Author: Mriana [[email protected]]
and Rising Sun [[email protected]]
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Rated: PG
Summary: Will and
Tom have a falling out over Will and Deanna's wedding plans.
Will they make amends before it is too late?
Fandom: Star
Trek: The Next Generation
Pairing: None as
of yet
Category:
Action/ Romance (R/T)
Warnings: None
Spoilers:
Nemesis wedding scene.
Disclaimer:
These characters are not ours. No copyright infringement intended. All other characters depicted are purely
fictional and any similarities to actual people are purely coincidental.
Feedback: Oh,
pretty please!
Permission to
archive: Ask [email protected]. (OK for BLT, Ex Libris)
Story written:
January to August, 2003
|
W |
ill and Deanna had
just arrived in Alaska. It was winter,
but Deanna did not seem to notice it.
She appeared too excited to notice anything.
"Will, it's
so wonderful you finally agreed to see your dad and brother, so we can tell
them that we are getting married."
"Yes."
He replied with a smile. "You know, Deanna, I'm glad to be here this time
too. All the little tiffs Tom and I have seem so insignificant right now."
"I'm glad
Will." Deanna smiled. "Now, let's go up, knock on the door and see if
they will let us in out of the cold."
Will chuckled.
"I almost thought you weren't going to notice the cold with all your
excitement."
"Will, I've
noticed and I'm freezing."
They got out of
the shuttle and headed toward the house. They knocked twice, but before they
could finish the second knock on the door, Kyle Riker answered.
"Will!"
He said with a surprised smile. "This is a surprise. What brings you
here?"
"Well,
Deanna and I have something to tell you."
"Come on
in, before you catch your death of cold then tell Thomas and me."
"Thomas is
here?" Deanna asked.
"Yes, he's
staying with me again until he's back up on his feet."
"Again?"
Will asked.
"I tied one
too many on and Starfleet ousted me again. Said I needed to go through rehab or
never come back. So, I'm here, again."
Will did not say
another word, but his face said it all. He hated his brother's behaviour since
he came out of nowhere. It was not the reappearance that brought it on, but
rather due to the fact Deanna decided not to take another chance with him and
people mistaking him for Will. Both upset him, but in different ways.
"So, what
is it you two want to tell us?" Kyle asked.
"We're
getting married!" Deanna said as she held her hand out to show them the
engagement ring.
"You just
couldn't wait." Will said teasingly.
"No."
Deanna replied with a smile.
Tom had a look
of distain on his face as Kyle was hugging Will and Deanna. Kyle congratulated
them and kissed Deanna on the cheek. "It's about time you two tied the
knot."
"We'd love
to have you there. Both of you." Deanna stated.
"I'd love
to, Deanna, but my health hasn't been the best lately."
"Well, we'd
love to see you there, Tom." Deanna invited.
"You would,
but he doesn't care if I come or not. In fact, he'd probably be happier if I
didn't come." Tom retorted.
"Now,
what's that suppose to mean, Tom." Will asked.
"Just
that."
"Tom, I
really would like to see you there. Everything between is water under the
bridge."
"Is
it?"
"What do
you mean?"
"I mean,
Deanna only stayed because of you. Not because she didn't want to take another
chance with me."
"Tom,
whatever you want to say, say it." Will demanded.
"Not here.
I don't want to talk here. I really don't want to talk to you."
"Boys!"
Kyle scolded. "I don't know what this is all about, but I'm not having it
in my house. Now, I only raised one of you, but now I have two and I don't know
what to do with you. Anymore, all you do is fight and argue with yourselves. I
want it to stop. This is suppose to be a happy occasion for Deanna and
Will."
"Well, it’s
not for me." Said Tom.
"Tom,
outside." Will ordered.
The two men
walked outside. "Now what is your problem, Tom?"
"You're my
problem. If it hadn't been for you, I might have been the one marrying
her."
"Maybe not.
You left her again on the Enterprise."
"She wanted
to stay."
"Yes, but
she wanted you to stay too. I never left her once while on the
Enterprise."
"No, but
you made every effort to get into her uniform."
"Tom, I resent
that. She happens to be the woman I love."
"Well, if
the truth hurts."
"Truth is,
you're jealous."
"Believe
what you want, but I'm not coming to the wedding."
"Oh, so
you're going to break Deanna's heart again."
"If anyone
is, it's you. Deanna has a nice body, is beautiful and smart. All the things
that turn a man on and you're not thinking with your head as usual."
"You are
insanely jealous."
"Yeah, take
this!" Tom took his fist and punched Will square in the mouth.
"That's for taking her away from me!"
"I didn't
take anyone from you!" Will punched back but missed.
Tom used the
momentum of Will’s falling body to land a well-placed kick to the ribs. Will
continued the fall rolled over and came up swinging.
~*~*~*~*~
Blissfully
unaware of the war raging outside Kyle chatted with his daughter in law to be.
"So you finally nailed him!" he grinned.
She grinned
back. "Sees like it took a long time didn’t it?"
"Can I
offer you a drink?" he stood.
"Hot
chocolate please." Came the instant reply. After being in the cold what
more could a girl need? Hot chocolate and the man she love – life was perfect.
They moved into
the kitchen. Deanna sat and watched Kyle move around the room. She was never
sure as to which came first. Her awareness that all was not right or the two
Riker "boys" coming through the door like an avalanche.
Deanna frowned,
"Kyle…" She began.
