A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART VIII
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise is in orbit around Earth.
DEANNA TROI (V.O.)
Counselor Deanna Troi – Personal log – Stardate 52699.4. Things
finally return to normal today after being vastly different for the past
six days. Elyse Gaireth is leaving for Starfleet Academy this morning
and the Mattesons' shuttle is returning later in the afternoon. As
nice as it will be to reinstate my daily routine, I'll miss the variety
this week has provided.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM TWO – Following Morning
CHIEF MAGUIRE stands at the computer console as CADET GAIRETH, DEANNA TROI and WILL RIKER enter the transporter room. Gaireth carries her duffel bag over a shoulder.
WILL RIKER
(To Gaireth.)
Ready to return to Academy life?
CADET GAIRETH
It'll be hard after spending a week on a real working ship but I suppose
I'll make the adjustment ... eventually.
(Smiling.)
And I'm sure I'll be the envy of all the cadets.
DEANNA TROI
There's no doubt about that. I hope your experiences on the Enterprise
have been memorable.
CADET GAIRETH
They'll last a lifetime.
(To Riker.)
Commander, please thank Captain Picard again for allowing me this wonderful
opportunity.
WILL RIKER
I'll be sure to do that, Elyse. And on behalf of Captain Picard,
accept his thanks to you and your father for your help during the Boturlia
Three storm.
CADET GAIRETH
Glad we could help.
CHIEF MAGUIRE
The Academy is ready for you to beam down Cadet Gaireth.
CADET GAIRETH
(Turning toward Maguire.)
I guess that's my cue.
Gaireth steps onto the transport platform and stands at attention.
CADET GAIRETH
(To Riker.)
Requesting permission to disembark, Commander.
WILL RIKER
(Nodding.)
Permission granted.
(Pauses.)
Know that you're welcome aboard the Enterprise in the future
– perhaps as an ensign assigned to the ship.
CADET GAIRETH
(Wistful expression.)
Man, there's a thought.
DEANNA TROI
Good-bye Elyse. Be sure to keep in touch.
CADET GAIRETH
(Small wave.)
Catch ya later.
WILL RIKER
(Looking at Maguire.)
Energize.
After Gaireth dematerializes, Deanna and Riker leave the transporter
room, both of them smiling.
INT. SHUTTLEBAY – Same Afternoon
A shuttlebay approaches the Enterprise and enters the shuttlebay. DEANNA TROI stands inside the bay holding ALEXIS and the two watch as JASON MATTESON and CORRINA exit the vehicle.
DEANNA TROI
(Waving.)
Welcome home!
JASON MATTESON
(Walking toward Deanna and Alexis.)
It's amazing how much you can miss the Enterprise when you're
away from it for a few days.
Corrina takes Alexis from Deanna and hugs the little girl. Jason rubs Alexis' back and kisses her forehead.
CORRINA
(To Deanna.)
I hope she wasn't too much trouble for you Deanna.
Jason grabs the bags from the shuttlecraft.
DEANNA TROI
(Smiling.)
Absolutely no trouble at all. She was a perfect angel.
CORRINA
(Tickling Alexis' chin.)
That's my little girl.
The group exits the shuttlebay.
INT. HALLWAY – Continuous
DEANNA TROI and CORRINA, holding ALEXIS, walk down the hallway. JASON MATTESON follows behind the women carrying the luggage.
DEANNA TROI
(Glancing over her shoulder.)
Jason, how's your family? I hope there was a fairly smooth transition.
JASON MATTESON
Everyone's adjusting to a new balance, but the changes will work themselves
out in time. That's something I've learned from you, Counselor.
DEANNA TROI
(Smiling at Jason.)
At least my teachings don't go unheard.
The group continues walking, entering a turbolift at the end of the
hall.
INT. TURBOLIFT – Continuous
DEANNA TROI and the MATTESONS face forward as the turbolift door slides shut.
JASON MATTESON
Deck nine.
The turbolift begins to move.
CORRINA
Deanna, would you care to join us for dinner tonight?
DEANNA TROI
(Sighing.)
As much as I'd like to, I have some office work to catch up on.
CORRINA
Too bad.
DEANNA TROI
But that doesn't mean I wouldn't want to get together on another occasion.
