HOW LITTLE WE KNOW
A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky

AUTHOR'S NOTE: "How Little We Know" is a follow-up to my previous stories, "Misconceptions" and "Work In Progress."

TIMELINE: "How Little We Know" takes places approximately three years after Nemesis and five years after "Work In Progress."

PART I

INT. RIKERS' QUARTERS – Early Morning

WILL RIKER and DEANNA TROI lie in bed sound asleep. Deanna's head is nestled against Riker's left shoulder, her hand resting on his chest and his arm encircling her upper body. They are awakened when their pajama-clad two-and-a-half-year-old son (DREW RIKER) jumps onto the bed between them. Drew eagerly pokes at his parents to wake them although they seem totally indifferent to the whole situation.

WILL RIKER
(Groaning.)
He's awake.

DEANNA TROI
(Not opening her eyes.)
Very astute observation, Captain.

Riker glances at the chronometer next to the bed. The display reads 0217 and the alarm isn't set to go off until 0600.

WILL RIKER
Drew, it's way too early for Mommy and Daddy to get up. Please go back to your room.

DREW RIKER
(Straddling Riker's waist.)
Not tired.

WILL RIKER
(Turning his head towards Deanna.)
Dea ...

DEANNA TROI
(Eyes still closed.)
He's your son.

WILL RIKER
Yours too.

DEANNA TROI
(Patting Riker's chest.)
But he takes after his father.

Drew tugs at Riker's free hand trying to coax him out of bed. Giving in to his wife and son, Riker carefully slides his body out from under Deanna's and sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Deanna readjusts her position and releases a contented sigh.

WILL RIKER
(Picking up Drew and standing.)
C'mon Drew. Let's let Mommy sleep a little bit longer.

Riker walks around the bed and leans down to give Deanna a kiss on the cheek.

WILL RIKER
(Whispering in Deanna's ear.)
You owe me one.

DEANNA TROI
(Quietly.)
Whatever, Will.

DREW RIKER
(Pointing at Deanna.)
Me too, Daddy.

Drew squirms slightly in Riker's arms. Riker lowers the boy so he can kiss Deanna as well. Deanna opens her eyes, turns her head towards Drew and kisses him on the lips.

DEANNA TROI
(Touching Drew's nose.)
I love you, Andrew John.

DREW RIKER
Love you, Mommy.

Riker finally starts walking toward the bedroom door with Drew casually slung over his shoulder. Deanna giggles at the site and gives Drew a small wave that he returns.

WILL RIKER
(To Drew.)
How 'bout I read you a story?

DREW RIKER
(Bright eyes.)
Yeah!

WILL RIKER
Sounds good, huh?

Riker pulls Drew over his shoulder and playfully tickles his son's stomach causing the little boy to erupt in laughter as the pair exits the bedroom. Riker closes the door behind them, leaving Deanna alone in the room with a happy smile on her face.

INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS – Four Hours Later

WILL RIKER sits on the living area couch dozing. DREW RIKER, sucking his thumb, is asleep with his head resting in his dad's lap. Riker has one hand on Drew's shoulder, the other holding an old-fashioned storybook. DEANNA TROI walks into the room and runs a hand through her hair before tying her robe shut.

DEANNA TROI
(Waking up Riker.)
Will, go take a shower. I'll get Drew up and going.

WILL RIKER
(Rubbing his hands over his face.)
Okay.

Riker leaves the main room, heading for the bathroom. Deanna kneels in front of Drew and gently shakes his shoulder to wake him. Drew sits up and unconsciously mimics Riker by rubbing his hands over his face. The similarity of the action causes Deanna to laugh.

DEANNA TROI
(Tousling Drew's curly hair.)
What do you want for breakfast, sweetie?

DREW RIKER
Cheesy eggs. Grape juice.

DEANNA TROI
(Tilting her head towards Drew's bedroom.)
Start getting dressed and I'll be there in a minute to help.

Drew hops down from the couch and slowly pads off to his room. Deanna walks to the bathroom and pokes her head inside. Both Deanna and Riker talk over the sound of the shower.

DEANNA TROI
Do you want anything special for breakfast?

WILL RIKER
Whatever Drew's having is fine.

DEANNA TROI
You're lucky he asked for something normal today.

WILL RIKER
(Laughing.)
What can I say? I like to live dangerously.

Deanna exits the bathroom. She pauses on her way to Drew's bedroom, putting one hand on her forehead and the other on her waist. Letting out a small groan, Deanna shakes off the discomfort and continues on her way.

– End Part I –

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.