for my shift, I wanted to look my best for the
staff meeting. As I lay there, trying to clear my mind so sleep would overtake me, my thoughts kept returning to Geordi.
His face, his wonderful smile as he looked at me, the feel of his chest through his tunic. As sleep finally overcomes me,
my last thought is of his twinkling eyes.

************************************************

The next morning I wake refreshed, stretching while still laying down. I ask, "Computer, time please?"

It announces, "Current ship time is 0626." Four minutes before my wake-up time. I was never able to do that before.
Before, I was always late, Riker used to joke, at least I hope it was a joke, that I would be late for my own funeral. I
went into the bathroom to get ready, thinking, it really was my own fault when it came to Riker's opinion of me, I had
never done anything to engender confidence with regards to me. Exiting the shower, I resolved to change peoples
perceptions of me, for the better. Riker having always been my worst critic, would be my greatest challenge, but I would
succeed.

I ordered a clean uniform from the replicator, chosing to keep with the skirt variant. I decided that the best way to
start fresh with Riker and some of the others was to be early and on top form always, the epitome of a confident young
Starfleet officer. I also had in mind to have everyone's preferred morning beverage ready as they showed for the briefing.
I left with more than enough time to put my plan into effect.

************************************************

I arrive at the briefing room and no one is here yet, good. Even the stewards hasn't showed yet. I went to the replicator,
and ask for the drinks commonly requested for the officers that would be present. Little name cards with each drink
allowed me to place the proper drinks at the appropriate chairs. As I place the last one and put the cards in the return
on the replicator, Riker walks in, followed closely by the steward.

I say before he can ask, "Morning sir, I hope you had a pleasant sleep."

He notices the drinks around the table as others enter and take their places, he motions for the steward to leave. He
says, smiling, "Good morning to you Miss Barclay, yes I slept quite well, thank you. I hope you did as well?"

"Oh yes sir, I did. But please, call me Regina." I smile back.

He responds as Geordi enters talking with Data, "Very well Regina. I see you took the initiative to get drinks for
everyone and be early, I'm impressed."

"Thank you commander." I head for Geordi.

As Riker takes his seat, Geordi walks to me and says, "What is all this about? I stopped at your cabin and found out you
were already here, what are you doing?" A hint of concern on his face.

Data looks on as I explain, "Commander Riker has always been my worst critic in the past, I'm just trying to change his
opinion of me. Was I wrong to do so Geordi?"

He smiles, shaking his head, "No, that's a great idea, and I'm happy to see you decided that on your own."

Data says, "Miss Barclay, " I look at him sternly, "Regina, " I smiled pretty at him. "You certainly have a more positive
outlook, you should be commended."

My smile shows I'm happy to be thought of that way, "Thanks Data." We took our seats as the captain entered with Beverly.

They sat and the briefing began, everyone pleasantly surprised to have their favorite drinks instead of the usual coffee
service. The captain tastes his tea, savoring the spice cider infusion, and looks at Riker with evident approval, Riker
just nods towards me. The captain lifts his cup to me showing his thanks, I smiled and lowered my eyes a little.

Geordi squeezes my hand under the table, sending tingles throughout my body and soul.

The briefing was quick and we were soon headed for engineering to start our day. I could see that Geordi wanted to take my
arm, but being on duty it would be inappropriate behavior. He says to me, "You keep that up and you're sure to get a
promotion this next time around Regina."

I thanked him, "That's nice of you to say Geordi, but I'm happy with any position in your department under you." Did I
really just say that? God, he must think I'm the worst flirt on-board the ship.

Geordi smiles, "You say that now, but when they offer you a jr chief posting, you may reconsider." Then laughs.

************************************************

The day goes by surprisingly fast, only dragging when I'm not near Geordi. At shift's end, he's about to ask me to dinner
again when the communicator chirps, "Doctor Crusher to Lt Barclay, if you have time, I'd like to see you Regina."

I respond, "Certainly Beverly, your office?"

Beverly says, "Perfect, see you in a bit Regina. Crusher out."

I look to Geordi, "Sorry Geordi, I'll see you in the morning. Okay?"

He nods, "Yes, ma'am, and don't forget the briefing. You make me look good when you're entertaining like you did this
morning, thank you." He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and dashes off. I head for the turbolift with an extra bounce
to my step, causing a pleasing jiggle from my breasts.

I get to sickbay and say hi to Beverly's staff as I head for her office. I enter and she asks me to have a seat. Once
down, Beverly asks, "Just thought I'd check and see how things are going, how are you doing? Coping? Anxieties, anything?"

I say, "That's sweet of you to worry Beverly, I'm doing very well, thank you. Although, I've been meaning to talk with
you, since councillor Troi isn't available and I need to talk to someone about my feelings and don't think I can wait any
longer."

Beverly looks searchingly, "If I can help, talk away, that's what I'm here for. Is it something serious?"

"Well, yes and no. It's just that since my change, I've been trying to accept the depth of the feelings I have as a woman.
I'm a little nervous that I'm misreading what I feel." I kind of give her an off look. "Know what I mean?"

She seems a little relieved, "Is this about something in general or something more specific?"

I look down, "Someone more specific, rather. I mean, you know I've not been good at making friends in the past and it
truly didn't bother me. But now, I need advice. I wasn't all that close to my mother and she's back at HQ on earth, and
this is something that needs face to face to settle." I look back into her eyes, "Beverly, I really need a female friend,
I need help."

"Regina, I am your friend, I thought we had that settled before. So let me make this clear, even though you are the same
age as me, you appear much younger, and you haven't had the chance to grow as the woman you are now. So, in a way,
consider me your friend and also your older sister / mother figure for you. Will that help you? And just so you know, I
have already discussed this with Deanna and she feels exactly the same way. So tell me what's got you so confused."

I take my time and tell her everything about my feelings for Geordi, down to the last intimate detail. By the time I was
done, it felt like a giant weight had been lifted from my soul. "And that's why I needed to talk to you Beverly."

She came to me and drew me up into her embrace, comforting me, "Regina, it all makes complete sense to me. You and Geordi
have been friends since soon after you came on-board, he accepts you unconditionally as you are. Your perceptions of
gender alignment are allowing you to see him as any normal woman in your position would. The only question left is, do you

want to be close friends, or do you want something more than that, and how bad do you want it? Tell me Regina, what do you
want?"

I straighten up, "I want. What do I want? I want to be friends, but I need more. Every fiber in my being is screaming to
run into his arms and never let go!"

She smiles as she stands back, "There you go then. Now all you have to do is tell him." Thinking, "Though from what you've
already said, I think you know the answer."

We left sickbay together and headed for Ten-Forward for a light meal. As we ate, we talked like old friends catching up
after a small vacation.

End of Chapter 4