Warning: If you haven't seen Star Trek: Nemesis, this story contains a major spoiler at the beginning.

The following story picks up from the point after Data beams Captain Picard off the Scimitar war ship in the movie 'Star Trek: Nemesis'.
Contains mild sexual content


BEYOND LIMITS

Written by S. Bell

Data looked at the spot from where Captain Picard had just dematerialized.

"Goodbye." Data replied somberly before he spun around and pulled out his phaser.

Data fired point-blank into the Scimitar's warp core relays and he was surrounded by a blinding white light. The light was so bright nothing else was visible. The rumbling sound of the ship faded and there was nothing but silence. He appeared to be trapped in a gleaming white void.

"Curious. Is this what death looks like?" Data asked himself as he slowly glanced around.

There was no up or down, left or right. Direction no longer seemed to exist or matter. He noticed that his Starfleet uniform was still intact and in its usual pristine condition.
His android body was also undamaged.

"What makes you think you're dead, my Professor of the Humanities?" A familiar voice rang jubilantly.

"Who is there? Q, is it you?" Data asked.

"Always the keen one!" Q exclaimed as he suddenly emerged wearing a Starfleet Admirals uniform.

"Is Captain Picard alright? Did he make it back to the Enterprise in time?"

"Yes, yes. He and the crew are fine."

"Am I dead?"

"Dead? Shame on you for using such a limited word Data! Surely you could be more expansive." Q replied with a mischievous smirk.

"Where am I, and what is this place?"

"Why Data, it's whatever you want it to be!" Q exclaimed.

Suddenly, the stark white engulfment of the light faded and they were now on the bridge of the Enterprise. All of the senior staff were present and smiling at Data, but something seemed odd to him as he walked around and regarded each of them.

"But… this can not possibly be real. Can it?" Data replied quietly.

There was a strange sensation growing inside of him. He was becoming increasingly impatient with Q's meandering.

"Q, I need you to tell me. Where am I? What do you want with me?!" he asked harshly as he turned to face him, but to his surprise, Q was gone.

"No need to be hasty Data. You'll know everything soon enough. But first you need time to reflect." Q's voice echoed from all around.

"Reflect? Reflect on what?" Data called out as he searched for the origin of Q's voice.

Data turned to face the bridge crew but they had all vanished as well.

"Computer, location of Captain Picard." Data requested, but there was no response.

Data tried several more times to ascertain the location of the crew but with no success. He looked through the entire ship but it was desolate, it appeared that he was the only one on board. Although the ship appeared to be fully operational, the helm and navigation controls were not functioning. Through his journey on the ship, he couldn't help but recall the happy times he spent with his friends. As he walked through Engineering, he remembered his many pleasant conversations with Geordi. When he traveled through Ten Forward, he recalled the many celebrations and recitals that took place there. So many memories raced through his head, he felt as if he were reliving those joyous experiences all over again.

The last place he went was to his quarters and he noticed that not even spot was present. Not knowing what else to do he began to pace without realizing it. He called several times for Q to reveal himself but only silence answered him. Data's emotion chip seemed to be working overtime as a wild mélange of emotions began to race through his positronic network. The most prominent emotion was impatience, but it eventually gave way to fear and intense anger. Data walked over to his console, picked up a PADD and hurled it into a corner.

"Q, answer me damn it!" Data yelled as the PADD struck several of his paintings, knocking a few of them down in the process.

Data noticed one painting in particular. He slowly walked over to the pile of strewn canvases and picked one up. As he sat on his bed, he brushed his fingers over the surface, tracing the face of a pretty young woman with short dark hair. He felt as if he were imploding; his midsection began to spasm. As he continued to look at the painting, a few gold drops fell onto the canvas just beneath the woman's left eye. Data realized that he was crying.

"Lal," he sobbed, "my daughter! I am so sorry I could not tell you that I loved you! I did love you… I always have. I simply did not know it. I will always love you my child!"

