Nailor had a large table set up to accommodate Worf and Deanna's dinner party. Worf was puzzled when Deanna asked the bartender if his daughter would be showing up sometime that evening.
"Why are you concerned with Nailor's child?" he asked her barely above a whisper.
"I'm afraid it's a confidential matter. You understand that, don't you?"
"Of course," Worf replied. Although he really did, he couldn't help his rising curiosity and his reflexive need to glance at the door every once in a while, expecting Susan Nailor to show up.
Once everyone arrived, Nailor began bringing out the four-course meal he had provided for them. While the former Enterprise officers ate, they caught up with all the happenings of the past few months, and as they finished eating, their conversation diverted to discussion of the new Enterprise. Everyone was anxious to hear if and when it would become space worthy.
"It's going to take some time, I'm afraid," Geordi told them. "We've run into one complication after another. Some of the parts have been difficult to design. It could easily take another two or three months before its spaceworthy."
"I'm sure it will be worth the wait," Riker said.
"But will it be the same Enterprise?" Worf asked.
Of course, he knew it wouldn't literally be the same, but he was sure everyone understood that he was asking whether the new ship would have the same familial feel.
"Nothing is ever the same again," Data said. The logic of his words were laced with melancholy.
For an awkward moment, no one else answered.
"Well, of course, it won't be the same Enterprise," Lwaxana piped up. Everyone turned toward her. "It'll have a completely different design. But the important thing is being together-not where you're at."
Worf and Deanna stared into each others eyes and grasped hands. For the first time in his life, Worf didn't care where he was stationed, or what assignment he was given. He only cared that he was with Deanna.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed Susan Nailor enter and walk up to the bar to speak with her father. Now maybe he would be given another hint as to why Deanna wanted to see the girl this evening.
"For once," Deanna said, "I must say I agree with my mother. We're all here today, enjoying ourselves. We should be grateful for any time together. None of us know for sure where we will be in a few months. There's a chance that even after the new Enterprise is finished that we won't all be reassigned to serve aboard her."
"Then it won't feel much like family," Riker said. "I made friends before all of you, but there was just something about us on the Enterprise."
"Marriage is about the only way to ensure that two of us will be assigned to the same mission," Beverly said.
Worf knew that she was talking about him and Deanna on the surface, but wondered if she weren't thinking about possibilities between her and the captain.
Picard cleared his throat and attentions turned toward him. "I suppose now is as good a time as any."
Worf half-expected to hear a marriage proposal. He glanced at Beverly, who sat beside the captain. She looked both uncomfortable and expectant.
"Admiral Wilson has offered me a new captaincy effective in about two months," Picard continued. "You're looking at the captain of the new Stargazer."
For a moment, the atmosphere around the table was melancholy. Picard had put into words what everyone most feared: they would never serve as a team again on the same ship. Some of them, maybe even most of them would be offered positions on the new Enterprise, but Captain Jean-Luc Picard would not be in command.
Lwaxana started clapping first and almost immediately everyone else joined in, yelling exclamitories. Around the bar, others looked their way, curiously. Nailor rushed over to their table to ask if anyone wanted drinks.
"Champagne all around," Picard ordered.
Nailor did not take long before bringing out two bottles of his best champagne. As they toasted Picard's new captaincy, and then sipped their champagne, Worf watched his fiance. Since Picard had made his announcement, Deanna had become very aloof. He wished he could feel her emotions as easily as she could his. Nonetheless, he could tell something was bothering her by her sullen look and ashen skin tone. He would try to get her to open up as soon as their dinner party broke up. She turned toward him, smiled and then returned to whatever thoughts were taking her away from him.
Worf looked over at Lwaxana. If anyone knew what Deanna was thinking right now, it was her mother. Lwaxana looked at him solemnly and nodded her head in a manner that conveyed that she was also worried about her daughter's mood.
"Excuse me," Deanna said suddenly, setting down her half-finished champagne.
Worf watched as she walked over to the bar and began talking with Susan Nailor. The conversation around the dinner table halted as everyone realized one of the guests of honor had left the table. After no more than a minute, Deanna strolled back to their table with the girl in tow.
"Everybody, I'd like you to meet the bartender's daughter, Susan," Deanna said. "Susan would like to join us for deserts if no one minds."
Worf noticed that his fiance was looking directly at Commander Data, and wondered if the android had anything to do with Deanna's strange behavior.
"No, of course, we don't mind," Picard said.
As she pulled up a chair for the girl, Deanna told everyone, "Susan will be taking the preliminary entrance exams for Starfleet in a few weeks. I thought since we've all lived through it, we could offer her some encouraging words."
