Disclaimer: Still want one? Alright; then have a look at the first part.
Rating: lightest again, beats me which one exactly; sorry
Chapter Five: Intended Misconceptions
"Captain." Data turned around.
"What is it Data?" It was extremely quiet on the Bridge, it had been all night.
"We're receiving a Code Alpha One Sir, Captain's eyes only."
"Are you sure?" An unnecessary question of course.
"Positive Sir." Jean-Luc wondered what it could be about. The Federation wasn't at war, it was more peaceful than it had been in ages.
"Patch it through to my Ready Room."
"Aye Sir." Jean-Luc stood up and straightened his shirt before he walked to his Ready Room.
"Computer open ComLink. Authorization Picard-White Dwarf-five-three-six-Red." He sat down in front of the monitor.
ComLink opened.
"Display." On the screen the image of admiral Necheyev appeared.
Captain Picard. How good to see you again. He could see she was only pretending to be polite.
"Like wise, admiral." He politely responded. He wondered what she wanted. Whenever she contacted him it was about a major change for him or for one of his crew.
His Commander Troi with you? The admiral was obviously in a hurry.
"No she isn't, but I can summon her."
Than do that. Her tone was serious and brusque. He wondered what she wanted from Deanna and why she contacted her through him, but something told him he would find out soon enough.
"Counselor Troi, report to the Captain's Ready Room." He waited for a response, but none came.
"Picard to Troi." Still she didn't respond.
"Computer what is the location of Counselor Troi?"
Counselor Troi is on Holodeck 4.
"Set-up communications with Holodeck 4." Admiral Necheyev ticked with her fingernails on her desk.
Unable to comply. Jean-Luc was surprised and a bit irritated.
"Explanation."
Invalid authorization. Invalid? How was that possible? The Holodeck was accessible for all crewmembers at any given time. This really began to work on his nerves.
"Which authorizations are valid?"
Those of Counselor Deanna Troi and Commander William T. Riker. That explained things. He would rather not interfere with whatever they were doing. The admiral had lost her patience; she could do this without Deanna.
Captain, is Commander Troi off duty?
"Yes Sir, she is." 'Commander Troi' it still sounded odd. For him she would always remain Counselor Troi. She could have outranked him by now. A year ago they offered her the position of head of Starfleet Counselor corps. She would be promoted to Admiral and get her own ship. She had turned it down, much to his relieve.
Than we'll discuss the matter without her. One and a half week ago or so... 'Or so'? Admiral Necheyev was known for her precisely.
I contacted Commander Troi. Jean-Luc remembered that day. It was the day they first noticed the change in Deanna's behaviour. He wondered whether those changes would have something to do with the admiral.
I offered her a new assignment. 'Again?'
"A new assignment?"
Yes, specifics you have to ask Commander Troi, I don't have them.
"You don't?" Was he mistaken or did the admiral sound jealous?
No, it's topsecret. Only Commander Troi and the top of Starfleet's High Council know the specifics. All I know that the assignment is temporal and that she'll be directly under the Council's command. He could see by her face she didn't like being left out.
Commander Troi will be picked up in three days.
"That soon?" Normally a transfer was known months before it actually took place. Even transfers like this one.
Yes, we have made a list of counselors to replace her.
"Why? I mean if the assignment is temporal." An entire list, again an unusual order.
We'll transmit the list now. For further information you have to be with Commander Troi. That would be all Captain, goodbye. Why did she evade his question?
"Wait a minute admiral." He hoped he was in time.
What is it?
"Which ship will pick her up?" Sadie had hoped he wouldn't ask, she knew he wasn't going to like it.
The S.S.S. Decoy. Now, I have to go. The screen went black. Jean-Luc leant back in his chair. His head was full with questions. Mostly he wondered what Deanna's mission would be. What worried him was the Triple-S Decoy. Why for heaven's sake a Secret Service Ship? Those ships were unregistered, so was their crew. If a Triple-S got in trouble they couldn't count on back-up because as well Starfleet as the Federation would deny their existence. Very little people knew they existed, not even all admirals knew how many Triple-S's there were. Despite his curiosity and concern Jean-Luc decided to wait until Deanna would come to him. He knew her well enough to know it wouldn't be long before she would.
