Author's Note: And yes all of the information in here I did find, it's not made up.
Summary: As Sebastian questions the tortured man, it stirs up memories and feelings he buried long ago.
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Chapter Four:
A New Discovery
"Well? What do you have to live for?" Sebastian asked again, impatiently. The man looked away not knowing what to say to that. "Well, maybe I can help. You know I have done my homework, " Sebastian paused as a sly grin grew over his face, "You don't believe me? Well, then. William T. Riker, Commander in Starfleet. XO of the Starship Enterprise, NCC-1701-D, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Starfleet serial number SC 231-427. Born in Valdez, Alaska, Earth on April 15, 2335. Your mother died when you were only two and your father walked out on you when you were fifteen. You graduated eighth in your class in 2357. By 2369 you had been decorated five times. Your first assignment was aboard the U.S.S. Pegasus as helm officer. Then promoted to lieutenant and stationed on Betazed, were you meet and became romantically involved with Deanna Troi, who now severs aboard the Enterprise as Counselor. You had two other postings before being assigned to Enterprise. When there you have been offered many positions as Captain yet never took them. Can I stop now?" Riker glared at him for a moment then just looked away.
"Hmm, now how about my question. How about family? Oh, yes that's right, your mother died before you ever really know her and your dad walked out on you, something you've held against him for years. Well, that answers that." Sebastian said very sarcastically. He was walking around, circling him, like a predator and his prey. "Or, how about your career? Hmm, Not much there either. I though the only thing you ever wanted was to be a Starship captain? Yet you've turned down ever offer that's come your way." He was right up in his face now. He smiled slyly and started to turn around, out of his face. "I guess it doesn't mean that much to you then, huh? Or," He turned slowly around to face, his grin growing with every second. "Is it Deanna keeping you there?" At the sound of Deanna's name, Riker whipped his head away, getting much angrier with him for bring Deanna into this. "Ah, Deanna. Touchy subject then? While we're on that subject," Sebastian got right up into his face and asked, "Is she what you have to live for?"
Riker looked him square in the eyes and thought about it for a second. Then he mumbled breathlessly, "Leave… Deanna… out of… this."
Sebastian smiled his evil smile and said, "Why are you protecting her? You're the one who said you wanted to make your career your priority even over her. You and she are just friends, you date other women, she dates other men. The love you once shared is gone, so why protect her?" Sebastian said with a jokingly but serious voice. It was obvious he was genuinely curious but enjoying him squirm. Riker just looked away, he knew he was right but he wouldn't and didn't want to admit it.
"Well, that gets ride of that reason. Not for family, not for Starfleet, and not for love, hmm, well, there are still plenty to try." And with that, if possible, his grin widened and he left Riker to ponder what just occurred.
**A few hours later**
When Sebastian returned, Riker was laying in the corner sleeping. Riker had heard him come in but didn't show it, in some hope that he would go away. Sebastian walked in and took a seat in the middle of the room. "Come now, Commander, I know you're awake." He said in his usual voice he always had. Riker sighed, knowing he would not win this one. "Now, I do hope you remember our little conversation. Why don't we continue, hmm? Now let's see, we've already established that you don't have family or Starfleet or love to live for. Hmm, let me see, what else is there?" He put his finger up to his chin, in an over exaggerated way, and pretended to think. "Ah, yes. How about…" He leaned forward and said in a low voice. "Fear? Fear of death? No," He leaned back into the chair and shook his head. "No, you don't look like your afraid. Hmm, how about… happiness? No, there's too much disappointment in your life for that. How about… sadness? Or anger? Or disappointment? No, those are all reasons for suicide and you don't look suicidal." He said in a very intimating way, but Riker was use to that and if he wasn't already shook up, it wouldn't have bugged him much. Then Sebastian got up and walked over to him, crouched down and got face to face with him. A sly grin grew over his face and he said softly, "Or, do you believe you have a destiny? That because of that, the universe can't let you die? That no matter what happens to you, you will be fine because of that destiny?"
Riker thought about that. No, he never believed that exactly. He believed he had a purpose in life but not that way. But to be completely honest, he never really thought about it before. He looked up and glared at Sebastian. "No. None of those things." He stated without fault, in a defensive voice.
"Hmm, really" Sebastian said, clearly not believing him. He thought for a moment then said, "Well, then. What do you have to live for? Or do you not know?" Sebastian smiled that same evil smile, as Riker thought about it. No, he didn't know what he had to live for, he never even thought about it, but in no way would he ever admit that. "I see. Well, maybe I'll just leave you to think about that." And with those words Sebastian left, and Riker did just that, he thought about it.
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What does he have to live for? I really don't know. Well, I guess the next chapter's going to be pretty dull. (No I'm just kidding. I've got a fairly good idea.)
So, how was it? Good, bad, stupid? R/R I really want to know what you think.
