Vash Made Picard Shine

[Armored Saint]

I always thought Vash had some kind of complicated backstory. I mean, we never even found out what her last name was. Perhaps 'Vash' is some kind of nickname or something like that...

She's called Vashcourt Fenton Mudd and she has a husband on earth. His name is Stellios and he's a real pain in the ass.

More seriously, I agree that Crusher and Daren are more plausible candidates as Picard's wife. Vash is not a plausible candidate for wedding at all. She needs too much adventures and freedom to be in a committed relationship. She would never be allowed to act as civilian archeologist on the Enteprise.

I think there was potential to do more episodes about this relationship, not as a direct story-arc, but as some occasional situations. I can imagine an equivalent of Satie or Remmick questioning Picard about this.

 

[Whoa Nellie]

Fortunately, it's just vague enough, where it's subject to interpretation, so that both camps - those in favour of it and those against - could be satisfied. Personally, I would've loved for them to have had a gratuitous sex scene - but not in Gene Roddenberry's STAR TREK, thank you, very much! We weren't going to get that.

I thought the breakfast scene in Qpid was pretty clear, but yes, a gratuitous sex scene would have been too much for TV and for me.

That is what fanfiction is for. At least in most of my stories.

She would never be allowed to act as civilian archeologist on the Enteprise.

Why not? Vash is an archaeologist and acts much the way the other archaeologist shown in TNG act. According to canon, before meeting Picard on Risa she spent five years working as a personal assistant to Professor Samuel Estragon, an archaeologist who's work Picard knew. It was Professor Samuel Estragon who was originally hunting for the Tox Uthat. It was also Professor Samuel Estragon who hired the Ferengi Sovak to aid in his explorations, especially in situations that weren't quite ethical. Moreover, Picard isn't surprised at all and is amused by the idea. (3rd season episode Captain Holiday.)
Also in the 6th season episode "The Chase," Picard's own mentor Professor Galen comes aboard the Enterprise and attempts to BRIBE the captain with a Kurlan naiskos, very rare archaeological artifact, wanting Picard to leave his captaincy to become Galen's muscle.

GALEN
"... I'm sorry, Mister Picard. But that information has a price --your agreement to join me on the final leg of this expedition."

PICARD
"For how long?"

GALEN
"Three months. Perhaps a year. If we had a starship and complete diplomatic access -- a matter of weeks. But we'll have only my shuttle, the transports we can arrange, and our combined talents."

PICARD
"Why can't you do this without me?"

GALEN
"I'm not a young man. There will be hazards along the way. I don't want my own inadequacies to jeopardize the completion of this work."

In this episode Professor Galen is operating exactly the way we were told that Professor Samuel Estragon did and the way Vash did. Therefore, it is a believable extrapolation from series canon that fieldwork in interstellar archaeology can be a somewhat rough and tumble, wild wild west like business.

Besides, if Picard had wanted a 'good girl' for a perfect little wife he would have married Jenice Manheim. Instead, he ran from her. As O'Brien told Sisko, "The Captain likes a challenge." Vash is also a civilian which would negate that whole having to order his lover into dangerous situations problem.

Love this!

Warmest Wishes,
Whoa Nellie

 

[Armored Saint]

Why not?

Because she has a pretty bad professional record. She's undoubtedly qualified, the issue is not about that, but about ethic.

If you apply at government for a job with security, secrecy or privacy issues, they will make an investigation about you.

Keiko would have never been on the Enterprise if she had been arrested five years ago for protected plants smuggling.

"So miss Vash, as archaeologist, you're persona non grata on Betazed and you want to join the archaeological team of the Federation starship?"

 

[Whoa Nellie]

Why not?

Because she has a pretty bad professional record. She's undoubtedly qualified, the issue is not about that, but about ethic.

If you apply at government for a job with security, secrecy or privacy issues, they will make an investigation about you.

Keiko would have never been on the Enterprise if she had been arrested five years ago for protected plants smuggling.

"So miss Vash, as archaeologist, you're persona non grata on Betazed and you want to join the archaeological team of the Federation starship?"

"Sure do," Vash flashes her most winning smile. "After my time with Q - his existence is classified too isn't it? Well anyway, after nearly two years with Q, I know things you don't want the Romulans or the Cardassians knowing. So, putting me under the protection of Jean-Luc - I'm sorry, Captain Picard of the Enterprise is a damn good way to make sure they can't abduct me and try to ascertain that information while I work on my papers for the Archaeology Council concerning my travels."
.....................

Anyway, we're talking Star Trek - so I am backing up my opinions on this issue with trek canon. Vash acts much the way the other archaeologist shown in TNG act. According to canon, before meeting Picard on Risa she spent five years working as a personal assistant to Professor Samuel Estragon, an archaeologist who's work Picard knew. It was Professor Samuel Estragon who was originally hunting for the Tox Uthat. It was also Professor Samuel Estragon who hired the Ferengi Sovak to aid in his explorations, especially in situations that weren't quite ethical. Moreover, Picard isn't surprised at all and is amused by the idea. (3rd season episode Captain Holiday.)