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Deanna slowly woke up, she blinked with her eyes and gradually became aware of her surroundings. It was still night, she saw the stars and the moon and heard the falls. She remembered what had happened only hours ago. Will had proposed her, and she had excepted. For a moment she was convinced it had been just a dream, for a moment that was. She looked up to Will, he was still a sleep. She laid still, thinking about the past days, how she could have misinterpreted his feelings. Still he was a sleep, she decided to wake him. Deanna up righted herself and bend over to kiss him awake, straddling his waist. Will kissed her back without opening his eyes. He rolled over and now he was on top of her.
"That's what I call a nice wake up." He said between their kisses, then stopped and looked down on her with mellowed and loving eyes.
"We are going to be together from now on, nothing can separate us anymore." Suddenly Deanna remembered her new assignment. Because of all that had happened she had totally forgot about it. A wave of sadness and guilt hit her. Why did she always have such an awkward timing? She pushed him off.
"Will, I have to tell you something." Her serious tone surprised and worried him. Deanna sat up.
"What's wrong?" Will sat up as well.
"When...after...the day..." Deanna had trouble expressing herself.
"Take it easy, we have all the time in the galaxy." He tried to calm her down. She shook her head.
"No, we don't. We don't have time." He didn't understand her, she sensed it.
"I'm..." She took a deep breath. "...I'll leave the Enterprise in less than 72 hours." There, she had informed him. With her head bend down she quietly waited for his reaction.
"What!? You're leaving!?" His words and tone expressed his disbelieve, Deanna lifted up her head and started to explain.
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Will seemed hypnotized. What Deanna had just told him seemed so unreal, so out of place.
"Will, if I would have a choice I'd stay, but I can't, not anymore." Her voice broke. She didn't want to leave, especially not now. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Deanna, I don't want you to go." He made it sound like an announcement, as if they had already agreed she wouldn't go. He looked at her, again she cast her eyes down.
"I don't have a choice, there are too many lives at stake."
"What about yours?" He raised his voice and grabbed her shoulders. This wasn't fair, they had finally found each other and now this.
"What is my life compared to those of millions?" Deanna swallowed her tears. Will had nothing to say to that. She was right of course. But why her? For him she_was_more important than everybody else. He laid his hand on her jaw and made her face him. In her eyes he could see her sadness.
"Promise me you will return." The Betazoid looked away, avoiding his hurt gaze at all costs.
"Promise me." He said more urgent now.
"I can't, you know the odds." His eyes hardened.
"You can't start thinking like that! You have to promise me you'll do whatever is in your power to return." She shook her head and whispered
"No false hopes Will. You have to continue your life, don't count on my return." Of course she didn't want him to forget her, but considering the odds...Will was a bit angry at her, she sounded as if she had already given up the fight.
"I can't Deanna, I refuse to. Promise me you'll try. I promise I'll wait for you." She was so glad he said that, she really needed to hear it. Deanna took his hands and held them against her chest.
"I promise." Gently she kissed him, barely touching him.
"I love you and don't you dare to forget that." They smiled and hugged. When Will looked at her face he saw the tears rolling down. He held Deanna tightly and slowly rocked their body back and forth. Deanna couldn't help crying. It felt so good to be with him, to sense his motions, hear his comforting voice. She was scared, scared that she would never see him again, but also scared that if she_did_come back, things would have changed. Will caressed her face and ran his fingers through her hair. His head rested on hers.
"Ssst Imzadi. It's alright, you'll make it. I know you will." She felt so much warmth and love, his voice comforted her. The crying changed into sobbing.
They sat like that for a while, he holding her tightly in his arms, she simply enjoying being with him.
Suddenly she became aware of someone else's feelings. Deanna wiped away her tears, than stood up. Quickly and gently she kissed him and walked away.
"Computer, doors." She summoned.
"Where are you going?"
"I have to talk to the Captain. It'll take a while, don't wait for me." Will watched her walk out, her hair following her movements. When she stepped out the Holodeck her nightgown changed into her uniform. The doors closed and he lost sight of her.
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"Come in." Jean-Luc straightened his back and turned his chair around.
"Counselor." Deanna sat down on the other side of his desk, she looked serious. The Captain was looking for a way to start the conversation.
"I assume admiral Necheyev has already contacted you." She jumped right into the subject, he wasn't used to her doing that.
"Yes, she has."
