Sunday, June 08, 2008

Riker's Temporary Replacement (Part One)

"I don't want to go, Captain." Riker tells me as I sit in my office having my mid-morning cup of Earl Grey, "It's just that Deanna wants me to go with her to Betazed and talk with her mother, Lwaxana."

"Yes, I can see how you would be reluctant to go, Will." I reply, "But that is one of the tasks one takes if they go with Counselor Troi."



"Too right!" admits Riker, "I'd like the time away with Deanna, without Lwaxana asking if I've visited any interplanetary jewelers, and reminding me what the size of her daughter's wedding ring finger."

I try not to laugh. I don't want to drop my tea again.

"Well, Number One." I say, "At least Data will be able to take care of the Commander's position while you are away."

"That's true." he admits, "Everything is always just the way it was whenever I return from an absence."

Riker gets up when he finishes his second donut and heads to Deanna's quarters to help her with the packing.

I turn to the videoviewer to call Admiral Hardaker to remind him about Riker. The Admiral is the one we have to book our vacations with. To think we still have to do this in the 24th Century! Only so many can have the same days off.

Hardaker comes on the screen.

"Just to remind you sir." I start, "That Commander Riker is off for a week here, and well have Riker filling in for him."

"Oh no he won't!" he replies quickly.

"What do you mean, sir?"

"Well." he answers, "With Riker away, it gives us a good chance to put someone else in his place and see how things go. This Commander is very ambitious, and wants to be a Captain as soon as possible."

I start to feel uncomfortable, as if my Captain's seat is being eased from me.

"In fact." Hardaker tells me, "The Commander has visited the Enterprise before, and will arrive on the shuttle that will take Riker and Counselor Troi away."

He closes and switches off the viewer before I have a chance to ask who the Commander is.

----------------

Not long after, we are all waiting in the shuttle bay. Deanna Troi is looking happy that she has a chance to visit her mother. Riker is looking miserable as if he is in the Tower of London and about to go to the block.

"Have you no idea who my replacement is, Captain?" he asks.

"I guess we'll find out soon enough, Number One." I reply, as I see the shuttlecraft come into the bay. Itlands and we approach as the doors open.



"Commander Shelby!" I exclaim.

"Yes" she replies, then looks at Riker, "Are you still here? Oh yes, you need the shuttle. Now don't worry. You have a LONG break. I'll soon get this ship running properly."

I look at Riker as he and Deanna enter the shuttle, almost wishing I could get away with them.

I have the idea that the next few days are going to be very difficult.

To be continued...

20 comments:

kenju said...

Well, then, I'll have to come back tomorrow, won't I? Michele says hi.

Bilbo said...

I can almost hear the ominous organ music playing in the background...

Nepharia said...

Captain, is this a good time to be 'weepy'?

The Real Mother Hen said...

Cool! Another bitch that drives everyone nuts, love that :)

Amanda said...

It must be so hard to be the Captain of the Enterprise with so many of these 'headaches' around.

BTW, I thought they would have banned donuts by the 24the Century.

Linda said...

Oh dear, I think you'd be better off spending the time on Betazed with Lwaxana! And throw Q in for good measure!

eastcoastlife said...

A power struggle?

No wonder you need my help to rub the Laughing Buddha! hehe....

Unknown said...

So many beautiful single women aboard this spaceship; so little time to quash constant micromanagement to engage in romantic pursuits aboard a mini-shuttle...away from (Ahem!) shall we say "distractions" :D)!

The Mistress of the Dark said...

It wouldn't be any fun it it weren't difficult :)

The Curmudgeon said...

Wants to be a captain as soon as possible but is doing vacation fill-in work? Oh, my, there's so many reasons to be nervous about this.

And if she starts calling you Locutus, you better think about calling Star Fleet Legal Aid. Perhaps Horace Rumpole has a great-great-great-great-great-grandson working there these days....

Jean-Luc Picard said...

Curmudgeon, it's probably Rumpole himself!

Michael, I'll admit there are a few err...'distractions' on the ship!

ECL, give an extra rub on the Buddha...Jean-Luc needs it!

Linda, do you think I'd prefer to spend a week with Lwaxana???

Kizzy R. Hannah said...

I am actually gritting my teeth ....

Gordon said...

Can you not just have Bev slip her something, have data take over as normal and just keep her out cold for the time being or do you want me to get Q on the horn..

Tawnya Shields said...

This does not sound good for anyone. I never cared much for women with too much testosterone!

Gyrobo said...

At least Data has an off switch! Am I right?!

...

*crickets chirping*

Batman said...

Hh, It's like the Robins evrery time I get a cold they fight over the Bat outfit.

Batgirl said...

You're Sick Batman...Can I have the costume?

Ellee Seymour said...

Just stand your ground captain, you are the boss.

Jean-Luc Picard said...

It could be a long week with Shelby around!

Anonymous said...

Oh boy Riker SURE does look like the spoiled little boy doesn't he? And Shelby, well.... hee hee. Good one!

Hugs, Mon