"Oh, really, thanks, Counselor," Susan said nervously, "but it's really not necessary. I-I-"
Her father approached them with a rather large sheet cake with thick chocolate frosting. Maybe desert will cheer Deanna up, Worf thought.
"My daughter," Nailor said, "would you like to do everyone the honors and cut this delectable confectionery?"
Without a word, Susan took the knife from her father's apron pocket and began portioning out the cake.
"You know, Susan," Picard said, "everyone is nervous when they take the entrance exam, but if you've studied hard, you should go into testing feeling confident."
"I don't know anyone who didn't get accepted into the Academy without studying hard," Geordi added.
"You have to challenge both the mind and the body," Worf said.
Geordi turned toward his android friend sitting next to him. "Except maybe Data here didn't have to study. He's incapable of forgetting."
"I am an android," Data informed Susan. "Geordi's exception is by far circumstantial."
"You must have zipped through Academy training," Susan said, looking directly at Data, as she began placing pieces of cake onto everyone's plates.
"In most subjects, yes, but I did find philosophy quite difficult. The Human equation eluded me for a very long time."
"But you finally got it?"
"Eventually-after years of studying and working among Humans." Data smiled warmly at her. "And with the help of an emotions chip designed by my creator."
"You mustn't forget to mention Deanna's professional guidance," Worf said, hoping that his open praise would help cheer his fiance up. Some of the color was returning to her cheeks.
"I hear you teach mathematics," Susan said to the android. "I've been having a bit of trouble with calculus." Though her voice quavered quite noticeably, she had managed to admit her weakness in front of her father.
"I'm afraid you get that from my side of the family," Nailor said, shamefully averting his eyes. "I could never grasp that quadratic equation thing let alone anything as abstract as calculus."
Susan and her father turned toward one another as both came to a silent understanding. "It's all that is holding me back from passing the entrance exam, I'm sure of it."
"If you would be willing to study hard," Data began and Susan turned toward him, "I could instruct you during the evenings after I am finished teaching my classes."
"That would not be an inconvenience for you?"
"I look forward to making a new friend. One cannot have too many."
Worf turned toward Deanna and wondered if the fact that Data was losing so many of his friends at a time when he was only beginning to adjust to emotions was the source of her calamity. She did seem a bit more relaxed after the exchange between Susan Nailor and Data, but he would not describe her appearance as happy.
"I'm exhausted," Lwaxana said. "I think it's time we broke up this party so we can all rest up for tomorrow."
Everyone acknowledged with words of agreement and nods. One by one, members of the group shuffled out of the bar until only Worf and Deanna remained. He turned to her, taking her hands into his. "I'm no empath, but I sense that something is bothering you. Are you nervous about the ceremony tomorrow?"
"Yes, but it's more than that." Deanna looked around the room at all the patrons. "Could we discuss this in private?"
"Let me check on Alexander, and then I'll meet you inside your quarters in a few minutes."
"I'll be waiting." She kissed him before standing to leave the bar.
Worf watched her disappear, hoping he could help her resolve whatever was bothering her.
Deanna returned to her quarters to freshen up. She walked over to her replicator and ordered a hot chocolate. As she began sipping it, her console chirped, letting her know she had an incoming message. She sat down and answered the call. Arienna appeared on her viewscreen.
"Counselor Troi," the girl said, near tears. "I'm really sorry to bother you, but I don't know who else to turn to. Something is really wrong with Josef. He spends most of his time in his room. He barely eats and he won't talk with anyone."
"Arienna, calm down, sweetheart. Josef has a counselor on Betazoid, right?"
The girl nodded, though lacking confidence.
"It will just take a little while for him to get used to his new counselor. He'll begin to open up soon. You'll see."
"But he was already opening up to you! Why can't you be his counselor?"
"Arienna, you're old enough to understand that people can't always do what they want. I wish there was a way for me to settle on Betazed and help your brother. I have a fiance now, and his wishes must be considered."
"Deanna," Worf said. She looked up to see her fiance standing just inside the door. She hadn't heard him enter. "Is there a problem?"
"Your fiance's there, isn't he?" Arienna asked.
"Yes," Deanna replied, not looking away from Worf.
"I'm sorry I bothered you, Counselor. Have a nice wedding."
"Wait!" Deanna returned her gaze to the screen only to be greeted by the Starfleet logo. Worf walked up to Deanna and began massaging her neck. "That was Arienna Totzer. A couple weeks ago, I was counseling her and her brother, Josef." She turned around to face Worf. "They lost both of their parents in a shuttlecraft accident. Josef was just beginning to open up to me when he had to be whisked away to his maternal grandmother on Betazed."
