Chapter Two
Just after the final subspace interview had been conducted, Data was contacted by Maddox. Data was taking an extra watch on the bridge, so he had to put Maddox off, something the human never responded to well, but Data secretly enjoyed...just a little.
That evening, late, Data finally got in contact with the Commander. Maddox looked slightly miffed. Data pretended not to notice.
"I wanted to see what you thought of the applicants so far, Data. I am familiar with all of them in one way or another. My views on each would be valuable to you."
Maddox said this as a statement of fact. Data had reservations regarding the Commander's assertions, but he kept those thoughts to himself too. It seemed there had already been too many trying to clue him into a decision. But it was not surprising Maddox would add himself to that number. The man did have a penchant for controlling behavior.
Still, Data did accede to his wishes and ask for Maddox's thoughts on each. Data listed the candidates by the order in which they had contacted him, in that way, the android would not give any appearance of preferential treatment.
Maddox noted that Tos was, at times, lacking in his organized thinking. His conclusions were not always backed up by his background work. Data found this comment rather hypocritical since it was one he had often thought could also apply to Maddox.
The Commander obviously liked Richmond, Pix'loc, and T'Gem better than the others, but then each of these three worked at his annex, rather than the one on Britta III. It seemed Maddox was not immune to bias either.
But his reaction, when it came to Dr. Barrows, was illuminating.
"While Lessa is undeniably brilliant, she is more trouble than she's worth, Data. Trust me on this." As Maddox went on to detail a list of the young woman's detrimental qualities, Data ran a search to discover if these two people had ever worked together before.
The records clearly showed that the newly graduated Lessa Barrows had been briefly mentored by Maddox right out of school, but transferred to the Britta III annex just one month later, never looking back.
"Have you seen her ideas for ocular imaging projection, tactile sensitivity enhancement, or the sonic defensive system she has devised? I find each quite intriguing. Having a non-lethal form of defense against an attacking enemy is most appealing."
It was only momentary, but Data could not miss the flash of fury in the commander's eyes.
"I thought you learned the Vulcan nerve pinch, from Ambassador Spock?"
Data nodded.
"Correct. But it is not always a feasible alternative. When confronting large groups of hostile combatants, for instance. Phasers can be lost, or rendered inoperable. Something fully integrated into my systems could-"
"Data! You must trust me to guide you in this decision." The arrogant but mildly placating tone in his voice caused Data to stifle a deep frown. "You won't be able to work with her. She's too argumentative!" Maddox was all but ordering Data by the end of this statement. His manner made Data wonder how well he would be able to work with Maddox.
"I will consider what you have told me, Commander," Data concluded, once they had discussed the other applicants. "I will see you in five days, on Britta III. Good night, sir."
A message from an admiral just prior to and just hours after his interview with Dr. Barrows. Maddox telling him the young woman was impossible to deal with. A great deal of focus seemed to be on her. But they did not appear to agree. Intriguing!
The dispute on Rigel VI, between the Rigelian foreign trade commission and a questionable Capellan trader was arbitrated successfully by the superior diplomatic negotiating skills of Captain Picard. The Enterprise was now en route to the planet Britta III, at warp four point five. Their expected time of arrival was just after 0700 tomorrow morning, local time.
"Did you want any of us to come with you, Data?" Commander Riker was asking. Counselor Troi, Geordi and Lt. Mathison, from security, had joined them for dinner. Data was sipping Relitc tea to be sociable, and because he did like the flavor.
"I could warn you if they had negative feelings about any of your questions, Data," Troi offered.
"I could see any rise in respiration rates, indicating deception," Geordi added, indicating his optical implants.
"I could just give them a swift chop to the shoulder if they looked at you wrong," Mathison threw out, assuming a sitting battle stance at the mere thought of someone offering Data any trouble.
Everyone stopped a moment to look at Greg Mathison, Chief of Security. The lieutenant just grinned, flushing slightly. "Well, I could…" He rolled his eyes and shrugged, grinning. "But I won't," he finished, feeling the pressure from his superior officers.
"I think the point is that we all stand ready to do whatever you think necessary to keep you safe." Riker had his very serious face on. He was leaning across the table, in a way that made the table look insufficient when compared to the large man.
Data smiled calmly at all his friends. Doctor Crusher had already installed the sensor that would monitor Data's well being. Picard had gone over every procedure he could think of to insure Data's safety and Mathison had offered to teach Data some self-defense techniques. Data had assured Greg that he had already uploaded every one known to Starfleet.
"Since the interviews will take two days, perhaps the Counselor could attend with me the first day and Geordi could come the following day. Would that be enough to set your minds at ease?" Data asked the table.
His friends exchanged meaningful glances before turning back to Data and nodding in unison. I have good friends, Data concluded, not for the first time.
The transporter room for the Daystrom Institute in Britta III was also the shuttlebay. Data and Counselor Troi were greeted by Maddox, who had operated the controls for transport.
Looking cool and professional, but with a hint of satisfaction, Bruce Maddox led the way to Director Wellers' office. Once inside, Director Andaria Wellers was introduced to Counselor Troi by Data, and all three took seats before the Director's desk as she sat behind it. Her office was rather small, not much bigger than the Captain's Ready Room, but it was decorated in soft, warm colours and filled with pictures of what Data assumed to be family along with pictures of her personnel here. Even these images seemed full of warm, happy smiles.
