by: Robin Marshall (DTroi57) 1/98
Disclaimer: This story is intended as a sequel to the story "Enemy's Mask". The Star Trek Next
Generation characters herein, belong to Paramount. The story, settings, and plot belong solely
to me.
Chapter One
Commander William Riker was on the Bridge, for his fourth, 12 hour shift in the last week. While
it wasn't unusual for him to pull a double shift, it was rare that it happened more than twice in
a week. The last several weeks had been extremely stressful, with several minor border skirmishes
erupting along the Neutral Zone. The Enterprise had been assigned to patrol the sector to
provide a show of strength by the Federation, and if necessary, engage the troublemakers.
More than once a renegade Romulan Warbird or a Klingon Bird of Prey, was the culprit. There
had been at least a dozen reports of fighting along the same stretch of the border, in the last
several weeks. Each and every time the Enterprise had responded, the ships involved had either
left the vicinity or cloaked. Invariably they left an unlucky traveler adrift, or limping for home,
with just enough trace evidence of phaser and disruptor fire to identify who was responsible.
Thus far there were no casualties, but several passengers suffered injuries. The Enterprise had
been picking up the pieces after these attacks for the last six weeks. They had been ferrying the
survivors to nearby starbases to find transportation home, or repairing the damage done to the
ships by the attacking vessels. Riker and Captain Picard had spent many long hours trying to
come up with a possible explanation for these attacks and had been unable to come up with
anything plausible.
Problems in the sector weren't the only cause of Will Riker's headaches. The Enterprise herself
had decided to turn against him. In the last several days, a rash of minor glitches in the ship's
systems had cropped upone after another. As a result of one of these minor systems failures,
they'd been forced to remain on impulse power for three days due to a problem in the
propulsion system. Geordi Laforge worked overtime trying to find the cause of the problem,
which had turned out to be a series of isolinear chips installed backwards. Once they'd finally
been able to return to warp, the ship's main computer had contracted a "virus" during an ion
storm, and experienced a minor cascade failure. Fortunately, the only system affected was the
replication system, but it had meant that the entire crew had had to live on emergency rations
for four days. These irritating little difficulties, combined with the Neutral Zone situation, had
caused elevated tensions amongst the crew. Will spent considerable time dealing with
disagreements over duty rosters, equipment allocations, and flaring tempers. The last topic,
tempers, would normally be Ship's Counselor, Deanna Troi's territory. But, since Deanna was
presently offship, on medical leave, her staff had been working overtime; counseling,
comforting, and soothing ruffled feathers. Will had needed to assign additional personnel to
assist the counselor's staff in dealing with the additional caseload caused by the tensions of the
Enterprise's mission. He was looking forward to Deanna's homecoming for professional as well
as personal reasons.
As First Officer, Will had been pulling double shifts to keep up with duty schedules, resource
allocations, and especially logging all this information into the computer. It wasn't a difficult
task, just a time consuming one. He'd discovered that time had a nasty habit of slipping away,
faster than he could make use of it. Tonight, making matters much worse... Will was having
difficulty keeping his mind on his work. His thoughts kept returning to Deanna, and it wasn't just
missing her that occupied his mind. Worry over her lack of communication was making it
almost impossible to concentrate on the activities on the Bridge. He hadn't heard from Deanna
in nearly 10 days. Before that, they had spoken every 2 or 3 days. Now, without warning, she
had stopped communicating. Will made a mental note to contact Deanna in the morning,
then immersed himself in the mundane details of the Bridge during night watch. Somehow,
managing to work the last four hours of his shift without thinking about his Imzadi. By the time
Beta shift arrived, Riker was back in "command mode" and had actually lost track of time.
Data relieved him at 06:00 hours. He headed for his cabin, and hopefully 8 hours of much
needed sleep.
When he reached the privacy of his quarters, Will showered and threw himself across the bed.
But now, when the chance to sleep was at hand, sleep wouldn't come; he was just too wired
to give in to it. Finally after a half an hour of tossing and turning, he gave up, pulled himself
from the bed, and left the bedroom. Crossing to the replicator, Will called up a tried and true
insomnia cure, and ordered a steaming cup of "lapnas tea". Lapnas was a Betazoid drink that
Deanna favored when she couldn't sleep. He sat quietly on the sofa, enjoying the delicate
flavor of the hot drink, and looked about the room, reminiscing about how his quarters once
looked.
His living quarters had always had a spartan look to them. There had been a few personal
mementos of Alaska, where he'd grown up, his trombone, and some sheet music. The rooms
had barely reflected the individual who lived there, the truth being that he'd spent very little
time in his quarters, until recently. That spartan living style had changed dramatically, since he'd
resumed his relationship with Deanna Troi. Deanna was Ship's Counselor on the Enterprise...and
in the midst of her recovery from her ordeal on Eos 3, they'd moved in together. Little by little
Deanna's personal things began to take up residence in his cabin.
A collection of meditation statues, colorful afghans, candles, and plants had become part of
his living space. Funny, since Deanna had gone, Will realized that he liked to just sit in his
quarters, amongst their things and relax...it somehow brought her closer to him. Tonight for
some reason, all he could think about was Deanna, having become accustomed to her
presence in his everyday life, and in his cabin. They had spent many evenings alone there,
sometimes making love, other times just sitting quietly talking or even working side by side on
the couch. Oftentimes, while he worked at his terminal, Deanna sat on the sofa reading, or
working on personnel files and personal correspondence. Now and then he'd feel the gentle
brush of her mind in his. He missed so many other things about her as well ; her scent, the
softness of her hair, the satin touch of her skin, her smile, and her cold feet pressed between the
muscles of his calves.
Deanna Troi had left the Enterprise 8 weeks before. She had returned to Betazed, her home
planet, to undergo intense psychotherapy to counteract the effects of being held captive in a
Romulan prison camp on Eos 3, for over 6 weeks. Physical and sexual abuse caused her to
withdraw into herself and revert to a 5 year old child. Deanna had been particularly vulnerable
to the subliminal torture that the Romulans had subjected her to, because her empathic
abilities were very highly developed. ( As a teenager she had scored one of the highest
empathy ratings that the psychologists on Betazed had seen in 200 years.) It was during
Deanna's recovery, that her relationship with Will had become a romantic one...again. They'd
been practically inseparable since he had been instrumental in helping Troi recover her memory
and her adult self. During the weeks after Deanna had regained her memory, she and Will had
become lovers again. Their bond as "Imzadi" had become stronger than ever, forging a link
that had given both of them the strength to deal with the difficult times that lay ahead for the
two of them. Deanna had depended on Will's strength several times in those final weeks before
she'd gone home to Betazed. He himself was rather proud of the fact that he'd been the
strength that she'd needed. Turns out he enjoyed being needed. Will was certain he would
never forget Deanna's face on the day she and her mother Lwaxana left for Betazed. His
"imzadi's" beautiful features had been calm and composed, a mask to cover the turmoil she
was feeling inside. She tried so hard to be brave, to stay in control of her emotions. But in the
end in the transporter room, with their closest friends surrounding them, Deanna had clung to
him, sobbing openly. She hadn't been alone. Beverly Crusher had tears streaming down her
face when she'd turned into the Captain's shoulder for comfort. Geordi had wiped moisture
from his cheeks, and Worf turned his back on the scene before him. Data had been the only
one who had been unaffected, by the emotion of the moment. Not surprising since he hadn't
any emotions. Will had been loathe to let her leave, and had wanted to accompany her to
provide emotional support, but once she'd calmed down, Deanna insisted that it wouldn't be
necessary. The last two and a half months had seemed an eternity since Will had become
accustomed to being with Deanna almost all of the time. Her absence had left a void in his life
that only her return could possibly fill.
