Chapter 12:
"You should cancel all your appointments for today," Worf said. He was fully garbed for his
duty shift scheduled to begin in fifteen minutes, but concern for his wife kept him longer in his
quarters than he should stay.
"I'll be fine," Deanna insisted as she walked over to her vanity to fix her hair.
"You cannot even hold a brush without shaking."
"I have a duty to the ship and its crew, with all your talk of honor, you should understand
that."
"What about your duty to our unborn child?"
"Worf, the baby is fine!" She set her brush down forcefully. "I need my work to keep me
busy. I don't want to discuss this any further. You're about to be late to the bridge."
With a huff, Worf left their bedroom and bruskly walked out of their quarters. He reached
the turbolift before realizing he hadn't kissed Deanna goodbye for the first time since they'd
married.
*****
More than an hour into his shift, Riker exited to his ready room. Worf gave tactical to
Ensign Watson and followed the captain's steps. "Captain, may I have permission to speak
freely with you for a moment?"
"Permission granted. Worf, what has had you so tense all morning?"
"Deanna and I had an argument this morning. I believe she is not fit for duty and if she
continues working, she may injure our unborn child. She flatly refused to cancel her morning
appointments for some needed rest."
"Is she sensing something again?"
Worf nodded. "Sir, I recommend that we scan the area for pocket wormholes. Deanna is
behaving as she did before. I know previous scans have proven inconclusive, but it is my
suspicion that she is being influenced by an alien entity."
Riker asked, "Has Lwaxana said anything to you about this? Has she herself had any unusual
telepathic experiences recently?"
"None that I know of, sir, but we both know that Lwaxana's abilities differ from Deanna's.
Whatever is causing Deanna's emotional problem may have no effect on Lwaxana."
"You're right, of course."
"Sir, might you order her to undergo a psychic evaluation by Dr. Selar. Have Selar
determine if my wife is fit for duty.
"Deanna is a very proud woman. She'll fight us all the way." Riker sighed. "I agree,
though. "
"She puts up a good front while she is on duty, sir, but at night when we are alone--Captain,
it is gut wrenching to see her in such turmoil and to be unable to do anything about it."
Riker realized that it took a lot for the Klingon to admit weakness--especially to the man
who had once been Imzadi to his wife. "Worf, you know I will always care for Deanna. I'll do
anything within my power to help her." He tapped his commbadge and said, "Riker to
Commander Barclay."
"Barclay here, sir. Is there a problem?"
Riker hesitated before answering. "I'm not really sure yet. I want you to launch a probe for
routine scanning of the area. We're here to explore--so let's explore!"
"Aye, sir. Give me a moment to project the telemetry of the next solar system."
"Good enough. Riker out."
Riker and Worf exited the ready room and took their positions on the bridge. Deanna had
come onto the bridge while they had been inside the ready room and eyed both of them
suspiciously. Wishing he could suppress his emotions, the captain met her gaze along the way.
Had she canceled her morning appointment anyway, knowing that Worf would go to him about
her problems? He wondered how much sleep she'd had in the past few days. She appeared
exhausted to the point of losing coherence. Only a fraction of a moment later, he felt her
penetrating his mind. He fought against overtly pushing her away--he didn't want to alarm her,
after all.
After sitting in his command chair, Riker turned to his first officer. "Barclay will be
launching a probe in a few minutes. When it comes in, I want you to scan it for certain evidence.
I'll explain more later."
"May I inquire, sir--" Data began.
"I'll explain more later!" Riker snapped. He turned toward Deanna, gauging her reaction to
this exchange. She opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the chief engineer coming
over the commlink.
"Barclay to Bridge."
"Riker here."
"Sir, we're ready to launch the probe. The next solar system is five-point-seven parsecs from
our present location."
"Go ahead."
"Will," Deanna said, "why are we sending out a probe to the next system when we'll be
traveling there anyway once were done mapping the ecology of this one?"
"For precautionary reasons. I think we need to know what we're heading into before we get
there."
"Then why has that not been our routine? Something is up that you're not telling me about.
