A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART VII
INT. BRIDGE – Following Morning
JEAN-LUC PICARD sits in his chair reviewing a data PADD with WILL RIKER as DEANNA TROI moves toward her post. CADET GAIRETH mans the helm and DATA is positioned at the ops station.
DATA
(Turning his chair toward Picard.)
Captain, the final sensor sweeps and data collection surveys are complete.
The information is currently being transferred to Starfleet's research
department.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Looking up from his data PADD.)
Be sure the officer reports accompany the technical information.
DATA
I have already included all of the relevant personnel reports.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Excellent.
Data returns his chair to its normal position.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(To Riker.)
Let me know when you finish your section of this evaluation.
Picard hand Riker the data PADD.
WILL RIKER
Will do.
Riker exits the bridge.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Miss Gaireth, lay in a course for Earth. Warp five.
CADET GAIRETH
Aye, sir.
As her hands moves across the helm console, Gaireth cocks her head to the side, suddenly realizing no one is standing over her shoulder. She quickly glances around to double-check. During Gaireth's inspection, she locks eyes with Deanna, who slightly shrugs her shoulders and arches an eyebrow. A smile crosses Gaireth's face as she returns her attention to the task at hand.
CADET GAIRETH
Course plotted and laid in, Captain – heading one-eight-seven, mark
two.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Pointing forward.)
Engage.
Once the Enterprise is in motion, Picard stands and tugs his uniform shirt down. He walks in the direction of his ready room.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Counselor, would you join me in my ready room please?
DEANNA TROI
(Standing and following Picard.)
Of course.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Mister Data, you have the bridge.
Data moves to the command chair as Picard's ready room door slides
shut behind him and Deanna.
INT. PICARD'S READY ROOM – Continuous
JEAN-LUC PICARD moves to the replicator to retrieve a cup of Earl Grey before taking a seat at his desk. DEANNA TROI stands in front of Picard with her hands behind her back.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Taking a sip of his drink.)
You've met with Cadet Gaireth and have gotten to know her on a somewhat
personal level, haven't you Counselor?
DEANNA TROI
I have. On several occasions.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Good.
(Hands Deanna a data PADD laying on his desk.)
I'd like to have your input on her evaluation. If possible, please
have it back to me by the end of the day.
Deanna accepts the PADD and moves toward the exit. Picard takes another sip of his drink and focuses his attention on his desktop viewer. Just before reaching the door, Deanna turns around and faces Picard.
DEANNA TROI
Captain, thank you for allowing Elyse to be on her own at the helm
today.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Hmmm?
(Looking at Deanna.)
Oh, of course.
DEANNA TROI
I know it means a lot to Elyse knowing she's gained your trust.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Focusing on the desktop viewer again.)
She's earned my trust.
Deanna exits Picard's ready room, a small smile on her lips.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. TEN-FORWARD – Later That Evening
DEANNA TROI and BEVERLY CRUSHER stand in front of one of the viewports, gazing at the star field before them.
DEANNA TROI
I'm going to miss having her around all the time.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
It's not like you can't visit the Mattesons and see Alexis whenever
you want. I'm sure they'd love to have you baby-sit again, even for
a night.
The women move to the nearby table where their drinks and half-eaten desserts are waiting. Deanna takes a bit of the chocolate sundae in front of her.
DEANNA TROI
And I'd gladly take them up on the offer.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Leaning forward slightly.)
One more comment, them I'll drop the subject until you bring it up
in the future.
(Pauses.)
You'd make a great mother, Deanna. I've seen you this week and
you've been incredible with Alexis.
DEANNA TROI
(Rolls her eyes and sighs.)
Beverly ...
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Cutting Deanna off.)
Just think about it.
(Sits back and draws a hand across her mouth in a "zipper" motion.)
There. I've had my say. I'll leave the rest up to you and
Will.
DEANNA TROI
(Light laugh.)
I would hope so. It's not like we'd need your help on that ...
project.
Both women let out a hearty laugh.
CADET GAIRETH enters Ten-Forward and heads to the bar where GUINAN greets her.
GUINAN
What can I get for you, Cadet?
CADET GAIRETH
(Putting her hands on the counter.)
Guinan, just the woman I'm looking for.
GUINAN
(Smirking.)
Is that a good thing or bad?
CADET GAIRETH
Depends on if you can help me or not. I'm looking for Counselor
Troi and was told I could find her somewhere in here.
GUINAN
You're in luck.
(Pointing to the table where Deanna and Beverly are seated.)
She's right back there.
CADET GAIRETH
(Glancing where Guinan pointed.)
Rock on.
Gaireth takes a step from the bar then returns to it.
GUINAN
Change your mind about a drink?
CADET GAIRETH
(Smiling.)
Maristien flower juice, please.
After receiving her drink, Gaireth crosses the room to Deanna and Beverly's table.
DEANNA TROI
(Curtailing her laughter.)
Elyse, would you like to join us?
(Winking at Beverly.)
Maybe you could help Beverly be on her best behavior.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Rising from her chair.)
You can have my seat, Elyse. I was on my way out anyway.
CADET GAIRETH
(To Beverly.)
You don't have to leave on my account, Doctor Crusher. I was
only going to stay a few seconds – the last of my packing is still waiting
for me in my quarters.
(Glancing between the two women.)
And I don't want to keep you from your conversation.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
Actually, Deanna is probably grateful for the interruption.
(Placing a hand on Deanna's shoulder.)
Think about what I said. Seriously.
DEANNA TROI
(Looking up at Beverly.)
You know, you're sounding more and more like my mother. Both
of you are extremely incorrigible when it comes to this subject.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
No one compares to Lwaxana Troi. No one.
(Brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.)
Have a good night ladies.
Beverly exits Ten-Forward. Gaireth sets her drink on the table and turns the empty chair around, straddling it. She crosses her arms over the back of the chair and rests her chin on her forearm.
CADET GAIRETH
In case I don't see you before I leave the Enterprise tomorrow
I wanted to make sure I had the opportunity to thank you ... for everything
you've done for me this week. You've been one of my biggest supporters
Deanna, and I can't thank you enough for that.
DEANNA TROI
You've proven yourself to be a great officer. I don't think any
of that can be attributed to my support. Wherever you end up after
graduation ... they'll be lucky to have you. They truly will be.
Gaireth blushes and buries her head in her arms. Deanna takes another bite of her sundae, an amused expression on her face because of Gaireth's child-like reaction to her comment.
CADET GAIRETH
(Raising her head.)
I – I don't know what to say to that.
DEANNA TROI
Say you'll keep in touch once you're back at the Academy. I'd
really like to know how your career in Starfleet pans out.
CADET GAIRETH
(Nodding.)
Definitely.
DEANNA TROI
I'll look forward to it.
(Pauses.)
I should return to my quarters. Alexis is probably getting hungry.
Deanna stands and pushes her chair against the table.
CADET GAIRETH
Counselor, one more thing before you go. Today, on the bridge
...
DEANNA TROI
(Holding up a hand and smiling.)
It was all Captain Picard. I had nothing to do with that.
Deanna continues on her way, leaving Gaireth at the table with a
look of pride on her face. As Gaireth sips her drink, a Ten-Forward
WAITRESS
clears the leftover food and drinks from the table.
– End Part VII –
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 rights of any of the aforementioned individuals.