A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
TIMELINE: "Misconceptions" takes place shortly after Insurrection, but prior to Nemesis.
PART I
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise moves through space with Earth visible in the background.
DEANNA TROI (V.O.)
Counselor Deanna Troi – Personal Log – Stardate 52694.7. Lieutenant
Jason Matteson, a colleague of mind, and his wife Corrina have had an unexpected
death in the family, obligating them to travel to Earth. To aid them
during this difficult turn of events, I have offered to baby-sit their
infant daughter Alexis for the week they'll be planetside.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. SHUTTLEBAY – Afternoon
A shuttlecraft, with its door open, sits in the middle of the bay prepared for takeoff. A 20-something science lieutenant (JASON MATTESON) loads luggage into the awaiting vehicle. His wife (CORRINA), holding a nine-month old baby (ALEXIS), stands in the bay talking to DEANNA TROI.
JASON MATTESON
(Exiting shuttlecraft.)
Well, that's the last of it.
(Turning to Deanna.)
Counselor, I can't thank you enough for offering to watch Alexis.
We really do owe you one.
DEANNA TROI
It's no trouble at all – I'm glad I'm able to help. You two have
enough to deal with right now.
Corrina kisses Alexis on the forehead and passes her to Deanna. Deanna boosts Alexis on her left hip and smiles at the little girl.
CORRINA
(To Alexis.)
Be good for Deanna, Alexis. This is a volunteer assignment for
her so I don't want to hear about any problems you've caused.
Jason, Corrina and Deanna laugh.
JASON MATTESON
Rina, we need to get going if we want to make it home by this evening.
Jason puts a hand around Corrina's waist and starts leading her to the shuttlecraft.
CORRINA
Thanks again, Deanna. We'll be back in a few days.
The Mattesons enter the shuttlecraft, closing the door behind them. Deanna waves to the vehicle as it leaves the Enterprise. Once the shuttle is out of sight, Deanna begins walking toward the exit.
DEANNA TROI
(Playfully touches Alexis on the nose.)
Looks like it's just you and me now, sweetie.
INT. BRIDGE – Same Afternoon
DEANNA TROI enters the bridge via a turbolift and takes her seat next to JEAN-LUC PICARD. WILL RIKER stands with a security officers (LT. PARKER) at the tactical station and gives Deanna a small smile as she passes him.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(To Deanna.)
Everything settled with Lieutenant Matteson and his family?
DEANNA TROI
They're doing as well as can be expected when a person suddenly loses
a loved one. But yes, their shuttle departed and Alexis is settled
in the nursery.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
I think it very commendable that you're watching their daughter, Counselor,
but I don't want it to interfere with your other duties.
DEANNA TROI
Of course not, sir. I'll find a balance.
Picard tugs down his uniform shirt and gives Deanna a short nod.
LT. PARKER
Sir, we're receiving a communiqué from Starfleet Academy.
WILL RIKER
(Perplexed look.)
The Academy?
Riker moves next to Picard.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Rising from his chair.)
On screen, Mister Parker.
Appearing on the viewscreen is CMDR. KOSANIC, a Starfleet Academy instructor.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Commander Kosanic. To what do I owe this honor?
CMDR. KOSANIC
We have a new recruit for the Enterprise, Jean-Luc.
(Holds up a hand to prevent Picard's expected objection.)
I realize it's not graduation time when new officers are usually assigned,
but this is a special case.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
How so?
CMDR. KOSANIC
Elyse Gaireth is a third year cadet who has greatly exceeded all of
our expectation here at the Academy. Because of this, we'd like to
give her some "on the job experience," so to speak. She's quite capable
of working on the Enterprise at this point in her training.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
I'm sure she is, but ...
(Exchanges a look with Riker.)
... isn't this a little "out of the ordinary?"
CMDR. KOSANIC
(Nods head in understanding.)
It's a new idea proposed by the head of the Academy and we couldn't
think of a better ship to be involved at its inception.
(Pauses, waiting for further comments. When none are heard
he continues.)
Cadet Gaireth will be ready to beam aboard within the hour. Before
that time I can give you a more detailed briefing of the program.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Slight hesitation.)
Indeed. We'll look forward to meeting Cadet Gaireth at that time.
(Turns to Parker.)
Mister Parker, please transfer the COMM link to my ready room.
LT. PARKER
Yes, sir.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(To Riker.)
You have the bridge, Number One.
Picard exits the bridge, leaving a slightly confused Riker standing in the middle of the room.
WILL RIKER
(To no one in particular.)
It seems like the Academy would have given us more notice about this
... program.
DEANNA TROI
(Standing.)
I don't see this as anything different from an officer exchange program.
WILL RIKER
But this isn't an officer. She's a cadet ... a student.
DEANNA TROI
And Wesley was on the bridge before he was a student.
WILL RIKER
But Wes proved himself to be ...
DEANNA TROI
(Interrupting Riker.)
And Cadet Gaireth has obviously made a strong impression at the Academy.
I don't think we'll have anything to worry about.
Riker sighs, obviously giving in to Deanna's logic.
WILL RIKER
Lieutenant Parker, please prepare quarters for our guest and alert
Transporter Room Three.
Parker nods and exits the bridge via a turbolift.
– End Part I –
All "known" characters (c) Paramount, Star Trek: The Next Generation and all other relevant parties. This story was written for the enjoyment of other TNG fans and is not meant to infringe upon the copyrights of any of the aforementioned individuals.