A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART II
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM THREE – One Hour Later
WILL RIKER and the transporter chief (CHIEF MAGUIRE) await the arrival of the Enterprise's new "recruit."
WILL RIKER
Energize.
Materializing on the transporter pad is CADET ELYSE GAIRETH, a smart-looking and eager teenager. She is wearing a red cadet's uniform and has a Starfleet Academy duffel bag slung over her left shoulder. She steps off the transport platform and stands a few paces in front of Riker.
CADET GAIRETH
(Standing at attention.)
Commander Riker? Cadet Elyse Gaireth reporting for duty.
And, if I may say so, it's a pleasure to meet you and it is truly an honor
to be on board the Enterprise. This really is a dream come
true for me.
Riker can't help but grin at her enthusiasm and huge smile.
WILL RIKER
Welcome aboard, Cadet. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to
your quarters and then to the bridge.
CADET GAIRETH
Rock on.
Riker turns and raises an eyebrow at Gaireth's words. She simply gives him a sheepish smile and continues into the hallway. Riker's gaze moves to Maguire, who shrugs his shoulders.
CHIEF MAGUIRE
Good luck.
INT. BRIDGE – Continuous
JEAN-LUC PICARD is sitting in the command chair when CHIEF MAGUIRE's voice comes over the intercom.
CHIEF MAGUIRE (COMM)
Transport to Captain Picard.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Go ahead.
CHIEF MAGUIRE (COMM)
Cadet Gaireth has beamed aboard, sir. Commander Riker is taking
her to her quarters now but the two of them should be arriving on the bridge
shortly.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Thank you, Mister Maguire. Picard out.
Mere seconds later, WILL RIKER and CADET GAIRETH emerge from a turbolift, continuing their conversation.
WILL RIKER
... and this is the main bridge. You'll be spending most of your
on-duty time here.
Gaireth pauses behind Riker and turns in a slow circle, silently surveying the scene around her. She releases an audible sigh of amazement.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Walking up behind Gaireth.)
It is quite a site, isn't it?
Gaireth quickly spins around and is slightly embarrassed when she realizes that the captain is addressing her.
CADET GAIRETH
(Stands straighter and squares her shoulders.)
Uh, yes, sir ... it is. Much more so than I expected.
WILL RIKER
(Gesturing to Gaireth.)
Captain Picard, this is Cadet Elyse Gaireth.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Nice to have you aboard, Elyse. I've only heard good things about
you from the Academy.
Gaireth blushes. Picard gestures to LT. CMDR. K'JARED and DEANNA TROI, both standing nearby.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
I'd like to introduce you to Lieutenant Commander Andrigna K'Jared,
who will be supervising your helm duties, and to Counselor Deanna Troi,
whom I'm sure you'll get to know as well.
Both women give Gaireth a warm smile and Gaireth nods in return.
CADET GAIRETH
(Moving toward helm console.)
May I?
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Please.
Gaireth sits at the helm console and gently runs her fingers over the computer panel, K'Jared moves next to Gaireth and the two engage in conversation.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Lowering her voice.)
Counselor?
DEANNA TROI
(Moving next to Picard.)
She's confident, very eager to learn and truly wants to prove herself
to us. I have no doubt that everyone will benefit from her participation
in this program.
WILL RIKER
She's definitely not shy either.
(Grins.)
She talked my ear off from the minute we left the transporter room
until we arrived on the bridge.
Deanna lets a small laugh escape her lips.
WILL RIKER
(Looks at Deanna with a gleam in his eye.)
What?
DEANNA TROI
(Crossing her arms and holding up a hand.)
Nothing.
(To Picard.)
If you'll excuse me, Captain, I have some appointment waiting for me.
(Turning to Gaireth.)
Cadet Gaireth, I'd like to meet with you when your duties allow.
CADET GAIRETH
(Looking over her shoulder.)
Sure thing, Counselor.
Deanna smiles and exits the bridge.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. TEN-FORWARD – Same Evening
DEANNA TROI sits at a back table feeding ALEXIS. WILL RIKER crosses the busy room, heading in their direction.
WILL RIKER
Hi.
Riker kisses Deanna lightly on the lips before taking the seat across from her.
DEANNA TROI
(Smiling.)
Hi.
(Gives a spoonful of food to Alexis and gestures at the bowl before
her.)
Care for some strained peas?
WILL RIKER
(Chuckling.)
I think I'll pass this time.
DEANNA TROI
(Shrugs her shoulders.)
Hey, you could be missing out on the greatest taste of the decade,
but suit yourself.
Deanna gives Alexis the last bite of food and removes the child's bib.
WILL RIKER
Somehow I doubt that. Alexis didn't seem to care much for it.
(Smiles, then changes the subject.)
We still on for tomorrow night?
DEANNA TROI
(Idly using her fingers to play with Alexis' hand.)
That all depends on what you have planned, Commander.
A lop-sided grin forms on Riker's face and his eyes sparkle. Deanna feels a smile tug at the corners of her mouth.
WILL RIKER
Well Counselor ...
(Holds and caresses Deanna's free hand with both of his.)
I was thinking we'd start with a moonlit beach walk courtesy the Holodeck,
followed by dinner in my quarters, followed by ...
Riker's voice trails off as Deanna cocks her head and arches her eyebrows.
DEANNA TROI
Hmmm ...
(Pauses a moment and gives Riker a seductive smile.)
I guess I'll have to find a baby-sitter for the baby-sitter.
(Standing slowly.)
Speaking of which, it's about time Alexis called it a night.
Deanna picks up Alexis from her highchair and adjusts the infant on her hip. Riker carefully watches Deanna's actions.
DEANNA TROI
You're welcome to join us, Will. Besides, I'd like to get your
thoughts about Cadet Gaireth's first day on the bridge.
Riker stands and the trio exits Ten-Forward.
INT. HALLWAY – Continuous
As WILL RIKER, DEANNA TROI and ALEXIS head toward Deanna's quarters CADET GAIRETH catches up with them.
CADET GAIRETH
(Jogging up from behind.)
Counselor Troi!
Deanna and Riker stop, turning to face Gaireth.
DEANNA TROI
Hello Elyse. How was your first afternoon on duty?
CADET GAIRETH
(Her face lights up.)
It was most excellent! I can't wait until my shift tomorrow.
DEANNA TROI
(Smiling.)
That's great. And it'll only get better – I promise.
Deanna looks down at Alexis, who has fallen asleep against her shoulder. She moves toward Riker and carefully passes the sleeping baby to him, which he accepts with no hesitation.
DEANNA TROI
(To Riker.)
Could you get her ready for bed, Will? I'd really appreciate
it.
WILL RIKER
(Gently rubbing Alexis' back.)
Sure.
DEANNA TROI
(Winks at Riker.)
Thank you.
Deanna stands on tiptoe and gives Riker a kiss on the cheek. As Riker continues down the hallway, Deanna turns her attention back to Gaireth.
DEANNA TROI
(Crossing her arms.)
Sorry about that. When Alexis falls asleep you don't want to
risk waking her up.
CADET GAIRETH
(Putting one hand on her waist, the other idly scratching her head.)
I have some free time in the morning and was wondering if you could
squeeze our chat in during that time.
DEANNA TROI
(Think a moment.)
I think that's a possibility. How does oh-nine-hundred hours
sound?
CADET GAIRETH
Sounds great.
(Starts to move away but turns and walks backwards while talking.)
Your daughter's really beautiful, by the way.
Deanna's eyes widen and her mouth falls open in surprise. Before
she can correct the comment, Gaireth is around the corner and gone.
– End Part II –
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.