Disclaimer: Have a look at the first chapter (again),
Additional Disclaimer: There will be a slight reference to the Animated TV series Gargoyles; which is owned by Disney and_not_by me
Rating: PG-13/R due to death.
"LIFETIMES"Part II: Behind the Enemy's lines.
Chapter Ten: The Darkness of Life'It_is_beautiful up there. Maybe if I play my cards right I'll have my own vessel in a few years.'
"Vak'Ta Za Des'Ta!" The female turned around, her eyes flashed at the man standing behind her.
"K'Vok'To T'Ra Me!" The realization that he feared her pleased her and with a single gestured of her hand he almost ran away. She turned her gaze back to the stars above and found herself searching within her mind. Something had changed recently, something was missing inside her. But what? Destine lay down on her bed and tucked herself in; it would become a cold night and a restless one. Ever since the presence in her mind had disappeared she had been plagued by nightmares.
///There were two men in the room, one on each side, closely watching her. They were holding disruptor-like weapons aimed at their sleeping prisoner. Only she wasn't asleep anymore, she was very much awake, she had been for quite sometime now. That time had she used to study her guards. When there was nothing left to study she figured she might as well wake up.
"Z'Y Ka R'O."
"Keep her under shot." 'Funny, he talks English, I wonder why' Her training proved to be of use now; helped to keep up her act.
"Oh, Me Herad." She tried to raise her hand to her forehead, her effort was in vain; her hands were strained to the bed. Something she already knew. The men at her side grinning evilly, she fully opened her eyes and piercingly looked at them.
"Que Me Pla'ats? Who are you?" The two changed a look that portrayed both surprise and disappointment. They quickly slid back into their careless, malevolent attitudes though.
"We're the ones who ask the questions here, T'Ra. Who are you?" She had never been cooperative in her entire life and did not intend to change that solely because of a disruptor pointed at her.
"Why should I answer to you?"
"Because we have a T'Pa aimed at you." They waited for her to speak but when she didn't they were a little agitated.
"Well?!" She considered her options...it would do no harm to tell them her name, she was practically unknown in this region of the planet anyway.
"You can call me Des'Ta." The patronizing tone in her voice was on purpose and had the desired effect. The two men became more agitated. She had sensed that neither of them actually had the guts to fire; their superior had probably ordered them to get her to talk but not to kill her.
"Where are you from?"
"Everywhere and nowhere." True in a way, not that they would buy it but still it_was_true.
"That's not an answer to the question." She ignored them, an action which made them only more impatient.
"Why are you holding me?"
"Because we_want_to." Inwards she grinned, even though she was restrained and being held under shot they feared her. Her features softened and her voice became low and bittersweet.
"Look, I have nothing precious with me and be honest; I'm just a weak female what could I possibly do to two strong, armed guys like yourself?" Confused by the sudden change in her attitude they withdrew for a moment to discuss her request. When they returned she didn't miss the triangle in the hands of the tallest one; nervously he let the silver/blue amulet turn in his palm making sure she would see it. She recognized it instantly; it was the most precious property she had, a reminder of another lifetime.\\\
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Like all the nights before she had awakened with a startle, the images of her dream impressed in her mind. She wondered if she'd ever be able to forget them. Immediately she began to scan her surroundings, something she had made a habit ever since she had moved up into the hierarchy. Fortunately no-one had picked up her dream. For as far as she could tell there were no other telepaths awake at the time and neither of them was strong enough to even unconsciously read minds in their sleep. Something she was very grateful for, it had given her a valuable advance on numerous occasions. Des'Ta reached for the triangle, making sure it was still there. Another day would begin in a few hours, another day of constantly having to watch her back.
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Will had been completely disorientated the days after the link was completely severed, he had never realized how great the influence of her presence had been until than. He communicated with Lwaxana a lot, both drawing strength and comfort from their mutual love for Deanna. Beverly had missed her dearest friend greatly and stopped going to Mok'Ba'Rah classes for a while. She tried to stand by Will as good as she could. Data had used her absence as an opportunity to study the effects on humans when they whether or not temporarily lost someone close to them. Geordi helped Data with his quest and in that way probably dealt better with it than any of the others
The first weeks had been tough for all of them. The empty chair during Senior Staff meetings was a painful reminder of their friend and confidant, as was her chair on the Bridge. During the first several days crewmembers would come to her office for advice only to find it empty. And still during encounters with hostile species or doubtful missions Picard would turn around.
