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2021-04-15 11:31:59 -07:00
This is a reposting of my story from a couple weeks ago. I removed a lot of
extra spaces and stuff, so this is a lot shorter.
I got this idea last winter while daydreaming rather than paying
attention in class. Anyway, it's a Next Generation story concentrating
on Troi. I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions:) (no flames
please). Please e-mail me at jlp7831@ultb.rit.edu. Thanks and enjoy!
Mothers and Daughters
by
Julie Pizor
INT. HOLODECK
RIKER enters the holodeck. PICARD and DR. CRUSHER are
already there, clad in 1940's apparel.
RIKER
Sorry I'm late.
PICARD
Are you ready for the adventure
of a lifetime.
RIKER
I certainly hope so.
DR. CRUSHER
Where's Deanna?
PICARD
I don't know.
RIKER
It's not like her to be late.
Picard taps his communicator.
PICARD
Picard to Counselor Troi.
There is no response.
PICARD
(continuing)
Picard to Counselor Troi.
INT. COUNSELOR TROI'S QUARTERS
Troi is crouched against the wall next to her bed,
hugging her knees. There are flames all around her.
Debris from the fire falls from the ceiling.
TROI
Captain! Help! The fire's
everywhere!
A large panal falls from the ceiling. Troi lets out
a startled SCREAM.
INT. HOLODECK
RIKER
What fire? Why hasn't the ship's
censors detected it and put it out?
TROI (o.s)
I don't know.
Troi begins to cough uncontrollably.
TROI
(continuing)
Please help.
PICARD
We're on our way. Picard out.
Picard to LaForge.
LaFORGE (o.s)
Go ahead Captain.
PICARD
Counselor Troi's quarters are on
fire. I want you and Mr. Data
to go to engineering and check the
sprinkler systems for any malfunctions.
LaFORGE (o.s)
Aye Captain.
Everyone exits the room.
INT. COUNSELOR TROI'S QUARTERS
The door slides open as Dr. Crusher, Riker, and Picard rush
inside. The room appears perfectly normal. They begin to
look for Troi.
RIKER
Deanna?
INT. TROI'S BEDROOM
Troi looks very dishevelled as she sits against the
wall.
TROI
Wil?
She COUGHS loudly. Riker walks over to the bedroom door
and peers in. Dr. Crusher starts to walk across the room
when Troi suddenly becomes agitated.
TROI
Beverly, no!
DR. CRUSHER
Deanna, what is it?
TROI
(coughing)
The panel it's about to fall.
Riker and Picard look around the room. Dr. Crusher
continues to look directly at Troi. To their eyes,
everything appears normal.
DR. CRUSHER
What panel? Deanna, to all of us,
this room appears completely normal.
Dr. Crusher walks over to Troi and kneels beside her. She
removes her tricorder from her pocket and quickly moves it
around Troi as she has another coughing spasm. Riker
walks over and kneels beside her.
RIKER
Deanna, what's going on?
Troi looks up at Riker. Through her eyes, the room is
full of thick black smoke. Everything is on fire and
debris falls from the ceiling. Terrified, Troi places
a shaky hand on Riker's arm.
TROI
(coughing)
I see flames all around me. The smoke
is so thick, I can barely breath.
Please help me. I don't know what's
happening.
Troi begins to cough uncontrollably. Riker puts his
arms around her to stop her shaking.
RIKER
Doctor, is there anything you
can do?
Dr. Crusher sits back on her heels as she places the
tricorder in her pocket.
DR. CRUSHER
Amazing.
PICARD
What have you found?
Dr. Crusher removes a syringe from her other pocket and
places it at the base of Troi's neck. After giving her
a shot, she places the syringe back in her pocket.
She puts a hand on Troi's shoulder.
DR. CRUSHER
That should help the coughing.
Dr. Crusher stands up and looks at Picard.
DR. CRUSHER
(continuing)
Though there is clearly no fire
in here, Troi has massive amounts
of smoke in her lungs.
RIKER
How is that possible?
DR. CRUSHER
I don't know. The shot I gave her
should eliminate the smoke.