Will yawned mightily, "lapnas" tea rarely failed. He got up from his spot on the sofa. and went
back to bed. The bed felt exquisite to his exhausted body, long hours and tension were
beginning to take their toll. He was just about to slip into oblivion, when the computer's
monotonal voice filled the room
>>Incoming message: marked personal, for Commander William Riker, voice identification
required.
Will groaned, and rolled to a sitting position. He rubbed his eyes, and dragged himself from the
bed, not bothering to turn up the lights. He straddled the chair before the desk and accessed
the message....
"Voice identification, Riker : personal access code WTR delta 37." Will waited a few seconds for
the computer to process the code, raking a hand through his hair and beard....
>>Code accepted, accessing video link
Deanna Troi's face appeared on the terminal in front of him. He drank in her image, as a man
dying of thirst. God! Here he was lusting after her, three seconds after her face appeared on the
screen.
She was dressed in a loose flowing robe, in a rich shade of amber. the color added a honey
gold warmth to her skin...she looked beautiful....but tired. Will felt his stomach clench...why did
she look so tired?
"Hello imzadi...I'm really glad to hear from you...it's been nearly ten days. Are you all right? You
look tired."
"Hello, Will. Did I wake you?" Troi's voice was low and musical... "If I did I'm sorry. I had a very
busy day today, and..." Deanna smiled and shrugged her shoulders. Will smiled back at her...
"It's been over ten days actually, and I apologize...I haven't felt well for a few weeks, which is
why I look tired. It's because of that, that I've been trying to get more rest. It's why I haven't
been in touch. I'm sorry if I've worried you." Deanna's features softened... "I miss you so,
Imzadi...very much."
Riker noticed that she'd reacquired a trace of the Betazoid accent that she'd lost since being
on the Enterprise. He'd always loved that slightly "foreign" quality of Deanna's speech.
"I miss you too, Dee. I'm in a very big hurry for you to come home to me." Will smiled that heart
melting smile of his, causing Deanna to catch her breath. She smiled, and folded her hands
across her knees, then rearranged the folds of her robe. Deanna looked anxious...as though she
wanted to say something...she was figeting. Will noticed her hands moving, in her lap. She
raked a hand through her hair, pushing the mass of curls back over her shoulder...It was Will's
turn to catch his breath.
"You've let it grow out, Dee....I'm glad." Will's fingers were itching to tangle his hands in the soft
perfumed mass of curls..
"What? Oh! My hair...yes...I realized that cutting it wasn't going to change what had happened.
Wouldn't make me forget...so...I forced it to grow out, unfortunately, it's curlier than ever now."
Deanna reached out and lifted a cup of tea...she smiled.."Yridian tea...." She sipped, then
paused..." So, tell me what's been happening with the ship." Will sighed and slouched in his
chair...he ran a hand through his hair, and stroked his beard.
"Well, Deanna, it's been pretty frantic around here lately...with increased activity in the neutral
zone, both Romulan and Klingon...ship's systems malfunctions, and personnel problems related
to both...I've been putting in at least 2 twelve hour shifts every week. It's been exhauting." He
smiled at her then... "What makes it all bearable, is seeing your lovely face every few days and
knowing that you'll be home and in my arms again soon. I miss you too, Imzadi, very much."
Deanna's eyes widened and filled with tears, she wasn't able to speak immediately.
"I love you Will....and I need to see you soon...to hold you close. I want to come home." Troi
spoke in a whisper. A single tear made it's way down over the curve of her cheek. The sight of it
caused a lump to form in Will's throat.
"Awww Deanna don't cry, hon...it won't be much longer...come on now, stop crying." He
watched as Deanna reached in front of her for a tissue. As she wiped her eyes and blew her
nose...she apologized...
"I'm sorry Will, I've been a little emotional lately, what with not feeling well....I guess I'm just
tired." Deanna's watery smile did little to reassure Will that she really was fine. As he stared at her
image, her fingers began to pluck at the folds of her robe again, it was a nervous gesture, he'd
come to recognize. Something was bothering her, and he didn't think it was just missing him.
"Sweetheart, if you've been ill for that long, maybe you should see a doctor...have a physical."
Will shrugged... "Seems the logical thing to do." Deanna took a deep breath.
"Actually Will, I did see Dr. Tobias, yesterday...He prescribed lots of rest and gave me a vitamin
supplement. He did say that I'm in excellent health. These symptoms should disappear in a few
weeks." Deanna avoided Will's eyes for a second...alarm bells went off in his mind...
"Okay Counselor...what is it...what do you want to ask/tell me that you're afraid to?" Troi
shrugged, "Come on I know that face too well." Deanna faced him...
"Will, I need to fill you in on some things. Can you come here to Betazed? It's important or I
wouldn't ask. I need you here; we need to talk...face to face, soon." Deanna sat quietly at her
terminal, waiting for his response.
"Deanna, are you really all right? Did the doctor find something serious? Does it have anything
to do with what happened to you on Eos?" Troi looked away from the screen for a
moment,composing her features...
"Will, please, I don't want to discuss this over a comm link. This is something very personal and
important to both of us. Please, can you arrange leave, and come to see me?" Riker closed his
eyes. "Why now?" When he couldn't possibly get leave? He sighed and rubbed his eyes. Deanna
could tell from his reaction that he was going to refuse, but before he could speak, she cut him
off,
"You know that I'd never ask unless it were important. Please, I need you." Will felt absolutely
helpless. He wanted to be there for her for whatever reason. It didn't matter what that reason
was. If Deanna felt this strongly about it, he wanted to do as she asked.
"Deanna, the Enterprise and all other ships in this sector are on full alert. All personal leave has
been cancelled, no nonessential personnel are being allowed on board." It was at this juncture
that he explained the situation with the Romulans and Klingons. "Starfleet has no idea what
provoked these attacks and has put out an alert for all ships in this sector until further notice."
"I understand that this isn't a good time, but it's just that there are thing we need to discuss.
Things that I'd rather not talk about on a commlink." She paused, "You're sure that Captain
Picard won't approve an emergency leave? According to Betazoid/Federation treaty, we are
"family" now." Deanna tried hard not to let a pleading note enter her voice.
"Sweetheart, I want to be there, but the only leave that's being granted is bereavement. It
wouldn't be right of me to ask for special consideration." Will looked more closely at his
fiancee's face...recalling the earnestness in her voice, he realized that she was very upset...and
working hard to hide it. "Deanna, sweetheart...just tell me...it's obviously important, and
causing you pain... Let me help."
"I'm pregnant, Will." Deanna said it simply, and unemotionally. They stared at one another...not
speaking. Deanna sat quietly, allowing him to digest her news, while Will sat simply trying to
recover his power of speech. Finally, after several long seconds, he was able to speak...
