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

PART III

INT. TROI'S OFFICE – Same Afternoon

DEANNA TROI shifts her position and crosses her legs, keeping a watchful eye on the 30-something security officer (LT. NORWOOD) sitting in the chair opposite her. Norwood places his elbows on his knees and interlaces his fingers.

LT. NORWOOD
She's driving me absolutely crazy, Counselor! I don't know if I can survive another three months of this.

Deanna attempts to suppress the smile she feels tugging at the corners of her mouth.

LT. NORWOOD
The mood swings alone are bad enough.
(Looking at Deanna.)
When I return to our quarters after my duty shift I don't know if I'll be greeted with a kiss or a slap across the face.

DEANNA TROI
Think of how Kass is feeling. Her body is experiencing a huge number of physical and emotional changes in a relatively short amount of time.
(Knowing smile.)
Believe me, I've been there. Husbands only have to deal with a handful of external aspects of the pregnancy.

LT. NORWOOD
(Sighing.)
It's not easy.

DEANNA TROI
(Placing a hand on top of Norwood's.)
But, like every other male in your position, you're learning to adjust and adapt.
(Light laughter.)
Captain Riker felt the same way you do when I was pregnant with our son Andrew.

LT. NORWOOD
(Eyes widening.)
Really?

DEANNA TROI
Really.
(Smirking.)
Don't let him know I told you, though.
(Lowering her voice.)
I'll let you in on a little secret, Ty – I may seem like a fairly calm and laid-back person but I can have my moments when I'm pregnant. Maybe some are even worse than Kass'. Betazoids are usually pretty mellow during pregnancy but my human half made itself known. I'm positive it's not something the captain's especially excited about experiencing again but it comes with the territory.

LT. NORWOOD
The good outweighs the bad?

DEANNA TROI
Without a doubt!
(Wistful expression.)
Hearing Drew's first cries and holding him in my arms for the very first time, knowing he's the best part of both Will and I ... There's something truly magical about that moment. Nothing will ever top it. Ever.

Norwood sits up straight and smiles.

LT. NORWOOD
That is something I'm definitely looking forward to.

DEANNA TROI
(Off-handedly.)
Of course it's all downhill after that moment – no sleep, a constantly crying baby, feedings at oh-three-hundred, more dirty diapers than you can count – but at least everything starts are promising and magical.

Both officers laugh at Deanna's comment, knowing the truth and honesty behind it.

LT. NORWOOD
(Tilting his head.)
Thanks for listening, Counselor.

DEANNA TROI
Anytime. You know I'm always here if you need to talk.

Deanna and Norwood rise from their seats and walk towards the office door.

DEANNA TROI
(Placing a hand on Norwood's arm.)
Be understanding of Kass' ever-changing situation, Ty. Just take the mood swings and cravings and complaints in stride.
(Winking.)
It's more than worth it.

Norwood gives Deanna a parting nod before exiting the office. Deanna crosses to the replicator and retrieves a mug of hot chocolate.

DEANNA TROI
(Walking to her desk.)
Computer, list all unread personal messages.

COMPUTER
Unread messages from Beverly Crusher and Elyse Gaireth. Two unread messages from Lwaxana Troi.

Deanna rolls her eyes at the mention of two communiqués from her mother. Sitting at her desk, Deanna takes a sip of her drink and begins to scroll through the other messages on her personal viewer, the thought of her mother's messages in the back of her mind.

DEANNA TROI
(Knitting her brows.)
She couldn't sense it already, could she?

INT. ENGINEERING – Same Afternoon

WESLEY CRUSHER stands at the central console discussing some diagnostic findings with another OFFICER. MAGGIE ENRITE enters engineering and waits on the opposite side of the console for the men to finish their conversation.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(To the officer.)
See if you can lower the feedback loop within normal parameters. If you can't, or if the adjustments aren't stable, let me know and I'll add it to the list of stuff to check out while we're docked.

OFFICER
(Nodding.)
I'm on it, Lieutenant.

The officer leaves to make the repairs. Maggie walks around the console and stands next to Crusher.

MAGGIE ENRITE
Speaking of repairs, is Commander Zerek around?

WESLEY CRUSHER
He's in the main shuttlebay making final arrangements for crew departures.

MAGGIE ENRITE
(Slight frown.)
Maybe you can help me then.
(Pauses.)
Captain Riker wants a copy of the repair request reports to send ahead so the shipyard can make the necessary preparations.

WESLEY CRUSHER
Sure thing, Commander.

Crusher makes a few keystrokes on the console panel. The diagnostic results are replaced by the repair request report.

WESLEY CRUSHER
Did you want me to transfer the information to a PADD or should I just forward it to the captain?

MAGGIE ENRITE
You can go ahead and forward it. Make sure he has it within the hour though.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Making more keystrokes.)
Sent.

MAGGIE ENRITE
(Changing the subject.)
So what do you plan on doing with your free time while the Titan's docked?

WESLEY CRUSHER
Actually, I was going to find out about assisting with the repairs.

Maggie shakes her head in amusement and lightly hits Crusher's shoulder.

MAGGIE ENRITE
Do you even know how to relax, Lieutenant? I'm beginning to think you don't.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Shrugging his shoulders.)
Sure I do. But the inner workings of a starship have always fascinated me and I'm curious to learn more whenever I have the opportunity. You have your fun one way, I have mine another.

MAGGIE ENRITE
Even the most dedicated officer needs a day to relax and do nothing remotely productive.
(Pauses.)
Besides, doesn't your mom work at Medical? This is the perfect opportunity for a visit.

Crusher folds his arms across his chest and leans against the central console.

WESLEY CRUSHER
I am visiting her.
(Smiling.)
Do you think any self-respecting mother would not allow her child to visit when he's in such close proximity?

Both officers laugh.

WESLEY CRUSHER
We're going to the Blue Note tomorrow night with Captain Riker and Counselor Troi. You're more than welcome to join us.

MAGGIE ENRITE
Thanks for the offer, Wes, but I've got plans already.

WILL RIKER's voice breaks in over the intercom.

WILL RIKER (COMM)
Riker to Enrite.

MAGGIE ENRITE
(Tapping her communicator badge.)
Go ahead Captain.

WILL RIKER (COMM)
Maggie, I need those repair reports as soon as possible.

MAGGIE ENRITE
Sorry, sir.
(Glancing at Crusher.)
I got caught up discussing the engineering report with Lieutenant Crusher.

WILL RIKER (COMM)
(Light tone of voice.)
No problem – I'm simply passing along a friendly reminder.

MAGGIE ENRITE
(Smiling.)
Reminder acknowledged. I'll have the remaining reports collected shortly.
(Pauses.)
Enrite out.

Maggie taps her badge again, ending the transmission.

MAGGIE ENRITE
(Starting to back away.)
I guess that's my cue to return to work.

WESLEY CRUSHER
Yeah, I have some things to finish too.

Maggie starts to leave engineering while Crusher moves to a bulkhead computer panel.

MAGGIE ENRITE
(Calling over her shoulder.)
Don't work too hard, Mister Crusher.

Crusher smiles and shakes his head before scrolling through the computer read-outs.

– 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 rights of any of the aforementioned individuals.