"Than I suppose you have some questions." The Counselor clearly didn't intend this conversation to last very long. Jean-Luc leant forward and placed his hands under his chin.
"I, want you to tell me the mission-specifications." Troi sighed, so much for the short conversation. She stroke a lock of hair behind her ear and started to summarize the specifications. She rattled them of, grateful that the Captain didn't interrupt her. When she was finally finished she leaned back in her chair. While Jean-Luc was thinking over the information she had just given him, Deanna read him. She sensed his concern about the mission, his amazement. Also she sensed his curiosity and a bit of pride from him. He lifted up his head, his face revealing no emotions as usual.
"You...," He took his time, time she didn't have.
"Counselor, you left out three important points: responsibility, risk factor and your function." She had hoped he would've been so overwhelmed by the information she had given him that he wouldn't notice she had 'forgot' those points. Now she had to inform him.
"No one is responsible. If anything goes wrong Starfleet as well as the Federation will deny the existence of the mission and of the crew involved. Al evidence, including Personnel Files and Service Records will be destroyed. No logs or files are allowed to be made." Jean-Luc puckered his eyes. Deanna continued to answer his question.
"The risk for the High Council, Starfleet and the Federation is practically non-existing. The supporting crew's chance on survival is 95%, that of the key-agents 10%." She wasn't totally honest with him; on the contrary to what she let him believe there was only one key-agent.
"10% isn't much." This mission kept amazing him, by his knowledge all missions with such a high risk factor weren't even executed.
"I know." The sad way she said that put him on alert. He was almost scared to ask her about her function, yet he did.
"Deanna, what will your function be?" Deanna bend her head and lowered her voice. "Key-agent Sir." She looked at him from under her long, dark eyelashes, waiting for his response. She knew what his next question would be, but she patiently waited.
"Counselor, are you sure you want to go through with this?" 'YES; I_don't_.
"Yes, I'm sure Captain, I have to." Jean-Luc knew he couldn't change her mind. He admired her, she had had a difficult time recently and surely this mission wasn't going to be easy. But he was worried that she might she it as an escape. Deanna sensed his concern.
"Captain, I have to do this, there are so many lives at stake." He nodded.
"Will you inform the rest of the Staff yourself or do you want me to inform them?"
"I'd like to tell Beverly myself." He waited for her to continue, but she didn't.
"What about Commander Riker?" Her eyes hardened. "What about him?" She didn't want his compassion, it was hard enough as it was. Jean-Luc stood up and walked to her.
"Deanna, I know the two of you haven't been, on good terms, recently but I do think you should inform him yourself."
"I don't see why." Deanna's answer was snappy.
"Now, If you'll excuse me, I have an appointment." She stood up and walked to the doors.
"Deanna." She turned around, inwards laughing. How many times hadn't she felt the frights of crewmembers when he called them back the last minute.
"Good luck." A grateful smile washed over her face.
"Thank you Captain." Jean-Luc was concerned, very concerned and not without reason. '71 hours to go.'
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On her way to the Holodeck she ran into Will. He pushed her against the wall and kissed her passionately. She kissed back, than pushed him away barely able to restrain herself.
"Don't."
"Why not?" She smiled and walked away. He watched her leave, than continued his way. Suddenly he heard her saying.
~I'll explain later Imzadi.~ Thinking she was standing behind him, he turned around. When he didn't see her he realized what had happened. He was thrilled, exited and relieved. Finally he had regained her total trust and once again she let him in. He decided to wait for her in her quarters, in the mean time he would prepare a surprise for her. The doors weren't locked, he hadn't given her time to do that when they went to the Holodeck. The first thing he noticed was that all his belongings and presents were gone. Apparently Deanna had been so outraged she had thrown away or stored all his stuff. The last time before their 'fight' that he had been there is was a mess, well actually, they made it a mess. Now it was perfectly clean. Enthusiastic he started to decorate.
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Deanna arrived at the Holodeck, Beverly was already there. This was going to be difficult, persuading Beverly to take the scans, informing her about her departure and than there was the Deanna-Will thing about which she was sure Beverly would ask.
"Hello Bev." She said with the happiest face possible.
"Deanna." Beverly welcomed her with one of her big smiles. She was curious about what had happened between Will and Deanna but tried to restrain herself. Energetic they started their exercises. Beverly noticed Deanna couldn't concentrate, which was very unusual. Curiosity won from her politeness.
