All Good Things__ - Michael Jan Friedman [44]
“I understand that,” he told her. “But I know what this crew is capable of, even if they don’t. And I believe that they have the ability to become one of the finest crews in the fleet.”
She smiled. “I’m happy to hear you say that. It may do them good to hear it, as well.” A pause. “It would also help if they knew what was going on. In fact, it would help a lot.”
Picard took a moment to consider his response. “I know it’s difficult operating in the dark,” he said finally. “But for now, I believe it’s the only way.”
Troi looked unconvinced. “Perhaps if you could at least indicate why you feel that—”
She was interrupted by Tasha’s intercom voice. “Lieutenant Yar to Captain Picard. I have Commander Riker for you, sir.”
Picard noticed the counselor’s reaction to the mention of Riker’s name. It told him that this was a woman who had not resolved her feelings about her former lover.
He looked up at the intercom grid in the ceiling. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Put Commander Riker through in here.” “Aye, sir.”
The captain sat down at his desk and activated the desktop monitor. Instantly, the image of a young, beard-less Will Riker sprang into view. Picard didn’t look to see the expression on Troi’s face, but he had a pretty good idea what it might be.
“Commander,” he said. “I just wanted to let you know we won’t be picking you up at Farpoint Station, as scheduled.”
Riker seemed mildly disturbed. “I see. May I ask why?” “Not at this time,” the captain advised him.
His exec showed a little surprise, but he didn’t act on it. “And how long do you expect to be delayed, sir?”
Picard shook his head. “I’m not sure at the moment. However, I’ll keep you updated. Please inform Dr. Crusher and Lieutenant La Forge of our delay as well.”
“Understood, sir.”
And with that, the captain brought the transmission to an end.
At Farpoint Station, Beverly Crusher was just finish-ing breakfast when her door whistled. On a starship, visitors were announced with the sound of chimes, but the Bandi had naturally designed the place with their own preferences in mind. “Come in,” she said.
A moment later, the doors parted to reveal the rangy figure of Will Riker. He smiled in that easy way he had.
“Sorry to bother you,” he said.
“That’s quite all right,” Crusher told him. She was, of course, already acquainted with the first officer from her passage here on the Hood. He had been an exec there too, under Captain DeSoto. “Mom? Is that Commander Riker?”
Before she could answer, her son Wesley rushed in from his bedroom. His dark eyes were wide with delight mand no wonder. The commander had been good enough to take Wesley under his wing on the Hood, patiently answering the boy’s multitudinous questions about starship operating systems.
“Yes,” she replied, just for the record. “It’s Commander Riker, all right.” The man’s smile widened. “How goes it, Wes?” Her son shrugged his narrow shoulders. “Not bad. I was just reading up on the new plasma conduits they’ve been installing on all the newer vessels.” He paused, so beset with curiosity that he was almost in pain. “If I ask nicely, do you think the captain will let me see them?”
It was Riker’s turn to shrug. “I can’t say for sure, Wes. I’ve never met him, so I don’t know what he’s like. But I’ll put in a good word for you.”
Wesley’s pain seemed to dissipate. “Great,” he said hopefully. Then he turned to Crusher herself. “Morn, could you put in a good word for me too?”
Riker looked at her, a question on his face. The doctor could feel the rush of blood to her cheeks.
“Captain Picard and my late husband were friends,” she explained concisely. “I guess I never mentioned that, did IT’
The first officer shook his head. “No, ma’am, you didn’t. But under the circumstances, maybe you could put in a good word for both of us.”
Coming from someone else, it might have sounded sarcastic, even resentful. When Riker said it, it made her laugh. Whatever embarrassment she had felt was instantly gone.
She wished she could feel that good about joining the crew of the Enterprise. Truth