"Mmm?"
He was watching the brew.
Suddenly the
kitchen door was flung open with a force that threatened to unhinge it. Deanna
shuddered as the accompanying blast of cold air displaced the warmth of the
kitchen. In the midst of all that rolled in William and Thomas Riker locked in
a wrestling match worthy of any Klingon.
Deanna
immediately jumped off her stool. She had too the two men were rolling her way
and smashing all in their wake.
"Will!
Tom!" Kyle roared to on avail.
The clones
continued to pound each other. With every connecting punch Deanna groaned. Not
only was the physical combat distressful to her but the emotional intensity
between the two men was affecting her. Had she been in the next galaxy she
would have felt it. Being that close was agony.
Finally she
cried out. "Stop!" She slumped to the floor and whimpered under the
emotional strain "Oh God, please stop!"
The whimper pierced
through. The two stumbled to her side.
"Deanna!
Honey… Talk to me!" Will held her.
"As usual a
reaction and not action." Tom scorned.
Will glared at
his brother. "Don’t start."
"Start? We
never stopped." Tom growled.
Deanna pulled
away from Will. "Will you two please stop this!" She exclaimed as she
went to get a towel to clean up Will's bloody nose.
"Ow!"
Will screamed as she tried to help.
"Serves you
right for trying to fight with your brother!" She scolded. "Kyle, do
you have any ice for Tom's eye?"
"Yeah,
sure. I'll go get him some."
"Don't
bother. I'm leaving." Tom said curtly.
"Leaving
where?" Kyle asked with concern.
"I don't
know and I don't care. Anywhere he is not, that's for sure! At least until he
leaves."
"Tom!"
Deanna said.
"I can't
stay here with him! That back stabbin' son of a…"
"Thomas!"
Kyle scolded.
"I hardly
stabbed you in the back!"
"Yeah,
right. Thinking with something other than your mind, too." Tom added
slamming the door hard as he walked out the door.
Kyle and Deanna
were stunned by his reaction. They stood there and stared at the door for a
brief moment.
"I've never
seen him like this." Deanna stated.
"You've
hardly seen him." Will replied.
"Honestly,
I don't think I've seen him like this either, Deanna." Kyle said.
"I think
he's being a typical Riker. A real jerk." Will implied.
"Well, I'm
sensing great jealousy."
"Deanna,
tell us something we don't know." Will said hotly.
"Will, you
can't let him leave like this. I would really like to see him at our wedding
and he's your brother. You two need to act like grown men and talk this thing
out somehow."
"Deanna,
the man gave me a bloody nose, back off." Will went into the spare bedroom
that he and Deanna were going to stay in while they were there and slammed the
door.
"They're
acting like real children!" Deanna said in exasperation.
"Deanna,
hopefully they will work it out. It may take years or it may take days, but
they will. Look how long it took Will and me to work out our differences."
"Kyle, I
don't think this will be worked out in a matter of days unless they are both
willing to talk to each other."
Kyle sighed.
"Maybe you're right, Deanna. Maybe you're right. More hot cocoa?"
"Chocolate
does not solve everything. Right now, I'm very concerned about the two of them.
They can't just duke it out like this and then not speak to each other."
"They're
Rikers. They can do anything when it comes to a disagreement."
"Well, I
wish it were over something other than me and not jealousy either." Deanna
said as she sat back down at the table.
"So, how
long are you staying?"
"We thought
we would leave the day after tomorrow." Deanna informed Kyle as he set
another cup of hot cocoa before her. "What's this for?"
"For you. I
know, you said chocolate doesn't solve everything, but I know you, Deanna. You
will find any excuse to eat or drink chocolate and this is as good of an excuse
as any. Two days huh?"
Deanna nodded
her head. "We also want to fly to Betazed and tell my mother. We don't
have a lot of time off, so we're keeping our visit short. The Enterprise will
be meeting us there."
"I see. Not
much time to work things out."
There was a
pregnant pause in their conversation. Both were thinking about everything that
was happening around her.
~*~*~*~*~
On the way to
Betazed, Deanna was regretting her reaction to Tom when she found him at a
local bar. She felt what she said may have been unforgivable.
"Tom,
you're a jealous jerk!"
"Deanna, I
really don't want to hear this right now. I just want to get slouched."
Tom said a few
things in his drunken state. At one point he stood and grabbed her by the wrist
and began saying hurtful things himself to her, everything from being a royal
aristocrat to being a sex-crazed woman who was looking for only one thing.
Everything he
said stung, but she did not back down. She continued telling him how angry she
felt.
"I told
you, I don't want to hear anything you have to say!" He yelled.
"Well,
you're going to hear it anyway! Ever since Will and I got back together you
have been a royal jerk! You make me wish that incident which made two of you
never happened! I just can't stand you! You're not the W. Thomas Riker I knew.
Not even the William T. Riker I knew. You are two different people and one of
you makes me sick! You're nothing but an asshole anymore!" Deanna
immediately left him sitting alone at the bar. She did not speak to him again
after that and did not wish to speak to him.
She sat quietly
in the seat beside Will now. Regretting everything she said to Tom. She did not
really regret the fact that a transporter incident happened which caused Will
to become a twin, instead on being just one Riker. She cared about both of
them.
"You're so
quiet." Will finally said.
"Will, I
said some pretty horrible things to your brother."
"And now
you are regretting saying those things."
She nodded.
"What did
you say to him?"
