Honest Deceptions
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Chapter One:
Deanna Troi felt rage burning a hole in her stomach as tears rolled unchecked down her face. She could feel Will’s blue eyes staring at her intently, his own anger pulsating from him in one hot wave. She could not meet his stare. The betrayal she felt was all consuming, complete.
“How could you? Will, how could you do this to me?”
Deanna winced as Will slammed his fist into the wall. “Deanna, I didn’t do anything! Why can’t you believe me?”
Deanna struggled to control her temper, a losing battle in face of his deception. “You betrayed me! You betrayed our relationship. How can you deny it? How can you stand there and continue to lie to me when you know I have irrefutable proof?”
“I’m not lying!” Will bit out. “Damn it, Deanna, you are an Empath! You are supposed to be able to tell when someone is being dishonest.” Will softened his tone and took a step toward her, imploringly. “Open your mind and your heart, Imzadi. Even without your abilities you should know that I would never cheat on you.”
Deanna wished she could believe him. Truth be told, she could not get a clear reading from him, her own emotions were too overwhelming. “How can I know that Will?” She asked, her voice cold. “It’s not like it would be the first time.”
Deanna thought she saw something vital, something intense flare in his eyes before being consumed by white hot flames. He stared at her for several seconds before turning his back on her. “I was wondering when you would bring that up.” His voice was quiet, too quiet. “Damn you, Deanna Troi! You just cannot let it go, can you? You still haven’t forgiven me for a mistake that happened fifteen years ago!”
“I have forgiven you for Wendy, but it’s amazing how history repeats itself isn’t it? I can’t believe that after all we’ve been through, you still cannot remain faithful. You tell me you love me, ask me to marry you, promise me that things will be different this time. Yet the minute some pretty young thing enters the picture, you can’t stop yourself from falling into bed with her.”
“I did not sleep with her! After all we’ve been through, why can’t you believe me?” Will turned to face her again, his face masked by anger and pain. “That’s it isn’t it? You don’t want to believe me.”
Deanna stared at him in disbelief. “What?”
Will stepped close to her, jabbing his finger at her angrily. “You are so afraid of making a commitment, so afraid of your own feelings, that you are looking for an excuse to justify your insecurities. You refuse to trust me. You take a complete stranger’s word over mine. Of course it has to be true because Will Riker can’t be trusted. Our relationship, what we have become, what we have always been to each other means nothing. You want out and have found the perfect excuse.”
Deanna’s lungs constricted painfully. She could not breath. “That is not true. Will, you know that is not true.”
“Do I? Ask yourself a question, Deanna. Why are you so willing to believe someone you just met a week ago over someone you have known and loved for most of your adult life? For years you have been privy to my every thought, my every emotion, and my every dream. There is nothing you don’t know about me. We are best friends, lovers, Imzadi, and soon to be husband and wife. If you really love me and want to spend the rest of your life with me, how can you stand there and at the first test of trust, completely discount everything you know in your heart?”
Will turned and left Deanna’s quarters, leaving the dark haired Betazoid empty and broken.
Deanna did not move for several seconds. Then, like a puppet with its strings severed, she slumped to the floor, her small frame racked with sobs. She wanted to believe him. She wished with all her heart and soul, her very being, that she could. But how could one discount such overwhelming evidence?
Crying uncontrollably, wondering if she would ever be able to stop, Deanna allowed herself to think back to the horrible day, barely a week ago…
“Lastly, we will be rendezvousing with the USS Cyrus in 12 hours to pick up a Federation envoy. We are to transport her to Paerdonius Prime where she will head peace negotiations between Paerdonius Major and it’s sister moon, Paerdonius Minor.” Jean-Luc Picard glanced around the conference table at curious faces of his Senior staff. “Little is known about these people and their customs, however, we do know that this war between these two moons has been in existence for twenty standard years. As a Protectorate, they have petitioned the Federation for mediation.” The captain turned to the pretty Betazoid on his left. “Counselor Troi, I have volunteered you to help the Ambassador in anyway that becomes necessary. Your skills may be needed. I want you to work with Commander Data to gather as much information as you can on the Paerdonions and this long standing conflict.”
Deanna acknowledged his request with a slight nod. “Aye, Sir.”
“Very well. You are dismissed.”