Troi begins to cough uncontrollably again. Riker again
tries to stop her shaking by holding her. Troi's coughs
turn into choking sounds as she gasps for air. Dr. Crusher
kneels back down beside her. Troi suddenly passes out.
Dr. Crusher runs her tricorder around Troi.
DR. CRUSHER
This is bizarre.
RIKER
What?
Dr. Crusher removes the syringe from her pocket again
and gives Troi another shot.
DR. CRUSHER
Her lungs are full of smoke again.
After a moment, Troi regains consciousness. She blinks
as she tries to clear her head. She sits up straight
and looks around the room.
DR. CRUSHER
(continuing)
How do you feel?
Troi begins to stand up. Riker jumps to his feet and
helps her up.
TROI
Aside from a slight headache,
I feel fine.
PICARD
Counselor, just a moment ago,
you were afraid of the fire
that was in this room. Do you
still see flames?
TROI
No. (pause) Captain, I know
you must think I've gone insane,
but five minutes ago this room
was on fire.
Picard and Riker look at each other. LaForge enters
the room.
LaFORGE
Captain, what's going on here?
Data and I checked everything.
There is nothing wrong with any
of the sprinkler systems.
Troi sighs as she walks over to her bed and sits down.
She drops her head into her hands.
TROI
Maybe I am losing my mind.
DR. CRUSHER
Everything you think you saw did
exist in your mind.
PICARD
I'd like to see everyone in my
ready room.
(beat)
I'm going to go change into something
a little less casual.
Dr. Crusher looks at Picard, and then at her own clothes.
DR. CRUSHER
I almost forgot.
Everyone begins to leave the room.
TROI
I'll be there in a minute.
Troi stands up and walks over to a window. Riker walks
over and stands behind her. He gently places his hand on
her shoulder.
RIKER
Do you want me to wait for you?
Troi hesitates before she answers.
TROI
No, I'll be fine. I just want
to freshen up a little.
Riker walks towards the door.
RIKER
If you need anything, just holler.
Troi weakly smiles to herself. Riker leaves the room.
INT. READY ROOM
Picard sits at the head of the table with Riker to his
left, Dr. Crusher to his right, and Geordi and Data across
from him. Troi suddenly walks in and sits down.
PICARD
Counselor, can you tell us exactly
what happened.
TROI
I got up for this morning's meeting.
I got dressed, made myself a cup of
hot chocolate, then put the mug down on
my night table. I turned around and the
whole room was in flames. I thought it
was kind of odd for this fire to suddenly
appear, but when I tried to leave the room,
I got burned. Then I started to choke from
the smoke. I was about to ask the computer
why it hadn't put the fire out when you
contacted me.
PICARD
Hmm. Perhaps it was something you
ate or drank. Mr. LaForge, run a
level one diagnostic on the counselor's
replicator.
LaFORGE
I'll get right on it.
PICARD
Doctor, have there been any other
similar incidents reported?
DR. CRUSHER
No, not to my knowledge.
LaFORGE
It is possible that it's an isolated
problem in the counselor's replicator.
RIKER
Could anything else be causing this?
DR. CRUSHER
I have an idea, but it's too
early to speculate.
LaFORGE
Counselor, are you just seeing things
or are they actually real?
TROI
They seem real. I know that panel I
touched was certainly hotter then it
should have been.
DR. CRUSHER
And the smoke that you inhaled was
certainly real. That's what worries
me. It's one thing to have hallucinations,
but it's another thing entirely when
those hallucinations try to kill you.
PICARD
Counselor, has this ever happened
to you before?
TROI
No, never.
DR. CRUSHER
Troi, I'd like to see you in sickbay
to run some tests on you.
TROI
Alright.
PICARD
Until we figure out exactly what is
going on, I think we should all keep
an eye out on the counselor and also
for any other similar reports.
RIKER
I agree. There's no telling
what else could crop up.
PICARD
Are there any questions?
There is no answer.
PICARD
(continuing)
Dismissed.
Everyone stands up and walks to the door.
