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

PART IV

INT. RIKERS' QUARTERS – Later That Evening

DREW RIKER sits in DEANNA TROI's lap with his head resting against her shoulder. Deanna reads to Drew while gently stroking his hair. The little boy releases a huge yawn and fights to keep his eyes open.

DEANNA TROI
"Day after day the spider waited, head-down, for an idea to come to her. Hour by hour she sat motionless, deep in thought. Having promised Wilbur that she would save his life ..."
(Turning the page with one hand.)
"... she was determined to keep her promise. Charlotte was naturally patient. She knew from experience that if she waited long enough, a fly would come to her web ..."

Deanna pauses to look down at Drew, who is sound asleep.

DEANNA TROI
(Gradually lowering her voice.)
"... and she felt sure that if she thought long enough about Wilbur's problem, an idea would come to her mind."

Deanna sets the book, face down and open, on the couch beside her and stands, adjusting Drew's sleeping form on her hip.

DEANNA TROI
(Kissing the top of Drew's head.)
Precious sleeping boy.

Deanna carries Drew to his room and lies him down in bed, pulling the covers up around his shoulders.

DEANNA TROI
(Brushing Drew's hair from his forehead.)
Sweet dreams, Drew.

Deanna kisses Drew's forehead before returning to the main room. She picks up the storybook from its location on the couch and puts it on a shelf. WILL RIKER enters the cabin as Deanna bends over to grab one of Drew's toys from the floor.

WILL RIKER
(Playfully.)
Now there's a nice site to see when I get home.

DEANNA TROI
(Standing and turning towards Riker.)
What? Me cleaning?

WILL RIKER
(Mischievous smile.)
You bending over.
(Wiggling his eyebrows.)
Great view.

Deanna, blushing slightly, tosses the toy at Riker. He catches it with a small chuckle.

DEANNA TROI
(Dryly.)
My how you flatter me, Mister Riker.

Riker moves in front of Deanna, wrapping his arms around her waist. He leans down and places a tender kiss on her lips.

WILL RIKER
I only speak the truth.

A smile crosses Deanna's face before the couple shares a more passionate kiss. They continue kissing for several minutes. While doing so, Riker begins directing Deanna towards the bedroom. When they reach the archway, Deanna pulls back from Riker.

DEANNA TROI
(Looking up at Riker.)
Not tonight, Will. I've had a really busy day and I'm completely exhausted.

WILL RIKER
(Kissing Deanna's neck.)
All the more reason to do something ... fun and relaxing.

Deanna tactfully sidesteps Riker's advances.

DEANNA TROI
I know, Will, but I want to do some packing tonight too.
(Pauses.)
I promise to make it up to you. I do.

Deanna leaves Riker in the archway and goes to the closet, where she retrieve two Starfleet duffel bags. Riker gives her a concerned look.

WILL RIKER
Imzadi ...
(Taking a step toward Deanna.)
Are you okay, Dea? You've been "completely exhausted" every night this week. Is it something I did?

DEANNA TROI
(Reassuring smile.)
I'm perfectly fine and there's nothing you've done either.

WILL RIKER
Maybe you should go to sickbay.
(Placing his hands on her shoulders.)
I want to make sure you're feeling your best. Drew and I can't survive very well without you.

Deanna sighs and puts a hand on Riker's cheek.

DEANNA TROI
This short vacation will do wonders for all of us. Besides, I have a feeling I already know what Doctor Ballor's scans would show ... and it's nothing that won't pass with some time.

WILL RIKER
Will you at least let Beverly check things out? For me?

DEANNA TROI
(Tilting her head.)
Fine.

WILL RIKER
Good.
(Smiling.)
Well, I guess I'm going to take a freezing cold shower before turning in for the night.
(Looking towards Drew's room.)
Right after I check on Drew, that is.

Riker kisses Deanna's forehead and runs his hands over her upper arms.

WILL RIKER
Don't stay up too late, Deanna. I'm worried about you.

Deanna gives Riker another kiss before he walks to Drew's room and she starts packing.

DEANNA TROI
(Whispering.)
Life is only going to get better for us Imzadi.

* * * * * * * * * *

EXT. SPACE

The Titan is in spacedock above Earth.

WILL RIKER (V.O.)
Captain's Log – Supplemental. The Titan has successfully docked, awaiting the Utopia Planetia engineers to begin their work. A majority of the crew has already departed for their shoreleave destinations while the remaining officers prepare to leave within the next few hours.

* * * * * * * * * *

INT. RIKERS' QUARTERS – Following Afternoon

DREW RIKER darts from his bedroom half-dressed. DEANNA TROI emerges behind him and leans against the archway, Drew's shirt in her hand.

DEANNA TROI
(Frustrated.)
Drew! Please get back here. Mommy is not going to chase you.

Drew returns to Deanna only to escape again as she reaches for his arm.

DEANNA TROI
(Hands on hips.)
Andrew John Riker! Now is not the time to test my patience.

The door chime rings. Deanna drops her head and sighs.