What do you suspect is out there?" From behind them, the Klingon clenched the
horseshoe-shaped console and his wife turned toward him. "This is about me, isn't it?"
"Deanna, you're behaving irrationally. Maybe you should go off duty until after
your baby is born--effective immediately." Will placed his hand comfortingly on her arm.
The Empath pushed him away and stood, clutching her back with one hand to balance
herself. "Don't patronize me! I want some answers!"
"Deanna, if you don't take a leave of duty, I'll have Dr. Selar write up a medical report
stating that you are emotionally incapable of performing your duties. You're exhausted. Please
don't argue with me about this. Worf, take the next two hours off. Watson can cover for you."
The Klingon quickly walked from around his post and to his wife. He grasped her by the
shoulders. "Darling, please," he begged.
"I will leave," the counselor conceded, "but only because I do not wish to make a scene on
the bridge." She flipped her head around to face her husband. " Worf, I wish to speak with you in
private." She turned, yanking herself out of Worf's grasp, and hobbled to the turbolift. In that
moment, Riker didn't envy the Klingon.
After the turbolift door closed on Deanna and Worf, Riker turned toward his first officer and
spoke freely. "Data, I need you to examine the probe's data for another pocket wormhole. Also,
look for evidence of any unusual or empathic aliens in the area."
"Should I assume that you require this specific scan to help Deanna in some capacity?"
"This is to go no further," the captain said, lowering his voice. "Under Worf's request, we are
trying to determine if Deanna's melancholy is being influenced by an empathic link with a yet
unknown entity."
Data leaned toward his commanding officer and matched Riker's tone. "I have observed that
she has been less sociable these past few days."
"It may be that she's just been working too hard and needs to take it easy at least until after
her baby's born. But Worf is worried that something else is causing her undo stress, and I don't
feel we should take his concern lightly."
"I agree. Deanna has helped me immensely to adjust to emotions during the past year. I
would be more than happy to return the kindness."
****
Troi did not speak to her husband the entire trip from the Bridge to their private quarters. He
knew she was angry and opted to let her stew for a few minutes, thinking maybe she would calm
down if she had time to consider his position. He couldn't have been further from the truth; once
they reached the privacy of their quarters she let him have it.
"I cannot believe that you went to see the captain about me behind my back!" she yelled.
"You put him up to ordering my medical leave!"
"But Deanna--"
"You will let me speak my mind first, Worf! I've prided myself on how open and honest our
relationship has been. I thought my streak of bad luck with men was finally over when I fell in
love with not only a companion, but a friend. We have been friends for years...years. And never
have you betrayed me like this!" Suddenly, she collapsed on the sofa, her chest shaking from her
sobs. She covered her face with her hands. "I just feel so. ..betrayed."
"Deanna," Worf said with compassion. He wanted to comfort her, but knew she would not
let him. This was so frustrating! "You are right. I should have told you I was going to the captain
with this personal matter, but my thoughts and concerns were on how to help you. You must
believe that I only meant to look after your best interests. You are my wife. It would be
dishonorable for me to just stand by and let you suffer!" He paused, wondering if she believed
him. How could he possibly make this situation better? He feared he would only make it worse,
but he had to try. "Whatever we learn from the probe--no matter what it is--I promise to keep you
fully informed." He tentatively stepped toward her, stopping only inches from her. "You are very
tired. You have not been sleeping well, and I am not sure if you have been eating well either." The
Klingon lowered his voice, almost inaudibly. "I could not bear it if I lost you or the baby."
Without wiping away her tears, Deanna looked up at her husband. "I do believe you, Worf.
It's just...I feel...not like myself. If I were less tired, less distraught, I probably wouldn't have
gotten so angry." He could see in her eyes that admitting this weakness had been difficult for her.
Worf sat down beside her and she collapsed into his arms. He stroked her hair, relieved that
she was finally allowing him to comfort her.
"I love you, darling," he said, words that had never come easily to him.
"Since you have a while before you're required to go back to duty," she began, "Why don't
you come lie with me for a while?" She smiled through her glistening tears and raised her
eyebrows suggestively at him.