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fare thee well for I must leave thee
Do not let this parting grieve thee
jlp7831@ultb.isc.rit.edu
INT. SICKBAY
Dr. Crusher and Troi enter sickbay together. Troi walks
over to an examining table and sits down. Dr. Crusher
picks up her tricorder and another small instrument.
DR. CRUSHER
Do you have any idea why this is
happening to you?
TROI
No. None at all.
Dr. Crusher takes the small instrument and moves it around
Troi's head. She then presses some buttons on the tricorder.
DR. CRUSHER
Hmm. There's a lot of neural
activity in your solar cortex.
(beat) I wander...
TROI
What?
DR. CRUSHER
Have you been able to converse with
people telepathically?
TROI
No, I've never been able to.
DR. CRUSHER
Well what about right now. Can you
read my mind?
Troi closes her eyes. She concentrates for a minute or
two before opening her eyes again.
TROI
Nothing. Beverly, what is this all
about?
Dr. Crusher walks over to a table and places her
instruments down.
DR. CRUSHER
I just had an idea of what might be
going on, but it was just a hunch.
Dr. Crusher walks back over to Troi.
DR. CRUSHER
(continuing)
There is nothing wrong with you.
I can't figure out what could be
causing this.
Troi smiles.
TROI
That's alright. I trust you. I
know you'll figure it out.
Troi hops off the examining table.
DR. CRUSHER
I think you should take it easy for
the next couple of days.
TROI
I think you're right. I am exhausted.
DR. CRUSHER
Why don't you go back to your quarters
and rest. I'll check in on you in a
couple of hours to make sure you're
alright.
TROI
Sounds like a good idea.
Troi walks towards the door.
TROI
(continuing)
I'll see you later.
Troi leaves the room.
INT. TROI'S QUARTERS
Troi walks over to the replicator.
TROI
Hot chocolate...never mind.
She walks into her bedroom when the doorbell rings. She
walks back into the livingroom.
TROI
Come in.
The door slides open and LaForge and Data walk in the room.
LaFORGE
Sorry to disturb you counselor,
but the Captain wants us to check
your replicator for any malfunctions.
TROI
Go right ahead.
Geordi and Data walk over to the replicator and remove its
front panel. Troi yawns.
TROI
(continuing)
If you two don't mind, I'm going
to take a nap.
LaFORGE
Alright, we'll try not to disturb you.
Troi walks into her bedroom and lies down. Geordi and
Data examine the replicator. They speak in hushed voices.
DATA
Counselor Troi said she had hot
chocolate this morning. Perhaps
that specific drink caused her
illusions.
LaFORGE
It's possible. There's one way
to find out. (beat) Computer,
hot chocolate.
The replicator whirs for a moment before producing a
mug of hot chocolate. Geordi picks it up and smells
it.
LaFORGE
Smells alright.
DATA
May I see it?
LaFORGE
Sure.
He hands the mug to Data who smells it. He then fills
an eye dropper with the liquid and places a small drop
on a pad on his tricorder.
LaFORGE
Well, what does it say?
DATA
It says it is made of coco beans,
milk, sugar...
LaFORGE
I know what's in it. Does it
say what might be causing the
counselor's illness?
DATA
No, it does not.
LaFORGE
Well I ran a level one diagnostic
on the replicator and came up with
nothing.
DATA
Perhaps it is not the replicator
that is causing the counselor's
hallucinations.
LaFORGE
Yeah, that's what I'm beginning
to think, too.
Geordi puts his tools back in their box.
LaFORGE
Come on, let's go tell the captain
what we found.
They stand up and leave the room.
INT. CORRIDOR
LaForge and Data walk down the corridor.
LaFORGE
Do you have any idea what could be
wrong with the counselor?
DATA
Is it not common among Betazoids to
experience similar symptoms as the
counselor when a loved one dies?
LaFORGE
Hmm. I've heard of that happening
before, but only on rare occasions.
They stop in front of the turbo lift. The door opens
as the two enter.
INT. TURBO LIFT
LaFORG
Bridge.
