Codes: New, TNG, Riker/Troi
Summary: An alternate scene in "Where Silence Has Lease". A F**k or Die challenge story. NC-17
* * * * *
The entity, Nagilum, asked to them to demonstrate procreation.
"Not likely," replied Dr. Pulaski.
"You will, or many will die. There are numerous ways to die, captain. My experiments should only take a third of your crew." Picard and Riker exchange looks.
"You," Counselor Troi was suddenly pulled into the center of the bridge by an unseen force. "You are female....Deanna Troi. I would like you to demonstrate with...LaForge."
Geordi gulped loudly. Deanna's eyes widened but she stood impassively. A thunderous NO boomed across the bridge. All heads turned to look at Commander Riker.
"If you prefer your people to die, Commander..."
"That's not what I meant." Will interrupted.
"Oh, please explain."
Riker hesitated.
"Do you not find Counselor Troi pleasing? Would you prefer a different female?" Nagilum asked. "Or do you wish to be the one that mates with her? Why are your minds linked?"
Deanna and Riker's eyes lock. "We share a bond from before." He answered vaguely. "And YES, I would prefer to be the male in the experiment."
Will turned from the viewscreen, staring down into her big troubled eyes. To the others it seemed as if they were just staring at one another in silence. No one knew that they were actually communicating telepathically. Even though Nagilum could sense the link, he couldn't hear their silent conversation.
~I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do. I don't know how to stop this and there was NO WAY I was going to watch you with another man~ he sent.
~How are we going to get through this?~
~Just concentrate on me, Deanna. Block out everyone's thoughts but mine.~
Getting impatient, Nagilum observed, "It seems to me in order for the correct anatomy to join, they would have to be out of uniform" His invisible force stripped Riker and Deanna of their clothing. After his momentary shock, Will took two big strides and had Deanna pressed against his chest in less than a second. She trembled in his embrace.
"Counselor, would you like some incentive?" Nagilum asked.