A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART IX
EXT. SPACE
WILL RIKER (V.O.)
Commander William T. Riker – Personal Log – Supplemental. As
hard as I try, I can't get Deanna out of my mind. I wonder how Q's
treating her. I wonder if she's considering my proposal. I
wonder if she's thinking about me as much as I'm thinking about her.
Lately, I've been pondering something Deanna said to me years ago – "All
relationships are constantly changing, but we'll still be friends.
Maybe better friends." No matter what may happen between us, that
single thought is helping to keep my spirits alive and well.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. EMERALD CITY – Continuous
The entry door swings open to reveal a bustling central location with dozens of people milling about. All of the townsfolk are wearing shades of green and have on the required green glasses. The QUARTET pauses just inside the doorway, surveying the actions and scenery around them. Q stands next to the group and points to a tunnel-like hallway on the opposite side of the room.
Q
That dark, ominous hallway will lead you to the Wizard ... as over-hyped
as he is.
Data turns to thank Q but finds that he has disappeared.
DATA
(Slight frown.)
Hmmm.
The group takes a collective breath and starts toward the designated hallway.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. BRIDGE – Same Day
JEAN-LUC PICARD and WILL RIKER study their respective command consoles. LT. PARKER stands at the tactical station, his fingers moving across the computer panel.
LT. PARKER
Captain, there's an incoming message for Doctor Crusher from Starfleet
Medical.
(Looking at Picard.)
How would you like me to respond?
Picard hesitates slightly before standing and tugging down his uniform shirt.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
On screen, Mister Parker.
The starfield on the viewscreen is replaced by the image of DR. CAFRY DUCA sitting behind his desk.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Cafry, good to see you again. How can I be of assistance?
DR. DUCA
(Furrowed brow.)
I've been trying to reach Beverly Crusher for the past hour and haven't
received a response from her. Is everything all right?
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Unfortunately, Doctor Crusher is ...
(Sideways glance at Riker.)
... indisposed at the moment. I'd be happy to pass along
a message to her when she's available.
DR. DUCA
That's not necessary, Jean-Luc. I'll contact her later today.
The matter's really not that pressing. I was simply curious to find
out if she's given any consideration to my offer yet.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Taking a step forward.)
Offer?
DR. DUCA
She hasn't told you?
(Pauses.)
After some persistent nagging from Jana, I've decided to lighten my
workload and have asked Beverly to take over my position as head of Starfleet
Medical.
Picard hides his shock by nodding his head and acting as if he's familiar with the situation.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Oh, yes, of course.
(Pauses.)
I'll be sure to tell Beverly you're awaiting a response from her.
DR. DUCA
(Short nod.)
Duca out.
The viewscreen reverts to its previous image of space as Picard returns to his chair.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(To Riker.)
Did you know anything about that?
WILL RIKER
No, sir.
(Making eye contact with Picard.)
But I wonder how long she's known.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. HALLWAY LEADING TO WIZARD'S CHAMBER – Continuous
As the QUARTET nears the end of the darkened hallway, they see a figure walking back and forth in front of a metal door emblazoned with the word "OZ." The guard is dressed in a green military-style uniform complete with a flowing cape and tall, fuzzy hat. He carries a bayonet over one shoulder.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Throwing her arms in the air.)
Now what?
DEANNA TROI
He must be the Palace Guard. I don't think he'll pose any problem
to us though.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Small smile.)
Fingers crossed.
The group reaches the end of the hallway and comes face to face with the guard, only to find out that he is really Q.
Q
(Placing the butt of his bayonet on the ground.)
Enterprise party of four, I presume?
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Not really sure.)
I guess so ...
Q
Either you are or you aren't. Could your reservation be listed
under another name by chance?
DATA
Reservation?
Q
(Speaking slowly and deliberately.)
Your reservation to see the Wizard.
GEORDI LA FORGE
Oh! Yeah, we'd be the Enterprise party of four.
Q returns his bayonet to his shoulder and pulls open the door.
Q
In that case, he's waiting for you.
One by one, the quartet walks through the open doorway. After all of them have passed, Q begins to shut the door.
Q
(Calling after them.)
Good luck!
INT. WIZARD'S CHAMBER – Continuous
The QUARTET enters the room single-file with measured steps, not knowing what to expect next. The chamber is dimly lit save for a raised platform in the middle of the room that is fully lit.
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Calling.)
Hello?