She broke into
tears as began telling him what she had said Tom. "I feel so awful!"
"It was how
you felt and personally, I think he is being and asshole too."
"Will!"
"Did the
jealous old fool get around to telling you that he is not coming to the
wedding?"
"I didn't
stick around. He was starting to scare me."
"I guess an
angry, jealous, drunken Riker can be pretty scary."
"So, how
did you find out he is not coming?"
"He came by
when I was out getting firewood."
"Oh, so now
the truth comes out. That's how you're eye became a mirror image of Tom's. So,
now you have a swollen lip and a black eye." She said in a sarcastic
manner. "Wonderful! Will, this has to stop! You two can't keep on fighting
this way."
"I know.
Personally, I'm getting really tired of my brother's behavior. I don't care if
he comes or not to our wedding. Especially if he's going to act like a
jerk."
Deanna fell
silent again. She could sense the anger Will had for his brother and thought it
was very sad. Two brothers fighting about a woman was just awful. She could not
stand it, but yet she did not know what to do about it.
She was not
going to cancel the wedding, but yet she wanted the fighting to stop. It was
just ridiculous, in her mind, for them to be fighting like this and it was
ridiculous for Tom to be so mean and hateful.
She had not done
anything to Tom, but yet he was acting like he despised her. Except for insane
jealousy, she had no idea why Tom hated her or why he was hurting his brother
so much. It just was not right.
She let out a
silent sob as a tear rolled down her face. Will put the shuttle on autopilot.
Then he went over to where she sat and knelt down beside her. He pulled her
close to him and hugged her tightly.
"It will be
alright, Imzadi. It really will be. We'll just have to give him some time.
Hopefully, he will come around eventually and come to our wedding anyway."
~*~*~*~*~
As the shuttle
was nearing Betazed, Will and Deanna were again talking about the incident
between Will and Tom. Deanna was very
concerned about the way the two ended it.
"He says he
is never going to step foot on the Enterprise again or in our home." Will informed her.
"Will, you
have to find some way to make amends with him." Deanna encouraged.
"I really would like to see him at our wedding."
He pulled her
closed and hugged her. "I know you would."
~*~*~*~*~
They rounded the
corner and Riker stopped short in shock. There was no other word for it. Just…
shock. The best way he could describe the scene was that of a cattle line,
awaiting auction.
He stared at
Deanna, "What is this?!"
"Immigration."
"I’mm…"
He looked around. The signs said it all.
BETAZED CITIZENS
ROW 1 – 25
FEDERATION
CITIZENS ROW 25 – 50
NON- FEDERATION
CITIZENS ROW 51-75
CREW 76-100
Deanna was
constantly adjusting herself as the stream of passengers passed they by. Riker
was rooted to his spot. "I know dear, as the First Officer of the
Enterprise your probably have never gone through this."
He ripped his
eyes from the horror before him, "…and you have?"
"The first
and last time was when I left for Earth." She explained, "As military
personnel we usually dock else where when Enterprise is on Tour."
"So what
happened to the Fifth House and all that no VIP treatment?"
She signed as
she guided him to the appropriate line. "Mother doesn’t know we are
here."
Suddenly he
grabbed her. "Don’t leave." He was lost in all this.
She smiled at
him. "I won’t. I can just as easily check through Federation Lines as
Betazed Lines."
He relaxed at
her words. This is until they actually faced the Immigration Officer.
The man looked
at the ID and mentally projected, "Ms Trioi, you are Betazoid?"
"Yeees."
She drawled warily and vocally. Immigration Officers were powerful people.
Still he refused
to vocalize and asked "Why are you not in the Betazoid citizens
line?"
This was getting
tedious. This was worse that dealing with her mother, when she decieded not to
speak for all to hear. For the benefit of Will, she spoke out loud. "I am
also a Federation Citizen not mention a Federation Officer with the rank of
Commander, therefore since I am with my fiancé and he not a Betazoid, but
rather a Federation Citizen and Officer I came through the Federation Citizen
line with him so as not become separated."
The answer
seemed to satisfy, but he had one last mental jab for Troi. "That is what
you get when you choose a mate not of Betazoid. You can’t hold a decent
conversation. You have to vocalize." He stamped the papers and turned to
Riker and said. "NEXT!"
~*~*~*~*~
Having finally
got through Immigration, waited for luggage, waited on the long line they now
faced Customs.
Recognizing the
name TROI, Deanna was let through with no problem. Riker on the other hand
faced a different tune.
The questions
flowed…
"Do you
have any Tribbles with you?"
"Would you
like to declare anything, like Romulan Ale, Cardassian Beef?"
"What is
the purpose of your visit here?"
"Do you
have any weapons to declare?"
Finally Deanna
had had enough. "ENOUGH" she flashed at the Officer so strongly that
even non telepaths in the room heard. "He is with me and is the First
Officer of the Federation Starship Enterprise. Not to mention a guest of
Lwananna Troi, Daughter of the Fifth House."
All Riker saw
was the glare. He’d never seen Deanna that angry before.
~*~*~*~*~
Finally later
they emerged. As Deanna hailed a transport he grumbled.
"I can’t
believe they lost our luggage too!"
~*~*~*~*~
Deanna and Will
were now on Betazed. They were sitting on the veranda with Lwaxana enjoying a
midday tea and had just finished telling Lwaxana about their wedding plans.