"Deanna, are you alright?" The Betazoid stoically continued doing her exercises.
"I'm fine, why shouldn't I." Wow, this was like déjà vu.
"To be honest, you seem somewhat distract."
"I just have some thinking to do, that's all ."
"Are you sure?" She felt the gaze of the Doctor on her back and she sensed she didn't believe her.
"Yes, I'm sure." Beverly gave up and returned to her exercises. Deanna knew it wouldn't last long.
"If you don't mind me asking..." Well, she had expected it to last a bit longer.
"...How is it between you and Will?" Deanna stood up and looked her friend full in the face.
"I do mind you asking." She put on a face of steel; having decided how to handle this.
"What's going on?" The smaller woman kept quiet and just when Beverly was about to ask the question again she spoke up.
"I might as well tell you. Will and I have decided...we've taken our relation in quite a different direction."
"You're not saying that you've..."
"We both agreed it would be the best for both if us." She knew how her friend would interpret that, but she didn't do anything to get her back on track.
"I'm so sorry for you."
"Don't be, I'm actually quite glad we've made up our minds."
"I can understand that, but don't you love him anymore?" The smaller woman smiled and sat down on a bench.
"O, I still love him, more than anything."
"Than why this change?" A sigh filled the air.
"15 Years is a long time Bev." And it was, only yesterday she had realized how much she had longed for him in those years. The red-haired sat down besides her.
"I can't deny that. But do you think it'll last?" Deanna knew to what Beverly was referring and answered honestly.
"If things go as planned, till one of us dies." Beverly widened her eyes.
"That's rather drastic." Deanna turned her head away for a moment so Beverly wouldn't see her laugh.
"Beverly, would you mind?" The CMO got the hint.
"No, of course not." For another 15 minutes they did their exercises. Deanna sensed Beverly's compassion, her disappointment. Beverly didn't know what to think of it. Deanna and Will had tried to be 'just' friends several times before, it never had lasted very long. But things were different, the last days had had a major impact on how Deanna saw their relation.
"Deanna, I have to go back to Sickbay."
"Okay, I'll see you later." They picked up their towels and walked to the Turbolift. Beverly laid her hand on Deanna's shoulder.
"If you want to talk..."
"I know." When Beverly got out Deanna joined her.
"Where are you going?" Deanna had expected this, after all Beverly couldn't help being curious of nature.
"To Sickbay." She said it as if it was perfectly logical.
"Is something wrong?"
"I certainly hope not." Actually she did. She hoped she had some disease that would make it impossible for her to fulfil her mission. They walked Sickbay in.
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Will was almost finished. All he had to do now was to put the candles in place and to light them. He couldn't wait till Deanna came back and saw what he had done.
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Beverly turned towards Deanna.
"What can I do for you?"
"I need you to run a level 4 medical check-up scan on me." Beverly tried to figure out whether or not Deanna was joking. She dropped to the conclusion that she was too serious to be joking.
"Deanna, you know the medical check-ups are scheduled next forthnight."
"I'm aware of that, but I won't be here at that time and I need them as soon as possible." She sensed Beverly's confusion, her concern and her curiosity.
"Has the Captain authorized this?" Deanna shook her head.
"No, he hasn't."
"Than I suggest you..."
"Admiral Necheyev has."
"Admiral Necheyv?" The Betazoid nodded. Beverly didn't like that woman; she always brought bad news.
"Deanna, what's going on?" She had asked her question, she just hoped Deanna would talk.
"I'll explain while you're running the scans okay?"
"Of course. You can change your clothes and lie down on one of the biobeds, I'll ready my equipment. In the mean time, talk." As a good girl, Deanna did what the Doctor had told her to.
By the time she was finished Beverly had completed the scans.
"Have you told Will yet?"
"Why should I?" Beverly reproachful glanced at her.
"You know why Deanna." Beverly looked incomprehensible.
"You have been acting like Wesley did when he was three years old. You care deeply for each other but you're both too proud to say or show it!" It was a bit harsh and overexeggerated, Beverly realized that, but the constant twisting and turning of Will and Deanna irritated her.
"Deanna, make up with him, before it's too late." The Counselor's face was tight-lipped.
"I'll think about it." Beverly saw she wanted to leave.
"I'll call you in when I have the results." Deanna jumped off the biobed.
