Theme and Variations

Fanfiction
Title:	Theme and Variations
Author(s):	Jeanita Danzik
Date(s):
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TNG
Relationship(s):
External Links:	the story was here, posted here
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"Theme and Variations" by Jeanita Danzik is a story in a Star Trek: TNG Picard/Q series.

Series

• Object Lessons
• Theme and Variations
• Ruminations, or While Johnny Lies Sleeping

Reactions and Reviews

Of the three stories in this series, "Theme and Variations" is the hardest one for most people to understand. Written completely from Picard's point of view, it begins with Q telling his Johnny to behave because he's taking him to a gathering of some kind. Picard is, understandably, nervous, not only because he has no control over the situation, but also because public means that there might be someone he knows in attendance. It is very interesting to read about his struggle to do, in public, the things he has become accustomed to doing in private. Jeanita interjects a flash of humor into Jean-Luc's concerns as the captain imagines tabloid headlines and disgrace if he's discovered. However, it is the very possibility of discovery and disgrace that makes the Picard realize that the experience is a test of his obedience.

That test, of course, is more than just appearing in public as Q's slave. Jean-Luc is the evening's entertainment for a large group of men. In a letter, Jeanita once said that perhaps this was overly genteel to be called a gang bang, and she's absolutely right. There is nothing of rape about this; although Picard thinks about objecting, he never does. Instead, what starts out as being something he is sure he can't do, becomes a way for the two lovers to become closer, as Jean-Luc realizes: "This was really a pas de deux, a duet between him and Q, and the other people were merely mis en scene. As he realized this, his apprehension vanished, and he could settle back and really live this experience rather than worrying about what it meant."

Of course, being Jean-Luc Picard, he can't help thinking about what it means. It might be hard for many people to understand how pain and surrender can be a enlightening, transforming experience, and how a person can be changed by something like this. One of the most important lessons that Jean-Luc (and hopefully the reader) learns during the course of events is just how much S/M is about trust. By trusting Q, he has an experience that changes his life, and helps him understand himself better.