A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART VII
INT. THE BLUE NOTE – A Short While Later
BEVERLY CRUSHER, WESLEY CRUSHER, ELYSE GAIRETH and CHRISTOPHER KENNA listen intently as WILL RIKER tells them another story. DEANNA TROI sits with her elbows on the table with her head cradled face-down in her hands. She is blushing and shaking her head as Riker glances in her direction. The others are laughing.
DEANNA TROI
(Lifting her head.)
You're exaggerating, Will.
WILL RIKER
(Leaning back in his chair.)
I am not, Deanna, and you know it.
Deanna leans into Riker, knocking him slightly off balance.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
What I would give to have been in the Crash and Burn that night.
DEANNA TROI
(Running a hand through her hair.)
It was the only way I could get Cochrane to talk to me. I had
no intention of getting drunk when he suggested we talk in the bar.
It just sort of ... happened.
WESLEY CRUSHER
(Big grin.)
Sure, that's the story you tell everyone ... but is it really the truth?
Deanna gives Crusher a sharp glare. Crusher holds up his hands in defense as he and the others continue laughing.
WILL RIKER
I'd never seen her quite so ... out-of-character.
(Smiling at Deanna.)
Or, to paraphrase Deanna at the time, quite so "blended into the cultural
surroundings."
ELYSE GAIRETH
Being in the presence of Zefram Cochrane must have been incredible,
let alone getting drunk with the man.
Deanna releases a huge sigh and tilts her head back, her hands covering her face.
DEANNA TROI
(Talking through her hands.)
Just when I thought everyone had forgotten about that incident ...
(Pointing a finger at Riker.)
... my loving husband has to dredge it back up.
Riker simply shrugs his shoulders, his eyes full of merriment and mischief. The other three BAND members start assembling on the stage again. Kenna glances over his shoulder at them before standing and picking up his drumsticks from their location on the table.
CHRISTOPHER KENNA
Well folks ...
(Twirling a drumstick between his fingers.)
... looks like I gotta get back to work. It's been fun.
(Half-smile.)
All of you are good sports. Be sure to stop by the next time
you're in San Fran.
Kenna gives Gaireth a quick kiss as he leaves the table of officers. Beverly suddenly moves from her seat and kneels next to Deanna. Leaning forward, she whispers something in Deanna's ear, causing both women to smile. Once Beverly is finished, she returns to her chair while Deanna moves closer to Gaireth, sharing the secret message with the younger woman. Riker and Crusher shift their gaze between the women and each other.
ELYSE GAIRETH
(To Deanna.)
Let me go check.
Gaireth walks across the room and stands next to the stage while the band warms up for their next set. She talks to Kenna for a few seconds then gives him another kiss before returning to the table.
ELYSE GAIRETH
(Taking her seat.)
He's checking.
WILL RIKER
(Glancing between the women.)
Checking what?
DEANNA TROI
(Innocent smile.)
Nothing you need to worry about, sweetheart.
(Barely audible.)
At least not yet.
Kenna returns to his drum set after speaking to the band's TROMBONE PLAYER. Making eye contact with Gaireth, Kenna gives her two thumbs up.
ELYSE GAIRETH
We're all set.
TROMBONE PLAYER
(Addressing the PATRONS in the audience.)
We've had a special request tonight and, in the interest of fun and
friendship, have decided to honor it. All of you are in for a real
treat.
(Turning towards the officers' table.)
Captain William Riker of the USS Titan is in the audience and
we've been told he's a damn good trombone player.
(Extending a hand in Riker's direction.)
Please join us for "Nightbird," Captain. We'd be extremely honored.
The audience applauds to encourage Riker's performance. Riker gives Deanna a wide-eyed gaze.
WILL RIKER
(Shocked expression.)
Deanna, you didn't ...
Deanna moves closer to Riker and kisses his cheek.
DEANNA TROI
Go on. It'll be fun.
Deanna pulls Riker from his chair and gives him a push towards the stage.
WILL RIKER
(Harsh whisper.)
You know "Nightbird" isn't a good song for me.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Encouragingly.)
Tonight'll be your night, Will.
Riker takes a deep breath and continues to the stage. He accepts the trombone player's instrument with a small amount of reluctance. Riker then runs a hand over his mouth and moves the trombone's slide back and forth, trying to calm his nerves.
TROMBONE PLAYER
(Announcing.)
Ladies and gentlemen, Captain William Riker!
The trombone player leaves Riker center stage as the band begins "Nightbird." Riker glances at Deanna, who gives him a reassuring nod.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(To Deanna.)
