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It took way longer than I intended to send this one out, and I'm terribly sorry for that *hangs head in shame* I promise to post another chapter as soon as I get back J

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Chapter Twenty Six: Doctors and First Officers

Two months after Xiara pt I

"Number One, will you -please- sit down?" For the past ten minutes Will Riker had been circling the Bridge of the Enterprise-E and with that driving most of his fellow officers insane. The First Officer didn't seem to acknowledge the request of his CO, but after yet another round he did take a seat, much to the relief of the crew.

"Data, ETA?"

"Six hours and twenty-six minutes Commander." Restless Riker shifted in his chair. He had been back on the Enterprise for a month now and he had done nothing but worrying about Deanna.

One month earlier...

Will Riker walked through the empty streets of the main city of Ryara I's most southern continent.

The warm sun strands caressing his bared back and arms as he carried two bags to the meeting point in the woods just outside the city. In thirty minutes the Enterprise would pick him up just there, beaming him home after having lived for nine months on the colorful planet.

His relationship with the beautiful native woman Lyana had stranded not long after his dreams about Deanna Troi had started. She had come to realize that Deanna meant more to him then she ever would and therefore ended their relationship. To proud to return to the Enterprise immediately Riker had pursued an apartment in the capital city of the southern continent and had worked as an technician while waiting till the full nine moths had passed.

After a short interlude the dreams about Deanna had once again begun, this time even more frightening than the last. He hardly slept anymore and spent hours trying to figure out what the dreams meant, but to no avail. One night he'd have nightmares, the next the dream would be so realistic and erotic that he'd wake up, drenched in sweat and positive that she was lying naked next to him.

He couldn't wait to see her again. Finally he had gathered enough courage to tell her how he felt, how much he loved her and how badly he needed to be with her.

When he arrived at the meeting point there was a young male Starfleet Commander waiting for him. "Commander Riker of the Enterprise?" Will grinned freely; he really had missed his life between the stars. He wondered if this young man would be the one Picard had chosen to replace him during his shore leave.

"Yes Commander."

"Terrific, I am Commander Tilo Tralp, First Officer of the USS Europe." Riker eyes shot around in confusion.

"The USS Europe? I was under the impression the Enterprise would pick me up?" Tilo's face briefly showed a hint of sadness as he explained.

"The Enterprise is currently on a rescue mission, they could not afford the time to pick you up Sir." Curious as he was Will had the questions ready in his mind, but before he could ask anything the younger officer asked him to keep the questions to himself, at least until they were beamed up. Riker nodded his understanding as Tilo tapped his CommBadge and requested for beam-out.

They materialized in the Transporter Room of the Interprid Class USS Europe and after greeting the officer behind the conn Tilo lead the Enterprise officer to the Ready Room of his Captain.

Will froze in his steps as his eyes met those of the woman behind the desk. A small grin played across her face as she stood up, all the time holding his gaze with her ice-blue eyes. "Commander Riker, welcome onboard the Europe."

Recovered from the initial shock Will flashed her a patented Riker grin and accepted her held-out hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you again *Captain* Shelby."

~*+*~

He had tried to obtain more information on the Enterprise's current rescue mission, but Captain Shelby refused to give him any, stating Captain Picard would inform him once he was back on the Enterprise, which was four days later.

Riker was surprised as, besides the Europe, there were apparently two other vessels rendezvousing with the flagship: the USS Hood and the USS Voyager. It wasn't a common sight; four Starfleet vessels facing each other. Obviously, this rescue mission was of great importance to Starfleet.

Saying good bye to Shelby and her First Officer he was transported to the Enterprise, where he was welcome by....well, by no one.

Basically on instinct Will headed for the Bridge, impatient to see his friends again. The situation he encountered on the Bridge however was not quite like the one he'd expected.

"Doctor Pulaski will transport to your vessel in five minutes Picard. Good luck in rescuing your First Officer, Captain Littlejohn out." The stern face of the dark-skinned human disappeared from the large viewscreen and was instantly replaced by that of Admiral Kathryn Janeway.

"Admiral," respectfully Jean-Luc bowed his head slightly "I assume you have received the data my Operations Officer send you?" On the screen the Admiral nodded the confirmation and Riker couldn't help but notice that she once again had changed her hairstyle, something Janeway was famous for throughout the Galaxy.

"My Senior Staff is currently studying so we can give you our best."

"I appreciate that Sir, when will you be ready to leave?"