Without another word, Worf scooped his wife up into his arms and carried her into their
bedroom. She smiled up at him, running her fingers through his beard. Gently but urgently, he laid
her down on the bed and began undressing her.
****
When the probe returned two and a half hours later, Data worked diligently at the science
station, thoroughly reading through all the data it had accumulated--which for an android took all
of about ten minutes. He swivelled in his chair to look at the captain and the security chief, who
were standing only a few feet behind him. "The probe detected a small pocket-sized hole about
three parsecs from our present location. It is one-point-five meters in diameter and leads directly
to the wormhole we discovered a few months ago."
"The one where Geordi--" Riker began.
"Yes, sir," the android interrupted, growing teary eyed. "It almost seems as though this
anomaly has a mind to follow us around.
"Maybe the pockets are being masterminded," Riker mused.
"Are you saying these aliens are tracking us?" the Klingon asked gruffly. "That they may be
purposely causing my wife's turmoil!" He looked positively ready to battle the unknown enemy by
himself.
"Mr. Worf, calm down--and that is an order." After Worf visibly relaxed, albeit only slightly
by Human standards, Riker looked at his first officer. "Is there any evidence that this wormhole is
any different in nature than the others.
"Negative, sir," Data said. "This pocket-sized wormhole appears stable and contains the
same cohesive matter, possibly synthetic."
How is this phenomenon causing Deanna's turmoil?"
"I cannot answer that with absolute certainty, sir." The android paused. He glanced at Worf
with a pang of sympathy.
"It is so infuriating," the Klingon growled, "to know the enemy, but not know how to battle
it."
"We've already lost Geordi to this anomaly," Riker said, though certainly no one needed
reminding. "Let's contact Starfleet and notify them of Deanna's condition and the new wormhole.
I think if we're to continue this mission, we need to get Deanna away from the area."
The Klingon nodded with appreciation. "I agree. But Deanna will not like it!"
"I know, but her safety is our main concern. I can order Deanna to leave this ship and this
area as soon as the first available ship can reach this area to transport her. She needn't even know
you were in on the decision, Worf. She can hate me all she wants for it. Mr. Data, contact
Starfleet and apprize them of our situation."
"Aye, sir."
"Thank you, sir," Worf said to the captain, "but after the...discussion I had with Deanna
earlier, I believe it would be better if I told her that I also feel it is a good idea for her to leave the
ship during this mission. She may grow angry with me, but at least she will not be able to accuse
me of once again lying to her."
"Understood. In the meantime, I'm going to have a talk with Lwaxana and see if she has any
suggestions that might help Deanna. Data, you have the bridge." Riker left the bridge using the
forward turbolift. "Computer, location of Lwaxana Troi," he requested.
"Ambassador Troi is on Deck Six inside her guest quarters."
"Take me there."
About fifteen seconds later, the turbolift arrived at Deck Six and opened up to the corridor.
When he reached Lwaxana's quarters he pressed the annunciator, she did not immediately answer,
but he waited with as much patients as he could manage.
She answered her door with a smile. "Captain, to what do I owe--" she faltered, her
expression changing to one of concern. "It's more than just simple depression, isn't it? You think
someone or something is causing my daughter's pain."
"Can I come in so we can discuss this?"
"Yes, of course." She stepped out of his way and he entered, walking over to her sofa. They
sat down on opposite ends. "Tell me everything you know."
"There's a pocket-sized wormhole about three parsecs from here." Riker went on to tell her
everything about his conversation with Data and Worf. "So I may need you to convince her to
take some shore leave. With the baby almost here, I'm sure she'll have no trouble getting an
extended leave approved by Starfleet."
"The trouble is in getting my daughter to agree. She is quite stubborn, you know."
Runs in the family, Riker thought, but decided against saying. He only hoped that Lwaxana
wasn't probing his thoughts at that moment. Aloud he said with a broad smile, "I'm sure you're
quite capable of the task."