DEANNA TROI
Now what?
(Calling out with a slightly sarcastic tone.)
Come on in.

Deanna hears a muffled voice talking to Drew. She walks toward the main room and is greeted by WESLEY CRUSHER, who is dangling Drew upside down by his ankles.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Smiling.)
Looks like you could use some help.

DEANNA TROI
There are times I think you're partially empathic.

Crusher turns Drew right-side up and holds the little boy while Deanna finishes dressing him.

WESLEY CRUSHER
Nah. I just happened to inherit my mom's knack for recognizing when people are in need.
(Passing Drew to Deanna.)
Your husband sent me to help with your luggage.

DEANNA TROI
(Pointing behind Crusher.)
It's there by the door.

Drew starts squirming in Deanna's arms so she sets him down, keeping a hand on his shoulder.

DEANNA TROI
(To Drew.)
Don't go very far, kiddo.
(To Crusher.)
You were never this much trouble for you mom, were you Wes?

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Expression of complete innocence.)
Of course not.
(Picking up the luggage.)
I was way more trouble than Drew.

Crusher and Deanna laugh while Drew settles down on the floor with some of his toys. WILL RIKER's voice breaks in over the intercom.

WILL RIKER (COMM)
Riker to Troi.

DEANNA TROI
(Tapping her communicator badge.)
What is it Will?

WILL RIKER (COMM)
It looks like we're all set here. I'll meet you guys in the transporter room shortly.

DEANNA TROI
(Glancing at Drew.)
You will if your son cooperates.

WILL RIKER (COMM)
(Laughing.)
Why do you think I sent Wes?

DEANNA TROI
(Running a hand through her hair.)
We'll see you in a few minutes ... hopefully.

Deanna taps her badge to end the conversation as she walks over to Drew and picks him up. The trio exits the cabin.

INT. HALLWAY – Continuous

DEANNA TROI carries DREW RIKER while WESLEY CRUSHER carries the pair of duffel bags.

DREW RIKER
(Wiggling.)
Put me down, Mommy.

DEANNA TROI
(Looking at Drew and shaking her head.)
No way. The last thing I need is you sprinting down the hallway.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(To Drew.)
Want me to carry you, buddy?

DREW RIKER
Yeah!

Crusher stops walking and turns his back to Deanna and Drew.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(To Deanna.)
Stick him on.

Deanna stands next to Crusher while Drew wraps his arms and legs around Crusher's neck and waist.

DEANNA TROI
(To Crusher.)
At least let me take one of the bags.

WESLEY CRUSHER
Fair enough.

Crusher hands Deanna one of the duffel bags, which she slings over her shoulder as they begin walking again. A few moments of silence pass.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Glancing at Deanna.)
Deanna, what do you think about Maggie?

DEANNA TROI
(Coyly.)
What do you mean "what do I think about Maggie?" ... Assuming you're referring to Maggie Enrite, Maggie.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Rolling his eyes.)
I mean exactly what I asked, Counselor. There's no deeper meaning to read into.

DEANNA TROI
(Small smirk.)
Uh-huh ...

The trio enters a turbolift at the end of the hallway.

INT. TURBOLIFT – Continuous

The TRIO turns to face the closing turbolift door.

WESLEY CRUSHER
Transporter room one.
(To Deanna.)
And yes, I'm referring to Maggie Enrite.

The turbolift begins moving.

DEANNA TROI
(Readjusting the bag on her shoulder.)
I think Maggie's a wonderful lady ... and I also think she's very pretty.

Deanna gives Crusher a sideways glance and notices him blushing slightly.

DREW RIKER
(Enthusiastically.)
I like Maggie!

Drew's comment causes Deanna to release a small laugh and Crusher to display a nervous smile.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Boosting Drew on his back.)
I like her too, buddy.

DEANNA TROI
(Facing Crusher.)
You are aware that anything you mention to me regarding this matter may – I repeat, may – end up being retold to your mother.
(Quickly adding.)
But only if she asks point blank. I'm not the type of person to freely divulge such information. It's just that Beverly and I have a tendency to ... ramble on about a wide variety of topics during our get-togethers.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Knowing smile.)
Yeah, that's something I've learned over the years.

The turbolift comes to a halt and the door slides open.

INT. HALLWAY – Continuous

DEANNA TROI leads WESLEY CRUSHER and DREW RIKER into the hallway and around a corner.

DEANNA TROI
Are you looking for my approval or something Wes?

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Thinking a moment.)
Maybe not your "approval" so much as your opinion.

The trio reaches the door to transporter room one and pauses outside it.

DEANNA TROI
Now's probably not the best time to get involved in this discussion but we can definitely talk about it later.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Smiling.)
Thanks Deanna.

DEANNA TROI
(Stepping toward the door.)
I'll try my best to keep my big mouth shut around your mom but I'm not making any definitive promises.

WESLEY CRUSHER
(Following Deanna into the transporter room.)
I'll be sure to use utmost discretion.

– End Part IV –

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Deanna is reading to Drew from E.B. White's classic children's story Charlotte's Web.

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 the aforementioned individuals.