"Jean-Luc, you are in charge of this mission, we are ready to leave at your command." In surprise Will shifted his gaze from the Admiral's face to Picard's bald head several times. His curiosity to who they were out to rescue grew. It was very rarely that an Admiral would be so involved in a mission, much less be under the command of someone lower in rank.

"Acknowledged Admiral, the Enterprise will leave in approximately thirty minutes." This time Admiral Janeway bowed her head respectfully as she said her last words before terminating the link. "Good hunt Captain."

All the time during the conversations between his superiors Riker hadn't moved and from where he stood, not far from the Turbolift, he could hear Picard's tired sigh. Just when he begun his way down the Turbolift's doors behind him reopened and Kate Pulaski accessed the Bridge. She passed him before he was even half way down. 'Kate? What is she doing here?'

At the sight of his old friend Picard rose to his feet and hugged the Doctor tightly. "Welcome back onboard Doctor."

"Thank you Jean-Luc, I only wish it wasn't for these reasons." The two sadly smiled before they started heading to the Observation Lounge.

"Mr. Data, have Doctor Crusher and Commander Riker report to the Observation Lounge as soon as they are available."

"Aye Captain." Instead of speaking up and informing his friends that he was already on the Bridge, Riker decided to just follow them into the Observation Lounge.

"Doctor Crusher, please report to the Observation Lounge." Will smiled slightly as he realized he'd even missed Data's unemotional voice.

On my way. Hearing Beverly's voice he recalled how often they'd had an argument about him either staying or leaving Sickbay, he really was home again.

~*+*~

Riker glanced around the Bridge, the Captain was having dinner with his wife and since he had nothing better to do Will had volunteered to take over the Bridge. 'Back for a month, and still I'm not home', he thought ruefully. No where would he be home as long as Deanna wasn't at his side, he had come to realize that not too long ago.

~*+*~

Anxiously Riker entered the Observation Lounge in the wake of Doctor Pulaski and an obviously worried Captain. It was only when Picard turned around that they realized he was there.

"Number One," there was far more enthusiasm in Picard's voice then Riker had expected, "I hadn't expected you yet. Welcome back." Jean-Luc smiled broadly and when he moved to hug his Second in Command, the latter more than simply surprised.

"Thank you Captain, it feels good to be back among the stars." Jean-Luc nodded his agreement and motioned Will to take a seat. Kate Pulaski threw the bald man a quizzical look after having said the Commander hello.

"Will just returned from a nine month shore leave, he isn't aware of the situation yet." Kate's eyes widened for an instant, then she shook her head sadly and threw the First Officer a pitying look. These actions only served to feed Riker's curiosity, but for the first time a faint sense of concern manifested itself.

"Quite right. This mission is obviously very important. I was hoping to be informed now?" Very quickly the two older officers exchanged looks, their silent communication worrying Will even more.

"We'll wait for Beverly first."

Jean-Luc pondered over how Riker would react to the changes there had been since his departure nine months earlier, not the least of which had lead to Deanna Troi's current captivity and the Enterprise's hunt to rescue her. But there was also his marriage with the ship's CMO and, perhaps more visible, her pregnancy. "Well," he decided, remembering the words of a cherished friend, "the best way out is through."

Four minutes had passed since they'd started their wait for Doctor Crusher. The time they had spend chit-chatting about Kate's assignments the past several years while she, of course, wanted to know what had happened onboard the Enterprise.

They had just started to ask Will about his shore leave, when to his relief the doors opened. He stood up to greet his friend, not quite prepared for the transformation she'd undergone..

Surprise registered on his face and his greeting died in his throat as his eyes fell on her bulging belly, unquestionably home to a little Crusher. Beverly's face, on the other hand, lit up with joy when her eyes registered the tall and bearded man whom she'd put back together more time than she could remember.

She waggled --one could hardly call it walking anymore, she had confided to her husband-- towards him with her arms widely spread. "Will! You're back, oh it's great to see you again! And you look good too!"

Picard grinned as his wife hugged the dumbfounded younger man. He was glad to see her ' worry-lines' --as he affectionately called them-- disappear for a couple of moments. Released from the Doctor's hold Riker practically fell back into his chair. "Be--Beverly, you're..."

"Pregnant, yes." Beverly finished his sentence with a tender smile on her face, of her previous enthusiasm was no trace left.