Deanna remained behind while the rest of the senior staff, excluding Will Riker, slowly left the Conference Room. As soon as the room was empty, she turned to her fiancé with a wry smile. “It looks like I will be tied up for the next dozen or so hours. Rain check on lunch?”
Will moved around the conference table with an answering grin. “On one condition.” He stated, holding out his hand to her.
“What would that be?” She inquired, her voice light and laced with humor. She placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her out of her chair.
“Make sure you take a break from research and have dinner with me tonight.” He kissed her tenderly on the forehead, hugging her against his chest for an all too brief second.
Deanna snuggled against him, enjoying the small amount of personal contact they allowed themselves while on duty. “Is that an order, Commander?” she asked, laughter giving her words a musical quality.
“You better believe it, Counselor.”
“Well, never let it be said that I disobeyed a direct order from a superior officer.”
With a toss of her long black mane, Deanna bounced happily out the door, heading for the ship’s library, where Data was undoubtedly waiting.
The transporter chief looked up as three people entered the room. He nodded a greeting to Picard, Riker and Troi. “Sir, the Cyrus is ready to transport three people over.”
“Three?” Riker questioned with a raised brow.
“Yes, Sir. It seems that Ambassador Rebchek has brought along her son and the child’s nanny.”
Deanna smiled slightly at the discomfort on the Captain’s face. Much to the captain’s relief, unlike the D, the Enterprise-E did not have families aboard. The bachelor was still not comfortable with children.
“Fine. As long as the child does not interfere with her responsibilities. Chief, signal the Cyrus that we are ready to receive the Ambassador.”
Within seconds, shapes began to form on the transporter pad. As the Ambassador and her entourage materialized, Deanna noticed, with some surprise, that the child was barely more than an infant, maybe a year old, and being held by a young woman in civilian clothing.
Sensing a rather baffling emotion, Deanna turned her attention sharply to the Ambassador, as Captain Picard stepped forward to greet the newcomer.
Natalie Rebchek ignored the captain completely. Her eyes were locked on the other male occupant of the room as surprise, then elation echoed in her mind. She uttered a tiny gasp and stumbled off the transporter pad, launching herself at the dumbfounded first officer. “Will Riker! I can’t believe this! I thought I’d never see you again!”
CHAPTER 2:
Flabbergasted, Deanna watched as Will tried to disentangle himself from the woman’s exuberant embrace. “I’m sorry, Ambassador, but do I know you?”
The Ambassador laughed merrily. “Oh, stop teasing, Will. It’s me: Nat. Of course you know me.”
Will backed away. “I don’t know…”
Picard interrupted, seeing the distress on the faces of both his officers. “Ambassador, perhaps we should save the reunion for another time. This is neither the time nor the place.”
Natalie Rebchek stepped away from Will and faced the captain. “My apologies, Sir. I do not usually behave in this manner. I was just surprised to see an old friend. If you could show myself and my companion to our quarters, I would like to freshen up a bit before we get down to business.”
Picard nodded curtly. “Of course. If you would follow me…”
Ambassador Rebchek turned to her companion. “Chloe, come along. It is time for Caleb’s nap.”
The two woman followed the captain out the door. The ambassador looked at Will one last time before exiting. “It is wonderful to see you again, Will. I must say this negotiation is going to be much more interesting than I first thought.”
“Old friend?” Deanna asked, somewhat miffed.
Will looked at Deanna, shell-shocked. “Deanna, I swear I have no idea who that woman is.”
Deanna studied her fiancé silently for a moment. “But she does seem familiar to you, Will. I sense that you know her from somewhere. When she said her name, you felt a slight bit of recognition.”
“I admit that she does look vaguely familiar, but I honestly do not know where from.”
Deanna linked her arm through Will’s and steered him through the door. She tried to laugh it off, although she was disturbed by the woman’s familiarity with Will. “I sure am glad you didn’t forget me as easily as you seem to forget other woman you have encountered in your life.”
“Deanna, that’s not fair. I…”
Deanna laughed. “Forget it, Imzadi. I’m only teasing you. Come on, I believe you owe me dinner.”
“…and so she is meeting us at Starbase 18 next month. I think things are really going to happen for us this time.”
Deanna half-listened to what Geordi Laforge was saying. As happy as she was for the obviously besotted engineer, she could not concentrate on the conversation.
