A few days later…
The door chirped; a cheerful noise compared with Charlotte's mood. With a sigh, she put aside her PADD and turned towards the sound. "Enter."
Worf entered the room, looking a little uncomfortable. For a moment, neither spoke, then: "Please, come in and sit down." When he was seated: "What can I do for you, sir?"
"I have come…" He paused to think about his next words. "To see how you are taking the news."
"You what?" She stared at him.
The Klingon shifted, embarrassed. "I am unaccustomed to making visits of this kind…"
"Worf." Charlotte leaned forward, smiling a little. "Are you here to offer some comfort?"
"Yes."
"That's…" She let out a breath, touched by the thought. "That's sweet of you, Worf." At his look, she held up her hands. "Ok, ok, you want to know how I'm taking it. Let's see… Science is keeping me occupied, so I haven't had much time to dwell on it. I haven't cried yet- it must be the shock. I'm sure it'll sink in soon." She said this almost cheerfully, but Worf could detect the veiled sorrow beneath her voice.
"You should know that Commander Data died with honour," he said, with a gentleness that made her stare. "I know that you cared deeply for him, so I thought you should know that."
"Thank you," she whispered, looking at the ground. "That means a lot to me, Captain."
"There is also one other matter." Worf held out a clear piece of plastic. "This was found among his belongings. The message is titled with your name, and I was holding it until there was a chance to give it to you."
Charlotte took it, touching the precious chip as if it was the most valuable thing in the universe. "Thank you," she repeated.
The Klingon stood. "I will leave now."
"Stardate 48315.6, Second Officer's personal log.
This message is to be delivered to Charlotte Hope in the event of my being deactivated. Charlotte, if you are watching this, it is only fair to speculate that I was not here to welcome you when you returned. I regret this, for I was looking forward to seeing you again.
It is customary in human culture to bequeath one's belongings to those closest to you. It is my wish that you take possession of my violin- this seems logical given our shared interest in music. You may also take any other items you wish.
My friend, I recollect with certain fondness the time we spent together. I am aware that I once told you that, as an android, I am incapable of feeling. I now believe that to be untrue, and if I am never to tell you personally, I would like you to know that you always held a… special place in my heart.
I will conclude now, and wish you a good life. Goodbye."
Charlotte sat, still and cold as rock, staring at the screen long after the message had ended. To anyone who didn't know her, she might have seemed unmoved. But nothing could be further from the truth.
After a while, she straightened and stood up. Science report completely forgotten, she stalked out of the room and down the corridor, stopping once to ask the computer a question. Ten minutes later, she stood in the doorway of Cargo bay 3, looking at an open crate and the back of Jean-Luc Picard.
The captain looked up and smiled sadly as she approached. "I suppose you're here to look at this," he said, gesturing to the crate. Charlotte nodded and he stepped aside to watch as she began to rummage.
There wasn't much there, really, just a few books, paintings and other miscellaneous objects.
"Where's his violin?"
Picard opened another crate and brought it out, still in its case. Charlotte took it and replaced the lid of the first crate.
"Permission to move these to my quarters, Captain?" At his hesitation, she produced the chip. "This is a message from Data, authorising my access his possessions."
"In that case…" Picard smiled again. "You're welcome to them."