"Within the Confines of Time"

Chapter 26 - "Having Doubts"

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Tasha had her arm intertwined with Data's as he led her down the corridor, her head lightly lying upon his shoulder. It was late and the only sound that surrounded them was the humming noise of the ship's engine.

Tasha stifled a small yawn, as her companion smiled down at her.

"I must get you into bed…you have had a long evening and require much rest."

She waved off his concern. "I'm fine, Data. Just a little tired from the party. I'm not use to being the center of attention when it comes to things like this."

"It was our engagement party and our presence was required."

"I know…..I just don't understand what the fuss is all about."

Data stopped walking as he turned to face her. He tilted his head in a fashion that she had become so accustomed too.

"I am certain that many of the crew members never believed that I would be marrying one day, despite my desire to do so. Nor did they ever believe that it would be to you, considering the circumstances surrounding your death. I believe that they are astounded as I am over these current events and they only wished to express their gratitude by planning the party in our honor."

"I know…." She placed her hand softly against his cheek. "I don't mean to be such a party-pooper; I'm just tired that's all."

Data quietly nodded as he resumed their walking.

"Speaking of being a party-pooper, you were awfully quiet tonight." Tasha chanced a look up at him as they stopped briefly outside their quarters. "What gives?"

"Nothing, I am fine." He offered as he entered their security code, opening the doors to their quarters.

"Wait a sec….Data, if anyone knows anything about you, it is the fact that you tend to talk entirely way too much. You are hardly ever quiet unless something is bothering you."

Data walked over to the couch and sat down as Tasha eased down close beside him, snuggling up to his shoulder as she traced light patterns with her hand upon his chest.

"So tell me Data, what's bothering you?" She coaxed.

The android wrapped his arms around her tightly, pulling her body more into his as he kissed the top of her forehead.

"Please do not worry."

She leaned back, her eyes piercing his, almost pleading. "Data, if we're going to make this work, you know that communication will have to be a key factor in making our marriage successful."

He stared back at her and eventually nodded his concession. "I have been plagued by many questions as of lately but there is one that trouble's me most of all."

"And what is that?"

He perplexingly cocked his head to the side. "I have no memories of my father therefore I have no example to draw from. I have read all the information there is on the subject of fatherhood but then again, books can only take someone so far. What I lack is the experience. I have never been a father before nor did I ever expect to be." He paused a moment and then confessed his one trepidation. "What if I fail?"

Tasha's heart went out to him. She couldn't help but to love this man. She loved his strengths as well as his insecurities no matter how unfounded they were.

"Aw, honey, you're not going to fail. It's very natural to be scared the first time….I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't scared myself, but I know you. You have no idea how comforting it is to know that I am in this with you!"

"But you stated that you were afraid as well….that does not count in my favor as comforting." He rebuffed.

Tasha leaned in to kiss his lips, in a small attempt to reassure him.

"Data, it's normal to be frightened the first time you realize you are going to become a parent. It's human nature to feel that way because for once in your life, you will be responsible for someone that solely depends upon you. It's a daunting task, one that won't be easy, but there's one thing I know about you Data and that is you don't give up. You succeed in everything you do and if you don't see a way, you will work until you find one. I have no doubt that you will be one of the best father's on this ship and that is what I take comfort in."

Data gave a faint smile, but Tasha noticed how it didn't reach his eyes. Instead, they held a single hint of sadness and she soon realized why.

"But what if Starfleet does not agree?"

Tasha moved further back, sitting up completely as she met his gaze. "Is that what this really is about? You're worried that the Federation won't agree with you becoming a parent?"

"It is a logical argument. They once tried to dispute that I was not sentient and that I was nothing more than mere property to them due to the fact that I was an artificial life form. They could easily make the assessment that I am not fit to be a father as well."

"But you have rights now, Data. Didn't you tell me that the judge ruled in your favor on that hearing?"

"Yes they did but this does not apply. I do not believe that the Federation was prepared in the event that I become a father. In fact, I am certain that they will argue against my favor."

"Well to hell with them. If they do, then we'll just retire." Data did not look convinced. "I mean who are they to tell us that we can't have a child together."

"But your dream was to join Starfleet, I could never ask you to leave that behind."

Tasha reached out, placing her hand lovingly on the side of his face, her thumb stroking the skin lightly. "Things change….." She whispered in the darkness of the room, the only light being the backdrop of the stars. "My dream now is to be with you and to raise our children with you and if that doesn't include the Enterprise then so be it. There is no division here, Data….where you go, I go… Remember?"

Data's mood turned quite earnest at her response. "I remember but we must remain prepared for the inevitable."

With a rakishly arched eyebrow, Tasha questioned him. "Data, has Starfleet already contacted you on this matter?"

He looked at her straight in the eye, more in an effort to alleviate her fears. "No they have not. But I have noticed in the past that the Federation has always taken an interest in the affairs of my life."

"Do you think it's possible that you might just be a little paranoid, Data?"

"In this case, I hope you are correct in that assumption."

Tasha stood up, offering her hand to him. "Come to bed with me."

It wasn't a question, nor a demand but more of an invitation. One that held many promises for the days to come. But for now, she would use one of them to erase away all his doubts and fears.

She didn't want to spend her pregnancy in a timid state over the 'what if's.' They would cross that bridge when they got there. Unfortunately, she just didn't know how soon that day was going to be.

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Author's Notes: As you can see I decided to take this story back up. Like many of you claimed, it felt unfinished to me as well. So I'm hoping that the direction that I'm taking it isn't going to draw the story out and cause it to become boring….Hope you guys enjoyed the new chapter.