"Oh, how
wonderful!" Lwaxana
exclaimed. "It's about time you
two got married! Oh Mr. Homn! Mr. Homn!
I have wonderful news for you!"
Mr. Homn walked
out on the veranda and made a slight bow in greeting to her. She told him of the wonderful news and Mr
Homn smiled. He offered Deanna a hug to
congratulate her. A first to see him
do.
"Oh, we
must start making plans now!"
Lwaxana continues in excitement.
"We need lots of flowers, cake, and oh yes! The minister! Can't forget that. Mr
Homn, see if Farrenge is busy in the near future. If so, have him clear his schedule. He just has to do Deanna's wedding service." Lwaxana was hurriedly walking and thinking
at the same time.
"Mother."
"Now that
we have the priest, we need someone to cater the affair and do the
flowers."
"Mother!"
"Oh, yes,
Dear. What is it?"
"We haven't
decided on a date yet. We need to
decide that first and besides, we thought we would have a wedding on Earth as
well as Betazed."
"Two
weddings?"
"Yes."
"Why? You must have a traditional wedding, not
some pagan wedding."
"Traditional
on whose planet, Mother?"
"Pagan?" Will questioned as though he were insulted.
"Oh, don't
look so surprised, Will." Lwaxana
scolded. "You know how I feel
about Earth religions and rituals. They
are very pagan including their ceremonies, especially wedding ceremonies. Whoever heard of wearing clothes at a
wedding ceremony? Honestly! Because of Humans we have had to change
things to accommodate those who are uncomfortable in removing their clothing in
public. So, now it's come as you
feel. Humans have no trust of each
other, while Betazoids can conduct a beautiful service in the nude with no
worries about others. It's completely
open and trusting, just as marriage should be."
"Mrs.
Troi. That's not what I meant." Will stated.
"Oh, I knew
what you meant." She replied.
ALASKA
THREE MONTHS
LATER
"Oh, I knew
what you meant." The words of
three months before echoed in Lwaxana’s head.
"I heard
that mother." Deanna telepathed to the older Troi.
Lwaxana frowned. It had been three months of pure
frustration. She’d married a human,
lived with him and loved him dearly and deeply. But NEVER, NEVER had she realized just how frustrating the
species could be. Til now
There were all
that planning!!! On Betazed all one
really did was inform the Head of the House in this case the Fifth and after
that show up. Naked at that too!
Not these
humans. They had to take a life time to
pick the venue another for the guest list and as for the food and flowers.
PAGAN.
That is what it
was PAGAN and she stood by that judgment.
"Mother!"
Deanna vocalized.
"Well it
is." Lwaxana spoke.
"Mother."
Deanna’s voice was softer causing her scowling parent to look up. The scowled morphed instantly into a grin of
pure pride.
Deanna stood
before her mother in full marital regalia.
"Oh Little
One." Lwaxana teared up.
Deanna was
concerned. "Mother are you
alright?"
Lwaxana nodded.
"You are so beautiful and I just wish that your father could see
you." Then the Daughter of the Fifth
House emerged. "Riker had better treat you well…"
The daughter of
the daughter cut her across. "He
has and he will." She smiled.
"Are you ready to escort your daughter down the aisle?"
~*~*~*~*~
Lwaxana knew
that short of her first grandchild there would be no prouder moment than that
of Mother Giver. Now that it was all
over she sat content to list to Jean Luc offer his speech.
"Duty…"
The speaker paused dramatically.
"A Starship
Captain's life is filled with solemn duty. I have commanded men in battle. I
have negotiated peace treaties between implacable enemies. I have represented
the Federation in first contact with twenty-seven alien species. But none of this compares to my solemn duty
as… Best man." Picard was cut off
by the uproarious laughter of the friends of Will and Deanna who were in
attendance for their wedding.
~*~*~*~*~
"I can't do
that!"
"Why
not? You're involved with the Romulans,
Tom. You can surely smuggle in a couple
of cases of Romulan Ale for oh, say, Ten kilos of gold pressed
Latinum." Quark was trying to make
a deal with Thomas Riker. One that he
thought would bring in a lot of money if he were the first to sell Romulan Ale
at his establishment.
"Its
illegal for starters!" Tom
replied.
"That never
stopped you before." Quark
replied. "First the Maquis and
now smuggling. This could turn out to
be a great money making deal!"
"QUARK!" Came Odo's voice. "What are you up to?"
"Nothing! I assure you." Quark squirmed. "Just making chit chat with the customers."
"That
better be all you are doing or I'll have this place closed down faster than you
can turn a profit."
"That won't
be necessary, Sir." Quark informed
him.
"And you,
Sir. Don't I know you?" Odo asked.
"No,
Sir. I don't believe we met."
"Aren't you
Commander Riker?"
"No,
Sir. Actually, he made captain
recently. I'm his brother Tom."
"Oh,
yes. You must be his twin." Odo stated.
"I guess
you could say that."
"Well, I do
hope this man is not bothering you."
"Oh,
no. As a matter of fact, Odo was just
telling me someone had let a duck loose in his establishment."
"Oh,
yes. The great 'Quack at Quark's'
story." Odo replied
sarcastically. "I do hope he is
finally getting a laugh out it.
Everyone else is."
"Did you
ever figure out who did it?" Tom
asked.
"No, but I
guess its just as well." Then Odo
looked at Quark. "It put him in
his place for a while. Only he couldn't
stop complaining about how much profit he was loosing."