"Thanks." She called out on her way out.
"And Deanna, don't ignore your feelings."
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Deanna was probing the ship, trying to pick out Will, trying to locate him and to sense what he was doing. A warm feeling suddenly hit her; she had found him. She couldn't locate him unfortunately. He felt warm and excited; he was up to something. When she was nearby her quarters she realized he was in.
Will knew Deanna was coming. He hid himself in a place from where he could see the look on her face when she entered.
Deanna unlocked her doors and walked in. She was stunned by what she saw. There were white flowers everywhere. She recognized tulips, Klingon Orchids, Betazoid Roses, Juwelplants and there were at least dozen other sorts which she had never seen before. Her bed and sofa were covered with flower leafs, most of them red, some black or white. Dazzled she walked around. Candles shined on every table, shiny blue sparks danced on the ceiling, softly an ancient love song played. Will came fro behind her and seized for her waist. He pulled her against him and kissed her in her neck. She was scared.
"Who!?"
"Imzadi, it's just me." She sighed of relief, she had totally forgot his presence.
"Will." She turned around and kissed him hello. Deanna danced around, her arms spread.
"How did you do all this?" He smiled, she had changed. The times of closure, hiding and insecurity were over, she had opened up and fully enjoyed her life.
"Well, the computer was a big help. Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it!" He watch her energetic movements with mellowed eyes. Deanna had promised herself she'd make her remaining days as enjoyable as possible.
"It's so beautiful!" She kissed him on his nose.
"Not half as beautiful as you are." Deanna glanced at him. She was flattered, her eyes sparkled.
"Computer change uniform for S.O-dress..." She thought a minute. "...Six" A long red dress replaced her uniform. The model was almost the same as that of the turquoise one she often wore when she was off duty. But this one was more sexy. Will walked towards her and took her head between his hands. Seductive she glanced at him with her big brown eyes. Her fingers caressed his cheek and touched his lips. Anticipating what would happen she walked away and sat down on the bed. He followed her. His kiss was passionate, as a response she pulled off his shirt. He pushed her down.
They had such a sort time left, but they intended to fully use it.
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For a while they enjoyed the afterglow, laying side by side.
"I'm hungry." She suddenly said, it triggered a laugh-response.
"I'm hungry too." He confessed. Deanna jumped up and pulled Will over.
"I'm going to take a shower."
"Well, I suppose I'll make dinner then?"
"If you insist." She kissed him and walked to the shower. He started the preparations. A minute later he heard the water streaming down. The thought to peek at her crossed his mind.
~Ho,ho, don't you dare.~ Her musical voice filled his head.
~And what if I will?~ He teasingly asked.
~I don't know yet, but I can assure you I'll think of something. How's dinner going?~
~I haven't started yet. Any suggestions?~
~Surprise me.~
~Haven't I surprised you enough lately?~ She laughed out loud. Whistling he started. Their first telepathic conversation since a very long time; he felt fantastic. Will decided to prepare some traditional Betazoid dishes. Well, he would have the replicator make them, he would lay the table. Will was just finished when Deanna walked in.
"Hmmm, that smells good." He looked at her. She wore the red dress again and she had put a traditional hairpiece in her hair. It was the one he had given her on Betazed. The colour; red and length of the piece indicated she was engaged.
"You've kept it."
"Yes, I have. It reminded me of the good times we had together." She sat down on the other side of the table. He took her hands.
~Deanna, I'm sorry about what happened on Betazed.~ He was honest, she could tell. She swallowed and cast her eyes down for a second.
~Don't...talk about it. Let's enjoy our last days.~
~You're right.~ They began to eat. Deanna was starving and ate quite fast.
"Will, this is delicious."
"Don't thank me, thank the replicator." She laughed, her smile caught his eyes. When they were finished he cleaned the table and revealed the deserts.
"Chocolate ice-cream." Her smile froze. "Will, you shouldn't have."
"It was no effort at all."
"No, I really mean you shouldn't have. If I continue like this I'll be twice as big as you in no time." He laughed at her.
"The more there is for me to love. It won't go that fast, besides I'm sure you'll make up during Mok'Ba'Rah." 'Yeah, sure' she thought.
"Speaking of which; how did Beverly react?"
"On what?" She was cautious, he wondered why.
"Us." Deanna looked down, somewhat embarrassed.