"And you wish you could follow him to Betazed and continue the counseling there," Worf extrapolated. "Have you tried putting in a special request with Admiral Wilson?"
Deanna was so surprised by the question that she didn't know how to reply. "Y-you really mean that?"
"Of course. It would be a pleasant change from the Academy. I could apply for a position in their security. I've heard Commander Riker tell stories about Starfleet Security on Betazed. I hear it can be quite a challenge."
Deanna could no longer resist laughing. "I cannot believe this." When she finally calmed down, she told Worf, "Admiral Wilson offered me a position on Betazed two weeks ago, and I told him that I couldn't accept the offer. I didn't feel right forcing you to move just to further my career. Are you really sure you could handle living on the same planet as my mother?"
"A warrior never backs away from a challenge."
Deanna stood and wrapping her arms around her warrior said, "Oh, is that what I am!" She kissed him passionately and then led him into her bedroom.
Although twenty-fourth technology provided waterless showers, ancient Betazoid tradition called for a bride to take a long, cleansing bath before she walked down the aisle. Besides, Deanna loved the feel of warm water as it gently massaged her body. She submerged all but her face into the water and closed her eyes. She lost herself in a timeless bliss, fantasizing about the moment that she and Worf would be pronounced as married.
"Sorry to interrupt," Beverly said, shattering Deanna's revery, "but you did ask me to help you with your hair at 1100 hours."
"Is it that late?" Deanna asked as she stood and, grabbing her towel, stepped out of the bath.
"Don't worry. We'll have you ready in time for that special moment."
After Deanna had dried off, they went into the bedroom and Deanna sat in front of the mirror.
"So, have you decided how you want to wear your hair?" Beverly asked.
Deanna thought about it for a moment, then as she turned toward her friend, they both uttered, "Up."
"I disagree," Lwaxana said. They turned to see Deanna's mother, naked, standing in the doorway. She approached them, a flower headband in hand. "This belonged to your grandmother. I thought you would look gorgeous with it highlighting your long flowing hair."
"It's beautiful!" Beverly said, examining the headband. "I agree with your mother."
"Fine," Deanna said. "You win, Mother. I'll wear my hair down, so I can wear Grandma's headband. But this is where I draw the line-I make any other decisions from here on out."
"Heaven forbid that your mother would stand in the way, Little One," Lwaxana said defensively. "Doctor, are you sure you won't change your mind about your clothing?"
"Mother!" Deanna snapped, not giving her friend time to reply.
"All right. But you can't blame me for trying." Lwaxana handed the headband to Beverly. "I'll leave the hair dressing up to you." She turned toward her daughter. "If you need me for anything, I'll be in my guest quarters until it is time for the wedding." Haughtily, she sauntered out of the room.
"Remind me about every five minutes," Deanna said, "not to let my mother ruin this day."
Beverly smiled and gently turned Deanna's head, so she faced the mirror. "Now be still, so I can work with your hair."
Picard sounded Worf's annunciator and was beckoned inside by Alexander. "Captain, I'm glad you're here," the boy said. "Father has been in his room for over two hours now. I can't get him to come out or even talk to me."
"Don't worry, Alexander," Picard said. "Though we no longer serve aboard the same starship, I'll get your father to open the door." Picard approached Worf's bedroom door and said in an ordering tone, "Mr. Worf, this is Captain Picard. May I come in?"
"Enter," came Worf's gruff voice.
The door slid open onto a dark room. The only lighting came from two candles on a small table in the middle of the room. The Klingon, wearing his metal sash over his clothes, was on his knees, staring at the candles.
"The Brak'ti," Picard said, "Klingon meditation."
"It clears the mind," Worf explained. "Prepares a warrior for an enormous challenge." He looked up at his former captain. "There is no challenge greater than giving yourself fully to another in marriage."
"Indeed." Picard joined Worf, kneeling opposite the Klingon. "You are a valiant man, Mr. Worf. You will meet the challenge with courage, dignity and above all, honor."
"Thank you, sir." The Klingon leaned over and blew out the candles. "I believe I am ready to attend my own wedding." They stood and left the room together. Worf approached his son. "It would give me great honor if you would stand beside me during the ceremony."
"I won't disappoint you, Father."
With that, the three gentlemen left the private quarters, heading for the chapel.
As the guests waited for the ceremony to begin, a large woman sang Klingon opera. Lwaxana listened to it distastefully, inwardly scowling about having caved in on the musical choice for this unorthodox ceremony. She looked across the room at Worf's brother, Kurn, who was smiling broadly obviously enjoying the noise.