"Well, I
still say I know who did it, but you won't listen to me." Quark said bitterly.
"Well,
goody for them. They get away scott
free and you are at a loss." Odo
said sarcastically. "Now, you just
watch your step or I won't close you down temporarily like the duck person
did. I'll close you down
permanently."
Odo walked off
and Quark mumbles, "I bet you
would to, you sorry excuse for a humanoid."
"Quark." Tom tried to get his attention. "If I do this, how much will you pay
me."
"Thomas
Riker!" A familiar voice called
out.
"I've heard
that voice before." Tom mumbled,
then turn towards the voice. "Mrs.
Troi, this is a surprise."
"I bet it
is! Who do you think you are not coming
to the wedding of the century!"
Lwaxana chided.
"Now it
looks like it’s your turn." Quark
whispered to Tom. "If you don't
mind, I'm going to attend to my customers."
"Oh, and
leave me alone with her?" Tom
whined as Quark walked away.
"I heard
that!" Lwaxana continued to
scold. "You still haven't told me
why you missed Will and Deanna's wedding.
He's your brother you know."
"Who
married the woman I love and wanted first!"
"You don't
know that. You were separated by that
weird thing-a-ma-jiggy. What was it
called?"
"A
transporter malfunction."
"Oh,
yes. That was it. You really shouldn't be fighting with him on
such a joyous occasion. It was a
beautiful wedding, too."
"I'm sure
it was. Now if you don't mind, Mrs.
Troi, I have things to do."
"Like
what? Sit here and get drunk, like you
usually do?"
"I have sat
at other places." Tom replied.
"Be that as
it may, you need to make amends with your brother."
"I'm not
stepping one foot on the Titan."
Tom said. "Bar keep. I'll have another shot of whiskey. Oh, hell.
Just bring me the bottle."
"Coming
right up and don't call me bar keep!"
Quark replied. "Its a
better establishment than that."
"What ever
happen to the customer is always right?"
Tom asked.
"It went
out with the Rules of Acquisition."
Quark smarted.
"Really! Don't bring him that! He doesn't need it!" Lwaxana informed Quark.
"Really? And are you paying me to keep the bottle
from him?"
"Why should
I?" Lwaxana smarted.
"Good! Because I never do business with women
anyway." Quark stated. "They should be at home and naked. Keeps them in their place!"
"Really!" Lwaxana was now insulted. She leaned over the bar and grabbed him by
the collar. "I'll have you know,
you toad face Ferengi!"
"Madame,
please!" Quark squirmed.
"I am the
daughter of the fifth house of Betazed!
Holder."
"Let him
go, Lwaxana!" Odo walked back into
the bar.
"He
insulted me!" She informed Odo.
"I'm not
surprised. What else is new?" Odo said disgruntled.
Tom just sat and
drunk his drink. Ignoring all that had
happened. "Don't look at me. I'm just sitting here, minding my own
business."
"Yes. I can see that." Odo replied.
"Aren't you
going to do something about this, this frog!" Lwaxana asked.
"Yes. In due time." Odo said flatly.
"Quark, you can't run a business by insulting the customers."
"She's a
woman."
"So, that
shouldn't make a difference if you want money." Odo replied.
"The ninety-fourth rule of
acquisition states Females and finances don't mix. In this case, she was taking a customer from me."
"I'm sure
she had her reason. Still that's no
reason to insult her."
"Well, you
know as well as I do she gets on people's nerves." Quark tried to defend himself.
"I do
not!" Lwaxana exclaimed.
"Quark! You can stop now or I'll have to close you
down!" Odo threatened.
"OK, but
only if you remove her from the premises."
"For
now." Odo agreed. "Let's go, Lwaxana. I'm sure we can find a higher class of
people around here some where."
"Well, I
never!" Lwaxana stated.
"Yes,
you're probably right." Odo
agreed.
"I'll be back
and you better be sober, Thomas!"
~*~*~*~*~
"Lwaxana, I
hate to say this, but Captain Sisko is wanting to talk to you." Odo
informed her as he escorted her out of the Promenade.
"What
for?" Lwaxana asked suspiciously.
"He seems
to have a problem with you harassing customers. Last time you were here you
were giving everyone problems."
"I was
not!" Lwaxana stated indignantly. "I was only performing my
ambassadorial duties."
"Yes, so
you have said."
Lwaxana pulled
away from Odo's grasp. "Odo, I see no reason why you should be escorting
me to see Captain Sego as though I were a common criminal!"
"Yes."
He replied in a frustrated manner. "And it's Sisko."
"Whatever."
She said. She pulled away from him as he tried to grab her by the wrist again.
"Unhand me! I can walk to his office by myself! I've been there enough
times, that I know where it is!"
She proceeded to
Sisko's office. "Honestly, Odo, I don't see why you are treating me this
way!"
"Oh, I
don't know." He replied. "You insult Quark, bothered his customer,
and made your presence well known in the Promenade."
"Really!
That customer is a relative of mine! I wasn't doing anything a well meaning
relative would not have done."
"I
see." Odo replied with no further comment.
They arrived at
Sisko's office door and Odo rang the chime. "Come in." Sisko said
while he was seated at his desk looking out into space. He turned his chair
around as they entered.
"Mrs. Troi,
have a seat."
"I'd rather
stand." She stated defiantly.
Sisko shrugged.
"Suit yourself. Mrs. Troi, why are you bothering guests in the
Promenade?"