DATA
Yes, but it is possible.
LaFORGE
But you're forgetting Troi's
only half Betazoid. If she
were fully telepathic maybe.
DATA
Yes, but still it is possible.
The turbo lift slows to a complete stop. The door slides
open and Geordi and Data enter the bridge.
INT. TROI'S BEDROOM
Troi awakes and sits up in bed. She grabs a robe and
puts it on. She then stands up and walks into the
other room.
INT. TROI'S LIVING ROOM
Troi picks up a computer date book. She looks at it for
a moment before dropping it back down on the table. She
looks around her room, then walks over to the window and
stares out at the stars. Smoke softly billows into the
room from under the doors. Troi continues to look out the
window.
LWAXANA (o.s)
Little one. Help me. I'm dying.
Still looking out the window, Troi speaks to her mother
telepathically.
TROI
Mother? Where are you? What's
happening?
LWAXANA (o.s)
The consulate is on fire. I've
been trapped in here for over
an hour.
The smoke continues to fill the room.
TROI
Why hasn't the fire been put
out yet?
LWAXANA (o.s)
I don't know. (pause) Little
One...I'm scared.
TROI
It'll be alright. I'm sure they're
trying to put the fire out.
Silence.
TROI
(continuing)
Mother? Mother?
Troi turns around and sees the room filled with smoke. She
starts to walk forward and immediately begins to cough.
She takes a few steps and stumbles, falling to the ground
and passing out.
INT. SICKBAY
Dr. Crusher pulls up her chair and sits down. She
types something in the computer and begins to examine
some records.
DR. CRUSHER
Interesting.
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE TROI'S QUARTERS
Dr. Crusher rings the doorbell. There is no answer.
She rings it again. No answer. She touches her
communicator.
DR. CRUSHER
Crusher to Troi.
No answer.
DR. CRUSHER
(continuing)
Computer, where is Counselor Troi?
COMPUTER
Counselor Troi is in her quarters
DR. CRUSHER
Crusher to Security. Emergency
enterance to Counselor Troi's
quarters.
The door suddenly opens. Dr. Crusher rushes inside.
INT. TROI'S QUARTERS
Troi is unconscious on the floor. Dr. Crusher kneels
beside her and checks for a pulse, then taps her
communicator.
DR. CRUSHER
(continuing)
Crusher to Transporter Room 3.
Two to beam directly to sick
bay.
A moment later, Dr. Crusher and Troi begin to fade
away.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard and Riker sit in their chairs. Data and Geordi
walkover to them.
PICARD
Did you find anything?
LaFORGE
No sir. The counselor's replicator
is fine.
PICARD
That means something else is
causing this.
RIKER
Do you have any ideas what it
might be?
PICARD
No, I don't, but let's hope the
good doctor does.
Picard taps his communicator.
PICARD
(continuing)
Picard to Dr. Crusher.
DR. CRUSHER (o.s)
I'm a little busy captain.
PICARD
The counselor?
DR. CRUSHER (o.s)
Very unconscious.
PICARD
We're on our way.
Picard and Riker run towards the turbo lift.
PICARD
(continuing)
Mr. Data, you have the bridge.
DATA
Aye, Captain.
Data sits down in the Captain's chair.
INT. SICKBAY
Dr. Crusher moves the tricorder around Troi's body.
DR. CRUSHER
Damn! It's the same thing as
before.
Dr. Crusher runs over to a cabinet and picks up a
syringe. She gives Troi an injection in her neck. She
moves the tricorder around Troi again. After a minute,
Troi slowly begins to regain consciousness.
DR. CRUSHER
How do you feel?
TROI
More scared and helpless then I've
ever felt before.
Tears begin to well in Troi's eyes.
TROI
(continuing)
I know what's causing this to happen.
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OF SICKBAY
Picard and Riker stop in front of the door to sickbay.
The door quickly opens as they enter into the other room.
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fare thee well for I must leave thee
Do not let this parting grieve thee
jlp7831@ultb.isc.rit.edu
INT. SICKBAY
Picard and Riker walk over to where Troi is lying. Troi
turns to face them.
