MISCONCEPTIONS
A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky

PART III

INT. CRUSHER'S QUARTERS - Following Morning

BEVERLY CRUSHER sits on the couch sipping a drink while DEANNA TROI paces in front of her.

DEANNA TROI
Beverly, she thought Alexis was our daughter! Can you believe that?

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Wry smile.)
Is the thought really that outrageous?

Deanna gives Beverly a wide-eyed look. Beverly simply cocks her head and waits for a response.

DEANNA TROI
Yes!
(Pauses.)
No ...
(Sighs.)
I don't know.

Deanna throws her arms up in defeat and slumps into an armchair next to the couch.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Sets cup down on table and re-crosses legs.)
Don't tell me you've never thought about having kids with Will, Deanna.

DEANNA TROI
They've been fleeting thoughts. My relationship with Will is ... complicated. You know that. We've just rekindled the romantic side of it and I'm still learning how everything fits together now.
(Reaches for her cup on the table.)
The two of us are taking things one day at a time.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
Maybe it's time to push the relationship a little more. If you have the same feelings for Will that I'm positive he has for you it wouldn't necessarily be rushing things.

DEANNA TROI
(Chuckles lightly.)
Bev, one step at a time. Before Will and I even consider having children we have the hurdle of marriage to cross ...

Deanna puts a hand on top of her head, letting out a long breath. Beverly leans back against the couch and keeps a watchful eye on her friend.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
All right, you win. I'll drop that line of questioning.

Deanna looks at Beverly and silently mouths the words "Thank you." Beverly reaches for a croissant on the table in front of her and takes a bite.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(With mouth full.)
But that doesn't mean I'm not curious as to why young Miss Gaireth thinks you're a mother.

DEANNA TROI
(Rolls her eyes.)
Don't you ever stop, Beverly? Even for a second?
(Takes a sip of her drink.)
I'm assuming it's because Will and I were walking back to my quarters with Alexis and she fell asleep. That's when Elyse showed up and I had Will take the baby to my room so that my conversation wouldn't wake her. The whole situation obviously gave Elyse the wrong impression.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
Keep in mind Elyse doesn't know the impression she's supposed to have about the two of you.

Deanna stands and casually points a finger in Beverly's direction.

DEANNA TROI
True. I suppose I'll have to correct her impression when I meet with her this morning.
(Walks toward the door, followed by Beverly.)
Before I forget, would you be willing to watch Alexis tonight? Will and I have plans.

BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Laughs.)
Do you and Will plan on making an actual baby of your own?

Deanna hits her friend on the arm as Beverly exits the room.

DEANNA TROI
(Standing in the doorway.)
Beverly!

INT. TROI'S OFFICE – Same Morning

DEANNA TROI sits at her desk reviewing a data PADD when the door chime rings.

DEANNA TROI
(Not looking up from her work.)
Come in.

CADET GAIRETH enters the office. Deanna sets her PADD aside and rises to meet Gaireth.

CADET GAIRETH
Oh-nine-hundred hours – right on time, if not a few minutes early.

DEANNA TROI
And punctuality is an important trait every Starfleet officer should possess.
(Motions to the couch.)
Have a seat.

Deanna and Gaireth sit on opposite ends of the couch. Deanna crosses her legs and watches Gaireth, who quickly surveys the room around her.

CADET GAIRETH
How old is your daughter?

Deanna smiles and lets out a sigh.

DEANNA TROI
About that, Elyse ... I don't have a daughter. In fact, I'm not even married.

CADET GAIRETH
(Apologetic.)
Oh, I'm sorry. I just figured after seeing you and Commander Riker last night with ...

DEANNA TROI
(Waves off Gaireth's words.)
It's quite all right. I know how you must have interpreted the scene. The fact is I'm simply baby-sitting Alexis while her parents are planetside this week. As for Commander Riker and me, we spend a lot of time together because we've been friends for years.
(Leans toward Gaireth and speaks in a joking tone.)
So don't go spreading rumors around the ship, okay?