"He was not
just any guest, he is a relative of mine."
Sisko nodded.
"Yes, Captain Riker's twin so to speak."
"You could
say that."
"So, why
the scene?"
"Well, one,
that troll was bothering me and two, Thomas has been estranged from my
son-in-law and daughter for almost a year now.
I haven't seen him in ages. I
think I have every right to be upset that he has not even spoken to me since
gods know when."
"Mrs. Troi,
I don't have to tell you what could happen if you cause an interstellar
incident."
"Oh,
please!" She said brushing his
comment aside. "Quack would never
press charges against me, because he is a two face toad face troll and he knows
it!"
"Mrs. Troi!" Sisko tried to use his most threatening
voice.
"Oh
alright. I'll try to be nicer to the
troll."
"Starting
with calling him Quark." Odo
ordered.
"Quark?" Lwaxana asked trying to sound naive about
the Ferengi's true name.
"Lwaxana!"
"Alright. Quack, ah Quark it is."
"Now." Sisko began. "If you can restrain yourself, you may enjoy our space
station like any other guest. If not,
we will have to make you stay in your quarters for your safety until the next
Federation ship heading for Betazed arrives.
Is that clear?"
"You are
telling a daughter of the Fifth House how to conduct herself?"
"I
am." Sisko nodded and his features
were starting to take on an ominous tone.
"You, you
can't do that!" Lwaxana tried to
get a hold of herself. She could sense
he was dead serious. "I am Lwaxana
Troi. Daughter of the Fifth House of
Betazed!"
"Yeah,
yeah." Sisko waved her off as she
continued.
"Holder of
the Sacred Chalice of Riix."
"Odo, take
her out here."
"Heir to
the Holy Rings of Betazed!" She
said louder as Odo guided her out of Sisko's office.
"Yes, we
know the spiel, Lwaxana. You can stop
now. He's quit listening." Odo informed her.
"How dare
he!"
"He
dares."
"Odo." Lwaxana's featured softened so much that she
looked as if she could cry. "Am I
an ogress?"
Even his feature
almost softened when he heard her questions and the tone of her voice. "No, not an ogress."
"Then why
are Captains so cold to me?"
"Maybe
overbearing at times."
"Overbearing?"
"Well, that
might not be quite the right word, but you are not an ogress."
She patted him
on his shoulder. "Thank you,
Odo. You have been a big help."
She started to
walk away from Odo.
"Lwaxana?"
She turned
around. "I know I probably
shouldn't ask this, but could we have dinner together tonight?"
"Oh,
Odo." She said cheerfully. "Now that's the Odo I have come to
love. See? I don't care what anyone says.
You do have a soft side to you."
"Yes. Well, don't tell anyone."
"Don't
worry. Your secret is safe with
me."
"So, is
that supposed to be a yes?" He
asked.
"Of
course. How about 1800 hours. You can pick me up at my quarters."
"I'll be
there."
Lwaxana left Odo
to return to her quarters, or at least that was what she tried to appear to be doing.
~*~*~*~*~
Quark’s place
had four aspects to it… Number one was the bar – a place to drink and be merry
or drink and drown your sorrows. He
didn’t care as long as you ordered and paid for drinks. Number two was the dabo table. Play and loose money that was Quark’s aim
for his patrons. Three was the holo
suites. As long as you paid what you
did up there was up to you. Finally there
was the dining area, the one place that had a slight sheen of
respectability. Federation and Civilian
patronized it for the chef was good.
Quark didn’t care as long as you paid.
This evening Odo
escorted Lwaxana to the dining area of Quark’s place.
“I’m still mad
at you.” She informed her escort.
“Uh huh.” Odo
read the menu.
Lwaxana studied
her surrounds and spotted the start of trouble. She grimaced.
“I saw
that.” Odo still studied the menu.
She snapped up
hers. “I’ll have the Baron Rothschild
2020.”
That got Odo’s
at tension. “2020?”
“2020.” She was
emphatic. “I’ll pay if it’s too much.”
“It is too much
– but I will pay.”
“HA!” She
grinned at him.
Odo returned to
the menu, wondering why oh why had he not just stayed in his office and ordered
Bejoran take away. Ah well so much for
what may have been. He griped the menu
for dear life and prepared to face the evening with this formidable woman.
The wine
arrived. “Are you going to stare at
that menu all night?” She sipped the
wine and instantly cried out. “By
thunder! What is this swill?!”
Odo dropped the
menu and attempted to silence her. “Lwaxana, please!” He whispered as the other
patrons turned towards their table.
“Then you try
this and tell me that this is Baron Rothschild 2020.” She hissed.
He did but his
reaction was different. This was
Romulan Ale. Banned Romulan Ale. Some
how Quark not only had the contraband but it had got mixed up with the regular
vintage. He hailed the waiter.
Once before them
Odo gave instructions. “This wine is
bad. Please bring another bottle.”
“Sorry sir,
madam.” The waiter scuttled away to
make things right.
For the rest of
the dinner, Odo barely heard a word that his date said. Located where they were
he could see Riker but the man could not see him. And what Odo saw had him preoccupied not only with the Romulan
Ale that had come his way, but also with the manner that Tom Riker, Quark and
that Romulan were in a constant tet-a-tet.
He was sure that they were up to no good. At first Odo had assumed that the pointed ears meant Vulcan but
with Ale popping up like that he was convinced that the man was Romulan.