Will, not noticing—or possibly disregarding—Deanna’s preoccupation, slapped his friend on the back heartedly. “Fantastic, Geordi. It’s about time!” He teased with a wink. “Maybe Leah can be your date for our wedding. Right, Deanna?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, Geordi, I’m happy for you. I know you have been waiting patiently for Leah to come around.”
Geordi shrugged, a shadow crossing his handsome face. “Well, it’s been difficult for her. Losing her husband that way was devastating, even though she will be the first to admit their relationship was based more on companionship and compatible career interests than love.”
Deanna started to speak again, to warn Geordi to take things slow, when the door to Ten-Forward opened and Ambassador Rebchek entered.
As Deanna watched, the statuesque redhead surveyed the room. Her gaze fell upon Deanna and her companions. With a smile, she strode purposefully in their direction.
Geordi and Will stood as the woman approached their table. “Ambassador.” Will greeted cautiously, still unnerved by the scene in the transporter room.
Rebchek laughed. “Honestly, Will. We are not on duty, call me Nat.” She gestured to the empty seat between Deanna and Geordi. “May I join you?”
Not waiting for a response, Natalie sat and introduced herself to Laforge. “I must say, Will, I was surprised to find you here.” She pouted slightly. “And I am a bit miffed that you do not remember me.”
Will looked uncomfortable. “Once again, I am sorry…”
Natalie waved a hand in dismissal. “I’m sure if you think about it long enough you will remember. No matter. I actually came over to talk to Counselor Troi, anyway. We can catch up later.”
Not knowing what to say, Will stood up. “Well, I will leave you two alone. Geordi, would you care to join me at the bar?”
Geordi stood up quickly, obviously seeing that his commander needed to get away.
Deanna regarded the Ambassador with curiosity. She desperately wanted to ask the other woman how she knew Will, but decided not to broach the subject. “What did you need to see me for, Ambassador?” She spoke a bit more sharply than was probably prudent, but it irked her to see the woman’s eyes follow Will across the room like a starving puppy.
Natalie finally tore her gaze away from the tall commander and faced Deanna. “Captain Picard advised me that you would be available for consultation on the Paerdonion matter. I thought we could meet at your convenience to discuss the peace initiative.”
Deanna nodded decisively. “Fine. I have cleared some time over the next few days to dedicate to assisting you. I have familiarized myself with the Paerdonions, their customs and the conflict they are currently engaged in. I am unclear yet as to what perpetrated the hostilities. Perhaps we can meet in my office in the morning, say 0900?”
The ambassador did not seem to hear her. “Ambassador?”
Natalie jumped guiltily, forcing her attention back to the discussion. Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment at being caught unawares.
“0900? That would be fine.” He gaze drifted to the bar again. “He is quite handsome, isn’t he? The minute I first saw him I was floored.”
Deanna mentally counted to ten, determined to control her temper. “Who?” she asked testily.
“Commander Riker. I cannot believe he doesn’t remember me, after the glorious days we spent together.”
Deanna took a deep breath. “You and Commander Riker had a relationship?” She was quite proud of the calm she was exhibiting, considering her blood was pounding in her ears.
The annoyingly besotted woman laughed heartedly. “Did we ever!” She leaned closer to Deanna, lowering her voice to a whisper. “I probably should not be telling you this, I mean he is your commanding officer, and I am sure you and he are friends, but the three days I spent with him were the absolute best of my life. He sure is something, isn’t he?”
Deanna’s blood began to boil. “Yeah, he’s something alright.” She said tightly. “When, ah, did you meet the Commander?”
“About eighteen months ago, on Risa.” The woman was completely oblivious to the anger on her companion’s face. “I shouldn’t ask this, but do you know if he is involved with anyone now?”
Deanna had had enough. She stood up abruptly, almost knocking over her chair. From all around the room, heads turned in her direction. Standing at the bar, Will noticed her angry stance and immediately stepped away from the bar, moving in their direction.
Deanna pushed a wall of anger at him through their bond, causing him to stagger backwards in surprise. She looked the ambassador straight in the eye. With deadly calm, she said, “Actually, he is engaged. To me.”
With that, Deanna turned and stomped out of the room. As the door closed behind her, she heard Will frantically calling her name.
Chapter 3:
Will sprinted down the corridor, trying to reach his rapidly retreating fiancée. “Deanna! Wait!” he yelled, earning him a few surprised and curious stares from passing crew members. Will forced himself to lower his pace. The last thing he needed was ship-wide gossip regarding two senior officers and a public tiff. Picard would have a field day with that.