"Counselor, what do you..." Always realizing her chair was empty and why before he finished his question.
Will was...subdued, maybe that was the best way to describe his attitude. He performed his job just fine, no doubt about that. But he didn't enjoy it the way he used too; sometimes he seemed more of an android than Data was. Other than Doctor Crusher had expected however he continued with the poker games...and winning those which she was less grateful for. In the beginning the sphere had been mute, uncomfortable but fortunately that changed pretty quick. During the games they reminisced a lot about shared moments; both good and not so good. Beverly discovered that the poker games had the same impact as several collective counseling session and was glad she didn't have to pull her rank to get them to talk.
Days past and they fell back into their routines. Picard contacted Starfleet Head Quarters at the end of every week to ask if there was any news regarding Counselor Troi and each week he got the same reply: " Captain, we understand your concern but the Decoy and Commander Troi have been ordered not to contact anyone related to Starfleet. We'll let you know the minute we receive information." The news of Deanna's special mission went around quickly and soon they received dozens of messages from friends, acquaintances, high Starfleet officers and ambassador wishing them luck and telling them they hoped Counselor Troi would return safe and sound.
By then Beverly had taken over part of Deanna's tasks and Data and Will had both taking half of her usual Bridge Watches. Though neither of them wanted to admit it, they all knew they couldn't go on like this.
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Xi'A Des'Ta; you're expected in the KoRo in 5 minutes. Agitated she looked up and closed the monitor.
"I_know_that StaKa!" A devilish smile washed over her face when she felt the man shrink with fear. Her power had stretched to beyond her initial goal. Her servants admired_and_feared her; but still she couldn't let her guard down. Enemies were everywhere. She had of course the benefits of being the most powerful telepath on the planet_by_far_and was in addition the_only_empath which had saved her life numerous times. Her abilities enabled her to catch her enemies before they had even come close to her. But it weren't the enemies of outside her organization she had to fear the most. She was the first female in the planets history to lead such a powerful and large organization which caused quite some dismay with some of her male servants; her right hand in particular. But for now they needed her and endured her ruling. That she knew of his plans to get rid of her as soon as they didn't need her anymore was something she kept to herself; she'd deal with him when the time had come. For now she needed to concentrate on her own plans. Like more persons high in the hierarchy of her planet, she too had a hidden agenda.
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Commander Riker and Doctor Crusher; please report to the Captain's Ready Room. Minutes later Will and Beverly entered the room; both looked exhausted.
"Have a seat." Obeying they plumped down on the couch, both grateful to sit.
"How long has it been?"
"3 months and 9 days Sir." Will replied with the accuracy of an android. Neither of the other officers were surprised and nodded conformingly. Jean-Luc folded his hands and studied his desk for a minute.
"You know..." He looked up, stroke his chin and folded his hands back together. "...When Starfleet Command informed me of Counselor Troi's..." Inside each of them cringed at the mentioning of her name. "...New assignment they also send me a list of...psychologists qualified and willingly to serve on the Enterprise. I've opted not to start selecting until now." The Captain saw his friends stiffen when they realized what he was aiming at, he just hoped that they would be objective enough to see the necessity of having a full-time counselor onboard.
"Captain, with all due respect...we're managing just fine." His eyes studied the red-haired Doctor, than shifted to the man next to her and back.
"Beverly, Will; you both look exhausted. You've been pulling double shifts for several weeks. Beside, the crew needs a steady counselors and sickbay schedule they can rely on." Doctor Crusher sighed and stole a look at the First Officer. 'He_does_look awfull.'
"You're right." She was reluctant to admit it, which clearly sounded through her voice.
"A full counselor onboard would solve some problems." Will stiffened even more at that agreement.
"Though there's no doubt in my mind that she_cannot_be replaced." At her last words Commander Riker visibly relaxed.
"Number One, what do you think?" A bit surprised Riker looked up at his superior.
"Huh?...Oh, I, uhm, I agree with Doctor Crusher Sir." Picard sighed mentally; this was easier than he had hoped.
"No-one can replace her." Well, maybe it wasn't.
"Do you also agree to bring a new counselor onboard?"
"I do Sir." At least, that was what his rational mind agreed on.
"Good, than if you would take a look at this list..." Abruptly Riker stood up.
