Part 6
In the weeks that followed Counselor Deanna Troi's life settled into an equilibrium of normalcy. Her time was mostly filled with appointments and bridge duties. The Enterprise was on a routine mapping mission so the stress level on the ship was relatively low. The small amount of off-duty time she afforded herself was spent in her quarters reading or sharing a meal and conversation with Beverly.
Sitting in her quarters, the Counselor mulled over her notes from a particularly interesting and enlightening session with Lt. Hetherington. Her feet were propped up on the small table in front of her, her boots removed a long time ago. A small cup of steaming hot chocolate was propped precariously on her rounded stomach, her left hand preventing it from tipping while her right held her data PADD. She could feel herself at the edge of an epiphany involving this patient when her thoughts were interrupted by the COMM.
Picard to Counselor Troi
"Troi here," she stifled her sigh of frustration.
Please report to my ready room.
"I'm on my way." When the COMM channel closed Deanna let out a groan of frustration at the thought of having to put her boots back on her feet.
Stepping into the Captain's ready room, the first thing that Counselor Troi noted was the interesting myriad of emotions she was sensing from both Beverly and Picard. On the immediate surface there was the typical worry and concern, but underneath she sensed relief and a hint of elation and joy.
"May I get you anything to drink Counselor?"
"No thank you, Captain. I'm fine." At the Captain's indication Troi took a seat next to the Doctor.
A small, almost imperceptive look passed between the doctor and the captain before he began to speak. "We have received a sub-space communication from Starbase 42. A few days ago during the night watch a comatose individual suddenly appeared in the station's sickbay. No transporter trace was left and no one outside of the normal medical staff was reported in the area at the time."
Another look passed between the pair and Beverly continued. "The patient was in bad shape - extensive bruising, extreme dehydration and malnutrition, but the team was able to get his vitals stable, though he still remains in a coma. Through DNA tests there were also able to make a positive identification."
Realization slowly began to push through Deanna's conscious mind. A gasp of surprise caught in her throat as her hands flew up to cover her mouth. Her black eyes shone with barely restrained tears as they met Beverly's and asked the silent question. The doctor's slight nod was all that was needed for the first tear to make it's way down her cheek.
Picard continued in a soft tone. "We have already set course to Starbase 42. Our ETA is approximately nineteen hours. There will be a short briefing at 1100 hours. Until then, I suggest you return to your quarters and get some rest."
Deanna Troi was restless, unsettled. Pacing her quarters, she desperately wished to find her center and calm her nerves. Five hours had passed since her meeting with the Captain and although ship's night had already begun, she was still unable to capture that rest that had so successfully eluded her all evening.
"Troi to Crusher."
There was barely a pause before she received her answer. Crusher here. What is it Deanna?
"I can't seem to get any sleep. I was thinking about heading to Ten Forward for some chocolate and I could use some company."
Sure Deanna, I'll swing by your quarters in about ten minutes. Crusher out.
Although it was ship's night, it was still early enough for a slight crowd to be gathered in Ten Forward. Crewmembers were relaxing, unwinding from the day shift by having a drink with their friends. Small clusters of people were scattered throughout the lounge, their conversations muted. The air seemed light and worry-free.
Beverly and Deanna found an empty table and ordered a round of chocolate sundaes from a passing waiter.
Sensing that Deanna just needed the company, Beverly kept up an easy chatter talking about her work in sickbay and the latest play she was putting together. For her part, Deanna simply nodded occasionally to let Beverly know that she was still paying attention to the extremely lop-sided conversation. Her chocolate ritual was performed automatically, without thought.
When Beverly eventually ran out of topics of conversation, the two sat in silence. Deanna stared out at the stars streaming past at warp speed as she once again tried to relax and center herself. Her meditation efforts were interrupted when the baby shifted slightly and then kicked her sharply in the side. Startled by the sudden movement, Troi let out a yelp and her hand flew to her stomach.
"Are you all right?" Dr. Beverly was already reaching for the tricorder in her pocket.
Deanna raised a hand to stop her. "I'm fine. That was the first time she's kicked me with any force and it just surprised me a bit."