Will caught up to Deanna just as she entered her quarters. He followed her inside, allowing the door to slide shut behind him. Deanna had her back to him and did not acknowledge his presence for several long minutes. Will could tell by the stiff set of her shoulders that she was very, very angry.
Finally he could not bear the silence any longer. “Deanna, what happened?”
Deanna whirled around in a huff, shooting daggers from her obsidian eyes. “You slept with her!”
Will gawked. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me! You had an affair with Ambassador Rebchek. After we were a couple again!”
Will shook his head, trying to make sense of what she was saying. “I did not! Deanna, I told you I have no idea who that woman is, other than the fact that she is a Federation Envoy.”
Deanna stared at him in silence. She wanted to believe him. She could sense that he really did not recognize the Ambassador. But…
“Let me refresh your memory a little.” Her voice was cold, her face etched in granite. “Risa, 18 months ago. You were there for five days before I was able to join you.”
Deanna watched with a sinking heart as recognition shone from Will’s eyes. Her breath lurched painfully, burning her lungs. “I see you do remember now.”
Will shook his head again in denial. “No, Deanna. You don’t see. Yes, I remember her now. She was on Risa the same time I was. I met her on the beach and we began talking. She said she was waiting for someone. We talked for a while and shared a drink. That is all. I swear.” Will stepped to her side and placed his hand gently aside her face, rubbing his fingers softly against the base of her neck. “You know I would never do that to you.”
Deanna stared into his blue eyes as tears rolled down her face. She wanted to believe him, he seemed so sincere. She wished, not for the first time, that she could get a better reading of his emotions. However, her Empathic sense had always been somewhat unreliable when it came to Will, especially if her own emotions were in turmoil. But how could she believe a woman she just met over her Imzadi? She knew him so well.
“Why would she claim that she had an affair with you?” Deanna heard herself asking and realized that she did believe him.
Will wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair. “I don’t know. But I intend to find out. What exactly did she say?”
Deanna repeated the conversation word for word. “She seemed sincere. She seemed genuinely surprised that you and I were involved.”
“You were pretty livid. Maybe your anger was blocking you from getting a true sense of her motives?”
Deanna pulled him to the couch and sat down, snuggling against him. “I don’t know, Will. What possible motive could she have for lying?”
“I’m trying to remember everything we talked about on Risa. She said that she was waiting for someone and that she was afraid he would not show up. She seemed very sad. That’s why I continued to talk to her, and why I bought her a drink. I’m sorry I did not mention it to you. It just wasn’t a big deal.”
Deanna shrugged against his shoulder. “That’s not important. I’m meeting with her in the morning regarding the peace conference. I just hope I can work with her without clawing her eyes out.”
Will chuckled. “I have the utmost faith in you, Imzadi. You will handle yourself with your usual amount of decorum.”
“I don’t know about that, Will. She claims to have intimate knowledge of my man. I cannot be held responsible for my possible actions.”
Will tilted her head up and kissed her gently. “I promise to speak on your behalf at the Court Martial.”
Will left Deanna’s quarters a short while later, claiming he needed to check in on the bridge before retiring for the night. The truth was he wanted to speak to Natalie Rebchek himself.
She opened her door almost immediately after he rang the bell, as though she had been waiting for him.
She greeted him with a smile and very little clothing. “It’s a little late for visitors, Will, but come on in. I can’t say that I’m surprised to see you.”
“Ambassador, we need to talk…”Will began as he followed her inside. He was prevented from finishing his sentence when she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.
Will shoved her away forcefully. “Look I don’t know what kind of game you are playing, but it stops right now!” Will looked at her with disgust. “How dare you tell my fiancée that we were intimate on Risa!”
“I’m sorry, Will, I did not know she was your fiancée. You never mentioned being engaged.”
Will shoved his fingers through his hair in agitation. “We weren’t engaged at the time, but that is of no consequence. I did not mention Deanna to you because there was no reason to. Nothing happened between us. We had one conversation and a drink.”
Natalie pouted. “You can deny it all you want to her if it makes you feel better, but don’t bother denying it to me. I was there. I know what happened. I remember every detail of our time together, down to the mole right above your left cheek. And I don’t mean the one on your face.”
Will stared at her in shock. There was no way she could possibly know something like that. “Nothing happened! I don’t know what you are up to, or how you found your information, but I have had enough of this nonsense. Tomorrow you are going to tell Deanna the truth, then you are going to request another liaison for the peace conference. I will not subject Deanna to your lies!”