"Sir, I have some things I need to take care off. I'm sure Doctor Crusher and yourself can handle this without my help." Jean-Luc was about to protest when he caught Beverly's gaze.
"Of course Number One, but you_are_in charge of personnel issues." The bald man leaned back in his chair and piercingly glanced at the younger one standing in front of him.
"I am Sir." He replied stoically fully aware of the underlying message of his Captain's words; he couldn't avoid the issue forever.
"How is he coping?" The question came just a second after the doors had closed behind Will's back. With her eyes still locked at the closed doors Beverly responded.
"Better then we had expected actually." She slowly turned her head, her hair gently dartling around the long slender column of her neck and her soft featured. "We had expected him to shut down, act distracted, rude and careless, to withdraw himself from the public eye and friends." Jean-Luc looked right into her blue eyes. 'like and ocean' But there was something else that had caught his attention.
"We?" For an instant Beverly didn't understand what he was asking but soon the meaning dawned.
"Yes, Deanna and I have been discussing the reactions of crewmembers on the death of one of the Senior officers regularly even since Tasha's death." He hadn't known this but he wasn't surprised either. Deanna and Beverly never stopped working; their caring professions always provided them with work.
"The reactions of all crewmembers?" 'That's an awful lot to discus.' She smiled; the corners of her mouth curled up and part of her teeth became visible.
"Well, at first, yes. More or less. But after little less than a year we restricted ourselves tot he Senior Staff." His facial expression spoke words to her and she answered his question before he had eve asked it.
"Deanna realized very quickly how attached this crew would become."
"The two of you never seize to amaze me." Playfully she hit him in his stomach.
"Oh, I hope so." He quickly hit her back.
"Alright, so how do you think I should handle him during the protocol of accepting a new counselor?" The red-haired sighed and let herself drop in his chair.
"Always right back to business huh Captain?" She answered to his quizzically look.
"Well actually..." The mischievous sparkle in his eyes surprised her pleasantly.
"I figured that the sooner we'd got this over with, the sooner we could go to your quarters." Her heart missed a beat with anticipation. "To have a look at the medical reports of the crew."
"Oh you!" Her eyes flashed and she stood up to hit him once again. Which was exactly what he had expected and he used the opportunity to switch their positions and Jean-Luc sat down in_his_chair. Suddenly Beverly Crusher's face turned serious.
"Very well Captain, than lets start with yours...oh wait. You're 6 weeks over due." He grinned at her but when her facial expression remained icy-cold he felt somewhat uneasy.
"I_do_expect you in for your physical tomorrow_Captain_." And with those words the Doctor left the Ready Room. Confused Jean-Luc tried to analyze what just happened.
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Even before she entered the KoRo she started scanning the emotional state of those inside. They were preparing for her arrival; she sensed nervousity and a slight amount of fear. There was one other telepath in the room therefore she made a mental note not to let her thoughts rush out of control. She could of course shield her thoughts for him, but that would only reveal her actual strength; something no-one really knew. The five meter high doors opened outwards on her command and allowed her access to the huge room. Des'Ta had been there many times before but the impressive structure of the KoRo kept overwhelming her. Trained as she was she did not show it. The room was dark and mysterious; enlightened by blue and green lights on the ceiling. The 20 meter high ceiling consisted of highly decorated arches and vague paintings. The high walls were made of misty gray/purple stones and a 2 meter long torch had been placed every meter. Apart from a large stone chair there wasn't any furniture to be seen. A narrow, very green carpet was placed between the doors and the chair. While she gracefully walked down to the chair she hardly noticed the fear and admiration with which the others stepped back, away from her. Her eyes were fixed on the statue directly next to the chair. It had intrigued her ever since she had first seen it. The sculpture portrayed a human-like creature; one she hadn't seen anywhere yet. It's body was shaped after human 21st century standards of a perfect female's body. The creature however had two large wings attached to her shoulders and was larger then any human Des'Ta knew. She had spend hours studying the face. If she hadn't know any better she'd sworn the creature had once been alive. The one who had made certainly earned her admiration; especially because of the eyes. Even though they were of stone they seemed to be filled with a great amount of anger, hatred and pain. In a way they reminded hers of her own when she looked into a mirror. How amazed she had been when she had found the subscription.