When Jean-Luc and Beverly stepped into the room, walking arm-in-arm, everyone focused on them as they approached the pulpit. They parted and Beverly stood on Worf's left, Picard to his right beside Alexander. The singer switched to humming "Here Comes the Bride." An Earth custom, Lwaxana mused. Everyone stood to welcome in the bride.
The room grew quiet except for the singer, who continued to hum, as Deanna, sans clothes, made her appearance and walked down the aisle alone as was traditional for a Betazoid wedding.
What have times come to? Lwaxana mused. That we must mix so many different traditions into one wedding ceremony?
Deanna smiled, glancing quickly from guest to guest. Despite her earlier apprehension, she walked eloquently down the aisle, slowly making her way toward her groom.
The minister cleared his throat, as Deanna stood beside her fiance, and said, "Worf and Deanna have decided to exchange their own vows." He nodded at the groom.
"Deanna," Worf began, turning to face her, "we have known each other for a long time. We served together, made mutual friends, who. . .became our family. You've supported me, counseled Alexander and I when we needed it, which was often." This brought light laughter from the guests. "Through the many challenges we've faced over the years, I grew to trust and respect you, to depend on you, and to honor you. Above all, I've grown to love you." Worf took his bride's hand into his. "Deanna, before all our friends and family I pledge a promise to be faithful and true only onto you."
The minister turned and nodded toward Deanna.
"Worf," she began, "you told me recently that I gave you the balance you never realized you were lacking. I'm standing here now, before our friends and family, to share the ways you balance me, through security, self-respect, support and most of all, through love. You balance me as much as I balance you. We've shared a wonderful friendship that has grown over the years, and as we enter into this marriage, I pledge to you that we will continue to grow, and bond stronger together."
She turned to the minister, signalling that she was finished.
The minister began reading Betazoid scripture. "Insomuch as he and she have pledged on this sacred ground, so will the message carry throughout the land. She pledges fully, body and soul, unveiling her being completely onto he, so he may welcome fully, unconditionally. Worf, do you sincerely accept Deanna, body and soul, as your eternal mate?"
"Yes," Worf replied.
"Deanna, do you sincerely accept Worf-" The minister paused to glance at Worf, who was still fully clothed and wearing his metal sash. "ah-body and soul, as your eternal mate?"
"Yes, I do," Deanna replied, laughing with tears of joy.
"Then by the powers of the Holy One, I pronounce you joined under HIS Holy Kingdom. You may kiss your bride, Worf."
As Bride and Groom kissed, the guests began clapping. They parted and faced their friends and family.
"Allow me to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Rozhenko," the minister said.
Moments later, the guests began filing out and lining up to congratulate the new couple. As Helena Rozhenko clasped Worf's hands, she said, "Worf, I'm so happy that you decided to use the Rozhenko name."
"Deanna and I discussed the various options, Mother," Worf replied, "and we decided that taking the Rozhenko name would be most honorable." He glanced at his son standing beside him. "Especially since Alexander has already taken the name."
Helena moved on to the bride. "Deanna," she said, hugging her, "welcome to our family."
"Thank you."
Lwaxana followed, and though she offered her handshake to Worf, she spoke telepathically to her daughter. Don't wait too long, Deanna, before you have the first little one.
"Mother," Deanna said, annoyed.
Lwaxana moved on as though she had not heard her daughter.
"What did she say to you?" Worf asked.
In a low voice, Deanna replied, "We'll discuss that on our way to Betazed." Smiling, she greeted the next guest. It'll be an interesting conversation, she thought, wondering how soon they could leave their own reception.
Shortly down the line, Data reached them. "Congratulations," he said, offering Worf a handshake. "I'm really happy for you." He smiled outwardly. "And I thought you might like to know that Susan Nailor and I have scheduled our first tutoring session for tomorrow evening."
As Data offered her a hug, Deanna could sense that he still hadn't completely resolved his fears over her leaving. She wondered if she had made the right decision by not scheduling one more counseling session before she left. My training tells me that I must let my patients learn to stand on their own, she reminded herself. Yet, instinctually she wanted to comfort him, reassure him, to take away his pain.
"You'll do just fine," she told him, feeling like the mother bird, pushing her fledgling out so he may learn to fly. She knew that in the long run, Data would be just fine.
The bride and groom boarded a small passenger craft. Alexander was staying with Lwaxana, who was planning to stay on Earth for a day or two before heading home. The newlyweds planned to spend much of the trip alone in their quarters.
"So, now that we are alone," Worf said as he laid beside Deanna in their bed, "tell me what your mother said."
Wrapping her arms around her husband's neck, Deanna chuckled flirtatiously.
The End
**I hope you've enjoyed this story from the archives of Lal's Library, copyright 1994. More to come!**