"Pregnant? Did you say pregnant? We're having a baby?" The thought that Deanna's illness,
might be pregnancy had never even crossed Will's mind.
"Yes Will, I'm pregnant. And..." Will looked at her, narrowing his eyes...
"And?" Deanna thrust her hair behind her shoulders again and met his eyes...
"Dr. Tobias is fairly certain that I'm carrying identical twins, Will. There are two babies, not just
one. I'll know for sure next week." She smiled weakly. "Surprise?!"
Will Riker's mind went into a spin. Pregnant? Twins? This was too much to deal with in his
exhausted state. Deanna looked on as he turned away from the screen, anxiety beginning to
build.
"Please Will, say something, anything. How do you feel about this? I know it's a shock, it was for
me too." Deanna placed a tender hand on her abdomen.
Will stayed silent, Deanna took a deep breath, as her anxety became a wave of nausea that
gripped her stomach. Deep down, she was afraid that he really wouldn't want children now;
that he wasn't ready for a child, never mind twins! They'd discussed having children before she
left, and decided to wait a year to become engaged. Tears welled up in her eyes, but
somehow Deanna managed to force them back.
"Will? Please..talk to me." Waiting for him to speak was sheer torture, her stomach was
churning, and her hands were like ice!
"Deanna how is this possible, hadn't you just updated your inhibitor? Nevermind. Sweetheart
you have completely bowled me over wth this news I'd like a moment to think. Just a moment,
Ok?"
Deanna watched as he reached out and blocked the transmission. She sat staring at the
screen, her thoughts, feelings all in turmoil. Dizziness came over her in waves. A cold sweat
broke out on her forehead. She felt as though she were going to be sick. Her mind was numb as
she waited for him to return. All at once she knew she was going to pass out.
~~~ Mother....please...I...need you!
Chapter Two
Lwaxana had just emerged from her office, when Deanna's call for help screamed into her
thoughts. She ran down the hallway into Deanna's room. Deanna was sitting at her terminal
clutching the edges of the desk, white-knuckled. Her face was pale, her eyes closed tightly.
Lwaxana thought sure that she was about to faint. Sure enough, as the thought entered her
head, Deanna began to slip from her chair. Lwaxana dashed to the desk, catching Deanna's
limp form just as her body sagged out of the chair. Easing her to the floor, Lwaxana looked at
the screen. What on earth had she been doing to elicit this reaction? Deanna began to stir as
the viewscreen blinked to reveal Will Riker's bearded image.
"Hello? Deanna, where are you...hello?" Lwaxana settled Deanna more comfortably on the
thick rug at the foot of her bed...then rose to sit in the chair Deana had just vacated.
"William what happened? What did you say to Deanna? When I came into the room, she had
fainted and was falling from the chair! What is going on here? This isn't good for her, especially
now. Tell me what happened!" The tone of Lwaxana's voice was a command. Will began to
speak,
"Is she all right? I'm afraid I handled this badly, but I was so shocked. I need to speak to
Deanna, please Mrs. Troi, I need to explain." Will paused, waiting for Lwaxana to surrender the
terminal to Deanna. She didn't budge.
"For some reason, Commander, something you said upset my daughter enough that she
fainted, I want an explanation, Deanna has been through enough!?" Lwaxana looked him
straight in the eye, her gaze unwavering. Deanna began to murmur aloud as she recovered
from fainting. She opened her eyes, and tried to sit up. The room swam causing her to close her
eyes briefly. She turned , hearing her mother's voice...then Will's. Oh Gods! Poor Will!
"Mother? Please...I'm all right." She got to her feet slowly, holding onto the edge of the bed and
then the chair. She laid a hand on Lwaxana's shoulder, which she promptly shrugged off. "Rest
Deanna. William and I are talking."
"Mother please, I'm fine really. Will and I need to talk. Please go downstairs, We'll talk later."
Lwaxana sighed and shook her head, rising reluctantly from the chair....
"I don't like this, Deanna. You shouldn't be getting upset this way, it isn't good for the baby, or
for you! Little One, are you sure that you're fully recovered?" Deanna nodded, "Please?"
Lwaxana left reluctantly, adding several rude comments under her breath. Deanna regained
her seat in front of the viewscreen.
"Deanna, I'm sorry. Are you alright?" Deanna sat looking at his handsome face, he looked so
concerned, so contrite. She loved him so very much. His reaction hadn't been that unexpected,
he'd been completely unprepared for the news of her pregnancy. She still felt disbelief and she'd
had over a week to get used to the idea! Deanna didn't speak, as she recalled her own
reaction to the news that she was pregnant.
Deanna had been home on Betazed for almost a month and a half,feeling tired and
overemotional for most of that time. Her general fatigue had been accompanied by frequent
bouts of nausea, at various times of the day, often related to the smell of certain foods,
perfumes etc. Lwaxana's first conclusion was that she might be pregnant. Deanna had
dismissed that possibility, since she'd updated her fertility inhibitor with Beverly just prior to the
conference from which she'd been kidnapped. Nevertheless, after three weeks, her mother
insisted that she see Dr. Tobias, just to rule out pregnancy. "You never know, "Little One".
Reluctantly Deanna had agreed to see the doctor, who had given her a complete physical
along with blood work and diagnostic bioscans.
When Deanna had returned to Dr. Tobias' office after her examination, he'd entered and sat
down, looking very serious. She began to feel panic rise in her stomach, thinking the doctor had
found something terrible. She remembered sitting there, nauseated, her palms wet with
perspiration, her heart threatening to pound right out of her chest.
"Well, Dr. Tobias...what is wrong with me? Is it serious?" Troi swallowed hard. Dr; Tobias'
expression softened and he smiled.
"Well, it appears that when you do something, young lady, you're very thorough. Relax, there's
nothing seriously wrong with you." Deanna released her breath, which she hadn't realized she
was holding.
"Oh thank goodness, I thought you were going to tell me that I was really ill." Troi had laughed.
"But really, why do I feel so awful? There must be something. Is it the infection I had after Eos?
Has it returned? My mother is convinced that she's about to become a grandmother. I told her
that was impossible, but you know Mother." Tobias chuckled...
"Indeed I do, she has always been a very wise woman. She'll make a wonderful grandmother."
Deanna had frozen in her seat. Tobias met her eyes and smiled...
"Congratulations, Deanna, you're pregnant, about 11 weeks...." Tobias paused, allowing his
words to penetrate the shock, so apparent on Deanna's face. At first he found it unusual that
she hadn't kown much sooner, as most Betazoids did, but since she was only half Betazoid...he
dismissed his concern. Then he went on to explain how the antibiotic she'd received, had
counteracted her fertility inhibitor, leaving her very fertile and unprotected from accidental
pregnancy. Apparently it was an experimental drug and Beverly had had no way of knowing
that this was a possible side effect. It was at this point that he'd told her the "big" news...
"Are you ready for the really good news, dear?" Tobias had come around his desk and taken her
icy hands in his. I'll be 100% sure after an ultrascan Deanna, but I can safely tell you now, that
you're pregnant with identical twins. All three of you are in excellent health." He rubbed her
hands,
"Are you all right?"
Will's voice interrupted her daydreaming..
"Deanna are you listening to me, are you all right? You've been staring at me in the most
peculiar way." Troi startled, finally becoming aware of the screen. She looked at the screen, her
expression was one of disbelief.