The words barely escaped his mouth and his body continued to quiver with uncontrollable sorrow. He clutched the painting to his chest and for the first time, was able to grieve for his beloved daughter. Data was unable to determine how much time had passed since his internal chronometer no longer seemed to be functioning. He was surprised to find himself lying down, it was apparent that he had fallen asleep for an unknown length of time. The painting of his daughter Lal was leaning neatly against the wall by his bed. He slowly got up, made his way over to his console and came across his service medals, a book from Captain Picard and a holographic cube. Once it was activated, Tasha Yar's small holographic image stood on top of the cube with her hands clasped in front of her. She appeared to be perpetually and serenely smiling. Data felt that he couldn't take anymore as a flood of emotions began to overwhelm him once again. He realized that she was another person whom he loved without realizing it.

"Tasha." he whispered in a shaky voice, "I did not know. Why am I only just realizing how much you really meant to me?"

He began to sob once again as he discontinued the holographic image. It hurt too much to look at it. All at once he began to think about all the people he loved and would never see again. He thought about all of the people he had lost over the years and not being able to fully grieve for them emotionally. The thought of his father Dr. Soong, his mother Juliana, Lal and Tasha all bombarded his positronic brain and he feared it would overload. It seemed that he was now making up for lost time in grieving for them but he desperately wished the painful sensations would stop. He cocked his head in an effort to deactivate the emotion chip but to no effect. Feeling powerless and furious, he pounded on the console and dented it before he dropped to his knees and wailed. After a while, he regained his composure and sat in his chair.

"I am all alone. I do not want to be alone. I do not like it." he replied in barely a whisper as he stared blankly at nothing at all.

"But you're not alone!" Q replied as he suddenly reappeared, "And you don't have to be!"

Q was casually sitting on Data's console. He still wore the same admirals' uniform Data had seen him in earlier.

"Q, your company is the kind I do not wish to have." Data replied in a quiet, yet threatening manner through clenched teeth, "Why are you doing this? Why do you wish to torture me like this? What have I done to deserve this?!"

"Torture? My friend, I wouldn't dream of torturing you. Not after all you've done for me. I am simply here to… help you on your way."

"On my way? To where might I ask?"

Q snapped his fingers and they were suddenly transported to the forest Data had visited on the holodeck during the Farpoint mission. The sun was setting and the stars were beginning to emerge. However, something seemed different somehow, but Data could not determine what it was. He heard the soothing sound of birds chirping and the sound of crickets singing. His overwhelming sadness had faded a bit and was accompanied by a comforting feeling of peacefulness. He came to the familiar pond which had a row of several stepping stones. He couldn't resist the urge to walk across them — which he did swiftly and effortlessly. Data even remembered the exact location of a loose stone and skillfully maneuvered over it. Once he reached the other side, Q was already there, leaning against a tree.

"Why have you brought me here?" Data asked.

"You will find out soon enough my friend. It won't be long now. I promise." Q answered with his usual confident smile.

Data glanced at Q suspiciously with a raised eyebrow before proceeding along the trail. They came to a familiar patch of foliage where he had once pointed out the location of the holodeck's back wall to Commander Riker. However, something seemed to be very different and Q seemed to realize that. Data slowly bent down to pick up a large rock and Q promptly moved out of the way. Data hurled the rock towards what should have been the wall. Instead of hitting it with a thud, the rock continued to travel and landed in some bushes in the distance. Data realized that there was no wall! He grimaced slightly as he pondered the possible reasons for the occurrence. He then quickly turned his attention to Q and inquired.

"We are not on the holodeck?" Data asked.

"Very good!" Q answered, "I was beginning to think you'd never figure it out. Notice anything else that's different around here?"

Data slowly turned in a circle, carefully inspecting the details of the forest and something in the distance caught his eye. It was an unusual structure. He quickly journeyed towards the small building before he realized that the dwelling was that of his father, Dr. Soong. He paused when he reached the entrance and noticed that once again Q had disappeared. Data cautiously entered the building which, at first glance, appeared to be empty. The inside of the building was very different than the last time he had seen it. It no longer looked like a lab. There were no longer scientific contraptions crammed into the space and the environment seemed to have a warmer and more inviting appeal. Data continued to glance around cautiously. Almost as a reflex, he made a move to grab for his phaser just in case, but he realized that he no longer had one — or needed one. He heard footsteps approaching from the next room and he expected to see his father, perhaps even his evil brother Lore. However, nothing could have prepared him for the sight that stood before him. Time itself seemed to become stationary and everything else that existed no longer seemed to matter.

"Data? Is that really you? It's been so long!" the soft voice greeted.