"That's understandable. I nearly jumped out of my skin the first time Wesley kicked me that hard. I was so excited that I immediately sent out a communiqué to Jack to tell him about it. He had been so disappointed that he hadn't been there, but I assured him that there were many more milestones to come and they would be a lot more exciting." Beverly placed her hand over Deanna's. "Just like there will be many memories and firsts that you will be able to share with Will. He is back and he is alive and I plan on keeping him that way. I promise you that as soon as he is in my sickbay I will do everything in my power to figure out what has happened to him." A small smile spread across her face. "He has got so much to live for Dea, and I know he will fight this."
A tear forged a trail down her cheek and in a shaky voice she replied. "Once again my world has been completely turned on its end. I no longer know which way is up. I had just begun to tread water again after his disappearance. Just when I had finally figured out which way was up everything is flipped again. Finally I had accepted that he was gone, I was beginning to feel like I could handle life again, alone. Suddenly he's returned and I am drowning once more." The silent tears were falling freely down her face and she made no move to wipe them away. "I don't know how much more I can take, how much longer I can be strong."
Beverly rose from her chair and pulled her best friend into a hug. "You don't have to be, you never had to be." She pulled back and met Deanna's eyes. "We have a big day tomorrow. Do you think you can get some rest now? I can give you something light to help you sleep that won't affect the baby."
"I think I will actually take you up on that offer."
"Good. We'll make a stop at sickbay on the way to your quarters."
Counselor Troi awoke the next morning more relaxed. The morning hours were spent deep in a meditation ritual trying to center herself and free her mind. At first it seemed as though the minute she began reaching the meditative state, the baby would shift and break her concentration. She had never been so easily distracted, but she tried not to let her frustration build and compound her problems. Instead, she shifted her focal point for her meditations from the melodic Betazoid chant to the almost rhythmic movements of the life within her.
When Beverly arrived at her quarters at 1045 hours Deanna was in a considerably calmer state of mind than she had been the previous night. After a quick scan from the doctor's medical tricorder, the two headed to the observation lounge for the morning's briefing.
The last to arrive, Troi and Crusher took their respective chairs around the table. When everyone was settled the Captain indicated to Data, who had taken over the duties of the First Officer since Riker's disappearance, to begin the meeting.
"Currently very little is known about the events surrounding the disappearance and subsequent reappearance of Commander Riker. Commander LaForge and I have been analyzing the data gathered from the mysterious ship that was cloaked above Hervegla VI. From the energy readings that were recorded before the ship disappeared we have determined that it utilizes a propulsion system not unlike our warp drive." Data moved to the screen behind him and called up some images to further illustrate their findings. "The creation of the worm hole though leads us to the conclusion that this species is in some ways technologically superior to the Federation. They also seem to have the ability to manipulate the thoughts of humanoids as witnessed on Hervegla IV. Their motivations behind causing the war on that planet as well as their motivations for kidnapping Commander Riker are still unclear. We have speculated however, based on Commander Riker's current medical condition, that they are interested in testing and observing humanoid behavior and responses." Taking his seat again he nodded to Dr. Crusher to begin her report.
"When Riker appeared on Starbase 42 he was severely dehydrated and malnourished. There was extensive bruising on his arms, legs and torso. Two ribs were broken and his left lung was punctured. Brain scans revealed minor anomalies mostly in the form of chemical imbalances possibly as a result of mind probing and thought manipulation." Taking a deep breath she looked to Troi whose face was surprisingly calm and impassive, before continuing. "The medical team was able to get him stabilized and his vital signs are strong, though he still remains unconscious. After I examine him myself I will determine a course of action. I don't think I would want to attempt to revive him prematurely because of the unusual brain activity."
"Thank you Doctor." Picard leaned forward slightly in his chair. "Data, what is our current ETA?"
"Approximately forty three minutes, sir."
"Very well. Dr. Crusher, Counselor Troi, you will be accompanying me to the Starbase. We will meet in transporter room three when we arrive at our destination. In the mean time, I will be in my ready room. Data, you have the bridge. Dismissed."