"What? Oh yes I'm fine...You're criticizing ME??!! You just cut me off in the middle of what has to
be our most important conversation ever, and you tell me I look peculiar?! You certainly have
nerve, Will Riker! This hasn't exactly been easy for me either, you know!" As tears threatened,
Deanna cursed herself. Damn these hormones!!!
"Deanna wait! You're right. I didn't handle the news well, it came as such a shock. But we need
to talk face to face not like this. Please, let me speak to the captain. I'll get to Betazed as fast
as I can. I love you!" The words "I love you" were enough to snap Deanna's grip on her emotions.
Tears welled up and spilled over, to fall slowly down her cheeks.
"Will, how can you say that you love me, and not be happy about our having these babies, our
babies? I know we hadn't planned to begin our family so quickly, but I won't change what has
happened. One thing hasn't changed, I know that I love you, and I already love our babies!"
Deanna's pointed chin came up as she composed her features into an unreadable mask. She
wiped her cheeks,
" Will I can stay here to have the babies, Mother will help, you won't be inconvenienced at all.
I'll resign my commission and raise our children alone. You'll be able to see them whenever
you're in this sector, I won't prevent the babies from knowing their father." Troi paused, the
struggle to regain control was heartbreaking for Will to see.
"Deanna, wait a minute, I never said I didn't want the babies! Just give me some time." Deanna
was losing her tenuous hold on her emotions, and only wanted to end this conversation, before
she fell apart.
"Take all the time that you need to decide what you want to do. I'll be here." >>Troi out
The viewscreen went blank. Will Riker sat numbly before the computer trying to sort out the
events of the last hour. What had just happened??? He...
>>>>Red Alert!! Commander Riker, to the Bridge...
Commander Data's voice cut into Riker's thoughts. The red alert klaxon wailed through his
cabin. Will raced to dress and headed to the bridge with his boots in his hands. The turbolift
entrance was a hive of activity as several crewman attempted to get to their alert posts. He
entered the lift. "Main Bridge!" Riker ordered, as he bent to slide his stockinged feet into his
boots. When he arrived, Will found the Captain already sitting in the center seat. He turned as
the First Officer sat beside him.
"Number One, two Romulan Warbirds have decloaked. One to the port and another to the
starboard side. Our hails have gone unanswered. Their disrputors are fully charged." Picard
turned to Worf,
"Report, Mr. Worf." Worf looked down at Picard from his station at Tactical.
"Shields are at 100%, phasers are fully charged and operational, photon torpedoes are armed
and ready, sir."
"Excellent, open a channel, hail the Romulans again."
"Hailing, sir. They are responding..."
"On screen." Picard stood up, tugging his jacket down. He stood still, his back ramrod straight
as a familiar face filled the viewscreen. The Romulan Commander Tomalak looked back at
Picard and smiled.
"Captain Picard...how nice of you and your ship to grace our sector this evening." Tomalak's
voice was like satin, it had an oily feel to it. His eyes flicked from side to side, missing nothing.
"Commander...thank you for such a warm welcome to your sector...It's always a pleasure to
meet two fully armed warbirds nose to nose." Picard's tone was calm and even...but to those
on the Bridge...it was laced with barely restrained anger.
"Captain, are you aware that several Romulan vessels have been attacked and stripped of all
goods in this sector? It is unsafe for even a Galaxy Class vessel to unescorted, I'd hate to see
anything unhealthy happen to the flagship of the Federation." Tomalak's eyes narrowed, as he
leaned closer to the viewscreen. "Or could it be that the flagship is a decoy sent out here to
distract us from the real attack, which is undoubtedly happening elsewhere."
Picard smiled slightly at the remark.
"Come now Tomalak, would the Federation, really send the Enterprise as a decoy...it's flagship?
I think not." Tomalak smiled at Picard in the same manner.
"Perhaps not, Picard...but be warned, any unauthorized passage through Romulan territory will
be considered an act of war."
"Tomalak, I wouldn't make any idle threats...after all there is the matter of Counselor Troi's
abduction and mistreatment by a member of your military, that has yet to be resolved to the
satisfaction of the Federation."
"Why Captain Picard, I have no knowledge of any abduction, I assure you that no Romulan
citizen would ever attempt such a thing. How is the dear lady...?" Tomalak had an innocent
expression plastered to his face.
"I never said that Counselor Troi was a woman...how did you know?" It was Picard's turn to
smile.
"Now Commander, I suggest that you stand down your weapons and go about your business,
what ever that may be. We shall do the same. We wouldn't want to start an interstellar
incident over something that had never occurred now, would we?"
"Of course not Captain Picard...perhaps we can meet on more amiable terms someday and
discuss these perplexing matters at our leisure and in comfort. Good journeys, Captain." The
viewscreen went to grey...
"Captain, the warbirds have powered down their weapons and are preparing to engage their
cloaking devices." Worf's gruff voice grated in the silence of the bridge. "It would appear that
the Romulans have decided that it would be foolish to take on the Enterprise. Perhaps HE was
the decoy intended to keep us away from the border."
"Number One...suggestions?" Picard turned to regard his exec...as he hadn't received a
response. "Number One? Are you allright?' Will Riker sat in the chair to Picard's right. He had a
strange expression on his face, a sort of shocked, and distant look in his eye. Picard wondered if
he's gotten some bad news from home or, perhaps it had something to do with Deanna.
"What? Oh yes sir, I'm fine." Will felt a little guilty, since he hadn't heard any of the diaologue
that had taken place since the warbirds had cloaked and left. "Sir?"
"Number One is it possible that the Romulans are involved in this one hell of a lot more than it
appears."
"Captain...I...think they bear watching, sir." Feigning knowledge where he had none was
unusual for Will. Somehow he'd needed the Captain to think all was well with him, at least until
he had his thoughts in order. Keeping things from the captain made Will uncomfortable, always
had. Picard looked curiously at Will, trying to decide what his problem was. He'd have to wait
until the commander was ready to tell him what was on his mind, until then...there were things
that needed to be attended to.
"Number One, you have the bridge...I'll be in my Ready Room." Picard stood, tugging his jacket
into place. "Number One?" Picard's voice was low enough for only Riker to hear. Will looked up
at the captain. "Should you need to talk about it...I'd be happy to listen." With that, Picard
turned and strode to the ready room door, which slid aside, closing behind him. Will moved to
the center seat, silently cursing himself for allowing the captain to notice his distraction. Perhaps
it was for the best...he thought to himself...maybe he did need to talk to someone. He shook his
head...not yet...but soon.
The remainder of the evening was spent doing routine maintenance, logging the incident
reports into the computer, and other "housekeeping" chores. He managed to get through the
first two hours without thinking too much about Deanna and the baby...babies. He still couldn't
believe it... He startled as Data's monotonal voice filled the air.
"We have just received a coded message from Starfleet.." Data turned to Riker, awaiting further
instructions.
>>Riker to Captain Picard...
>>Picard here...
>>Incoming coded message from Starfleet , Sir...
>>I'll take it in here, Number One...
In the ready room, Picard stalked over to the desk.and sat down at the terminal there.
"Computer, access personal message. Authorization, Picard alpha, 35 delta."