Also in the 6th season episode "The Chase," Picard's own mentor Professor Galen comes aboard the Enterprise and attempts to BRIBE the captain with a Kurlan naiskos, very rare archaeological artifact, wanting Picard to leave his captaincy to become Galen's muscle.

Starfleet is not above situational ethics - such as Ro Laren who was court-martialed and imprisoned, then released in exchange for going on a covert mission afterward assigned to the Enterprise. (Season 5 episode "Ensign Ro")

Captain Sisko married Kasidy Yates, who was convicted of smuggling and sent to prison. (DS9 "For the Cause")

My husband, who has real military experience, just pointed out Captain Kirk would not have lasted long as a real military commander before being stripped of his command and court-martialed. But he is still fun to watch.

Warmest Wishes,
Whoa Nellie

 

[Armored Saint]

Captain Sisko married Kasidy Yates, who was convicted of smuggling and sent to prison. (DS9 "For the Cause")

When I said Keiko would have never been on the Enterprise if she had been arrested five years ago for protected plants smuggling., I was not talking about the criminal fault, but about the professional fault. Of course, she was introduced as O'Brien wife to be, but it was implying she was already there as botanist. Maybe she was arrested for drunk driving when she was 18.

Moreover, Picard isn't surprised at all and is amused by the idea.

That's the Picard as a person and not as Captain. For this Picard, Vash's misconducts are simply reasons to spank his bad girl.

Starfleet officers are not automatic whistleblowers. Riker didn't arrest the Ferengi weapon dealer in Unification, he simply threatened to kick him outside Federation space.

Captain Kirk would not have lasted long as a real military commander before being stripped of his command and court-martialed.

Oh "Court-Martial" the episode where we learn that tainted files are still a concern in the future.

Of course, the black marks are evocated by Q in her last apperance, but there's nothing surprising. Picard can save her life or defend her if she's wrongfully accused, but I hardly see him doing a nepotic move to get a job for her girlfriend on his ship. I don't neither see him accepting too deal with cases of "Captain Jean-Louk Picarrrr, an archeologist of your ship stole us one of or greatest treasures and we suspect the notorious tomb raider in your bedroom."

PICARD: Somehow I doubt you'd find life aboard a starship suitable to your taste.
VASH: Probably not. I could never tolerate all that discipline.


Happy New Year

 

[Whoa Nellie]

I would've liked to see more risk taking - a long term thing with Vash,

I agree. It would have added the possibility for some very intriguing story dynamics. Vash's brazenness complements Picard's more sedate personality perfectly. As the title of this thread states Vash definitely added more dimension to Picard's character. The Vash character was just a little a head of the curve. It is very common now in scifi to see similar characters such as Star Gate SG1's Vala Mal Doran, Eureka's Zane Donovan, Sanctuary's Kate Freelander and most recently Dr. Who's River Song.

Warmest Wishes,
Whoa Nellie

 

[2takesfrakes]

Let's not forget, also, that in his younger years, Picard was even more wild and unpredictable than Vash is - as evidenced in the TNG episode "Tapestry" and the motion picture "Nemesis." It's true, though, that by the time Vash meets up with him, Picard is a different man, outwardly. But it speaks to how Picard still feels the same, as he did in his younger days and that Vash recognizes who he was, then. She sees a kindred spirit, in that sense. And Vash isn't entirely irresponsible. She's not "Hell Bent for Leather," she's just unorthodoxed.

I suspect that Vash also admires how Picard has taken on and handles responsibility far better than she does ... in a way that maybe she wishes she would let herself. It's an interesting mix and deeper than many fans seem to give it credit for. "Oh, she was just one of Picard's flings, it could've never have worked out between them, if she stuck around." I think there's enough evidence on either side, where I wouldn't feel comfortable making such an arrogant statement, as that. Unfortunately, it went the way of the naysayers, which they see as a vindication of their assessment and therefore dismiss it. I suspect otherwise and I always have ...

 

[Whoa Nellie]

Let's not forget, also, that in his younger years, Picard was even more wild and unpredictable than Vash is - as evidenced in the TNG episode "Tapestry" and the motion picture "Nemesis." It's true, though, that by the time Vash meets up with him, Picard is a different man, outwardly. But it speaks to how Picard still feels the same, as he did in his younger days and that Vash recognizes who he was, then. She sees a kindred spirit, in that sense. And Vash isn't entirely irresponsible. She's not "Hell Bent for Leather," she's just unorthodoxed.

This is a brilliant point – and one that is very commonly over looked. "Tapestry" is a fantastic character episode for Picard. Like TOS's "The Enemy Within" did for Kirk, "Tapestry" shows how it takes both halves of Picard, the hell bent for leather ensign and the erudite diplomat to make a Federation Flagship Captain.


And as far as we know - Vash has all of her vital organs. Unlike a certain Starship captain who literally lost his heart in a barroom brawl.