"Demona, may her poisoned and broken heart never have to endure life again." 'Those humans have strange habits.' Had been her first thought, second she realized that the maker talked about 'Demona' as if she had been alive.
"Ria Demona, ready for another dull meeting with those whiners?" Des'Ta had made it a habit to talk to the statue every time she was near it. Standing in front of her chair she turned around and addressed all those present with an dreadfully cold gaze.
"Ta Sa." Her whisper reached everyone despite the vast distance it had to travel and immediately her 'guests' formed a large triangle. While she spoke out something which seemed to be a spell she lightly pushed a button with her heel. The so-called spell was merely a deceive; she always closed her eyes when she cast it and thereby creating on of the few times anyone dared to look her full in the face and study her features. The room began to tremble lightly and part of the floor began to rise. Within the triangle a huge stone triangle-formed table took it's place, together with exactly enough chairs. When she snapped her fingers three lights began to shine above the table and everyone took their rightful seat. Only the one to her left remained empty. For a second she looked at it. 'Da*n fool.' The chair had been empty for quite a while now; the man whose place it used to be had made an unforgivable mistake. A worthy successor had not yet crossed her path.
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Somehow Riker managed to postpone his task to select a new counselor, but after two more months a decision_had_to be made. And thus he got it over with as soon as possible. He selected, like the others had expected the one who looked the least like Deanna. Lt. Yro Kyara was a tall, slender, dark-skinned man with blond hair, yellow eyes and soft features; he would arrive on board the next month. Picard had given his First Officer the order to empty Troi's quarters. Riker hadn't complained, but had instead began to move his belongings to Deanna's quarters. That Starfleet had dismissed the Enterprise of any missions until the new counselor had come aboard had a positive influence on the crew and gave the Senior Staff the time to get used to the idea of a new counselor. Will's routine had returned and he behaved normally again. But inside the absence of Deanna's presence hurt like hell.
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Exhausted but satisfied Des'Ta returned to her home. The meeting had been a tough and heated one. With the disappearance of her left hand part of the plan had to be altered, which brought some discussion with it. Not to mention the concern and curiosity of the others at To'Ma's disappearance.
With the tips of her fingers she massaged her temples while she studied her face in the mirror. She didn't have much time for herself. New people would arrive within 15 minutes; 2 Bajorans, a Cardessian and a Romulan. Hopefully one of them could replace To'Ma. Tired she looked out her window at the city below. She knew the names and background of each man, woman and child by heart. Some had settled here voluntarily, some where forced to live here by their governments. The planet Daik was just within Romulan territory but didn't fall under the Romulan Senate. Used as a hiding place for political fugitives and outlaws the inhabitants were of various races; Human, Bajoran, Romulan, Cardessian mostly but everyone was welcome.
Some of buildings on the planet were 'left-overs' from an ancient society that had lived on the planet centuries earlier. Others had been build by the Federation to make sure everyone had a place to live. Of course it had been an attempt get them on their side; after all the Federation too used Daik as a prison. But unlike other governments they had been civilized enough to give several replicators and other means to survive.
The political structure on the planet was simple; there was one overall leader, Des'Ta at this moment, who took planetary decisions in concert with The Representatives; selected leaders of groups based on species or profession. One could also choose to retreat from any political involvement. The primary goal of the 'government' now was to complete and execute the X-Y-0-1 plan. The plan had been, due to To'Ma's actions, delayed for several months; maybe even a year. Des'Ta had spend precious time re-assuring The Representatives that the plan itself hadn't been endangered and could still be executed despite the loss of a vital person. His act_had_been foolish and unforgivable.
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The Senior Staff had gathered in Transporter Room 2 to welcome the new counselor on board. Riker obviously wanted nothing more but to leave; he couldn't stand still for a single second. With a brusque nod Picard indicated the ensign behind the console to initiate transport. After the all to familiar sounds a young man appeared.
"Lieutenant Kyara, welcome on the Enterprise." The tall man energetically stepped down and took Jean-Luc's held out hand to shake it.
"Captain Picard, it's a pleasure to meet you in person."
"Likewise Lieutenant; let me introduce you to the others." He pointed at the red-haired woman.
"Lieutenant Yara; the ship's CMO, Commander Doctor Beverly Crusher." Friendly Beverly kissed him on his cheeks and welcomed him. Jean-Luc moved on to Data.