Chapter Three
Deanna Troi sat in the warm spring sunshine outside the Psychology building on the campus of
the University of Betazed. As she sat quietly she wondered how her life had become so very
complicated. She was barely aware of the loveliness of the setting around her. The weather on
Betazed was lovely this time of year. Flowers bloomed everywhere, the sun was pleasantly
warm, balmy breezes kept the temperature comfortable. She should have been feeling
wonderful and relaxed, but she was depressed. She hadn't slept well for the last several nights,
not since contacting Will and telling him about the babies. Tears fell unheeded as she replayed
their conversation in her mind. She'd cried for hours afterwards, making her mother so
concerned that she had called the doctor. He'd come to the house and examined Deanna,
they'd talked privately for several minutes. After he'd gone, Deanna went to bed and cried
herself to sleep. That was more than four days ago...and still no word from the Enterprise.
"Babies." Deanna whispered to herself. Tobias had contacted her this morning, days ahead of
schedule, confirming what he'd suspected at her appointment. She was indeed carrying
identical twins. After Tobias' confirmation, Deanna had decided to get out of the house, finding
herself walking to the university's campus...a half hour's walk from the Troi mansion.
The University had been designed with the needs of it's students in mind. Low white buildings
were laid out in groups according to department. All were designed to blend in with the
surrounding areas, all in eye pleasing arrangements. Alcoves like the one Deanna was sitting in
were scattered about the campus. They had been intended for meditation purposes and were
landscaped in a variety of schemes. This particular alcove, Deanna's personal favorite, was
circular, with benches set evenly around the perimeter. A fountain burbled pleasantly in the
center, with large pots of flowering plants placed between the benches, and flowering trees
dotting the lawns. It was lovely and restful, but it had done little to improve her spirits. Deanna
wiped her eyes and reached into her pocket for a tissue. A friendly voice entered her thoughts.
It was Chandra, her very best friend.
Deanna turned to smile at her friend who was taking her time walking over to sit beside her.
Chandra was eight months pregnant, and looked every minute of it. She looked lovely,
wearing a maternity outfit in a beautiful shade of red. Chandra was at loose ends, no longer
working, and her husband was away on a diplomatic assignment. Since both women were
alone, they'd been spending most of their free time together. Chandra knew everything abut
Deanna's relationship with Will, and she'd been the first person Deanna had told about her
pregnancy.
~~~ Hello Chandra! Deanna sent. She smiled at her friend.
~~~Hey Deanna, don't you look lovely today! Is that outfit new? Deanna was wearing a one
piece coverall in a pretty shade of aqua. It had narrow straps and a matching print shirt to
wear under the pants. She looked fresh and cool. Chandra joined Deanna on the bench, her
eyes widened slightly as she looked closely at her friend.
~~~Deanna, have you been crying?
~~~ Deanna wiped her cheeks. "A little Chandra, I'm fine really. And yes, the outfit is new."
Chandra sat down, carefully observing Troi's face.
~~~"Oh, Dee...I'm sorry." Deanna felt the sincerity of Chandra's emotions, fresh tears began to
fall. Chandra didn't say anything...just hugged her friend and waited for her to compose herself.
~~~Chan...four days ago...I contacted Will aboard the Enterprise. I asked him to come here, to
Betazed, intending to tell him about the baby.
~~~ What happened, Dee. I take it things didn't go as planned?
~~~Oh, Chan...there's some kind of emergency..the Enterprise is on alert. Will said something
about border skirmishes. He can't leave the ship, unless it's a family emergency. I had to tell him
that I was pregnant on the commlink! Chandra, he blocked the transmission...after hardly
acknowledging what I'd said. It was such a shock...hurt so badly...I fainted.
~~~Oh, Dee were you hurt?
~~~No luckily I was able to call Mother, she was in time to catch me as I fell. Deanna shook her
head. Chan, Will came back on asking how, and when. He, oh nevermind. He isn't happy
about this and I don't know what to do now. He hasn't contacted me since and I'm frightened
that he won't contact me at all.
~~~Deanna, he loves you...he's just in shock. I mean you weren't planning to have a child for
awhile, were you? Chandra rubbed a hand over her belly protectively. Deanna looked at her
friend and frowned, shaking her head.
~~~No, not right away.
~~~ Well, when I told Teb about our son, he didn't say anything for almost an hour!!! And we
WERE planning to start a family. Dee give Will a chance. Contact him again, talk to him. I hate
seeing you so miserable.
~~~No, he'll contact me when he's ready.
~~~Dee get in touch with him, give him a chance to tell you how he feels.
~~~I don't want to make him more uncomfortable than he already is, Chan...I need him to
WANT this pregnancy. I don't want him accept it out of a sense of responsibility. She paused,
inhaling deeply, then exhaled...How are you, Chandra?
~~~Dee don't change the subject...I'm fine and so is my son. Chandra patted her belly. I just
hope that Teb is home before he's born. Now, enough about me. I don't want to talk about
me...I want to talk about you!
~~~Chandra please! I don't want any more advice. Please, leave it alone! Deanna's eyes filled,
tears that were from anger and exhaustion. She stood up to leave, her hands fisted at her sides.
Chandra could clearly hear the anguish in her friend's voice. Deanna had been her best friend
since they were in diapers. The last thing she'd wanted to do was hurt her.
~~~Deanna, wait! I'm sorry. I just don't want you to lose the one thing in life that you want the
most. She took both of Deanna's hands in hers. I promise I'll try not to give you any unasked for
advice. Ok? Now, let's change the subject. You look tired Dee, are you alright?
~~~I am tired Chan...I just didn't sleep well last night. Strange, since lately, all that I seem to
want to do, is sleep. Dr. Tobias says that this will pass. I'm asleep by 9:00 every night, and
exhausted when I get up in the morning. Chandra nodded...
~~~I know, isn't it awful. I didn't know that it was possible to be so tired and not be sick! Don't
worry it will pass Dee.
~~~Deanna sighed...I don't really mind though...knowing that I'll have the babies makes it all
worthwhile.
~~~Babies? Chandra's eyes rounded in surprise.
~~~Yes, babies. Dr. Tobias confirmed it this morning, I'm having twins, Chan!
~~~Twins!!! Oh Dee, that's wonderful !!!
~~~I'm still in shock. Twins!! I don't know if I'm ready to be a mother to one child, let alone
two...she looked at Chandra.
~~~. I know, I know...no advice. But Deanna, please promise you'll think about contacting Will?
Chandra wouldn't give up. Deanna sighed, things just kept getting more and more
complicated.
~~~Alright, I'll think about it, ok? Chandra smiled hugged her again.
~~~Now, I really do have to get going, my mother will be annoyed as it is. I was an hour late
already when you stopped to talk. Deanna smiled and rolled her eyes. Chandra burst out
laughing, she knew exactly how Lwaxana Troi could be when provoked.
~~~Oh gosh, and now you have to tell her that you're having twins?? Deanna nodded. Oh you
poor thing, Deanna! Good luck. See you soon.
The two friends parted company and Deanna completed the short walk to the Troi mansion.
The sky was just beginning to darken when she opened the front door.
Chapter Four
The senior staff of the Enterprise sat around the table in the Observation Lounge. Captain Jean
Luc Picard sat at the head of the table, as was his custom. Commander Riker sat to his right,
Lieutenant Worf sat to the captain's left. The other officers had arranged themselves about the
table, unconsciously leaving the chair to Riker's right...vacant. That was traditionally Counselor
Troi's seat.