He needed to end
this dinner and go investigate those three.
Something was happening tonight.
~*~*~*~*~
Odo had taken on a human appearance and by
and large he emulated the human condition fairly well. There were moments, however when his attempts
to act human failed. Tonight was one
such time. He’d ended his dinner ‘date’
with the formidable Mrs. Troi, escorted her to her quarters in record time and
was off in search of Quark.
Odo
had no brain to read, Lwaxana, however didn’t need a mind. Odo was up to
something and she Lwaxana Troi, Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed, Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Riix, Heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed was not one to be just
brushed aside no matter what the reason.
She resolved to find out what was suddenly so important!
No
sooner had Odo delivered her to her quarters, than she was out again.
She
followed him at a discrete distance, thorough the promenade deck, past docking
bay after docking bay, winding through passage after passage and finally she
was lost. She couldn’t afford to lose
sight of Odo now.
Odo
for his part had headed for Quark’s Bar but had spotted him and Tom leaving so
he just walked by and followed them. So
intent was he at following them that he never noticed that he too was being
followed.
Tom
and Quark led the ‘audience’ to a remote cargo bay. Bay 101 a place hardly used even during the War with Cardassia or
with the Dominion, making it perfect for what they had in mind.
The
Romulan stepped forward. “You have the
Ladinum?”
“You
have the Ale?” Tom echoed the tone.
The
Romulan placed a bottle on the crate between them. “A sample.”
As
Quark reached for the bottle it began to glow then grow and finally it morphed
into Odo.
“I
hate when he does that.” Quark confessed.
“Quark
you and your colleagues are under arrest.” Odo announced.
“By
you and which army?” Tom challenged.
The
Romulan has been stepping away. Odo
eventually noticed. “Not so fast.” He
prepared to reach for his prisoner. The
man shot and every one scattered for cover.
Quark
for all his bravado was not armed and was content to cower in a corner. Tom on the other hand was a former Maquis
and was always prepared. Odo was
Station Security, he had to be armed and so a three way shooting range emerged.
The
Romulan began to make his way towards an exit that went past Tom. Lwaxana spotted him and shouted “TOM LOOK
OUT!”
The
fact that there was someone else there was matched by the horror that the
witness was a woman. The fact that it
was Lwaxana Troi was too much for the men to absorb.
The
Romulan trained his weapon on her. Tom
spotted the action and stepped between them.
Odo also say the action and he aimed at the Romulan. They both fired at the same time.
~*~*~*~*~
“Captain!
We have weapons fire in…” Kira paused she couldn’t believe what she was
reading. “… in cargo bay 101.”
Sisko
did a double take. “Did you say 101?”
“I
did.”
He
sighed. “Take a team down there and find out what’s happening.”
“Aye
sir.” She tapped her communication to
call on the Constabulary as she headed for the elevator and was gone.
~*~*~*~*~
Will and Deanna had gotten word that Tom had been fatally
wounded. They had also received brief
details on how he was wounded. They had
the Titan change coordinates and headed straight for DS9.
They were currently docking at the
station and ready to disembark from the Titan.
Lwaxana greeted them at the docking gate.
"Mother, are you alright?" Deanna asked.
"Yes, I'm fine, but I'm afraid Tom
may not be."
"What happened?" Will asked.
"I'm afraid it was my
fault." She replied. "If I hadn't distracted him, maybe he
would not have been hit in his chest.
Doctor Bashir is working hard to save his life, but he is not sure if he
can. I don't know what the extent of
his injuries are."
"Mother, I'm sure you didn’t mean
for him to get hurt. I really don't
think it was you fault." Deanna
replied.
"If he wasn't into something he
shouldn't be into this would not have happened." Will stated.
"He was working with a
Romulan." Lwaxana replied.
"A Romulan?" Deanna asked with disbelief.
"And Quack."
"Quack?" Will asked.
"Don't you mean Quark?"
"Oh, yes. That's it."
Will didn’t look too happy. "Well, let's go to Sickbay and see what
Doctor Bashir has to say about his condition when he's done working on
him."
They left the docking area and headed for
Sickbay. As they walked they continued
to discuss Tom.
"From what I could get from his
mind." Lwaxana began. "He was going to smuggle Romulan Ale
for Quack."
"Romulan Ale?" Deanna's question was more of an exclamation
more than a question; she let the mispronunciation of Quark’s name pass. "That's illegal!"
"Anyway, one of those fake Vulcan's
was going to meeting him in some storage area."
They ignored her fake Vulcan comment.
"Anyway, I followed Odo, trying to
not be spotted and when we reached the storage area, Odo tried to talk to the
fake Vulcan. The man was not about to
talk to him and firing broke out. The
pointed ear creep shot at Odo and Odo transformed. I saw Tom and yelled. He
looked at me and was hit square in the chest." Lwaxana looked as though she could cry. "He could die and it's all my fault! I shouldn't have followed Odo."
"I'm sure it was not all your
fault." Will addressed his
mother-inlaw.
It did not stop the tears that came to
her eyes and she began to weep.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean
for this to happen. I only wanted to
warn him."
"Mother, it's alright. It was an accident."
They finally reached Sickbay and notified
someone that they were there. The Nurse
agreed to let Bashir know they were there the first opportunity she got to tell
him. Bashir was still working on Tom.
Hours seemed to go by before Bashir came
out of the operating theatre. He
approached them immediately.