La Forge's voice echoes in the empty chamber. Without warning, smoke billows from the platform and a large glowing fireball hovers above it. All but Data gasp at the site. Instinctively, Beverly ducks behind Data while Deanna grabs her tail and huddles closer to La Forge. Q's booming voice sounds from the fireball.
Q
I am Oz, the great and terrible. Who are you and why have you
come here?
The group stands frozen. After a few seconds, Deanna reaches behind La Forge and Data to poke Beverly in the arm.
DEANNA TROI
(Whispering.)
Go, Bev.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
What?!
(Lowering her voice to a harsh whisper.)
Why me?
DEANNA TROI
Because the book says so.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Rolling her eyes.)
The book. Of course.
Beverly takes a couple of tentative steps forward. At that moment, the fireball suddenly flares brighter. Beverly jumps back then quickly composes herself and walks forward again.
Q
Yes?
BEVERLY CRUSHER
I'm, uh ...
DEANNA TROI
(Cupping her hands around her mouth to help project her whisper.)
"Dorothy, the small and meek!"
Beverly spins around and gives Deanna an expression of complete confusion. She mouths the word "What?" and listens more carefully as Deanna repeats the phrase with slightly increased volume. Beverly returns her attention to the fireball hovering before her.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Still confused.)
I'm Dorothy ... the small ... and meek. We've come for some ...
help.
Q
I see. And what would you be seeking help for?
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Deep breath.)
Well, all of us seem to be lacking something in our lives. We
were told by a ... friend ... that you were the person to come see.
Q
Allow me to consider your request for a moment.
The fireball flares again before vanishing in a puff of smoke. Deanna begins to approach the platform intent on delivering another tirade but La Forge sticks out an arm to stop her.
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Authoritatively.)
Counselor.
Deanna backs off without a word.
DATA
Although we do not know what to expect at this moment, I would recommend
that we allow the events to unfold instead of jumping to conclusions that
could be unwarranted. There is no reason to believe our lives are
in danger.
GEORDI LA FORGE
Exactly.
(To Deanna.)
Let's give Q the benefit of the doubt here.
(Smirking.)
Besides, you already cussed him out once and we don't want to push
our luck any more than absolutely necessary.
DEANNA TROI
(Crossing her arms in resignation.)
Fine.
Much to the surprise of the quartet, Q appears on the platform instead of the fireball. This time he is bald with a bushy white mustache and has small oval spectacles perched on the tip of his nose. He is wearing a green tuxedo with tails and a sparkling silver bow tie. Q hops down from the platform and approaches the group.
Q
You're in luck! I've decided to lend a hand in your quest.
It was a tough decision but the good doctor secured the deal by referring
to me as a "friend."
(Quickly turning to Beverly.)
You were talking about me, weren't you?
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Vigorously nodding her head.)
Absolutely.
Q
(Smiling.)
Good.
(Pauses.)
Okay, before things become any more involved, the glasses need to go.
You don't know how hard it is to concentrate and keep a straight face while
you're staring back at me wearing those ridiculous things. Stupid
city ordinance.
The group quickly removes their glasses in compliance with Q's request. Once removed, the glasses disappear from their hands.
DEANNA TROI
(Relieved sigh.)
Thank you!
Q
(Shrugging his shoulders.)
I figure it's the least I could do.
DEANNA TROI
And it is appreciated. However, if we could discuss there ...
(Gesturing to her appearance.)
... creative costumes next ...
Q
(Holding up a hand.)
No, no. They stay.
(Smug smile.)
Those outfits are the best part of these entire ordeal. Besides,
I couldn't let you skirt by without a wee bit of humiliation.
(Gesturing to himself.)
It is me, after all.
(Clapping his hands together.)
I'm going to be asking each of you a specific question and I want an
honest response in return. Understand?
Deanna, La Forge and Beverly give Q a wary glance.
Q
(Tilting his head.)
Keep in mind that questions do tend to be a painless endeavor.
– End Part IX –
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have, of course, taken great poetic license with regards to my references of The Wizard of Oz. For those of you who think some of the allusions are quite obscure or even a little weird, I encourge you to read L. Frank Baum's original The Wonderful Wizard of Oz because most of the references are drawn from the literary work as opposed to the MGM film classic The Wizard of Oz. Although there are a great many similarities between the two Oz works, there are also a great many differences. Don't be afraid to expand your horizons!
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.