Where as by this time Will was yelling, Natalie was completely calm. “A drink? Is that what you told her? I bet she believed you. I wonder what she would say if I showed her my proof?”
“What proof?” Will yelled.
“Be quiet!” Natalie demanded. “You will wake my son. Or should I say your son?”
CHAPTER
4:
The door chime rang at precisely 0900.
“
“
The Ambassador took a step back, surprised at the venom in
“Before
or after he was in my room?”
“Getting scared, Counselor?”
“GET OUT OF MY OFFICE!”
With a satisfied smile, The
second the door slid shut behind Despite
the confident words she had hurled at Rebchek, While
Will Riker stood outside
“This is ludicrous!” He
chided himself mentally.
~I agree. ~ he heard in his head.
~You might as well come in, Will.
I knew you were there the moment you approached. ~
A second later, the door slid open and
He rounded her desk and leaned over, placing a gently kiss on her brow.
She instinctively leaned into him, resting her head against his torso.
He stroked her hair softly. “Rough
morning?”
Despite her earlier conflux of emotions,
“Very rough. My meeting
with the wolf in bitch’s clothing did not go well.”
They sat that way for a long time, not speaking, just being there.
They both needed the comfort of the closeness that had taken years to
cultivate.
When
“Don’t get too cocky,
“And
“You were right. He is a
conceited idiot. Actually,
“Just be careful, Nat. We
have come too far to blow it now. Our
entire future depends on your success.”
CHAPTER 5:
Deanna dragged herself into her quarters and collapsed onto the plush sofa. With a weary sigh, she closed her eyes. The last five days had been exhausting to say the least. Deanna was immensely relieved that the peace conference was over.
The better part of a week had passed since her confrontation with Natalie Rebchek and the subsequent conversation with Will in her office. By mutual agreement, they had decided that for the sake of the peace conference, they would put the question of Caleb’s paternity on hold.
Unfortunately, that decision left a strain on their relationship. Deanna struggled to hold on to her trust in Will, but it became increasingly difficult as the conference proceeded.
Will’s refusal to discuss the situation, even in private, was wrecking havoc with Deanna’s emotions. While she could understand his reluctance, it did not make it any easier for her to continue to believe him.
Especially considering that Natalie had no such compunction. She used every opportunity to make snide comments and veiled references to her “relationship” with Will. The woman could not go an hour without saying something personal and completely inappropriate to the matter at hand.
To make matters worse, the woman was completely incompetent. How she ever became a representative of the Federation, Deanna could not fathom. Rebchek did not know the first thing about mediating a peace initiative. Deanna was appalled at her lack of diplomacy and professionalism. The woman had bungled the initial meeting between the two parties so severely, if it weren’t for Deanna’s presence, the representatives would have killed Rebchek first, then each other.
When Deanna tried to explain the situation to Picard and Riker, the ambassador had turned the facts around, suggesting that Deanna had a personal vendetta against her. By “delicately” bringing up their personal conflict (“I believe that Counselor Troi is making more of this than is necessary. I’m afraid her personal feelings have clouded her objectivity.”), Ambassador Rebchek made herself look completely innocent, while painting Deanna as vindictive and childish.
Fortunately, Captain Picard backed Deanna up, tactfully suggesting that Ambassador Rebchek was mistaken, Deanna would never allow personal feelings to enter into the equation.
Although the captain obviously trusted Deanna’s ability to separate her emotions from the proceedings, Will obviously did not. Later that evening, while they dined in his quarters, he had the nerve to suggest that Ambassador Rebchek could partially be correct. (“You must admit that this whole thing has got you out of sorts. Maybe you are reading too much into this because you want to believe she cannot handle the job.”)
His thoughtless words led to a heated argument that ended in Deanna storming out of his quarters, more angry at him than she could ever remember being. They had not spoken since.
As for the peace conference, things seemed to go from bad to worse. Deanna found herself having to essentially take over as Mediator. Rebchek stopped trying to even give the impression of caring about the talks.
Amazingly enough, despite Natalie’s incompetence and obvious lack of concern, the conference ended successfully. Deanna, through her superb diplomatic skills and gentle demeanor, had managed to talk the representatives into agreeing to terms that would be satisfactory and beneficial to both parties.