"I haven't told her yet."
"You haven't?" She shook her head. He had expected her to. She was thrilled about it, it was only natural she'd tell her best friend.
"Well, not exactly." A naughty grin appeared on her face.
"Deanna? What have you told her?" Her eyes twinkled.
"Well, I, uhmm, I told her that we, that we have taken our relation in a different direction."
"Deanna." His voice was disapproving.
"How could I know she would interpret it that way?" Deanna played innocence itself. She was laughing now.
"What way?"
"The wrong one." She couldn't stop laughing: the look on his face, Beverly's reaction, the truth, her precarious position. He assumed it was the combination of nervousness and fun. He could see the humour of the situation.
"We could pretend to have broken up, in that way the surprise will be even bigger, right?"
"I don't want to hide my love for you." He kissed her hands to seal that statement.
"You don't have to when we're alone." They bend towards each other and softly kissed.
"I thought Betazoids don't lie?"
"They don't; and I didn't either. I just...didn't tell the_entire_truth." Laughing she got up, walked to him and sat down on his lap. Instinctively he encircled her waist with his arms and pulled her closer.
"Do you want to tell the others? Before I leave?" Will thought about that. If he did they would keep reminding him, telling him how sorry they were.
"What do you want?" He wasn't comfortable talking about this; she sensed that very clearly.
"What I want isn't important; I won't be here." Snuggling closer against him she brushed her lips over his. If he would tell them,... he could tell them anytime.
"I think I don't; it would only make it harder." He felt guilty, Deanna would have a much harder time than he would.
"And if I die?"
"I don't want to think about that." His answer was short and brusque. She didn't want to think about it either, but she had to know.
"What if?" He bend his head, than looked at her. "I'll ...tell them...eventually." She smiled, it was the answer she had expected. Will lifted his Imzadi from his lap and put her on her feed. He stood up as well and guided her to the couch. They spend the next hours discussing the wedding, sitting next to one another.
Suddenly Deanna stood up, "O da*n!" Surprised and worried her Imzadi looked up.
"What is it?"
"I have the XO watch." "Last time" She added. Will laughed.
"That's a coincidence, I have command."
"That's going to be fun." Abruptly Deanna stood still and sighed.
"What is it?"
"It's not a coincidence Will, it's Beverly." He didn't understand her immediately. His confusion made her laugh. She walked to her wardrobe to put a uniform on.
"Ooh." A belated reaction...typical to a man in love.
"I'm going. I'll see you on the Bridge."
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"Ah, Counselor." Jean-Luc stood up from his chair
"Captain." Deanna sat down in her chair.
"Who will be in command?"
"Commander Riker will be." Deanna's smile disappeared, Jean-Luc noticed it.
"Do you have a problem with that Counselor.?" She sensed his concern and turned to him with an embittered look.
"No, why should I." Her answer was curt. The doors of the Turbolift opened, Captain Picard and Counselor Troi turned towards them.
"Speaking about the devil..." Will walked down.
"Hello Captain...Counselor." Brusquely he nodded at her. The Captain handed him a pad.
"Here are your instructions Number One. Counselor Troi will be your XO this watch. If you need me I'll be in my quarters."
"Acknowledged Sir." Jean-Luc glanced at Will, than at Deanna and back at Will again.
"Keep the ship in one piece will you?" He asked and left. Will turned to Deanna, she winked at him.
"Deanna, could you...?"
"Commander I'd appreciate it if you'd refer to me as 'Counselor' or as 'Commander'." She seemed serious, they felt the crew on the Bridge was looking at him.
"If you insist." Politely she smiled.
"I do." He played the game along; she hadn't expect him to do otherwise.
"Very well Counselor. Would you be so kind to read this pad." He sounded sarcastic now.
"Of course Sir." Over-polite she made a little bow, took the pad and sat down; crossing her legs. Will sat down at her side. After she was finished she handed the pad back.
"Well, it promises to be a quiet watch." The remark was snappy, her voice cattish.
"Yes it does." They both looked straight ahead, avoiding looking at each other. The others on the Bridge thought they didn't look had each other because they were in a fight. They knew however that if they did they'd burst into laughing.
"Helm?" Lieutenant Murphy startled.
"Yes Sir?"
"What's our current heading and speed?"
"Heading is 317 mark 025, speed warp 3.5" The fright sounded in the lieutenants voice.