****
"Absolutely not!" Troi exclaimed after her mother had suggested that they depart for
Betazed. "I can't be separated from Worf for a few months. He wouldn't even be with me when
our baby is born. How can you ask me to do such a thing?
"Deanna, darling. Look at yourself! You need some R&R."
"I cannot believe Will put you up to this. When Worf hears about this--" She gasped,
suddenly realizing what her mother wasn't telling her: Her husband already knew about this! "I
cannot believe this--you're all conspiring against me!" Deanna scurried to the door, surprisingly
fast for a woman eight-and-a-half-months pregnant.
But little One! Lwaxana sent telepathically. She continued, following, even after Deanna
was halfway down the corridor. We're very concerned about you and the baby. If you don't leave
this ship, I'm afraid for the baby's life.
Deanna halted and said aloud, "Oh, I don't think so, Mother! I would know if the baby was in
any physical danger!"
"I'm not so sure you're thinking clearly," Lwaxana countered.
"I will agree to remain off-duty, but don't ask me to leave this ship and my husband. I'm
going to my quarters now. Leave me alone!"
****
"Admiral Wilson, glad you could respond so quickly to my message," Riker said from inside
his ready room.
From the small viewscreen on the captain's desk, the admiral said, "Will, I understand your
situation and concur with your hypothesis. You had no way of knowing this yet, but only two
days ago, the Lexington also reported an encounter with another pocket-sized wormhole."
Intrigued, Riker leaned forward in his chair and said, "Where was this other wormhole
discovered?"
"In sector zero-one-two, just outside of the Korridian System. Data gathered by a probe
launched by the Lexington proved that this other pocket-sized wormhole is also connected to the
larger wormhole they discovered a few months ago."
"Admiral, don't you find it the least bit strange that the Lexington, out of an entire fleet of
Federation ships, continues to be the one to discover the pieces to this puzzle? And now the
Enterprise...we conduct our own investigation of the wormhole and now we've happened on an
additional piece as well. It's astonishing. The odds of finding these tiny pockets should be no
greater than the proverbial needle in a haystack."
"Yes, it is a bit odd. Have Commander Data run some tests into the possibility that these
wormholes possess some sort of magnetic force. Maybe we're not finding the pockets, but rather
they're drawing us to them."
"That might also explain why the only ships to encounter these pockets have been three of
the four Nova-class starships. Maybe the structural changes engineered since the last starship
model somehow make these ships more attracted to the phenomena."
"I am in concurrence with you, Captain. Also Captain, I'd like you to begin working with the
Lexington crew on this matter. If you were to both send someone inside an evacuation pod
through each of your respective pocket wormholes and into the wormhole I wonder what effect it
would have on the anomaly."
"You can't be serious!"
"Captain Riker--Will--neither your crew nor the Lexington's has found any evidence that this
anomaly is potentially dangerous to any crew member. I regret Commander La Forge's loss as
much as you do, but we must assume that he was lost through abduction when he entered these
alien's area of origin. Otherwise, he still would have been inside the probe upon its return. I
sincerely doubt that we have anything to worry about. Once each crew member has entered the
wormhole, I want them to each enter the pocket the other just exited from. If my theory is
correct, neither will ever travel anywhere near the creator's territory."
What if your theory is wrong? Riker thought to himself. Aloud he asked, "What would that
prove?"
"It may prove nothing. It may prove everything. We will never know unless we conduct an
experiment. Many discoveries would never have been made if those who discovered them hadn't
been willing to perform a few million tedious tasks along the way."
And how many experiments will we need to conduct? How many lives will we lose along
the way? Will wanted to ask, but decided against it. "What about my counselor's situation?" Riker
questioned, eager to change the subject.
"I'll be happy to oblige your request. Unfortunately the closest ship, the Roosevelt, is fifteen
days away. They have already been notified and are en route."
Riker supposed that asking to allow the Enterprise to temporarily warp away from the
pocket-sized wormhole was out of the question. What was one woman and her unborn child
against such an important discovery? He voiced none of this aloud, instead saying, "Thank you,
Admiral. Riker out."