Plus, to Deanna’s personal satisfaction, Natalie’s behavior had not gone unnoticed by Captain Picard. He placed an official reprimand in her file and contacted the Federation Council, suggesting in no uncertain terms, that the woman’s status as Envoy be rethought.
Despite her gladness that the grueling conference had ended, Deanna nevertheless could not help feeling trepidation. She no longer had any excuse to avoid the question of Caleb. She wholeheartedly wanted to believe in Will’s innocence, but how could she deny her empathic sense? Her mental abilities told her that Natalie seemed to be telling the truth. Of course, Will fervently, vehemently insisted that he was telling the truth. How could they both be telling the truth? One of them had to be lying.
Deanna groaned when she heard the door chime. She focused her thoughts, concentrating on the presence she felt outside the door. With a sigh of relief, she sat up. “Come in, Doctor.”
Beverly Crusher entered the room. The pretty CMO eyed Deanna cautiously. “Hi, Deanna. Have I come at a bad time?”
Deanna snorted. “Right now, Beverly, anytime is a bad time. But have a seat anyway.”
Beverly crossed the room and sat opposite Deanna. “Want to talk about it?”
Deanna smiled wanly, grateful for the comforting presence of the doctor. Next to Will, Beverly Crusher was the person that Deanna was closest to, on and off the Enterprise.
“This is a switch,” she said with a rueful attempt at humor. “That’s usually my line.”
Beverly smiled gently at her friend. “Let me be the counselor for a while. You look like hell.”
“Great bedside manner you have there, Beverly.” Deanna teased, trying to be cheerful.
Beverly gave her a sharp look. “Don’t Deanna. You don’t have to put on a brave front with me. I can see that you are hurting. I saw Will earlier, he does not look much better.”
Tears welled in Deanna’s eyes. “I wish I could see him. We have not seen each other or spoken in anything than a professional manner in days.”
Beverly moved over to sit beside Deanna, putting her arm around her friend. “Deanna, what happened?”
Crying softly, her head upon the redhead’s shoulder, Deanna poured the entire story out. Beginning with the day Rebchek stepped off the transporter and ending with the argument of four nights ago.
Beverly patted Deanna’s back as she cried. “Oh, Deanna, I’m so sorry. But I don’t quite understand. They can’t both be telling the truth. Why can’t you sense it?”
“Beverly, I can feel Will’s presence no matter where he is on the ship, as clearly as though he were sitting right next to me. Under normal circumstances, I can feel his every emotion, can speak to him telepathically, and know his every thought. Will learned to block me out years ago, when we were just friends. Although we weren’t romantically involved, we were still bound together. Blocking me was the easiest way for Will to handle our bond. It’s because of that bond that I cannot read him clearly now. My own emotions are so jumbled, that I can’t tell if he is telling me the whole truth, or if he is blocking me. I have to rely on the facts at hand and the damning knowledge that Natalie Rebchek does not seem to be lying. As far as Will is concerned, I have to go on blind faith, and I’m not sure I can do that. Not with Rebchek being so adamant.”
“But you said she is hiding something.”
Deanna shrugged. “I sense that she is hiding something, but unless she is a very practiced liar and skilled at blocking empathic abilities, I can’t honestly discount what she claims. Even though it doesn’t feel right.”
Beverly shook her head. “I just can’t imagine Will cheating on you. He loves you so much.”
“I really want to believe that, Beverly.”
The women fell silent for a moment, pondering the situation. After a while, Beverly spoke. “I have an idea, but you may not like it.”
“What’s that?”
Beverly took a deep breath. “We are headed to the Crominon sector to deliver supplies and have some maintenance done on the warp nacelles. We are dropping the Ambassador off there. I suggest that before we get there, I be allowed to run a DNA test on the child.”
“I don’t know that she will allow that, but…”
“At least that will give us a definite answer.”
Deanna closed her eyes. “That’s what I am afraid of.” She whispered hoarsely.
Deanna watched nervously as Beverly extracted a small sample of blood from Will. She would then run a complete DNA analysis on it and the sample that she had taken from Caleb earlier in the day. Contrary to Deanna’s earlier statement, Natalie had been more than willing, even eager to run the tests. That did not make Deanna feel any better.
Deanna looked Will over with longing. She missed him. It felt like an eternity since she had last touched him. The need to hold him, the need to be held was overwhelming in its intensity.