RIKER
How do you feel?
TROI
Tired...and scared.
Dr. Crusher looks at Riker.
Dr. Crusher
Well, we know what the problem is.
We just don't know if there's a cure.
PICARD
You know what's causing this?
DR. CRUSHER
Yes. I had an idea, but actually,
it was Troi who confirmed it after
she regained consciousness.
RIKER
Well, what is it?
Dr. Crusher looks down at Troi.
DR. CRUSHER
Do you want me to explain it, or
do you want to?
TROI
(weakly)
Why don't you. I'm still a little
tired.
DR. CRUSHER
Basically, Troi has established
some kind of link with another
Betazoid who is in either grave
danger or who is actually dying.
She is experiencing events as that
other person experiences them.
RIKER
Do you know who she has established
this link with?
Dr. Crusher does not answer. She slowly looks at Troi.
Troi hasitates before slowly answering.
TROI
My mother.
Riker looks at Picard who has a shocked look on his face.
PICARD
Have you tried to contact Lwaxana?
DR. CRUSHER
Yes. We're too close to an asteroid
belt. We couldn't make a clear
transmission.
Picard pauses for a moment before he taps his communicator.
PICARD
Picard to bridge.
DATA (o.s)
Bridge here.
PICARD
Set a new course for Betazed.
DATA (o.s)
Aye Captain.
Troi sighs and looks up at the ceiling. Riker places
his hand gently over Troi's.
RIKER
I'm sure everything will be fine.
Troi looks at Riker.
TROI
She's scared Wil...and so am I.
Riker smiles weakly.
RIKER
You'll both be fine.
PICARD
Doctor, is this common in Betazoids?
DR. CRUSHER
No, actually it isn't. That's why
I was hesitant to diagnose it.
TROI
Sometimes families are so close,
they establish these links without
even realizing it.
RIKER
Is there any way to break this link?
TROI
No. I just have to let it take
it's course.
RIKER
But if Lwaxana dies, what will
happen to you?
Troi turns her head away from Riker.
TROI
I will again experience everything
she does. This time it will be so
intense that I will go into a coma.
The coma will only last a day or
two, then I'll wake up and everything
will be back to normal.
Everyone is silent for a moment. Picard steps next to
Troi and places his hand over hers.
PICARD
Counselor, I'm sure your mother
will be fine. Lwaxana is a very
strong woman.
Troi looks at Picard with tears in her eyes.
TROI
Yes, but even she can't live forever.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard enters the bridge from the turbo lift. Data stands
up and walks over to his computer. Picard walks over to
his chair and sits down.
PICARD
Mr. Worf, how much time before we
can contact Betazed?
WORF
Approximately thirty minutes, sir.
PICARD
Mr. Data, how long before we actually
reach the planet?
Data swivels around in his chair to face Picard.
DATA
At warp nine sir, it will take
approximately two hours.
PICARD
Make it so.
DATA
Aye Captain.
Data swivels in his seat again to face his control
panel.
INT. SICKBAY
Troi sits up in her bed. She swings her feet off to
the side of the bed and tries to stand up. Dr. Crusher
and Riker grab her before she is fully standing.
DR. CRUSHER
Where do you think you're going?
Troi sits back down in her bed.
TROI
I have a lot of work to do. Besides,
I feel fine.
DR. CRUSHER
You may feel fine now, but who knows
about ten minutes from now?
Troi sighs.
RIKER
Dr. Crusher is right. What if something
else happens to you and no one's there
to take care of you?
TROI
I appreciate your concern, but I'll
be fine.
DR. CRUSHER
No you can't. I think until this
whole thing is over you should stay
under observation.
Troi sighs as she lies back down on the bed. Dr. Crusher
walks over to a computer and begins typing.
DR. CRUSHER
(continuing)
I'll be over here if you need me.
RIKER
And I'll be on the bridge.
Riker leans over Troi as he brushes a stray hair from
her forehead.
RIKER
(continuing)
I'm really worried about you.