~You scared him Will.~
~It's your fault~ He replied.
"And our ETA?"
"09.15 Hours" Lieutenant Murphy had calmed down. There was tension on the Bridge they were all aware of that.
"Increase velocity to warp 4."
"Aye Sir." The Bridge was wrapped in silence again. Deanna and Will were discussing the wedding again.
~Okay, so who will sit next to who?~
~Why don't we let hem choose?~ Deanna had great difficulty not to laugh out loud.
~Yeah right. And what if my mother sits down next to the Captain? Or worse, to Worf?~
~Let's give them their places.~ Will agreed. Deanna made a weird noise because she wasn't able not to laugh. Curious lieutenant Murphy turned around.
"What are you looking at?" That was maybe a bit too cattish.
"Nothing Ma'am." With a flush on his cheeks he quickly turned back.
"Counselor, to my Ready Room."
"Aye Sir." They quickly walked into the Ready Room. She loudly laughed.
"The look on his face!" Will also couldn't help laughing.
"Deanna could you tone it down a bit? I almost start thinking you hate me." Sensing his sincerity she walked to him.
"You know better than that." Passionately she kissed him.
"We have to go back."
"Hmm." He hold her tightly and didn't let her go.
"Not now Will. This is the Captain's Ready Room."
"I don't care." He muttered and kissed her again. She laughed and pushed him away, returning to the Bridge, he followed a few steps behind.
"Captain, what are you doing here?"
"I need one of the Science Stations. How's it going up here?"
"Well, we haven't encountered any difficulties." Jean-Luc turned towards Deanna. She sensed what he was up to.
"Counselor?"
"I must agree with Commander Riker Sir." Again a cattish answer.
"Well than I won't bother you further." Each of them walked to their places. Telepathically Deanna informed Will about the Captains intensions. Jean-Luc kept an eye on them, he hoped to find out whether their behaviour had changed or not. But they didn't talk or look at each other.
~The places on the table.~ He handed her the pad.
~Perfect, let's keep it that way.~ She gave the pad back.
"And, what do you think of it?" She winked at him and he winked back.
"I don't think my opinion is important in this case Sir. And neither do you so why bother asking?" Jean-Luc turned around and watched them.
"I was just trying to be polite."
"It's no use." Contemptuous he glanced at her.
"All right than, could you bring this to Sickbay?" ~I'll see you in your quarters.~
~I'll be there.~ "As you wish Sir." She stood up and headed for the Turbolift. The Captain walked past Will.
"Number One, to my Ready Room." Will followed.
"What's going on between you and Counselor Troi?" He knew what had happened, Beverly had informed him.
"Nothing Sir."
"Than what's the current status of your relation?" Will remembered Deanna's words.
"Let's say we've quite drastically changed it Sir." He now realized Deanna hadn't lied.
"Fine, but keep your disagreements off my Bridge."
"Yes Sir." Will walked to the doors.
"And Number One..." Inwards Will laughed, he hadn't expected anything else but a last minute remark.
"I'm sorry to hear it has." The Captain wasn't as strict as he seemed. Will left with a big grin on his face. His shift was over. He went to her quarters, knowing she would be there.
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She was sitting on the sofa, holding a cup of hot-chocolate in her hands. She looked up to him, he sat down besides her and kissed her hello. Tiredly she smiled.
"You're tired, I can tell by your face." Deanna snuggled against him, he held her tightly in his arms.
"Yes I am." The Betazoid yawned and closed her eyes. The last days had been exhausting. All the different emotions she experienced; all the things that needed to be taken care off; the information she had to put in her head, the new language she had to learn. All she wanted to do now was to sleep. She could hardly open her eyes, her eyelids were too heavy. Her breathing slowed down and she fell asleep in Will's arms.
"Let's go to bed Imzadi." No reaction.
"Deanna?" He tapped her on her shoulder.
"Hmmm,hmmm." She twisted a bit, making herself more comfortable. Mollified he smiled at her. Gently he pushed her up and stood up. He placed his hands under her body and picked her up. Weak she hung in his arms. He carried her over to her bed, laid her down and undressed her. After having tucked her in he took of his uniform as well and crawled under the sheets next to her. She turned on her side, using his chest as pillow instantly he wrapped his arms around her slender body.