CADET GAIRETH
(Light laugh.)
You got yourself a deal.

DEANNA TROI
But enough about me ... we're supposed to be talking about you.

CADET GAIRETH
(Leans back, clicks her tongue and points a finger at Deanna.)
I knew that was coming at some point. I figured I'd try to avoid it as long as I cold, but it seems as though my time is finally up.

DEANNA TROI
(Nods in agreement.)
How are you adjusting to life on the Enterprise? I realize you've been here less than a day, but I feel it's still a valid question.

CADET GAIRETH
(Excitement grows the more she talks.)
I love it here! I still can't believe I'm onboard the Enterprise. The Enterprise – the flagship of the Federation. I'm working with people I've grown up hearing stories about. We're talking Captain Picard, Commander Data, Commander Riker, you. It blows my mind that I'm here and working side-by-side with real Starfleet officers while I'm still an Academy cadet.

Deanna can't help but smile at Gaireth's youthful enthusiasm.

DEANNA TROI
I guess that answers my question.
(Pauses.)
I remember when I used to be like you ... but that was a long time ago. Longer ago than I like to admit to, actually.

CADET GAIRETH
You mean you don't feel the same way about Starfleet and the Enterprise now?
(Look of shock.)
You've got to be kidding me!

DEANNA TROI
(Holding up a hand in protest.)
Whoa, I didn't say that. My enthusiasm has just ... tempered over time. I wouldn't change any choices I've made about my career – it's one of the only things that's been semi-predictable in my life.

Both women laugh.

DEANNA TROI
Tell me about your family. What do your parents do? Any brothers or sisters?

CADET GAIRETH
My mom is an assistant to Admiral Fonseca and my dad is the chief engineer of the Neptune. Sibling-wise, I have two younger brothers – Adam is in his first year at the Academy and Shane is only ten. He has a few years before he's ready to enroll.

DEANNA TROI
Starfleet's always been a part of your life, hasn't it?

CADET GAIRETH
It has. But it's also something I've always strived to be a part of. Starfleet is such an honorable career choice that garners a great deal of respect from everyone. And in what other profession do you get to explore the universe and meet new alien races?

DEANNA TROI
(Smiling.)
Not many I can think of.

CADET GAIRETH
(Her expression grows a bit serious.)
Counselor, I don't want to pry, but since you mentioned before that you aren't married, do you ever regret becoming a "career" officer? I mean, do you wish you had a husband and children? Because of the line of work I've chosen – that you've chosen as well – that's one thing that tends to stay in the back of my mind, creeping into my thoughts every once in a while.

A wistful expression crosses Deanna's face as she stretches her arms in front of her.

DEANNA TROI
And once again you've managed to turn this conversation back to me.
(Wagging a finger in Gaireth's direction.)
You're a sly one, Elyse Gaireth. I'll grant you that much.

CADET GAIRETH
(Smiling.)
A few people have told me that over the years.
(Glances at the chronometer on Deanna's desk and jumps to her feet.)
Sorry to cut this short, but I gotta jet or I'll be late for duty.

Deanna stands and shakes Gaireth's hand before walking her out of the office.

DEANNA TROI
Feel free to come talk to me at anytime while you're here – day, night, whatever. I'm here to be your friend, Elyse, not necessarily your superior officer.

CADET GAIRETH
(Straightening her uniform.)
I'll keep that in mind, Counselor.

DEANNA TROI
Please, call me Deanna.

Gaireth nods her head and steps toward the doorway, causing the office door to open.

CADET GAIRETH
(Waves.)
Later, gator.

* * * * * * * * * *

EXT. HOLODECK – Later That Evening

The Holodeck program features a beach scene bathed in moonlight with waves gently lapping the shore. WILL RIKER and DEANNA TROI stroll hand-in-hand in the surf. Both are barefoot and casually dressed – Riker in a loose-fitting tunic and pants, Deanna in a flowing dress.