TROI
I'll be fine. It's my mother that
I'm worried about.
RIKER
I just hope that both of you will
be alright. (beat) I'll check
on you later.
Riker stands up and leaves the room. Troi closes her eyes
INT. BRIDGE
Picard sits in his chair. Worf stands behind him while
Data sits in front of him.
DATA
Captain, we are now far enough
away from the asteroid belt to
make a clear transmission to Betazed.
PICARD
Thank you Mr. Data. Mr. Worf,
would you hail the consulate?
WORF
Hailing frequency open.
(pause)
Do you want it on the main viewer,
sir?
PICARD
Yes.
Riker walks in and sits down next to Picard. The main
viewer suddenly switches from its display of stars to a
worried TECHNICIAN.
PICARD
(continuing)
This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard
of the Enterprise. I have reason
to believe Lwaxana Troi is in grave
danger. I was wandering if that
were true?
TECHNICIAN
Ah, hold on.
The Technician leans over and checks a computer off screan.
After a moment, he leans back into frame.
TECHNICIAN
(continuing)
Yeah, it is.
Picard looks at Riker, then stands up.
PICARD
Is there anything we can do to
help?
TECHNICIAN
No, evrything's fine, thanks.
RIKER
Then why isn't Ambassador Troi
safe yet?
TECHNICIAN
Well, ah, we're doing the best we
can. The fire took out all of our
main systems, so it's gonna take a
little longer than usual.
RIKER
Can't you beam her out of there?
TECHNICIAN
No, ah, our transporter beams were
damaged by the fire. Our people
are trying to fix them, though.
RIKER
Would it be alright if our people
tried to beam the Ambassador out
once we're in range?
The technician shrugs.
TECHNICIAN
Sure, why not?
Riker looks at Picard. Picard takes a deep breath.
PICARD
How did this fire start?
TECHNICIAN
Ah, we're not sure. We're looking
into it.
PICARD
Perhaps it would be helpful then,
if I did send some of my crew down
to help.
TECHNICIAN
That's really not necessary sir. As
I said before, ah, we're already doing
everything possible. If we need any
more help, we'll contact you. Okay?
Picard looks at Riker who rolls his eyes.
PICARD
That'll be fine. But in the meantime,
please contact us with any progress.
TECHNICIAN
Sure thing Capt'n.
RIKER
Is this your regular position?
TECHNICIAN
No sir, I'm the barber. Hal is
normally here, but he's helping
with the fire.
RIKER
I see. Well your doing a fine job.
TECHNICIAN
Thank you sir.
Picard turns towards Worf and makes a cutting gesture.
Worf nods and ends the transmission. Picard turns to face Riker.
PICARD
The barber?
Riker shrugs his shoulders, then sits down. Picard looks at
Worf for a moment, before returning to his seat.
INT. SICKBAY
Troi lies on the bed with her eyes closed.
LWAXANA (o.s)
Little One? Are you there?
TROI
(without speaking)
Yes Mother, I'm here. How are you?
INT. CONSULATE/ OFFICE - DAY
Lwaxana sits on the floor under a desk. Pieces of the
ceiling hang down. Heavy girders block the exits. The
flames cover the rear wall and portions of the ceiling.
Lwaxana speaks telepathically.
LWAXANA
I could be better. It's so damn hot
in here.
TROI (o.s)
Is the fire out yet?
LWAXANA
No, not completely. I can hear them
working though. I'm afraid they won't
reach me in time.
TROI (o.s)
Don't say that Mother. They'll be
there soon. Just hold on.
LWAXANA
(crying softly)
I'm scared. I just want to go home.
I just want to see my Little One one
last time.
TROI (o.s)
You will Mother. You'll be fine,
I promise.
A ceiling beam falls in front of Lwaxana. The flames
quickly climb up the beam, spreading to the ceiling.
Pieces of debris begin to fly around the room.
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fare thee well for I must leave thee
Do not let this parting grieve thee
jlp7831@ultb.isc.rit.edu
INT. SICKBAY
Troi is covered in perspiration as she tosses and turns in
bed.