The Enterprise away team was greeted in the Starbase transporter room by two individuals. A tall, regal human female with light brown eyes and chestnut hair stepped forward and addressed the group.
"Greetings Captain Picard. I am Captain Ilianna Raatko and this is my Chief Medical Officer Dr. t'Srawpt." She indicated the short, squirrelly humanoid male from a species called the Bretissians that stood next to her. His short purple hair, typical of his race, stuck out from his head at every imaginable angle. Intense green eyes regarded the away team as he inclined his head in greeting.
The trio stepped down from the transporter pad as Picard acknowledged their hosts. "Captain, Doctor, this is my CMO Dr. Beverly Crusher and ship's counselor Deanna Troi."
Polite handshakes were exchanged, but the usual pleasantries were kept short. "Well, I am sure you are all anxious to see the patient. Dr. t'Srawpt, please lead the way."
During the walk to sickbay the two doctors kept up a continuous dialogue about the latest developments in Commander Riker's condition while the captains discussed the circumstances revolving around his mysterious reappearance. Counselor Troi was the only one who remained silent, focusing her thoughts inward, desperately holding on to that thin string of calm and balance.
When they arrived at sickbay it was quite and calm, the minimal activity was centered around a biobed in the far corner. The technician stepped aside and Deanna's breath caught in her throat. Even though he was unconscious, her pull to him was overwhelming. Walking ahead of the group she made her way to his side. Afraid to touch him, afraid she would break the illusion, wake up from her dream, her trembling hand hovered over his forehead. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and opened up her mind, expanding her senses. There he was, her sense of him was faint, but undeniable. Finally convinced that this wasn't a dream, Deanna let her trembling hand brush tentatively over his forehead smoothing away a stray lock of hair. When he stirred slightly at her touch she let out a breath that she hadn't even realized she was holding.
"Unbelievable." Dr. t'Srawpt whispered as he swept past the group to check the readings on the biobed. "He has not moved on his own since he arrived here."
Captain Raatko observed the two officers for a beat longer before turning back to Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher. "She's a Betazoid." It was more a statement than a question. "But that still should not have been possible, Commander Riker is human." Her gaze returned to the biobed in the corner and realization hit her at warp speed. "He must be the father of her baby then." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but she still saw the nod of confirmation from Dr. Crusher out of the corner of her eye.
Six days had passed since Commander Riker had been beamed up from the Starbase and settled into a private room in Enterprise's sickbay and there was still no change in his condition.
Deanna kept up a vigil by his side alternately trying to reach him through their link and talking to him about the mundane day-to-day ship happenings that occurred while he was gone. She only left when Beverly forced her to get some rest in her own cabin or when the good doctor dragged her to Ten Forward for something to eat and to take a break.
Sitting in her usual spot next to his biobed, Deanna was in deep meditation trying to contact her Imzadi when the baby gave her another sharp kick in her side, breaking her concentration. She rubbed her hand over the location of the kick and was rewarded with another jab. Reaching for Riker's hand, she placed it on her abdomen where her hand had just been. As the baby continued to stir an old Earth melody that her father used to sing to her enter her mind and she began to sing softly.
"Hush little baby, don't say a word, Papa's going to buy you a mocking bird. And if that mocking bird don't sing, Papa's going to buy you a diamond ring. And if that diamond ring turns to brass, Papa's going to buy you a looking glass." Wonderful memories form her childhood came rushing back to her. Trying to remember the next line of the lullaby she practically jumped out of her skin when she felt the almost imperceptible movement of Will's hand on her stomach. Her sense of him gradually shifted and intensified as he struggled back into consciousness. Finally his eyes fluttered open and she immediately felt a wave of frustration and confusion. Sending her comfort and strength through their bond, she finally felt him relax. Her smile lit up her face as he slowly turned his head towards her. As if on cue, the baby kicked her again causing Will to look down at his hand and then slowly back up into Deanna's eyes. His jaw dropped and Deanna couldn't help the soft laughter she sent echoing in his head.
**Welcome home Imzadi,** she thought cast to him. **A lot has happened while you were gone. We have to talk.**