"Sleep tight Imzadi." She muttered as reply. Will thought about the future, he had avoid thinking about that in her presence. Not wanting to trouble her with his concerns. In about 60 hours she would leave, she would be gone for he didn't know how long. She had warned him it could take years before she'd return. He couldn't imagine life without her; she had been a part of his live for over fifteen years. He still felt guilty about leaving her on Betazed. The first week he had to restrain himself not to run back to her. Of course they kept in touch, through letters and a CommLink once a month. He couldn't wait until they would see each other again on Risa. But weeks past and he found his way around the ship; he even got a promotion. His communications with Deanna lost priority, sometimes he even forgot them. One day they returned to the ship, after successfully having executed a dangerous away-mission; it was about three months after the Nervala IV incident. When they were celebrating their succes he realized that that was what he wanted. He wanted to lead Away-Teams, maybe even become a captain of a Starship. He could not find the courage in his heart to tell Deanna in a letter. But soon their last CommLink before their meeting on Risa was coming up and he knew he had to tell her than. Telling her was easier than he had expected, at least, that was what he had believed for a long time.
///"Deanna."
"Will!" Her happiness beamed off her face. But her broad, charming smile and the twinkles in her eyes soon disappeared.
"Will? What's wrong?" Embarrassed and guilty he looked away. When he looked at her again he could see she was sad and scared.
"You want to stay, don't you?" He smiled, she could read him perfectly, even with thousands of light-years between them.
"I'm afraid I do." She kept looking at him with those big brown eyes of hers. The same ones that had attracted him two and a half years ago.
"So I guess the wedding is off?" A sigh followed.
"I still love you Deanna, I really do. But a marriage..."
"Would only complicate and affect your career in a negative way. I understand."
"So, you don't mind?"
"I do mind, I love you Imzadi. But if this is what you want, I won't stop you." She smiled at him, ensuring him it was all right.
"This is what I want." Enthusiastic he started telling her about his plans. His enthusiasm made her laugh, but her laughing had turned into crying.
"Deanna, don't cry. You'll meet someone, forget me." She wiped her tears away. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, he wanted to comfort her.
"How can I forget you? You'll always be a part of me, you have been since the day we met." Not knowing what to say he nodded.
"I won't forget you either." Again she smiled.
"Will I see you again?" He heard the hope in her voice.
"We'll keep in touch." She closed her eyes for a second, he knew she was disappointed
"Good luck with your career Will. Think about me every once in a while." She laid her hand on her monitor, he put his against hers.
"I will. Thank you Deanna." She threw him one last smile and terminated the CommLink.\\\
Will looked at Deanna, laying by his side. How could he have been so stupid back then? He ran his fingers through her hair. She was so beautiful and looked satisfied and peaceful. He decided to follow her example and to go to sleep as well.
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"Enter."
"And how did it go?" He looked glum.
"Not well."
"And what do you mean by that?"
"Your little plan didn't work."
"What does it take to get those two to talk?" Disappointed she sat down.
"What happened?"
"Nothing." Surprised she looked up.
"Nothing?" He glanced at her. It was caring from her to try, but locking them up together for eight hours seemed to only haven worsen things.
"Jean-Luc?" Beverly wanted to know hat had happened.
"They didn't talk or listen to each other." That wasn't what she had expected.
"Deanna was extremely polite." She knew why: Deanna closed her mind so she wouldn't have to deal with her problems. They knew how dangerous that could be. Lwaxana's break down was still stamped in their memories.
"Computer locate..." Jean-Luc laid his hand on hers and shook his head.
"Beverly, you've tried and it didn't work. Now you have to let them solve their problems their selves." He was right, she knew. But it was not like her to watch and not doing something."
"Their old and wise enough." He smiled at her.
"But..."
"No buts." She sighed and stood up.
"Alright I won't interfere." Jean-Luc stood up as well, to walk her out.
"No interference."
"No interference." She confirmed. Just before leaving his quarters she kissed him goodnight. He watched her until she disappeared around the corner. When he had lost sight of her he walked back in.
"Tea, Earl Grey, hot." When he sat down, he became plunged in thoughts, starting with Deanna and Will but soon they wandered off to Beverly.
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Beverly couldn't go to sleep, Deanna and Will had to make it up before Deanna would leave. She decided to talk to Will in the morning; she wouldn't interfere, she'd just inform.
~D~
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