Data closed his eyes for a moment thinking that there was an anomaly in one of his processors, but when he reopened them, he realized that wasn't the case.

"Tasha?" he whispered tearfully as he slowly walked towards her.

She was not wearing her Starfleet uniform, but very flattering civilian's clothes. Her hair was as silky as ever and shimmered in the soft light. Data now stood directly in front of her, looking down into her dazzling eyes.

"Yes Data, it's —"

Before she could finish the sentence he grabbed her and kissed her tenderly and passionately on the lips. The sensation of her lips against his seemed new, as if he were kissing for the first time. Although, he had kissed many times before, the sensation was always lacking in emotion. The emotion of this moment seemed to enhance the intimacy of the kiss. Tasha didn't fight it, instead she wrapped her arms around Data as if welcoming him home. The duration of the kiss was immeasurable, but it didn't seem to matter to either of them. Eventually, Data managed to slowly release her from his kiss and they gazed into each others eyes.

"Tasha, there is so much I wish I could have told you. So many things I wish I could have said. I simply did not realize… how much I loved you, always loved you." Data said as he sandwiched her hand with both of his own, "I love you so much. I simply did not… realize it until recently. I was so preoccupied with analyzing everything that I looked passed what was right in front of me. I –"

"Shh, it's okay." Tasha hushed softly as she gently placed a finger over his lips, "Data, I always knew that I loved you too. I was just too… afraid to pursue it. I was scared to lose control, to lose myself in you the way I did that night. I didn't think I deserved someone as good as you. Your perception of the world was so innocent... so different from mine. So, I pushed you away because I didn't … I didn't want to corrupt you. But Data, none of that matters now. All that matters is that we're together right now. We've been given another chance. We have forever to make up for what should've been."

Data couldn't contain himself any longer and gently pulled her in for another kiss. He held her so close as if trying to prevent anything from taking her away from him a second time. He embraced and caressed her with the maximum pressure he could safely apply to her body. For the first time, he could fully appreciate the soft, sweet scent of her perfume and the delicate yet intoxicating smell of her soft hair. As he stroked her hair and gently caressed her face; to him, it was a softness beyond compare. Data was hungry for her and couldn't wait any longer to explore her completely, to experience her physically and emotionally. He swept her into his strong arms and carried her into the bedroom, from which she had initially emerged. He gently lowered her onto the bed and lay closely alongside her. As Tasha helped him to remove his uniform, he felt her hands glide gently down his chest and around to his back. It triggered sensations that seemed beyond electric and he swelled with unbridled excitement. He gently, but eagerly peeled off her clothes as they continued to caress and shower one another with kisses – kisses that became progressively more passionate.

The two of them were finally able to unleash the passion they had repressed from each other for too long. They didn't worry about consequences, appearances or other things that no longer mattered. As he lay alongside her voluptuous body, Data shuddered ever so slightly when he became enveloped in her warmth. He traced and firmly grasped the smooth contours of her mounds as he gently bit the base of her neck, causing her to moan in exquisite arousal. She responded by gliding one hand down his muscular back while using the other to ruffle his all too perfect hair. Data lifted himself just enough to look at her face, which was flushed with color. Her eyes engagingly met his gaze, intently exuding mutual love and pure desire. Her skin glistened with tiny beads of perspiration. His arousal climbed even further when he saw a single bead of sweat trail from her neck down to the narrow valley of her cleavage. Tasha's hands drifted down from his disheveled hair, past his neck, down his glistening chiseled pectorals and finally stopped when it reached the lower portion of his hard, rippled abs. Her hands lingered for a moment before traveling to his strong shoulders. Gentle, electric sensations swirled deep within both of them, but soon faded. It teased them and beckoned them to alter their motion in order to seize the fleeting feeling.