"I have had a communique from Starfleet...Admiral Bracket has authorized us to use deadly
force, should we encounter any of the ships involved in these border attacks. We are to fire
when fired upon. It is suspected that there may be Starfleet personnel involved in these attacks,
since the only ships that are being attacked are those that are carrying medical supplies and
food. The perpetrators would have to have had prior knowledge of where and what these
ships were carrying. There has been little or no evidence left behind to indicate the identity of
these vessels, just that there are 2 ships, one Klingon and one Romulan. The Admiral is sending
the Enterprise,escorted by two scout ships, the Odessey, and the Perseus to investigate more
closely. We will be sending runabouts out to do some covert surveillance when we reach our
position in the Ardelus system." Picard scanned the faces of his senior officers...they all wore
expressions of extreme concentration, each hoping to be the one to resolve the situation
without further bloodshed. Not for the first time...Picard wished that he'd had Troi's council
when he'd been speaking with Tomalak. She often uncovered valuable information from her
empathic scans. He hoped that she would be returning to the Enterprise soon. Deanna Troi was
a valuable member of his Bridge crew.
"Analysis, gentlemen?" Picard looked around the table once again.
"The Romulans very rarely interfere with a federation vessel, sir. Unless provoked, or
attacked...they have no need. The existence of the cloaking device has enabled them to move
freely throughout the galaxy virtually undetected." Worf spoke in a snarling voice...his sense of
honor had been violated by the methods that the Romulans and Klingons had been using.
Captain Picard sat quietly at the head of the table, observing Commander Riker, who had said
little thus far in the discussion.
"Agreed Lieutenant." Data shifted forward in his seat, his hands folded on the table before him.
"It would seem that commander tomalak had a specific agenda...a specific opurpose in
confronting a galaxy class vessel, even with an escort. Sensor scans indicated that neither vessel
was battle ready, sir. They would not have withstood a confrontation with the Enterprise sir."
Picard turned to Data...
"Are you telling me Data, that Tomalak confronted the Enterprise, knowing full well that he
would be destroyed? Why?" Picard was completely mystified this was atypical behavior for
both the Klingons and the Romulans...it just didn't make sense.
"Unknown sir." Data fell silent, waiting for Picard to question him further.
" It is possible that the "Sestrax" was intended as a decoy, a distraction, sir." Will Riker added
quietly. After which he feel silent and brooding once again. Picard made a note to talk with his
exec when this staff meeting was adjourned.
"Mr. Data, conduct a long range sensor sweep on the sector where the last two attacks
occurred. Also contact Starfleet and log our present course of action with Admiral Brackett's
personal assistant. Dismissed." Picard paused as the officers rose from their seat and filed slowly
from the lounge. He turned to will Riker who had remained seated at the table.
"Problem, Number One?" Picard was secretly relieved to think that Will had finally decided to
tell him what was on his mind. Riker looked up, startled.
"What? Oh, no, sir, nothing." He started to rise from his chair...when Picard motioned for him to
remain seated.
"Number One, a moment." Picard replicated a cup of Earl Grey for himself and black coffee for
Will Riker. Will sank back into his chair knowing that he had to explain his behavior to the
captain. He accepted the steaming brew and sat back, relaxing into the cushioned seat.
Picard sat down and sipped his tea, allowing Will time to begin. He didn't have long to wait
before the commander began to speak.
"Captain, I received a video communication from Deanna two days ago, she asked me to join
her on Betazed. She needed to discuus a few things with me and seemed to be upset. She's
been ill and seen a doctor, which is why she hasn't been in touch." Will paused to sip his coffee,
collecting himself. Picard waited patiently, secretly relieved that Will was finally confiding in
him.
"Captain, when I explained that the ship was on alert, Deanna told me why she wanted to see
me in person, sir." Will paused.
"What was her reason, Number One? Is the illness a serious one?" Picard felt his concern build.
"Deanna is pregnant, Captain. eleven weeks pregnant with twins to be specific sir. That's why
she was aksing for me to join her on Betazed. She wanted to tell me in person for obvious
reasons." Picard's expression was one of surprise and pleasure. He cared for Will and Deanna
and was thrilled when they got together. He could see Will's dilemma, wanting to be with his
fiancee and having to be here, on the Enterprise.
"Pregnant with twins! Oh my, that IS a surprise! How is Deanna, is she healthy?" Will flushed
uncomfortably under Picard's gaze. "You did think to ask, didn't you Will?"
"Captain, I handled the news badly, I was completely shocked, sir. I muted the link for a few
moments, when I reactivated it, Lwaxana was helping Deanna from the floor. She fainted,
apparently from the stress of my reaction combined with being pregnant! Deanna was so hurt,
sir. She's happy about being pregnant, and expected me to be as well." Will slumped in his seat.
"How do you feel about it, Will? Are you unhappy, are you ready to be a father? I have no
doubt of your feelings for Deanna, but I am surprised by your reaction to the news that she is
pregnant." Will looked around the room, it was soothing in it's simplicity. He felt calmed by the
stars warping past the viewports and by the man seated before him.
"Captain, to be honest, I am feeling overwhelmed. Twins can be a handful planetside, but on a
starship with both parents on senior staff?? I can't imagine how we'll manage to do it sir. It's
not just that, either, sir. I had hoped to have Deanna to myself for awhile before we formalized
our enagagement." At Picard's look of confusion, Will proceeded to explain his last statement.
"Betazoid wedding protocols are very specific about eligibility for couples wanting to marry. We
had decided to live together for a year before applying for permission to become engaged."
Will stopped speaking, looking up at Picard, who was sitting quietly at the head of the table.
Picard sat forward, "I don't mean to be indelicate, Number One, but how did this happen?
Weren't precautions taken to prevent such a thing?" He felt uncomfortable discussing such a
personal subject, but it was relevant to the way his exec was reacting to what should have
been happy news. Will went on to explain about the antibiotic affecting Deanna's inhibitor.
Picard nodded as he began to comprehend the entire situation.
"Will it seems to me that you're not unhappy about Deanna being pregnant, or even about
having twins. You're upset because it was accidental, not planned according to your
schedule." He paused to see Will's reaction to this possibility. Will turned his attention away from
the viewport and focused on Picard's face.
"Captain, you just might be right about that. I've spent the better part of the last two days
analyzing my feelings, and that is the only explanation that makes sense. I love Deanna and I
love children. That has never been an issue. I couldn't imagine having a child with any other
woman, sir. So what was my problem? I think you just summed it up!" Will sighed and smiled a
broad smile...I can't wait to talk with Deanna again, may I tell her that I'll join her on Betazed,
sir. I know that leave is cancelled, but this is a family emergency." Will hoped that Picard would
see the situation that way, if not he had a very difficult "call" to make.
Picard was shaking his head,
"Will my hands are tied, Starfleet command was explicit in their orders. No one leaves or boards
the ship for the duration of the alert, unless it's for bereavement. I'm sorry Will, you can't leave."
Chapter Five
The front door hissed shut as Deanna Troi dropped her purse on a chair by the front door of the
house she shared with her mother.