"Well…erm...congratulations then." She managed a weak smile despite her sudden sadness, for she had realized that Jean-Luc had invited Will into the meeting to inform him about Deanna. Jean-Luc rose up from his chair, kissed her tenderly on her cheek and guided her to her seat.

Grinningly Doctor Pulaski advised Riker to close his mouth, which he did only to open it an instant later. "You two," he shifted his gaze from his CMO to his Captain and back, "are together?"

"Married actually." Beverly stated matter-of-factly as she showed him the solid band of gold around her ring finger.

This time Will recovered quicker from the news than he had before, he extended his hand first to Mr. Picard and then to Mrs. Picard, congratulating them genuinely on their marriage and child. Picard seemed more than willing to wait for everyone to settle back in their seats. He had no idea how to break the news about Deanna to Will and although Doctor Pulaski had more information than the Commander he was quite sure she too would be shocked.

Beverly placed a re-assuring hand over that of her husband, knowing that this meeting would be one of the most difficult ones they'd ever had. Jean-Luc looked at her with eyes filled with gratitude and anxiety, then he took a deep breath and began.

"The Hydra has been spotted near the Cardessian boarder; it will take us three weeks to get there. Star Station Deep Space Nine will keep track of the vessel as long as possible. The U.S.S Voyager will accompany us in case we'll be forced to face battle." Nervous Picard glanced from one officer to the other. His eyes briefly met the questioning ones of his just returned First Officer, but her couldn't brin himself to look at them for longer than a second.

"Starfleet Command has made this mission top priority..." He paused for a few seconds before revealing the identity of the missing officer to Commander Riker. "...Deanna Troi *must* be rescued."

Picard had spoken with such a stern finite that it took Riker a few moments longer to realize what he had just been told. But when the name of the person Starfleet so desperately wanted to rescue penetrated his clouded mind he could not contain the gasp of horror that fled from his throat. "De--Deanna?!" For a moment he entertained the thought, the hope, they were joking, but the compassion and worry that was written all over the faces of his friends forced him to face reality: they were not joking. His precious Deanna, his Imzadi was being held captive.

The others present in the Lounge allowed him all the time his mind needed to fully comprehend what the Captain's words meant. As he did a fear like he had never felt before gripped his throat, almost preventing him to breath.

As soon as the hold on the fear had on him lessened he spit out the questions that were swirling around in his head. "What?! How? Why? By whom?" Wide-eyed he stared at his CO and his wife, his blue gaze begging them for answers.

This time it was Beverly who spoke. "You'll be informed about what you need to know, for now we'll have to discuss our strategy." Quizzically Riker locked his eyes on Beverly, confused by the unusual harsh and strict tone in her voice, his eyes however basically *demanded* her to explain, but the red-head didn't yield under his gaze.

She looked at Picard, almost as if asking his permission. When he nodded ever so slightly she took a deep breath, managed to stand up and walked --or waggled-- to the viewscreen. She touched the panel next to it and a colorful schematic of Deanna's medical file appeared.

"We have no idea shape she is --or will be-- in." The tone in the Doctor's voice was regretful and sad; obviously she didn't have much confidence in Troi's well-being. "But because of the possible damage," Jean-Luc continued, "a minimal Away Team will beam down, two people at most."

"Captain, I'd..." Before Riker could finish his request Picard raised his hand and cut him off.

"Negative Number One, Mr. Data and Lieutenant Fko will go." Will was going to protest but the sharp look Beverly shot him made him hold back his comments, for now. "Doctor Pulaski, Doctor Crusher will guide you through Counselor Troi's medical file should the need arise for you to assist Doctor Crusher during an operating or perhaps even completely take over." For a brief second Crusher's eyes flashed with regret and anger, but she managed to hide it just as soon.

Kate reached out to her colleague and ensuring squeezed her hand reassuringly. "She'll be fine, you'll see." Riker's concern grew as he saw Crusher's weak, totally unconvincing smile. 'What's so worrying about this?' he questioned himself. All of them had had their share of kidnaps and rescue mission's, but never had he seen his Captain so worried, unsure and helpless.

"If you'll excuse us now ladies..." Jean-Luc stood up and motioned the younger man to follow him.

With his heart beating rapidly in his throat Will followed the older bald man, he couldn't remember a time he had even been so nervous or worried. He wanted to grab Picard's collar and shake him until he'd answered all of his questions, but as most of the time he managed to control himself.

Once inside the Ready Room Riker sat down and waited until the older man had composed his thoughts and sat down as well. The latter Will saw as a sign for him to finally voice his questions. "Captain, what lead to the Counselor's kidnapping and who kidnapped her?"