I suspect that Vash also admires how Picard has taken on and handles responsibility far better than she does ... in a way that maybe she wishes she would let herself. It's an interesting mix and deeper than many fans seem to give it credit for. "Oh, she was just one of Picard's flings, it could've never have worked out between them, if she stuck around." I think there's enough evidence on either side, where I wouldn't feel comfortable making such an arrogant statement, as that. Unfortunately, it went the way of the naysayers, which they see as a vindication of their assessment and therefore dismiss it. I suspect otherwise and I always have ...

It could have gone something like this:
…………………..
Before Q:

"I could never tolerate all that discipline." Vash sighed.

After Travels with Q:

"You know, Jean-Luc. This is all your fault." Vash sighed while unpacking the last box in her office aboard the Enterprise.

"My fault?"

"If it hadn't been for my relationship with you, I never would have attracted Q's attention. Without my travels with Q and the lectures I gave on said travels, I would never have gained all this notoriety and I could have gone on with my Devil may care life. But no, due to that notoriety, I am now forced to accept the responsibility of success."

With a chuckle, Picard reached out to gently brush a lock of her hair aside. "The Alfred Doolittle defense is it?"

"It worked for George Bernard Shaw." Vash smiled back.
………………….

I've spent the better part of the last 19 years writing fanfiction for fun. I could come up with these little scenarios all day. But, I have a family dinner to put on. So off to real life I must go.

Happy New Year!

Warmest Wishes,
Whoa Nellie

 

[2takesfrakes]

Whoa Nellie, I think it's great that your interest in writing and your interest in the Picard/Vash romance have met their match, because of your love of this show. My creativity is more on the visual side, but I don't draw or paint STAR TREK themes, actually. I am, however, very interested in low budget movies. I know someone here in Philadelphia who is good friends with a guy who was heavily involved in producing the cult classic: Death of an Amateur Porn Star Killer.

I met the guy myself and he was so encouraging, that I've been inspired to actually write something original, which I might try to get published. Not to be an author, but with the idea of basing one of his (very) low budget movies on it. Strangely enough, it might lend the request more legitimacy, by having it be "based on a book" kind of thing. Anyway, I think it's so cool that you have the imagination and talent to take an idea like Picard and Vash and run with it. It's more like a Labour of Love, really ... and that's what my personal paintings are about. I completely relate to that aspect of it.

 

[Whoa Nellie]

Thank you so much! It really has been a labour of love.

I met the guy myself and he was so encouraging, that I've been inspired to actually write something original, which I might try to get published. Not to be an author, but with the idea of basing one of his (very) low budget movies on it. Strangely enough, it might lend the request more legitimacy, by having it be "based on a book" kind of thing.

That would be very cool!

Warmest Wishes,
Whoa Nellie

 

[2takesfrakes]

Whilst "surfing," I chanced upon a website offering this entry about Vash:

"She's an interstellar adventurer filled with derring-do and seems to be one of the few Terrans who isn't a goody-goody obsessed with science and always (always) doing the right thing. She's also a smokin' li'l Space Cougar and we're pretty sure Jean-Luc treated her (to) a special Chateau Picard vintage uncorking."

http://sexiestwomenofstartrek.blogspot.com/2010/08/vash.html

 

[Armored Saint]

She's also a smokin' li'l Space Cougar

She's the lover of Papa Smurf, not Wesley.

 

[Whoa Nellie]

Whilst "surfing," I chanced upon a website offering this entry about Vash:

"She's an interstellar adventurer filled with derring-do and seems to be one of the few Terrans who isn't a goody-goody obsessed with science and always (always) doing the right thing. She's also a smokin' li'l Space Cougar and we're pretty sure Jean-Luc treated her (to) a special Chateau Picard vintage uncorking."

http://sexiestwomenofstartrek.blogspot.com/2010/08/vash.html

This site was too cool. Loved it! And, I'm sure she popped his cork. The only thing is that many people tend to over look the fact that Vash does know and care about the science as well. Hence, this exchange between her and Quark in the DS9 episode Qless:

VASH: Ladies and gentlemen, our first item is a statue from the Gamma Quadrant's Verath System. First I suppose I should talk a little bit about the Verathan civilization, which reached its height some thirty thousand years ago...

QUARK: What are you doing?

VASH: Placing the statue in its historical context.

QUARK: Here, give me that. (takes the statue) This isn't the Daystrom Institute.

She's also a smokin' li'l Space Cougar

She's the lover of Papa Smurf, not Wesley.

Papa Smurf?

Dayum! That is one sexy Papa Smurf!

Warmest Wishes,
Whoa Nellie

 

[Armored Saint]

I exagerate, but it's because Vash is absolutely not a cougar. Of course, there's not an exact definition of a cougar. Some say that a cougar is simply an "older" woman (at least 40 or 50 yo) and others say a woman is a cougar when she's older than his partner. In both cases, Vash isn't a cougar at all, Lwaxana totally and Nella Daren yes in the first case.