TROI
(mumbling)
Mother? Mother?
Dr. Crusher turns away from her computer and sees Troi.
She runs over to her and places a hand on Troi's forehead.
DR. CRUSHER
You're burning up.
Dr. Crusher pulls out her tricorder from her pocket
and moves it around Troi. She grabs a syringe and
gives Troi a shot. She then removes Troi's blanket.
Dr. Crusher GASPS as she looks at the burns covering 50% of
Troi's body.
DR. CRUSHER
(continuing)
Ensign, get me the burn kit from
the cabinet over there.
ENSIGN PALA opens the cabinet and removes a small gray
box which she brings over to Dr. Crusher.
DR. CRUSHER
(continuing)
Thanks.
Dr. Crusher holds the box over each burn. A faint blue
light from the box shines over the burns as they slowly
disappear. Troi slowly becomes more alert.
DR. CRUSHER
How do you feel?
Troi rubs her arms.
TROI
Tired. Sad. Scared.
Riker enters sickbay. He walks over to Troi and
Dr. Crusher.
RIKER
How's she doing, Doctor?
DR. CRUSHER
Not too well I'm afraid. She just had
another incident.
Troi sits up in bed a little.
TROI
I'll be fine.
RIKER
I came down to tell you we managed
to contact the consulate.
DR. CRUSHER
And?
Riker looks down at the ground momentarily before
looking back at Troi.
RIKER
It doesn't look good.
(beat)
They're doing all that they can
to free her.
Troi smiles weakly.
TROI
I know.
There is a brief moment of silence. Riker looks at Troi
whose eyes are welling up with tears.
RIKER
You look like you need to talk.
Troi brushes away some stray tears as they glide down
her cheeks.
TROI
That would be nice.
RIKER
How about a walk?
DR. CRUSHER
I don't know. There's no telling
what's going to happen next.
RIKER
I promise, I won't let her out of
my sight.
Dr. Crusher looks at Troi.
DR. CRUSHER
It's up to you.
TROI
Let's try ten-forward. I could
really use a chocolate sundae.
Riker helps her out of bed. They walk towards the door.
DR. CRUSHER
Take it easy.
TROI
I will.
They leave the room.
INT. TEN-FORWARD
Riker and Troi walk over to a table and sit down. A
WAITER walks over to them.
RIKER
Nothing for me.
TROI
I'll have a hot fudge sundae.
The waiter walks away.
RIKER
So you've spoken with Lwaxana?
Troi nods slightly.
TROI
She really is scared. She thinks
she's going to die there.
RIKER
What do you think?
The waiter returns with Troi's sundae. She picks up the
spoon and plays with it briefly before answering.
TROI
I don't know.
(beat)
I don't know.
Riker puts his hand over Troi's.
RIKER
You have to hope for the best.
Troi puts the spoon down on the table.
TROI
But I have to be prepared for
the worst.
Troi leans back in her chair and looks out the window.
RIKER
Your sundae's going to melt if
you don't eat it soon.
TROI
I'm not very hungry anymore.
PICARD (o.s)
Picard to Riker.
Riker taps his communicator.
RIKER
Go ahead Captain.
PICARD (o.s)
We should be approaching Betazed
shortly.
RIKER
We're on our way sir.
They both stand up and walk towards the door.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard, along with the rest of the crew, are in their
regular positions. The turbolift whirs to a halt as
the door quickly opens and Riker and Troi enter the
bridge. Picard stands up and faces them.
PICARD
Counselor, how are you feeling?
Riker and Troi both walk to their chairs.
TROI
I'm alright Captain.
Troi sits down in her chair. Picard looks at Riker
before they both sit down. Data spins around in his
chair to face the captain.
DATA
Sir, we should approach Betazed in
approximately eight minutes.
PICARD
Thank you Mr. Data.
LaFORGE
Once we're in range, I'll try
to lock on the Ambassador's
signal.
PICARD
Good. Mr. Data, please inform
me once we're in transporter range.
DATA
Aye, captain.
Data turns back around in his chair to face his
computer.