As Data's movements suddenly became hungrier and more vigorous, Tasha panted for air, all the while repeatedly declaring her love for him. It was a declaration he readily reciprocated. The electric sensation returned. It increased in intensity and continued to build up in time to their rhythm. Their bodies became even more tightly intertwined as they held onto each other, surrendering to the repeated collision of their passion. Bracing herself for the inevitable, Tasha buried her face into Data's shoulder as he nuzzled her hair. The couple fed off each other's growing excitement and before long, the sweet, electric sensation had become nearly unbearable. Suddenly, the sensation radiated outward in an unrelenting burst. With a jolt, their bodies stiffened against each other. Tasha dug her nails into his sculpted back as she cried out in ecstasy. Her body arched backward before relaxing into Data's powerful arms, which supported her. At the same time, Data buried his head into her bosom and gasped sharply as he finally reached the peak of his unbridled passion. It was a blissful moment that seemed to freeze and extend beyond eternity. After they consumed all the enjoyment they could from the experience, Data rolled onto his back, positioned Tasha to lie on his chest and held her trembling body in his arms. He gazed down into her eyes and he noticed tears of joy flowing from them. Once again, the two declared their undying love for one another, before sharing a long, tender kiss. The intensity of the experience had taken its toll on Tasha and she eventually fell asleep. As he watched her, Data was filled with a contentment of having fulfilled one of his greatest desires; to share such an intimate moment physically and emotionally with someone he loved very deeply. It was meaningful and special; an unbreakable bond that would last forever.


The morning sun streamed across Data's face. As he opened his golden, opalescent eyes, they glinted in the light. He was once again surprised to find himself awakening from sleep. He turned to his left to look at Tasha, but there was nothing but the rumpled sheets and the dented pillow she had slept on. Data wasn't sure what sensation he felt at that moment, but he compared it to the sinking feeling humans often get when they fear they've just lost something precious. He leapt out of bed with breakneck speed, threw on a robe and dashed out of the bedroom to look for Tasha. He entered the living room and called frantically for her, but there was no answer. Data began to panic and he ran to exit the dwelling, but as soon as the door opened, he saw her outside gathering flowers. He immediately withdrew a long breath of relief. Data didn't think it was possible for Tasha to look more beautiful, but her appearance in the morning light seemed to defy his opinion. The way her hair caught the sun made her seem almost angelic. Feeling that she was being watched, she turned and saw Data watching her from the doorway. She got to her feet, approached him and greeted him with a loving kiss.

"Good morning lover." she greeted seductively.

"Why did you leave?" he asked softly.

"I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful." she gently replied.

"I was afraid I had… lost you again." Data replied as he held her close.

"Don't worry, that'll never happen. I guess you're stuck with me." Tasha said with a chuckle, "Come back inside, there's something I need to tell you. I didn't get the chance to do it last night — you didn't exactly give me a chance." she said with a mischievous smirk.

Seeing her smirk like that made Data recall the wonderful experience they shared the night before and he had a sudden, burning desire to repeat it at that very moment. However, he found the will-power to resist his urges since the tone of her voice indicated the importance of the information she had. But he could not determine how long his self-restraint would last. They entered the living room and she asked Data to sit on the sofa while she arranged the flowers in a vase on the table.

"What do you wish to tell me?" he inquired.

"Well, we're not exactly the only ones here Data." she replied as she joined him on the sofa.

"We are not?" he asked, to which Tasha gently shook her head. Data glanced around, "That is strange. I can not detect anyone else here."

"Well, they're not exactly —" but before Tasha could explain, the door hissed open.

Data became overjoyed as he saw the new arrival enter the house.

"Lal!" he exclaimed joyously.

"Father! You're here!" Lal replied happily.

They ran to each other and embraced tearfully. Tasha watched from a short distance, she smiled as father and daughter were reunited.

"Lal, I love you. I love you. I could not say it before but I can say it now. I will say it as many times as necessary in order for you to understand!" Data cried.

"I love you too father! I knew you loved me too; you've always shown it to me whether you realized it or not. It's so good to see you again, I've missed you father!"

"I have missed you too!" he replied, "More than you will ever know."

Data and Lal mutually ceased their embrace, but Data held her hand until they walked further into the living room. He then looked at Tasha, who had not broken her loving smile.

"You knew about this? You know about Lal?" he asked her.

"Yes," Tasha answered, "I was surprised to find out that you had created a child. Data, creating a new life is a remarkable accomplishment. I'm so proud of you! Lal is very special. She's been great company. How can she be anything but? She reminds me so much of you!"

Lal and Tasha smiled at one another before exchanging a brief hug.