CORRINA
We'll try to set something up for next week.
DEANNA TROI
Sounds like a plan.
The turbolift stops and the door slides open.
JASON MATTESON
This is our stop.
The Mattesons move into the hallway.
JASON MATTESON
Thanks again Deanna.
DEANNA TROI
(Smiling.)
Let me know the next time you need a sitter for Alexis.
Corrina takes hold of Alexis' hand and helps her wave good-bye to Deanna. Deanna returns the wave as the turbolift door closes.
DEANNA TROI
Bridge.
The turbolift begins moving again. Deanna crosses her arms and leans against the wall.
* * * * * * * * * *
EXT. HOLODECK – Same Evening
WILL RIKER is lying in the grass staring up at the clouds rolling through the bright blue Alaskan sky, the Denali Mountains visible on the horizon. He takes a deep breath of the crisp air, closes his eyes and puts his hands behind his head. DEANNA TROI silently enters the Holodeck and moves toward Riker. She stands above his head, casting a shadow across his face.
WILL RIKER
(Twisting his neck to see the person above him.)
Hey, you're blocking my light.
DEANNA TROI
(Placing hands on hips.)
Oh I am, am I?
WILL RIKER
(Sits up in surprise.)
Deanna!
Riker starts to push himself to his feet but Deanna puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
DEANNA TROI
(Takes a seat on the grass to Riker's left, hugging her knees to
her chest.)
No need to get up.
Deanna looks around, absorbing the magnificent scenery.
DEANNA TROI
If the Holodeck version of Alaska is this breath taking, I can't even
begin to imagine the beauty of the real Alaska.
WILL RIKER
(Nodding.)
It is incredible. I can't believe you've never been there during
your visits to Earth.
DEANNA TROI
(Turning her head toward Riker, giving him a shy smile.)
I've never had anyone to show me around the area.
Riker gives her a lop-sided smile. He stares at Deanna for a few moments before placing his hands behind his head, lying back on the ground.
WILL RIKER
I don't know why, but I could spend hours simply staring at the clouds
rolling by. There's something completely mesmerizing and calming
about them.
DEANNA TROI
I know what you mean.
(Lying back with her hands resting on her stomach.)
When I was little I spent many an afternoon watching the Betazed sky.
My mother thought it was a complete waste of time, but my father didn't.
He always told me that my future was up there somewhere ...
(Releases a soft sigh, fighting back the emotional memory.)
... He was right.
Riker reaches over and gently grasps Deanna's right hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. The two lie in companionable silence for minutes, simply enjoying the quiet relaxation. Deanna then moves to a kneeling position facing Riker, holding his left hand in both of hers.
DEANNA TROI
I love you, Will. I've always loved you. And I'm going
to do my damnedest to make our relationship work this time.
Riker props himself up on his elbows and opens his mouth but Deanna shakes her head to stop him.
DEANNA TROI
(Quietly.)
Please, let me finish.
(Pauses, continuing in a normal voice.)
It's taken me a lot of years ... probably too many years ...
(Chuckles and slightly rolls her eyes.)
... to realize how much we need each other. That we thrive on
the mutual support, the unconditional love, the continued friendship.
The happiness, the respect, the silence, the laughter, even the fights.
(Deep breath.)
Will, I ...
Tilting his head to the side, Riker puts a finger to Deanna's lips to quiet her. Deanna's shoulder visibly relax and her eyes begin to turn glassy with unshed tears.
WILL RIKER
(Whispering.)
I love you too, Deanna. Nothing will ever change that.
(Moving forward, he touches foreheads with Deanna.)
Besides, no matter how hard I try, I just can't get away from you.
Both of them laugh at the comment, easing the slight tension in the air.
DEANNA TROI
(Sighs.)
What would I do without you, Will?
WILL RIKER
(Kisses Deanna full on the lips.)
Hopefully you'll never have to know.
A huge smile forms on both of their faces. Riker lies back,
pulling Deanna with him. Deanna rests her head on Riker's chest,
feeling the steady rhythm of his heart, while Riker gazes at the sky, slowing
stroking her hair.
– End of Story –
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Look for "Work In Progress" – a follow-up story
to "Misconceptions."
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.