"Commander Data, Second and Science Officer." Data bend forward to give Yro the same welcome as Beverly had but she held him back in time.
"Data, have you forgotten what Deanna taught you already?" If he could, he would've blushed. If either of them had been empathic they would've known about the surge of both sadness and anger rushing through Will. Picard quickly introduced Yro to Geordi and Lieutenant Commander Fko Tzeb, the Chief Security, saving William Riker to the last.
"And our First Officer, Commander William Riker." Differing himself from the others Will refused to shake Yro's hand and instead brusquely nodded.
"I'm looking forward to work with you Commander." But instead of answering him Riker looked him full in the face. Not intimidated the lieutenant looked back.
"Alright. Fko, will you show lieutenant Yara his quarters, the rest is dismissed." Before Fko could leave Will took him aside.
"Take the new one to my quarters; they're empty."
"But..."
"No buts; I'll inform Captain Picard myself."
"Aye Sir." Relieved the Commander watched them leave.
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These are your quarters lieutenant." Friendly Fko laid her hand on the shoulder of the man in front of her.
"Please, call me Yro or Counselor."
"Yro then. Deanna's...you office is just around the corner. If you'll excuse me." Yro nodded and watched the Security Officer leave. The crew had been reluctant to welcome him and he hadn't expected otherwise. It wasn't going to be easy to replace Deanna Troi. He had followed several of her guest colleges while he was attending the Academy. And even though their first meeting had been quite an embarrassing one; for him that was.
///"Well, it's nice that some of you find my bone structure more interesting then my words. Maybe you should pay a visit to a college of Doctor Beverly Crusher. I'm sure she can help you at that." She had directly looked at them.\\\
Yro walked in and dropped the small bag he had been carrying on the floor. He dropped himself on the nearest chair. This would be his home at least until Deanna Troi would return.
///"Oh, not that I'm not flattered, at my age every compliment is welcome."\\\ Her sense of humor had amazed him; back then he had half expected her to throw them out.
///"How did you know?" "I'm a Betazoid."\\\ Her answer had been so simple, so logical and so da*n embarrassing for them. The rest of her lectures they had spend in embarrassment. And when they had found out that she was only_half_Betazoid they had been more then relieved.\\\ Even now, years after that meeting his cheeks flushed when he remembered that 'conservation'. What had amazed him the most is that Deanna had kept so cool and so witty, something he greatly admired.
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With a deep, annoyed sigh she sat herself down in her chair.
"What now?" The human in front of her cringed.
"Xi'A, I'm afraid we're now even further behind schedule." The eyes of the Xi'A flashed.
"WHAT. Yo_have_found someone to replace him, haven't you?" Frightened the woman stepped back and bent her head.
"We have, but it takes longer to inform him then we had expected." Des'Ta bend slightly forward and narrowed her eyes when she locked them on those of the nervous woman in front of her.
"Than you'd better hurry." Her words were accompanied by a slight, controlled nod."
"Yes Xi'A." As fast as she could she walked out.
"Dammit! K'Za I can't use this now! Humanz..." 'You're a quarters human yourself.' 'A quarter doesn't count.' Or did it? After all it_did_influence her way of thinking. Sometimes. Killing To'Ma certainly hadn't been decided by her human side. 'The FOOL' It_had_been right,_no_necessary to kill him. Oh, that arrogant smile on his self-righteous face. He had been so sure she wouldn't kill him, that he_was_indispensable, well he_wasn't_.
///"What have you done?" Her eyes locked on his blooded hands, chest and face.
"I killed her." With a slow nod she indicated him to explain.
"That Starfleet vessel that brings their people here...its Doctor owed me. He got me onboard and told me where she was." Not having blinked her eyes she still held his. He was good at what he did and would be more then useful in especially the last stage of their plan. But if he had done what she thought he had he had caused to great a risk. And_that_was something she couldn't allow him.
"She was just as pretty as since I had last seen her. We fought, and the bitch bit and scratched me!"
"I can see that."
"She refused to scream, I couldn't stand that. So I threw her on the floor." From behind him a swung a large, sharp, in blood covered knife between them, then handed it to her.
"What did you do with the body?"
"I dumped her in the swamps several miles out the city."
"Why did you do you it?" A sort, sharp laugh came from deep within him. 'My God, he_enjoyed_it, the KaZa Ra!'