The three of them spent a wonderful day together exchanging experiences and fond memories. Tasha practically dragged Data to take a swim with her in the lake. He tried to tell her that he didn't have enough buoyancy to remain on the surface. However, she wouldn't take no for an answer. Wanting to please her, he obliged and was very surprised that he didn't sink to the bottom. They beckoned Lal to join them, but she seemed content with watching from the jetty as her feet dangled in the water. Tasha challenged him to a race and he, of course, nearly swam clear to the other side of the lake before she even reached the middle. Data doubled back for her and noticed that they were out of Lal's visual range. He took the opportunity to steal a long, romantic kiss as he and Tasha floated peacefully in the water.

Later that day, Tasha took turns playing chess with Data and Lal — both of whom repeatedly defeated her. When Tasha grew bored of the constant defeat, she requested that Data and Lal play a song on their violins. She sighed happily as she watched them play the most wonderful duet. Each note, each inflection was executed masterfully with perfect pitch and harmony. Eventually, they all helped set the dinner table. Data was puzzled as to why there were two additional place settings. Just as he was about to inquire, Tasha spilled something on the table and sent Data into the other room to get a towel from the linen closet. She made a funny comment about the mess and Data laughed heartily as he pushed a button to open the closet. When it opened, he quickly stopped laughing and he was instantly filled with panic. Instead of sheets and towels; he was once again in the gleaming white void.

"No! Damn you Q! Send me back! I want to go back to them now!" Data yelled furiously.

"Easy Data, I have no intention of holding you captive. You will rejoin your beloved family… if you so desire. But first, there is someone who wishes to speak with you privately before he joins the party." Q's sincere voice echoed from all around.

Suddenly a middle-aged man appeared, there was no doubt in Data's mind who it was.

"Father." Data said quietly, a perplexed look crossed his face.

Dr. Soong approached Data and after a brief moment, the two embraced.

"Data," he replied, "my son, you never cease to amaze me. I always knew that you were unique, but I never would have guessed that this would ever work."

"May I ask, to what you are referring?"

"This!" Dr. Soong joyously replied with open arms, "Do you know how you got here Data?"

Data thought for a beat before he gave his answer.

"Captain Picard's life was in danger. I sacrificed myself so that he could live."

"That was a very courageous act, but that isn't the main reason why you're here."

"What exactly is… 'here'?" Data asked.

"I guess you could call it the afterlife, at least that's what I called it when I created it for you." Dr. Soong explained, "I felt it would be unfair to model an android so closely to resemble humans without including the possibility of an afterlife. But in order for the program to be activated, a remarkable set of events had to occur. If you're seeing me right now, that's proof that those events have in fact been put into motion. If you're seeing me right now, it means that although your body has been destroyed, a very important part of you has survived."

"Which part, father?"

"I created a very tiny backup, it contains all of your experiences. It was designed to remain dormant until the moment your system were to fail beyond repair or if you were to be destroyed. The material is so durable it can withstand very extreme conditions, it's virtually indestructible. The only problem is, I only had access to very small amounts, otherwise I would have used it in your entire construction. It was your death, in part, that activated this backup, this 'afterlife' as I call it."

"But how did you know about Lal and Tasha? How did you know about Q? How were you able to program all of them into the backup?" Data asked curiously.

"Oh, I didn't, but you did son."

"I am not sure if I understand." Data's face displayed immense confusion.

"The backup was initially a blank slate. As you lived out your life, the backup process gradually went into effect. After you installed your emotion chip, certain events, people and memories were imbedded into a special place in the backup. In a way, I guess you can say you've created your own heaven without even realizing it, but before you could get there you had to reflect on your life and see your triumphs and your failures. The end result is the culmination of everything you've desired for so long, the desire to become human." Dr. Soong held Data's face in his hands and looked into his eyes, "You see my son, you were always more human than you gave yourself credit for. Yet you've managed to accomplish more than most humans would dare dream possible."

Data regarded the information for a moment before asking his father another question.

"My friends are not yet dead, but will I be able to see them again someday?" Data asked.

"My son, you will be able to see them whenever you want. You won't have to wait until they're dead. But son, you didn't ask me about the other thing that activated your backup." Dr. Soong whispered.

"Yes father, what was it?"

"Love. The ability to love beyond limits and without restrictions."

Data looked down for a moment and smiled, he finally understood. He looked up to ask his father another question but he was gone. Data was standing in front of the linen closet holding a towel in his hand.