"What lead to Deanna's kidnap?" Slowly Jean-Luc repeated the question, putting emphasis on each single word. "Where to start?"

"The beginning Sir." Again the older man regarded his companion thoughtfully. He had discussed what to tell and what not to tell Riker extensively, but still he had his doubts.

"All right." Will sighed relieved, finally he would get some answers, or so he hoped. "Four months after you departed an Away Team lead by Deanna beamed down to the planet Pklira Prime." Seeing the surprise register on the face of his XO he explained. "Yes, Deanna took over your duties." Riker opened his mouth to comment, but closed it before ever making a sound and waited for Picard to continue.

"After two days on the planet we were attacked by two members of an interstellar terrorist organization. Deanna managed to save the planet's Prime Minister and myself..." Jean-Luc swallowed almost unnoticeable before he continued. "...by throwing her CommBadge to the Minister, thereby having him beamed up, but staying behind herself.

Again the Captain of the Enterprise paused, making Riker wonder how he'd be able to keep himself under control if his superior would keep throwing in those damn breaks! "After four days Troi escaped and returned to the ship." Will sighed of relief but immediately realized there was more t the story, for Deanna was missing again. "Her injuries were severe and it took almost a month before she fit to return to duty."

Will let the information wash over him. His impression now remained blanc as he could only imagine the horror his Imzadi had been through. "We spend several months hunting the leader of the organization which members had kidnapped Troi, drawing on the information Deanna provided." Deliberately he left out *how* Troi had gained that that information in the first place, both he and his wife had agreed that Deanna was the only one who had the right to do that.

"A month ago we finally found their 'flagship'. Data, Counselor Troi and Lieutenant Fko beamed over to the ship." Once again Picard paused and locked his eyes on the blue gaze of the man across him. Unconsciously Riker clenched his hands into fists, why couldn't the Captain just continue without those nerve-wrenching breaks?!

~*+*~

"My god, I'm not even sure I believe this." Doctor Kate Pulaski stared at the viewscreen in front of her. On the other side of the table Beverly Picard sadly shook her head. "I didn't believe it either. God Kate, you should've seen her. She looked like she'd been hiking around a forest for days. Her hair filthy and tangled, cuts and bruises all over her body." The two doctors silently studied the files displayed on the viewscreen, neither of them sure what to say or do.

"All right," taking a deep breath Kate broke the silence hanging between her and Beverly, "what do you think we should expect when she's rescued?" If possible Beverly's features became even darker, her eyes even sadder.

"The worst. They experimented on her the first time, there's no reason for them not to continue those experiments, if anything they'll be more specific and therefore carry greater consequences." Kate found herself agreeing with the younger woman's words and lowered her eyes to the table, almost as if she was ashamed.

"Also," the redhead continued her voice now barely a whisper "it's quite possible she'll have her full defenses up." At this Pulaski raised her head and locked her eyes on the woman across the table.

"You think she'll have those 'phoenix-powers' again?" Slowly Crusher nodded.

"Yes, if the ones who are holding her treat her like they did last time I believe so."

"But don't they know what'll happen to her? Don't they know that she'll be able to kill them with a single thought?" Judging by the look in Crusher's eyes she had obviously expected that question, and her reply was quick and logical.

"Not likely, we arrested all the persons who had to do with her first captivity." Again Kate nodded in agreement.

"All right, so what will we do next?" Beverly smiled at her colleagues attempt to sound optimistic and ordered the computer to turn the viewscreen off.

"I'll take you through the treatment I gave Deanna last time and we'll familiarize ourselves best we can with Betazoid/Human physiology." Quickly Beverly inserted some order in the panel build in in the conference table they were sitting at. "I just copied Deanna's complete medical file, plus our database on half Betazoid, half Human physiology and send it to your temporary office." Kate nodded her understanding and stood up.

"In that case, I think I'd better go and study." Beverly responded to the elder woman's smile with one of her own, but her eyes remained filled with sadness and resignation. She didn't belief for one bit Deanna's injuries would be less severe than last time. She couldn't explain why not and she hated herself for it, but nonetheless, the feeling *was* there and she couldn't get it out of her mind. Absently she let her hand trail down to her abdomen where it tenderly caressed her swollen belly, instinctively soothing the child growing there. Would her son or daughter ever have the opportunity to come to know his or her mother's best friend?