~~~Hello Mother, I'm home. Deanna sent. She and Lwaxana communicated telepathically most
of the time now. Deanna had found that this one concession to her mother's wishes, helped to
keep peace in the house.
~~~Hello, dear. You're late...again. I'm in the dining room, Homn has fixed us a lovely fish
dinner.
~~~I'm really not hungry Mother. I'd like to go up to my room to shower and change. Deanna
shuddered at the thought of smelling that fish!
~~~Nonsense, Deanna - you must try to eat something...the baby needs the protein. Come
now, a little something??
~~~Alright Mother, I'll try to eat a small "something".
The smell of the fish assaulted Deanna's nose the second that she entered the dining room. She
took a deep breath...and looked towards her mother. Lwaxana sat at the head of the long
white table. Deanna's place was set to Lwaxana's right, where she'd sat for every meal since
she could remember. She looked around the room, hoping to quell the nausea that had
suddenly come upon her.
Deanna loved this room. It was decorated in pale peach with white furniture, a pale blue plush
rug on the floor. Several perfectly placed ferns added a touch of nature to the room. The crystal
and china in the armoire caught the light from the chandelier that hung over the table. It
was...restful.
The beauty of the room did nothing to settle Deanna's stomach, however. She had to swallow
heavily as she sat down and put her napkin on her lap. Lwaxana looked up from her dinner
and smiled,
"Hello dear. How are you today?" Deanna actually jumped. Her mother had spoken aloud! It
was a rare occurrence in their home these days. " You were off very suddenly, this morning.
What did Tobias say that shook you up that way? It was good news wasn't it?" Lwaxana felt
concern for Deanna and her child begin to rise in her throat. "Hello Mother, I'm sorry I left in such
a rush earlier. I just needed to clear my head. I walked to the university to see Chandra...and
spent some time doing research in the library. I hope you weren't worried."
"And Tobias?"
"Mother, Dr. Tobias confirmed what he suspected at my last appointment. I'm carrying twins.
Identical twins actually." Deanna had to take a deep breath and close her eyes, her stomach
was roiling.
"Twins! Oh Deanna! That really is wonderful!" Lwaxana burst into tears and leaned over to hug
her daughter. The smell of the fish, combined with Lwaxana's perfume was too much for
Deanna's fragile stomach. Lwaxana saw the expression on her daughter's face and guessed the
reason for it.
"You need to eat, that's why you're feeling queasy dear. Oh this is perfect! Will's status in the eyes
of the Matriarchal Council has just been elevated! Deanna you must get the dear boy to come
here to file the official enagagement documents and to begin planning the wedding! Oh
Deanna this is the most wonderful news. Imagine, ME the grandmother of twins !"
Deanna looked at her plate and swallowed again. There was no way she'd be able to eat, but
she picked up her fork and raised a bite to her lips. Her stomach rebelled. The fork clattered to
the table as she bolted from the room. Sounds of her retching could be clearly heard in the
dining room. Lwaxana sighed and shook her head.. Her poor Little One. After a few moments,
Lwaxana tapped lightly on the door and opened it. Deanna was still sitting on the floor, pale
and shaking. Her mother prepared a cool washcloth and handed her a glass of water.
Lwaxana sponged Deanna's neck and face, while she sipped the water. The two women
looked at each other and both chuckled.
"Was it like this for you, Mother? When you were pregnant with me?" Deanna had started to
regain some color in her cheeks.
"Little One I couldn't get within shouting distance of the dining room for nearly my entire
pregnancy." Lwaxana chuckled. "But it was worth it, you were a beautiful baby, Deanna. You
made your father and I very happy." Lwaxana's expression caused Deanna to sigh.
"Well, I for one would love to be able to at least sit in a room with food without fear of getting
ill." She laughed again, "Now that that's over with... I'm starving! I think I'll try to find something
to eat."
Deanna got up and walked out followed by her mother. Hohm had cleared her place and
prepared Yridian tea and toast for her. He motioned to the sideboard where a large salad and
a fresh melon lay waiting for her. She smiled at him. He was so considerate, always knew what
would appeal to her. He had become much more than a valet. He was a friend.
Deanna sat down at her customary place and poured tea for herself and her mother. They
talked quietly about her treatments and about her pregnancy. Lwaxana watched her daughter
closely, knowing full well that Deanna was hurting, but that her pride would not allow her to
contact Will Riker. No, her pride would make her wait as long as it took Will to contact her.
When her mother began to talk of names for the twins, Deanna began to feel a sense of
sadness stealing over her, gradually she stopped talking. Thoughts of Will, and how she should
be having this conversation with him, brought tears to her eyes. His face was so clear in her
mind's eye, that she could even "see" his blue eyes twinkling. She sat quietly listening to the rise
and fall of her mother's voice. She wasn't hearing the words, just the rhythmic cadences of her
speech. Lwaxana had been observing the change in Deanna for several minutes, and seeing
an opportunity said quietly
"Contact Will, Deanna. Talk to him...You both need time to adjust to this new stage in your
lives...I'm sure he's going to be happy about the babies...he just needs time to realize that! You
are "Imzadi", and that is a very difficult bond to live with...you need to trust each other. To trust
the love you feel for one another." Deanna looked at her mother then,
"No, Mother. I've spent a lot of time thinking about this, it's best this way. I'm just afraid that he's
not ready for a child in his life, much less two at once. I'll wait, give him some time. He'll
contact me when he's ready."
Deanna stood up then and excused herself. She headed for the haven of her bedroom, where
she undressed and got into a warm shower. Deanna stood still as the water sprayed down over
her body. She placed her hands protectively over the slight curve of her belly, and began to cry.
After several minutes, Deanna washed her hair and lathered herself. The soft scent of jasmine
soothed her somewhat as she rinsed the lather into the reclamation system. The shower
stopped as she exited and toweled herself dry in front of the mirror. She studied her reflection in
the mirror inspecting her body for signs of the twins presence within her. Minute physical
changes in her breasts and a gentle curve to her belly were the only evidence she could see.
"Imzadi...please come to me, I need you." Deanna sighed and pulled a loose caftan over her
head. She dried her hair, allowing it to fall in thick ringlets down past her shoulders and
stretched out on her bed to nap for an hour. Her eyes closed and her breathing deepened as
she fell asleep. Lwaxana came in after an hour, and finding Deanna asleep, covered her with a
thick afghan and left the room. Later that evening, Deanna was awakened by the sound of her
computer's voice...
>>Incoming message. Marked personal for Deanna Troi
Deanna sat up, wiping the sleep from her eyes, and stretched. She slipped from the bed and
crossed to her desk, slipping a shawl over her shoulders as she sat down in front of the
computer terminal. A knock sounded on the door as Deanna reached for her hairbrush on the
dresser adjacent to the desk.
Chapter Six
"Come in Mother, it's open." Deanna began to brush the sleep tangles out of her hair as the
door opened. Lwaxana stood in the doorway, a covered tray in her hands.
"Hello, dear, I'm sorry to intrude, but I thought you might be hungry since you missed dinner. Did
you sleep well?" Lwaxana's voice was soft and laced with concern. It was difficult to see her
daughter so vulnerable. Deanna had grown into a very strong and independent woman.