"Data? Data!" Tasha called.

He was yanked back to his reality as he saw the love of his life standing before him.

"Tasha." he replied softly.

"Where did you drift off too?" she asked.

"That does not matter," he answered as she smiled and took the towel, "what matters is that we are together now."

She smiled warmly and attempted to return to the dining room but he gently pulled her towards him and kissed her passionately. Her lips were still so warm and soft. It was still real to him, as real as he wanted it to be, as real as he needed it to be. They were interrupted by Lal, who cleared her throat.

"Tasha, what are your intentions toward my father?" Lal asked playfully, to which Data and Tasha chuckled.

"I didn't mean to interrupt; I just came to inform you that Grandfather and Grandmother have arrived." Lal stated before she promptly returned to the living room.

Data glanced at Tasha who tried to shrug innocently as if she didn't know what Lal was talking about, but he knew better. He kissed her again briefly before the two entered the living room. Sitting on the sofa were Data's mother Julianna and his father. Data's father appeared to be the same age as when Data last seen him alive — albeit much more robust. Julianna looked as lovely as ever and swiftly walked over to Data and greeted him with a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Well Data, I was beginning to think you two lovebirds would never invite us to visit!" she exclaimed happily before moving to give Tasha a warm hug.

Data was taken aback and struggled for words as Dr. Soong walked over and gave him a hearty hug.

"Hi son, how are you?" he greeted.

"I am fine. I could not be better. It is good to see you again father," Data's gaze shifted to Juliana, "and you too mother."

"Dinner's ready." Lal called from the dining room entrance.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm famished! It's been a long road you know." Data's mother replied.

"Yes. That it has been." Data replied mostly to himself with a soft smile.

As they gathered around the dinner table, they all engaged in pleasant conversation and enjoyed the sumptuous meal. As Data smiled at his family, he realized that he had never before felt so content, so complete. Suddenly everything froze and Q appeared next to him.

"Don't worry Data, I won't stay long." Q replied smoothly.

"Q, it is you again. I must say that I am puzzled as to why you are a part of my… 'backup', my afterlife. No offense, but you were not of… great significance to me."

"No offense taken Data. However, I'm afraid you're mistaken. I'm not a part of your backup. I just wanted to… make sure that it started up. Let's just say I had to give it a little boost after that whole mess with the Scimitar. It wouldn't have been able to function without my help. Oh but enough about me, I'm not one to brag… at least not right this moment." Q chuckled.

"So, you are really here?"

"Why of course! Data, have you forgotten that I'm omnipotent?"

"Hmm. In that case, why did you not prevent my destruction and put me back on the Enterprise?" Data asked.

"Well Data, if that's what you really want…" Q replied casually as he prepared to snap his fingers.

"No Q! Wait! Please!" Data yelled frantically.

"What's the matter Data?" Q asked.

"I think I understand… why you did not prevent the events that led me here. Right now, I have everything I have desperately sought all my life yet could not obtain. I now possess everything I have always wanted. If I go back to the way things were, there is no guarantee that I will have it again." Data replied.

"Are you sure about that?" Q asked, his fingers still poised to snap.

Data glanced around the table at his parents, his daughter Lal, and Tasha — all of whom were frozen in mid-conversation. He smiled as he felt all the love that was present in the room. It was a contrast to what he would have if he chose to return to life. Sure he would be reunited with his friends, but there would surely be wars, battles and pain among other things he no longer wanted to be a part of.

"Absolutely." Data softly replied with happy tears as he looked at his family.

"As you wish Data, but don't be surprised if I stop by again one day… in case you change your mind." Q replied with a wink and vanished just as quickly as he appeared.

Data's parents, Lal and Tasha all resumed their meal and conversation as if nothing had happened.

"Juliana, you should've seen it, Data and Lal played perfectly! Maybe if they're feeling up to it, they can play something for you and Noonien." Tasha said.

"Well, if that's the case, then perhaps I could join them. I'm not so bad on the strings myself." Data's mother happily replied.

"You play the violin too? That's great! I would love to hear the three of you play! Noonien, do you play as well?"

"Nah, my talents appear to be restricted to the world of science and technology I'm afraid." Dr. Soong chuckled, "Tasha, you're family now. Please feel free to call me father."