"It will be a while before he is
conscious." Bashir informed
them. "He'll need his rest, but
I'll let you visit briefly when he comes to."
"How is he?" Will asked with concern.
"I'm afraid, I had to give him an
artificial heart." Bashir informed
them. "His own heart was too badly
damaged from the phaser wound. He'll be
here for a while until he fully recovers.
Then he'll have to go through some rehab also to get back his
strength."
"I see." Will replied. "In the meantime, is there anything we can do to help?"
"Just be there for him as much as
you can." Bashir replied. "When he wakes up, he'll be very
sore."
~*~*~*~*~
Another hour past, as they had to wait
Will took the time to inform their father.
Tom finally woke up from the
surgery. As she had promised the nurse
came out and informed them. "He's
awake now. A bit groggy and weak, but
you can see him for ten minutes."
"Thank you." Will replied.
They went into where Tom was recovering
from surgery. He laid there, half awake
and half asleep.
"Tom?" Deanna tried to get his attention.
"Deanna?" He said breathless and weak.
"Yes and Will and Mother are here
too."
"I'm sorry."
"What the hell were you thinking
trying to pull off an illegal heist and with a Ferengi and Romulan at
that?" Will asked. Anger was in his voice.
"Trying to make a living." He said breathlessly.
"How stupid can you be?" Will asked.
"Will." Deanna began. "I don't think now is the time."
"I'm sorry." Tom said again.
"For what?" Will asked.
"Pulling another stupid stunt?"
"No." Came his airy response.
"For. Our. Last."
"Will, I think we need to let him
rest." Deanna stated.
"No." Tom said. "I. Must.
Say this. Before. I die."
His words were laboured and came with
great effort.
"You aren't going to die." Lwaxana stated. "The doctor expects you to recover."
"I.
Didn't. Mean. To."
Tom continued.
"Oh, let me help." Lwaxana said with what sounded like
frustration. "You need to save
your strength."
Tom would have laughed if he felt better,
but even that took too much effort.
"He wants to make amends with you
two." Lwaxana informed. "He wants to apologize for missing the
wedding and wants to give his blessing to you two."
"Something. Like.
That." He said with great
effort. "Take. Care. Of. Her, Will."
Will was shocked. He did not know how to react or
respond. "I accept your apology
and I will take care of her."
"Thank you." Came his breathy reply.
"Time's up." The nurse said as she poked her head in the
door. "The patient needs his
rest."
Will, Deanna, and Lwaxana nodded.
"I'll see you again, when I
can." Will said. "Do as the doctor says. If I know you, you'll try and get out of
here as fast as you can and before the doctor ok's it."
"I'm. Not. Going.
Anywhere." Tom replied.
The three departing, leaving Tom to rest.
"I guess we'll be here a few
days." Deanna informed her
mother. "What about you?"
"I plan on staying here for a few
more days. I want to see how Tom
does."
"I understand." Will replied.
~*~*~*~*~
It was a week later and Tom Riker was ready
to be transported to the nearest medical star base for rehabilitation. He was on his way to recovery, but still a
little weak.
The Titan was going to transport him to
Medical Star Base Fifty-Four. Will was
a little anxious about transporting his brother, but at the same time he wanted
to spend time catching up on each other’s lives. Somehow, Will had a feeling; Tom's life in the last few months
was very interesting to say the least.
~*~*~*~*~
"No, alcohol or even
synthohol." Doctor Bashir informed
Tom. "You can't afford the effects
on your new heart while you are healing."
"Damn, no whiskey sours?" Tom quipped jovially.
"No." Bashir did not think his question was funny at all. Bashir continued with the orders Tom needed
to follow. "Now, you still need
plenty of rest. No late nights playing
poker."
"Guess you'll miss the weekly poker
game we have." Will teased.
"Don't rub it in." Tom replied.
"I'll send all these instructions
over to the Titan's doctor, plus any follow up you will need." Bashir informed Tom. "You will have to visit the doctor
every day until you reach the Starbase.
After that you will be in their hands."
"Understood." Tom hated to be the center of a doctor's
attention, but he did not have much choice right now.
"Well, you're free to go whenever
the Titan is ready for you."
Bashir told him. "Take care
of yourself and stay out of trouble."
"I always try." Tom replied.
Bashir left Tom, Will, and Deanna
alone. "Tom." Will began.
"I hate to be the barer of bad news, but as soon as it's medically
feesible for you to be placed on trial, you will be tried for your crimes that
have taken place recently. I don't know
where they will take you from the starbase to be tried, but you will go from
there as soon as the doctor clears you."
"I guessed that was the
situation."
"I'm sorry, Tom." Will stated.
"Don't be. It's not your fault."
"No, but our argument was partly my
fault."
"I think we have said everything we
need to say." Tom said. "I just want to thank you for giving me
a ride to the starbase and a second chance as your brother."
"I've given you more chances than
that." Will stated jokingly.
Tom gave a weak laugh and regretted
it. "Oh, don't make me
laugh."
"Let's get out of here." Will suggested. One could hear happiness in his voice. Happiness that his brother was going to be alright. Happiness that they had both finally made
amends and most of all on speaking terms again.
Deanna and Will helped Tom off the bio-bed. Then they beamed over to the Titan's
Sickbay.
When they arrived, Deanna finally spoke
to Tom telepathically. It was just one
sentence, but it spoke volumes to Tom.
"Welcome home, Tom."
~*~ THE END ~*~