RIKER
I'm sure your mother's going to
be fine.
Troi gets a distant look in her eye. Voices begin to
fade.
PICARD
Lwaxana always seems so invincible.
Troi begins to waver in her seat.
RIKER
I know what you mean. She certainly
has done some unbelievable things in
the past.
LWAXANA (o.s)
(weakly)
Little One. This is it. I know this
is the end.
Troi stands up. She is very dizzy and begins to stagger.
Sounds begin to blur together with the images of the
bridge.
TROI
(telepathically)
Mother? Hang on!
LWAXANA (o.s)
There's so much smoke. And the
flames are so hot. (beat)
Goodbye Little One.
The voices of the bridge crew are still fuzzy and
distorted. Lwaxana SCREAMS.
TROI
(out loud)
Nooooo!!!!!!
Everyone stops talking as they gaze upon Troi. She begins
to collapse. Riker jumps up to catch her. He grabs her
and gently helps her to the ground. She is unconscious.
PICARD
Picard to Dr. Crusher.
EXT. SHOT FROM SPACE OF BETAZED
PICARD (v.o.)
Captain's Log supplemental: It has
been nearly a day and a half since
Counselor Troi entered her coma.
Though Dr. Crusher says it is a
natural event in this situation,
I can't help but be concerned. I
also dred telling her of her mother's
death when she finally awakens.
INT. SICKBAY
Riker is asleep in a chair next to Troi's bed. Troi
slowly opens her eyes. It takes them a minute to focus
before she looks over at Riker. She smiles weakly,
then SIGHS as she looks up at the ceiling. Dr. Crusher
turns from her computer and looks at Troi, then walks
over to her.
DR. CRUSHER
He's been here all night.
Troi smiles again, but does not respond. Dr. Crusher waves
her tricorder around Troi. Riker stretches, then opens
his eyes. He smiles when he sees Troi awake.
DR. CRUSHER
How do you feel?
Troi takes a deep breath before answering.
TROI
Alone.
The smile fades from Riker's lips.
RIKER
You know, don't you?
Troi's eyes begin to tear.
TROI
She was so scared.
RIKER
There was nothing we could've done.
She was already dead by the time we
were in transporter range.
Troi closes her eyes as a few scattered tears roll down
her cheeks.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard sits in his command chair with Riker sitting on
his right.
PICARD
Did you tell her about her mother?
RIKER
I didn't have to.
Picard looks at Riker.
RIKER
(continuing)
She already knew.
INT. LWAXANA'S HOUSE/LIVING ROOM - DAY
Troi stands in front of a table, putting things in
boxes. Riker stands in front of the fireplace removing
photographs from the mantle. Neither are in uniform.
The room is silent. Riker picks up a photo in a gold
frame. He LAUGHS.
RIKER
Remember this?
He turns and walks over to Troi. She finishes placing
something in a box. Standing behind her, Riker places
the photo in front of her. A large smile spreads
across Troi's face. She takes the photo from Riker and
gazes at it.
TROI
I can't believe she framed this.
RIKER
Look how short my hair was.
TROI
What hair? You can barely see it
under all that whip cream.
The two laugh briefly.
TROI
(continuing)
She loved you so much. She wanted
me to marry you.
RIKER
I know. She was always looking out
for you. You were the most important
thing to her.
(pause)
She was a very special woman. And
she has a very special daughter.
Tears begin to form in Troi's eyes.
TROI
I wish I could've been with her.
RIKER
But you were.
Riker puts a hand on Troi's shoulder and gently turns
her around so she faces him.
RIKER
(continuing)
You were lucky enough to be able
to speak to her the whole time.
(beat)
I know when my mother died, I
wasn't allowed anywhere near her.
I would've given anything to have
been able to say goodbye.
For the first time, Troi begins to cry.
TROI
I'm going to miss her.
She begins to cry. Riker wraps his arms around her as
she cries into his chest.
THE END
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fare thee well for I must leave thee
Do not let this parting grieve thee
jlp7831@ultb.isc.rit.edu