A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART IX
INT. CRUSHER'S APARTMENT – Same Afternoon
BEVERLY CRUSHER, DEANNA TROI and ELYSE GAIRETH sit around the dining room table engaged in conversation. Gaireth is straddling her chair backwards, Beverly rests her elbows on the table and Deanna leans back with her arms folded across her chest. DREW RIKER kneels on a chair located between Deanna and Beverly. Paper and crayons are scattered in front of him while he draws.
ELYSE GAIRETH
... and I was reassigned to the Interlochen shortly after my
promotion to lieutenant. That posting was followed by the Spartan,
which was my current ship until a few weeks ago.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Looking at Beverly.)
I'm not saying it's easy. It seems like every time I settled
down, made friends and got into a routine, I received a message from Starfleet
that contained orders for a new posting.
Deanna stands and crosses to the replicator where she retrieves a plate of cookies and a mug of hot chocolate.
DEANNA TROI
(Walking back to the table.)
Hopefully wherever you're placed next will be your home for a while.
Gaireth grabs a cookie from the plate and takes a bite.
ELYSE GAIRETH
(Wiping crumbs from her mouth.)
Random question – is Commander "Watchdog" still on the Enterprise?
Deanna takes a sip of her drink and almost chokes on it when she hears Gaireth's question. She quickly swallows before shaking her head and rolling her eyes. Beverly gives Gaireth a knowing smile while Drew continues coloring, oblivious to the conversation around him.
DEANNA TROI
Yes, Commander K'Jared is still on the Enterprise.
Why do you ask?
ELYSE GAIRETH
(Shrugging her shoulders.)
No reason. Just curious.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Teasing voice.)
I can't imagine why you wouldn't have kept in touch with her over the
years.
All the women chuckle at the comment. Drew looks up from his work and scans the faces around him.
DREW RIKER
(Confused expression.)
What's funny?
Deanna leans over and kisses the top of Drew's head.
DEANNA TROI
Nothing, sweetie.
Gaireth reaches across the table and pulls a piece of blank paper in front of her.
ELYSE GAIRETH
(To Drew.)
Can I borrow a few crayons, Drew?
DREW RIKER
Sure.
Drew grabs a fistful of crayons and hands them to Gaireth. She sets down all but one and begins drawing.
ELYSE GAIRETH
(Nonchalantly.)
So you guys never asked if I got my new posting yet.
(Appraising her picture with a tilted head.)
I figured you'd at least be the slightest bit interested.
DEANNA TROI
I didn't think you were going to find out until the end of the week.
ELYSE GAIRETH
(Selecting a new crayon.)
I got the news this morning.
A momentary silence envelops the group as Gaireth and Drew continue coloring.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Leaning forward slightly.)
Well ...?
ELYSE GAIRETH
(Small smirk.)
You really wanna know?
DEANNA TROI
(Taking the crayon from Gaireth's hand.)
Of course we want to know!
Gaireth settles back against her chair and glances between the two women.
ELYSE GAIRETH
You're looking at the Titan's new helm officer.
DREW RIKER
(Glancing up from his work.)
Daddy's ship.
ELYSE GAIRETH
(To Drew.)
Right-o.
Deanna's mouth falls open in surprise as she stares at Gaireth. Smiling, Gaireth retrieves her crayon from Deanna's hand.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Wide grin.)
Congratulations, Elyse! The Titan is a wonderful ship
... with a wonderful crew.
ELYSE GAIRETH
(To Beverly.)
That's what I've heard.
Gaireth looks at Deanna and moves a hand in front of her face, causing Deanna to refocus her attention.
ELYSE GAIRETH
Deanna, say something.
(Pauses.)
Please.
DEANNA TROI
(Smiling.)
I can't wait.
INT. CRUSHER'S APARTMENT – Same Night
WILL RIKER sits up in bed reading a data PADD. DEANNA TROI enters the bedroom and slides the door shut behind her.
DEANNA TROI
(Climbing into bed.)
He's finally asleep and doesn't look like he'll be waking up anytime
soon ... fingers crossed.
WILL RIKER
Good.
Deanna lies in a half-sitting position next to Riker, resting against his upper body. Riker casually places his arm around Deanna's shoulder.
WILL RIKER
(Looking over at Deanna.)
Did Elyse tell you she's joining our crew?
DEANNA TROI
She did. It's going to be great having her onboard.
(Idly spinning Riker's wedding band on his finger.)
Who's she replacing? Robson?
WILL RIKER
Uh-huh. He's transferring to the Gobi.
The couple lapses into a silence that Deanna breaks after several minutes.
DEANNA TROI
(Interlacing her fingers with Riker's.)
Will?
WILL RIKER
(Scrolling through information on his PADD.)
Hmmm?
Deanna shifts her position and sits up a bit straighter.
DEANNA TROI
(Casually.)
What do you think about ...
(Turning her head to look at Riker.)
... about having another baby?
Riker lowers his PADD and meets Deanna's gaze.
WILL RIKER
Hypothetically speaking?
DEANNA TROI
(Averting her gaze and wrinkling her brow.)
Sure ... hypothetically ...
Riker shrugs his shoulders and continues his reading.
WILL RIKER
It's something to seriously consider. I wouldn't mind having
another Riker running around the ship.
Deanna releases a sigh and squeezes Riker's hand tighter.
DEANNA TROI
Well ...
(Deep breath.)
... what would you say if I told you "hypothetically" will turn into
reality in about eight months?
A confuses expression crosses Riker's face as he gives Deanna a double-take.
WILL RIKER
(Stammering.)
Are-are you saying what I think you're saying?
Deanna turns to face Riker and removes the PADD from his grip. She nods slowly and gives Riker a lop-sided grin.
DEANNA TROI
(Tossing the PADD to the end of the bed.)
I'm pregnant, Will. That's why I haven't been feeling all that
great lately.
WILL RIKER
(Huge grin.)
You're serious? We're going to have another baby?
DEANNA TROI
(Holding Riker's hand in her own.)
Beverly confirmed my suspicions yesterday afternoon.
(Pauses.)
I know we didn't exactly plan on this happening ...
Riker puts a finger to Deanna's lips to quiet her. Deanna closes her eyes and takes a calming breath.
WILL RIKER
That doesn't matter. We're going to be parents again! I
love you, Deanna. I love Drew ...
(Placing his hands on Deanna's stomach.)
... and I love the fact that you're pregnant again.
Riker leans forward and kisses Deanna full on the lips.
WILL RIKER
Drew's going to be thrilled! I can't wait to tell him.
DEANNA TROI
(Glancing at Riker.)
Let's wait 'til morning, huh? I just got him to sleep.
Riker eyes Deanna and gives her a mischievous grin.
WILL RIKER
(Setting his feet on the floor.)
Why should we?
(Standing.)
I'm excited, you're excited. I want Drew to share our excitement
... right now!
Deanna turns toward Riker and kneels on the bed. Both of them start laughing.
DEANNA TROI
(Giving in to Riker.)
All right, let's go tell him.
Riker lifts Deanna from the bed and spins her around in a circle.
WILL RIKER
(Setting Deanna on her feet.)
We're having a baby, baby!
DEANNA TROI
(Kissing Riker.)
This is one of the best surprises we could ask for.
The couple exits the bedroom hand-in-hand.
– End Part IX –
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.