Lwaxana was accustomed to her handling personal crises calmly and professionally. The ordeal
of her captivity and resultant treatment had changed her. While still strong and independent,
Deanna was willing to ask for and accept help in dealing with difficult situations. The fact that
she had become pregnant so quickly after her recovery seemed to be a factor in the change in
her personality. Lwaxana dearly hoped that Will Riker wasn't about to destroy her daughter's
brief brush with happiness.
"Thank -you Mother. I am hungry and yes, I did sleep well. What time is it?" Deanna rose from the
bed, and ran a brush through her hair.
"It's 8:30, dear. You slept for over three hours."
"I must have needed that nap more than I thought." Deanna smiled at her mother as she lifted
the cover from the tray. Warm croissants, fruit, cheese and a pot of Earl Grey sat beneath the
domed lid.
"Mmmm, this looks delicious. I have a message coming in Mother, it might be Will. Thank you for
dinner, I'll come to your office when I'm finished, all right?" We can watch the new holoplay
that Chandra lent me yesterday." She smiled at Lwaxana as she sliced a croissant and spread
outaberry preserves across the flaky pastry. Lwaxana poured a cup of tea for her daughter and
turned to leave.
"Will you be all right this time, Deanna? Are you sure I shouldn't stay with you?"
"No Mother, I'm fine really. Will and I really need to talk this through. Hopefully he'll have been
able to arrange transport here to Betazed. I'll call you if I need you, I promise."
Lwaxana left the room and headed for her office. She could contact the Matriarchal Council
and tell them about her daughters good fortune....Delmina Grax would be pea green with
envy when she told hjer about the twin granddaughters she'd have in 8 months! Lwaxana
chuckled...no...she'd much rather tell the council formally. A smile crossed Lwaxana's face as
she cleared her thoughts and sent a telepathic summons to each of the Daughters of the ruling
houses of Betazed. She would at last be entitled to invoke her right as the Daughter of the Fifth
House, to call for a " Cryxsiatis Ras". The "cryxsiatis ras" was the "Rite of Motherhood" ceremony. A
Betazoid tradition held when a woman became pregnant with her first child. Lwaxana had
despaired of ever having this particular pleasure. There wasn't a chance that she'd fail to call
for it now.
Deanna tabbed the flashing icon on her computer screen, accepting the incoming message. It
was indeed from the Enterprise, and Will. The screen flickered briefly as Will Riker's bearded face
appeared on the viewscreen.
"Hello, Imzadi." He said softly, as a smile broke across his face. Deanna caught her breath...he
looked so wonderful. She drank in his features as she allowed herself to be drawn into his
intense blue gaze.
"Imzadi......." Deanna smiled in response. Her arms ached to hold him...but she was wary, not
knowing what he was about to say to her.
"Deanna, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for four days. I needed the time to get my head
together. I realise that it was unfair of me to be so inconsiderate of your feelings." Will was
choosing his words carefully, wanting to be sure that Troi didn't misunderstand him in any way.
"It's all right, Will. I'm fine, really." Deanna wanted to tell him that she'd overreacted when they
last spoke. Will didn't give her the opportunity, he kept talking.
"Deanna, I AM happy about the babies." Will chuckled... "Babies, that still makes me stop, and
catch my breath! I can't believe it! That's what happened the other day, Dee. I was just so
surprised and unprepared for the news that I acted badly. I love you, you know that don't you?"
He watched as Deanna nodded but didn't speak. "I love children too, and you need to know,
that since we met, I have dreamed of one day having a child with you." At Deanna's surprised
expression Will continued. "I can't imagine ever having a child with anyone else, Imzadi. You
have always been the only woman I wanted as the mother of my children. . How could I be
anything BUT happy about your being pregnant? I want us all to be together, here aboard the
Enterprise." Deanna couldn't speak, her throat was tight with emotion. It seemed that she may
have underestimated her imzadi.
"Will, you don't need to make any decisions immediately. We have nearly 7 months before the
twins are born." Deanna wanted to ask if he would be joining her, and was about to do just
that, when Will spoke again.
"Deanna, I won't be able to join you on Betazed just yet. I spoke with the Captain and he
confirmed what I already told you about the alert. I can't leave the ship. I'm sorry, love, I did
try." Will watched as Deanna's ink dark eyes filled with tears. She struggled to prevent them from
falling, as she began to speak.
"Does Jean Luc have any idea when the alert will be cancelled?"
"No, Dee. I'm sorry. I want to be with you so badly. I wish that there was some way...but I'm
afraid there isn't." Will ached to hold her close, to ease their pain.
"I'll just need to be patient for a while then, won't I ?" Deanna brushed a stray tear from her
cheek and smiled. "Don't worry, Will. We'll be fine. Mother is taking very good care of us. We'll
be together soon. I wanted to apologize for the way that I behaved the other day, too. I was
still feeling overwhelmed by the news about the twins. My emotional state right now is in
turmoil Will. The pregnancy is causing such a hormonal surge that I've been rather difficult to
live with lately." Deanna chuckled. "Mother has had to learn to restrain herself, she never knows
what my reaction will be." It was Will's turn to laugh as he pictured the confusion Lwaxana must
be feeling right about now.
"Seriously, Deanna. How are you feeling? Are you happy about being pregnant? I mean, we
didn't plan to have a child this soon, let alone two! Are you having morning sickness? Are you
eating and getting enough rest?" Will looked so earnest that Deanna had to smile at him.
"Imzadi, I am thrilled to be pregnant! And I very proud to be having your children. I honestly
couldn't imagine anyone else as the father of my children, Will. I've never imagined it otherwise.
These two tiny little lives, (Wil watched as Deanna looked down and put her hand over the
slight rounding of her abdomen.) are what is the best of both of us. Created from the love we
feel for one another. I love them already, Will. It's just difficult for me to be without you right
now, Imzadi." Will could see his fiancee struggling to compose herself, even though she knew
that it wasn't necessary to hide her feelings from him.
"Are you still feeling ill? Still tired?"
"Yes, I'm still having "morning sickness". I'm sorry to say this, but for me it's "anytime of day"
sickness. Mother is making sure that I'm eating well balanced meals and all I seem to do lately is
sleep! So, try not to worry."
"I can't help it Deanna. I want to be there and share all of this with you. The alert couldn't have
come at a worse time." Will looked so sad, Deanna's eyes filled again, and once again she
willed the tears away.
"Imzadi, we'll be together soon. I love you." Deanna placed her hand on the screen and
watched as Will did the same. Their palms met on the screen as tears slowly rolled down both
of their faces.
"I love you too, imzadi." Will's voice was husky with feeling.
"I'll contact you again in a couple of days...take care of yourself Deanna. Take care of our
babies too."
Will and Deanna said goodnight and ended the transmission. Deanna sat for a few moments
as tears fell unnoticed onto her folded hands. Finally she sat up, wiped her face and began to
eat. When the last morsel had been eaten, Deanna opened a channel to Beverly Crusher
aboard the Enterprise. While waiting for the transmission to be completed, she went in search
of her mother.
On the Enterprise, Will changed into civilian clothes and headed for Ten Forward. He wanted to
be with people tonight...to tell them his news. The only person he wouldn't speak with was
Beverly Crusher. He was certain that Deanna would want to tell her the news personally. Will
walked to the lift feeling saddened, but still better than he had in weeks.