After the meal was finished, they all gathered in the living room. Data stood between his mother and Lal and they were all poised with their violins, ready to perform. Data nodded to cue the beginning of their recital. As they played, the air was instantly filled with a beautiful song, a culmination of three generations of flawless musical talent.

As they continued to play, Data glanced out the window and into the starry sky. A single golden tear of joy trickled down his smooth, pale, opalescent-gold face. He hoped his friends on the Enterprise would someday understand why he hadn't returned to them. He hoped that they remembered that they would as long as they held him in their memories, and vice versa, they would forever remain connected. As he thought of them, he smiled and wished that they could see that he had finally reached his ultimate goal.

Meanwhile, somewhere in space, time progressed slowly but surely. The senior staff of the Enterprise gathered on Cygnus for a reunion. It was symbolic since that was the planet where they began their journey to exploration and friendship. Deanna Troi and Will Riker told funny stories about their new son, Captain Picard spoke of his new crew. He mentioned that although they were highly capable, they weren't the same as his original Enterprise crew. Beverly Crusher discussed her award-winning medical breakthrough. Worf spoke of his son's decision to join Starfleet. Geordi LaForge spoke of his pending nuptials and how he wished Data were alive to be his best man. After Geordi's statement, there was an awkward silence as they all realized how much they still missed their beloved android friend.

"You know, I never told anyone about this, but a few days after we lost him, I had this strange dream." Geordi said, "I was in some kind of forest and I heard these… violins playing. It was the most beautiful music I've ever heard in my life. I mean, it sounded… exactly like how Data used to play, only there were —"

"Three of them." Deanna interrupted, she had a puzzled look on her face.

"Yeah. That's right. Are you reading my mind again counselor?" Geordi asked with a faint chuckle.

"No, I had the same dream." she replied.

"Me too," Beverly slowly agreed, looking equally as puzzled, "It was so beautiful, I actually woke up crying!"

As they looked around at one another with shock, they all realized that they had the exact same dream. When they discussed it further, they discovered that they all had the dream at the exact same time; just days after Data sacrificed himself for the Captain.

"I remember that forest." Will replied, "It was the same forest in the holodeck program where I first met Mr. Data. He told me that when he would go there, he would almost feel human. But there was something different about it, but I can't quite put my finger on it. It just seemed so… so —"

"Real?" Worf asked.

"Yes, exactly." Will quickly answered.

"How is it possible for all of us to have dreamt of the same exact thing at precisely the same time?" Captain Picard asked.

"I don't know Captain," Deanna answered, "but perhaps it was some sort of sign. A sign that Data's not really gone, that he's… alright."

"A sign he knew we would all need." Geordi softly replied, "But it didn't just stop at the dream, that's why I brought it up. Two days ago I received a subspace message, but it was blank; and I could've sworn that I heard the music again! Then yesterday, I actually saw him — and I was wide awake! At first I thought there was a problem with my ocular implants, but they checked out fine."

Tears began to stream down Deanna's face.

"Geordi," she said, her voice trembled slightly, "did he... ask you something?"

"Yeah, as a matter of fact he did. How did you — " Geordi answered.

"What did he ask you?"

"Well, he asked me… if I was alright and if I understood."

Deanna began to cry and Will held her close.

"I heard it too Geordi!" she cried, "It was like I was there when he spoke to you. I thought I was imagining things, but I heard him speak to you!"

Upon further discussion, it was discovered that Captain Picard had also received similar messages on his new ship. At the time he attributed it to junior officers playing games with the communications system. However, upon listening to the experiences of Geordi and Deanna, he knew that was not the case. No one else in the group received such messages. They surmised that it was due to Data's very close friendship with Geordi and the Captain.

As they all sat in silence, they remembered their friend. They recalled the rich sounds of the violins as if they were being played at that very moment. They dared not pry further as to how their friend had managed to communicate to them. It was decided that they would not taint the experience with logic or theory. They would simply accept it for what they believed it meant; that Data wasn't completely gone.

Through the years that followed, they would still dream of the peaceful forest and lovely violin symphony on occasion. The clarity, beauty and essence of the harmony never seemed to fade. It was their constant reminder that Data was still present in their hearts and memories and would remain there forever.

For the alternate conclusion, continue reading the subsequent chapters