"Why?! Because you said she was the_only_one who had the knowledge, the insight to find out_everything_about our the plan!" 'Because she turned me down! Because she refused to help me! Because she stayed with_him_and_never_spoke about me again!' Hearing his thoughts and sensing his emotions of pleasure and satisfaction she hit him on his cheek without any warning, causing his head to turn.
"KaZa Quix! You couldn't have done_anything_ANYTHING_to attract the Starfleet more then you just have! Are there no boa in that head of yours?! You D'resRaVak Pxira!" Mixing three languages now her eyes flashed with fury.
"But I thought it would please you." Ever so slowly, yet obviously furious she advanced towards him.
"Please me?! Thomas..." For the first time since he had know her she used his actual name. "...The_LAST_thing I want is the attention of Starfleet, the Federation, or any other authorial system that might ruin_everything_. And what you just did will most likely have the_same_effect as 1000 War Birds crossing the Federation boarders with obvious hostile intention! No doubt Captain Picard and that 'brother' of yours will come looking for her!" 'Boy, she is angry.'
"HELL YES I AM!!!" Frightened Thomas Riker backed away.
"You've endangered_everything_we've been working for! If any of our supporting groups ever find out we'll loose our funding and everything will have been for NOTHING!!!" With horror in his eyes he watched her raising the knife he had handed her mere minutes ago. Des'Ta herself was outraged; with that action he had endangered everything she had worked for in her entire lifetime, but more then that; he had taken from her the one person who could get her out of this place.
"Des'Ta; don't do this. You need me."
"Hell I don't."
"Jesus, Deanna Troi was just a Starfleet Officer, why does this bother you so much?" 'She's going to kill me!" Sensing his fear brought her some kind of pleasure.
"Because..." She raised the knife above her head. "...You killed the one relative I had left." Closely she monitored his reaction.
"R-relative?"
"Yes Thomas. Deanna Troi was my mother." His blue eyes widened and for a moment he couldn't breath. But now he knew, he_did_see the resemblance in their features.
"But more than that..." Des'Ta never finished her sentence. What he felt; triumph, fear, pleasure and satisfaction made her rush the knife down; stabbing him right through his heart. Not quite comprehending what she had done Thomas looked down at the knife sticking in his chest.
"You...stabbed me?" She just glanced at him, not uttering a single sound. He felt his limbs become heavy and weak and second later he fell on the ground.
"You're mother...would_never_...have done...this."
"I'm not my mother." Her words reached him just before the last air slipped out his lungs. His eyes closed and his muscles relaxed. She addressed him one more time; knowing he couldn't hear her anymore.
"You simply should've let her go Thomas." She grabbed her phaser, aimed and vaporized him. Leaving not a single track.\\\
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"Enter." Jean-Luc walked from the window where he had been standing to his chair and sat down as his First Officer stepped in. He had expected his arrival and already knew what the subject was going to be; as Captain there was little kept secret for him on the Enterprise. Picard had already made up his mind; he was going to allow the Commander to stay in Troi's quarters, but he would definitely let him know not to something alike with out discussing the matter with his superior again. Much to Will's relief the meeting didn't take long and after enduring a short speech he was allowed to...almost.
"Oh, and Number One; will you drop by Lt. Kyara to give him Counselor Troi's reports and discuss the date for the next crew evaluation." Concerned, as well as curious Picard watched the reaction of his friend. For a moment, a very brief moment he seemed to freeze but almost instantly came over it.
"I will tomorrow Sir." Sadly the man in the Ready Room shook his head and watched the other leave.
"Picard to Crusher."
Yes Captain?
"Please come to my Ready Room as soon as you find the time."
Aye Captain.
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Only in Deanna's, now his quarters, Will let out the breath he unconsciously had been holding. 'Well, that went a lot easier than I had expected.' He let himself fall down on the nearest chair and took in his surroundings again. Her quarters weren't much different from his, apart from the personal things of course. No he had moved into her quarters he had replaced some of her personal belonging with his and he had put her clothes in a different closet. Satisfied with the outcome he had threw the rest of his belongings away or stored them in the ship's storages. Tonight there would be another poker game, which would, as usually, being held in his quarters; from now on in Deanna's.