DEANNA TROI
(Looking out over the water.)
Will, this is perfect.

WILL RIKER
(Moving Deanna's hands to his lips and kissing it.)
You're perfect.

The couple continues their walk, occasionally glancing at each other and smiling. Farther down the beach they sit on top of a large boulder situated just out of range of the tide. Riker begins massaging Deanna's shoulders.

DEANNA TROI
(Sighing.)
You can't imagine how good that feels, Will. I haven't had a worthwhile massage in quite some time.

WILL RIKER
You've always said ...
(Brushes Deanna's hair aside and kisses her neck.)
... that I give the best massages.

Deanna tilts her head to the side, allowing Riker better access to her neck.

DEANNA TROI
(Whispering.)
And I wholeheartedly stand by the assessment.

Deanna and Riker turn to face each other, their mouths moving ever closer. Just as their lips are about to touch, an OFFICER breaks in over the intercom.

OFFICER (COMM)
Nursery to Counselor Troi.

The moment broken, Deanna and Riker touch foreheads, sighing.

DEANNA TROI
This is Troi.

OFFICER (COMM)
I'm sorry to bother you, but Alexis Matteson needs to be picked up before we close for the evening.

DEANNA TROI
(Confused look.)
Hmmm. I asked a friend to pick her up for me tonight.
(Pauses.)
Don't worry, someone will be there shortly.

OFFICER (COMM)
Thank you.

The intercom transmission ends.

WILL RIKER
Beverly?

DEANNA TROI
(Nods.)
Beverly.
(Looking to the sky.)
Troi to Crusher.

BEVERLY CRUSHER's voice sounds over the intercom.

BEVERLY CRUSHER (COMM)
Deanna, I thought that ... oooh, shoot. You told me to get Alexis before nineteen-hundred hours, didn't you?

DEANNA TROI
Uh-huh.

BEVERLY CRUSHER (COMM)
And it's past that time, isn't it?

DEANNA TROI
Uh-huh.

BEVERLY CRUSHER (COMM)
Crusher out.

Deanna and Riker exchange an amused glance.

DEANNA TROI
They say memory is the first thing to go with age.

WILL RIKER
(Sly grin.)
I think my memory's beginning to fade a little too ... Where were we before that untimely interruption?

DEANNA TROI
(Playing along with Riker's little game.)
I – I don't know if I remember either.

Riker moves a piece of Deanna's hair behind her ear, his hand lingering on her cheek. Deanna reaches up and caresses Riker's cheek as well.

DEANNA TROI
Wait, it's starting to come back to me now. I think we were right ... about ... here ...

Deanna leans forward, sharing a passionate kiss with Riker. When they finally pull back from each other, Deanna has a somewhat serious expression on her face.

DEANNA TROI
(With mock severity.)
I think I've changed my mind about you, William T. Riker.

WILL RIKER
(Becoming defensive.)
What did I do? I thought things were on track with us now. Deanna, I know we can make it work this time.
(Quickly adds final thought.)
And, if I may say so, that was a damn good kiss if ...

DEANNA TROI
(Interrupting Riker.)
I like you better with a beard.

WILL RIKER
(Bursts out in relieved laughter.)
That's it?

DEANNA TROI
(Smiling.)
That's it. What were you expecting me to say?

WILL RIKER
(Shaking his head.)
Anything but that.
(Mischievous grin.)
I do distinctly remember you saying "yuck" when I kissed you with a beard before. I don't want to have to suffer more ego blows like that, you know.

DEANNA TROI
(Shrugs her shoulders.)
I'll adjust. Besides, you look far more dashing with a beard.

WILL RIKER
If a beard is what you want, a beard is what you'll get.

Deanna lightly kisses him.

DEANNA TROI
Good.

The two continue kissing while waves cascade onto the moonlit beach.

– End Part III –

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 the aforementioned individuals.