He's never going to forgive you if he messes up.
DEANNA TROI
It was your idea!
(Pauses.)
But he'll get through it. I know he will.
ELYSE GAIRETH
(Tilting her head.)
Get through it?
DEANNA TROI
"Nightbird" has been Will's nemesis for decades. No matter how
often he plays it, he's never been able to make it through the solo.
WESLEY CRUSHER
I remember him coming close once.
DEANNA TROI
Close, but not completely.
Riker takes another deep breath and puts the trombone to his lips.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Putting a hand on Deanna's arm.)
Here goes ...
Riker plays the opening notes of his solo with determination and, much to the happy surprise of the officers watching, actually makes it through the song with no mistakes or hesitation. When the band finishes, Deanna and Beverly jump to their feet, clapping and whistling. Crusher and Gaireth follow suit. Riker heaves a sigh of relief and acknowledges the audience's applause with a slight bow. He returns to the table with an expression of shock and disbelief on his face.
DEANNA TROI
(Throwing her arms around Riker's neck.)
Congratulations, Will! I knew you could do it.
Deanna and Riker share a tender kiss. Beverly steps forward and puts a hand on Riker's back.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
That's the best I've ever heard you play.
WILL RIKER
(Holding Deanna's face in his hands.)
Never do that to me again, Deanna. That was completely
and totally nerve-wracking.
DEANNA TROI
(Light laughter.)
Yes sir.
INT. CRUSHER'S APARTMENT – Later That Night
BEVERLY CRUSHER deals a new set of cards to WILL RIKER and WESLEY CRUSHER. DEANNA TROI takes her place at the table after checking on Drew, who is sleeping on the couch in the adjacent room. Each officer tosses their ante into the middle of the table.
DEANNA TROI
(Sorting her cards.)
That Christopher Kenna is quite the character.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
Elyse seems really smitten with him though.
(Turning to Crusher.)
How many, Wes?
WESLEY CRUSHER
(Removing cards from his hand.)
Two.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Glancing at Riker and Deanna.)
Will? Dea?
Beverly gives Riker two cards and Deanna three. She takes one for herself. Crusher opens with a bet of ten. Riker matches Crusher's bet.
DEANNA TROI
(Nudging Riker.)
There is something extremely sexy about musicians.
(Pauses.)
I'm raising ten.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Tossing her chips into the pot.)
Especially musicians that play "Nightbird" so well.
WESLEY CRUSHER
That was pretty incredibly, Captain. I'm glad I was there.
Frankly, I don't think I would have believe it possible otherwise.
(Dropping his cards on the table.)
I'm out.
WILL RIKER
(Smiling.)
I still don't believe it myself. Tonight was the last night I
ever play that song ... for fear of never sounding that good again.
(Looking at Deanna.)
And I'm yet to forgive you for forcing me up there.
The round of betting ends and the three remaining players fan their cards on the table. Riker displays the winning hand.
WILL RIKER
Sorry ladies, looks like I win again.
Riker rakes in the winnings and adds to the stack of chips in front of him. Crusher collects the empty glasses from the table and refills them at the replicator. Beverly gathers the cards from the table.
DEANNA TROI
(Taking her glass from Crusher.)
Bev, I hope you don't mind, but I invited Elyse over here tomorrow
afternoon.
Crusher passes out the remaining drinks.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Passing the deck of cards to Crusher.)
Not at all. It'll be nice to find out what she's been up to over
the years.
(Addressing Riker and Crusher.)
Are you two going to be around?
WESLEY CRUSHER
(Shuffling the cards.)
I'm hooking up with the shipyard crew to help with the Titan's
repairs.
Beverly rolls her eyes at Crusher, causing Deanna and Beverly to chuckle lightly and Crusher to give her a lop-sided grin.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
Will?
Crusher begins dealing the new round.
WILL RIKER
(Shaking his head.)
I need to make an appearance at Starfleet Command to go over some mission
logs and other ship's business.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
Sounds like an ultra-exciting afternoon.
(Wry smile.)
Too bad Deanna and I can't join you.
WILL RIKER
(Leaning forward.)
You know, I'm sure I could arrange something if you really wanted to
tag along.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Picking up her cards.)
That's quite all right.
WESLEY CRUSHER
(Interrupting the conversation.)
Are we going to play poker or not?
Deanna glances over her cards at Crusher, giving him a teasing smirk.
DEANNA TROI
You're that eager to lose again, Mister Crusher?
The group breaks out into light laughter as the game continues.
– End Part VII –
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.