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"Hello Demona; still refusing to move I see." Unconsciously she winked at the creature of stone in front of her. Somehow every time she was this close she expected the creature to throw the encasing of stone off and leap towards her and every time she kicked herself mentally. Carefully she let her hand slid along Demona's arm, apparently searching for something. A soft, relieved sigh aired when found what she had been looking for. Quickly she scanned her surroundings for any presence and found none. Des'Ta seemed to squeeze the statue's arm which, judged by the sudden changes in her surrounding, had effect. On her left part of the wall seemed simple to disappear. She left the place she'd been standing and walked towards the new room that had appeared. The room was wrapped in darkness. Fearless she walked in and began to scan the walls for a light source.
~Light~ And almost instantly the room was baded in light. Satisfied she walked further in. ~Close entrance~ And though she could still she the room she had been in seconds before she knew no one could see the room she was in. Like before she carefully studied the object placed in the center. The inscription in it was in a language she didn't know. Curious of nature she was determined to find out it's purpose, but as for now she kept the existence of the machine for herself.
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"Come in." Beverly and Geordi exchanged a look of surprise; that didn't sound as Commander Riker. The doors in front them slid open and revealed a tall, slim brown-skinned man with blond hair. Confused neither of them could speak.
"Doctor, Commander; what can I do for you?"
"Uhm, we-uh, we were looking for Commander Riker." Not quite understanding Yro intensified his gaze.
"I guess the Commander is in his quarters." Beverly had now too overcome her surprise and shook her head.
"These_are_Will's quarters." This time it was Kyara's turn to be surprised.
"I thought I would be assigned to Troi's quarters." Suddenly Geordi snapped his fingers and look at the other two officers.
"Computer: location of Commander Riker?"
"Commander Riker is in Counselor Troi's quarters." Triumphantly Geordi laughed and Beverly shook her head for no apparent reason.
"You know, there was a time when that announcement alone was enough to make me return to my quarters and leave them alone." Both smirked at her words, totally forgotten about the confused lieutenant standing in the doors.
"Let's go." Not even saying goodbye to Yro they headed back to the Turbolift. Shaking his head Yro stepped back inside his, Riker's old, quarters. 'I'll have to talk to the Doctor tomorrow.'
"Data," Before the android had the chance to leave the lift his friends pushed him back.
"We have a new destination my friend." Whether it was some kind of android-instinct or simply the fact that he had known these officers or 16 years; Data followed, for once without asking a question.
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The night went smoothly; sensitive subjects had been let alone. They hadn't talked about lieutenant Kyara, quarters or Deanna's mission. Like every poker game since Deanna's departure Will had won each of them, with exception of the first and fifth one. Too bad Deanna wasn't there, she could beat Will even without using her powers. Which was a successful cure to the arrogant smirk on his face when he won. If he beat her on the other hand that smirk would be even larger than normally. 'Ah well, I'll just have to work on my poker face.' Happy that the night had went so well the big looser of that night ordered the computer to turn out the light.
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*Door chimes* The figure in the bed turned on her other side and pulled the sheets further up. *Door chimes* With and angry gesture the sheets were pushed all the way down. *Door chimes*
"Yeah, yeah! I can hear them!" Not quite awakened Beverly Crusher swung her legs out and ran her hands through her hair. *Door chimes*
"Just a moment!!! Computer: half lights and what's the time?"
7.30 She rolled her eyes, closed them and let herself fall back on the bed. *Door chimes*
"YES! I KNOW you're waiting!" 'God, this is annoying!' Again she swung her legs out, but this time she stood up in the same motion
"Computer: identify person waiting outside my doors."
Lieutenant Kyara. 'Terrific.' Quickly and roughly she brushed her hair and changed her clothing.
"Lieutenant, come in." Unlike she had expected there was no annoyance on his face; more so there was on hers.
"Good morning Doctor. I didn't wake you, did I?" 'Hell you didn't.' The woman sat down on a chair and gestured her visitor to follow her example.
"Actually you did Lieutenant." Their eyes met and locked. 'Is she angry at me?'
"but that's alright." Beverly got up and walked to he replicator.
"Can I get you anything?"
"Andorian Coffee please." Seconds later she returned with Andorian coffee for her visitor and 2 croissants and a glass orange juice for herself.
"I apologize for waking you, I was under the impression that your shifts normally start at 0800 hours."
"They usually do indeed; but never the morning after our weekly poker game. So, what brought you here?" Beverly picked up one of the croissants and took a bite.