Deanna was not sure what would happen after the results were back. Regardless of the outcome, she was not feeling too confident in her relationship with Will. He refused to even look at her. He had reacted so angrily to the suggestion of a DNA test. He wanted Deanna to believe him because she believed in him, not because of medical science.
“There,” Beverly said, interrupting Deanna’s reverie. “Why don’t the two of you wait in my office? DNA sequencing is a slow process, but it should not take much more than an hour.”
Deanna and Will sat in Beverly’s office, neither of them speaking. The thick tension between them made the wait drag on endlessly.
“Will,” Deanna tried, timidly. She could not stand the silence anymore. “I want you to know that there is a very large part of me that wants to believe you, no questions asked.”
Will’s cold expression did not waver. “Then why can’t you?”
“I’m trying to, but I have to know. If for no other reason then to throw it back in her face, and force her to admit that she is wrong. But Will she truly does believe what she is saying.”
“Deanna, I’m asking you to trust me, regardless. I’m asking you to walk out this door with me right now and forget the testing.”
“I can’t, Will. You know that.”
Will’s eyes flashed angrily. “Fine. If this is what it takes for you to believe me, then we’ll wait. I know the tests are going to be negative. So we wait her and prove her wrong.”
They fell silent again, neither willing to give the comfort and reassurance that the other needed.
Finally, Beverly stepped into her office and closed the door behind her. She said nothing until she was seated behind her desk.
“Come on, Beverly. Tell Deanna that the results prove I’m not the father.” Will demanded.
Beverly looked miserable, perplexed and angry all at the same time. “I’m sorry, Will. Caleb’s DNA pattern shows a definite match with yours. You are the father.”
CHAPTER 6:
Will Riker stared broodingly into his glass of synthehol. Anger radiated off him, giving everyone in Ten-Forward the clear message that their commanding officer did not wish to be bothered.
After
He left sickbay and followed
Though still very angry at
Lost in his own thoughts, he did not hear anyone approach until Data and Geordi were standing right beside him.
“You look like you just lost your best friend.” Geordi commented as they sat down.
Geordi ignored him. “I think it’s a very good time. Want to talk about it?”
“If I said no, would you go away?” Will asked caustically.
Geordi was not put off. “No.”
Will remained silent, ignoring his friends’ attempts to draw him out. After a while he gave up. “I suppose you know what happened.”
“Some of it.” Geordi admitted. “Personally, Commander, I think it’s a bunch of bull. You would sooner cut off your own hand than hurt the Counselor.”
Will smiled slightly at his friend’s unfailing faith.
“I wish
“Give her time. She will realize the truth sooner or later.”
Will laughed humorlessly. “Really? In case you haven’t heard, medical science does not lie.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, Geordi, I know you are just trying to help. I’m just not good company right now.”
Geordi shrugged. “Understandable. Look, you insist that you are telling the truth, right? Now it’s not my place to say whether or not you are. But let’s suppose for a moment that you are telling the truth.”
Data spoke for the first time. He had a thoughtful look on his face. “Sir, if I may speculate for a moment?”
Will nodded his consent.
“What if both you and the DNA test are correct?”
Data held up his hand. “Yes, but I can think of one circumstance where it is possible for the test to be correct, and for you not to be the father.”
Realization dawned on Geordi’s face. “I see what you are getting at, Data.”
“Begging your pardon, Sir. The
DNA of the child would match that of
Will stared at the android, speechless.
“
“Are you positive of that, Sir? It
would be worth looking into. If you
did not have intercourse with
“Here is the prison records for
“Sir, according to the records,
Will stared incredulously at the screen. “What? When?”
“Two weeks ago, Sir. There is a notation stating that the authorities tried to contact his next of kin, but was unable to reach you or your father at the time.”
Will felt a twinge of remorse at his duplicate’s death. Despite the fact that they had never gotten along, Will felt real regret and a touch of his own mortality.
“That proves that he was still in prison right up to his death. Difficult to father a child in prison.” Will felt dejected. He had been so sure…
“Sir, there is another notation here, dating back about 20 standard
months. It seems that
“Affirmative.
“There is also a picture, Sir.”
Data punched in a few more commands and a woman’s image filled the
screen. The hair and eyes were a
bit different, but the smiling woman was undoubtedly one
CHAPTER 7:
Anger welled to the surface again as she thought about it.
She was not sure whom she was angrier with,