"I had some questions regarding Counselor Troi." For a brief moment Beverly stopped chewing; something that didn't went unnoticed by Yro. 'Still a sensitive subject.'
"What about her?"
"Well, last night..." Immediately she interrupted; realizing what he was aiming at.
"I still have to apologize; we acted rather impolitely."
"That's alright."
"You probably want to know why you are assigned to Commander Riker's quarters."
"Yes and..."
"Deanna's relation with Commander Riker." A slow nod confirmed her guess. She leaned back and crossed her legs.
"That's a long story Lieutenant. And frankly, I don't think I'm the one to inform you." Yro folded his hands and placed them on a knee.
"I need that information to understand Riker's behavior towards me and my actions and to be able to evaluate his functioning. From what I've learned about him; it's unlikely he'll inform me himself." Deeply she sighed and slightly changed her position.
"I know you are Deanna's best friend, thus in my opinion you_are_the right person to inform me." 'He sounds as if he has met her in person.' As if he read her thoughts...
"Deanna mentioned you on one of her seminars." 'Interesting, I'll ask him later.'
"Crusher to Sickbay, Anna, I'll be a little later; can you cover for me?"
Sure Doc. Beverly drank her orange juice and made herself comfortable.
"Lieutenant, are you familiar with the concept of Imzadi...?"
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"Alright; I want to know exactly how much time each of you think we've lost and will loose due to the new plans." Frightened The Representatives looked at their hands. Slowly but intensely she watch at everyone around her.
"Gul Maret, you're guess?" The Cardessian's eyes met her hers, but quickly turned away. 'How do I keep myself out of trouble?' She heard him loud and clear but was smart enough not to answer.
"I'm not sure...2-3 months..." Her nod seemed a satisfied one, and he couldn't help but sighing relieved. She ignored him and questioned the one next to him.
"Vyra; how long?"
"About 6 months I'm afraid."
"6_Months_!?!" 'I blew it.' Obviously agitated Des'Ta leaned back in her chair.
"Anyone thinks more time has been lost?" One could almost hear the silence in the room. Non of the Representatives was willing to speak up; each and everyone of them afraid to become the center of her fury.
"I would appreciate it if you told me so now; because I will not tolerate any further delay." Looks of apprehension and anxiety crossed the room, eventually the only human present spoke up.
"Des'Ta; I do not wish to infuriate you, but I know you prefer honesty above fear. In my opinion, my section will need a full year to adapt and catch up." 'Let's hope the best of it.' That he was honest with her was something she appreciated, that he acknowledged that her reaction was one thing he had no influence on was something she respected.
"Anyone else?" Again looks and thoughts crossed the room. 'Gee; can't she lighten up for once?!'
"I guess that's a no. Alright, then I suggest each of you gets moving to make our delay as small as possible!" Hastily they stood up and left as quickly as they could.
"N'Tek; a word." Startled the Romulan turned around.
"Xi'A?" 'What does she want?'
"Sit down." Cautiously he walked back and sat down on the chair at her right side. She sensed very well that he was nervous; a good thing because nervous people aren't good at hiding things.
"When was your last communiqué with our associate?"
"Yesterday." Slowly she scanned him; making sure he wouldn't know what was going on. He wasn't nervous anymore nor scared. Apparently there had been only good news.
"And Spock?" That query_did_make him nervous. For some reason the man did not answer; she began to loose her patience.
"N'Tek; answer me." He noticed the slight raise in her voice and realized that it predicted an outburst of her fury. And if that happened there wouldn't be a single place on the planet where she wouldn't find him.
"They're concerned. They are aware of changes in the plans." Great, exactly what we need right night now.'
"I guess we'll have to explain than. Tell Spock to meet me here in two days at 1500 hours. And have our associate meet me here tomorrow at 1300 hours."
"But Ma'am..."
"No buts, tell them."
"Yes Xi'A." 'I just hope I can reach them in time.' She was about to comment on his thought, but restrained herself just in time. After the Romulan had left she turned to the statue behind her.
"A change of plans bears unpleasant repercussions don't you agree?" Des'Ta watched the statue in silence, half expecting an answer.
"You're right. But traitors are even more...unpleasant." She shook her head with the realization that she was talking to herself. "Oh hell; why should I care."
~D~
So, this was the first chapter of Pt II ;)
I'm afraid though that the second will take a while. Just keep reviewing~! :D