"I welcome you both to our humble Annex to the Daystrom Institute," the Director began, nodding at both Data and Troi. But after that, she focused on Data, addressing him solely. "As you know, Commander Soong, we are hosting all of those hoping for a place on your team. You have twelve candidates. Each will have a two hour block of time with you, during which you will determine who you are most comfortable with and if they meet your standards. Ask any and all questions you wish, child. Now is the time! Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, Director. How will the order be determined?" Data asked, curious.
"Bruce decided the order. It will give you a hint as to his preferences, but do not allow yourself to be overly influenced by his views. You are the lead on this project, child, not Bruce." Her tone was firm and mildly condescending. Something the older Commander obviously did not miss.
"Director-" Maddox almost rose in his obvious objection to her wording, but Director Wellers stared him down. Her serene gaze became a flame. Catching himself, Maddox looked apologetic and retook his seat.
"I require a moment alone with Commander Soong. Counselor Troi, I am aware you are here to assure yourself and your crew that Data is not harmed. I give you my vow, he is safe with me. Leave us, please." While the Director's tone had never changed, it was still clear she would brook no argument. Deanna Troi looked to Data, who nodded before she left with Maddox.
When the door slid closed behind them, Director Wellers sighed and relaxed back into her chair. She straightened her uniform top, in a move that reminded Data of Captain Picard.
"You are very tense, child," she nodded, looking at Data.
"I am unclear as to the reason behind this phase of the meeting, Director. What did you wish to speak to me about?"
She smiled. "Are you comfortable with the idea of creating another of your race with Maddox?" she asked.
Data considered her for a moment. He had studied her record along with those of all the applicants. While her path had always been one of scientific studies and she had risen steadily in rank to attain the rank of admiral over twenty-five years ago, her fields of study had varied wildly. She had published papers in everything from botany to exobiology to cybernetics and robotics. Having read all of her papers, he found her to be quite learned, even if he did not find all of her interests equally fascinating.
"Comfortable may not be the correct word, exactly, Director, but this was, perhaps inevitable. I have resolved myself to it. I will do what I can to make the best of this situation."
She nodded her approval of this statement. "I've looked over Bruce's ordering of the candidates." Holding up a PADD with the list, she chuckled in a mild, feminine way, handing the list over to Data. "He is very obvious. But it may work against him."
Data scanned the list, noting that Lessa Barrows was to come last. "I would have expected him to list her first, encouraging her name to be forgotten," Data mused aloud.
"Surely, he had not overlooked the fact you cannot forget any of them," she commented, seemingly in sync with what Data was thinking.
"One would assume so, Director. I ask your pardon as I was thinking out loud. The Commander was rather adamant that I refuse the name of Dr. Lessa Barrows from contention, although his argument seemed more emotionally driven than a conclusion arrived at by reason. What is your opinion of her, Director? She is a member of your group. So I assume you know her well."
Now the woman laughed, smiling brightly. "That, my dear child, would be a conflict of interest." She held up a hand before he could ask why. "I intend to supply the answers. You see, that child was my ward. It is no longer in her records since she is of age and felt it looked prejudicial. I try not to show her favoritism, but even adoptive mothers still fail in this at times. I will ask you not to dismiss her out of hand, but that is all, in fairness, that I can reasonably ask." She laid her hands out before her, open, in a surrendering motion.
Data gave her an earnest expression. "I have no intentions of dismissing her, Director. Perhaps it would be inadvisable to admit this to you, but I found her to be exceptional. Her accomplishments and projections for her incomplete studies more than qualify her for serious consideration. It would seem that Commander Maddox has a personal issue with her. Are you aware if this is true?"
"I am. And he does. But perhaps I should say no more. Begin your meetings, child. Your counselor is waiting."
Data found the counselor and Commander Maddox in the common room, located in the center of this complex. While Maddox offered to join them for the meetings, Data declined, saying he would discuss his findings with the Commander later, but for now, he wished to make up his own mind.
As they made their way to the location of the temporary lab assigned to the first applicant, Troi tugged on Data's arm, trying to slow him.
"You've put a tight lock on your emotions, Data. Why?"
Trying to maintain that tight lock, Data did not wish to look at her features contorted with concern. "I am trying to control my temper, Counselor. Even before this project begins, the manipulations have already begun. Oddly, the strings being pulled all seem to connect in one place. It leaves me to suspect, my choice has already been made."
Confused, Troi shook her head. "They did say the choice was yours. Are you saying you're being pressured to go a certain way?"
"I believe so, Counselor."
"Then fool them, Data. Don't do what they want."
Data met Troi's dark eyes. He wished it was that easy. Trying to reassure her that he would do his best, Data put them back on track for the first meeting.
The schedule called for Data to meet with six candidates today and six tomorrow. The meetings started at 0800 and were not completed for this day until 2030 hours, with the added fifteen minutes between meetings. Exhausted, the Counselor beamed back to the Enterprise at the end of the long day. Data, wishing to enjoy a moment planet side, where there was no mission to distract him from stargazing, took a quiet walk around the Annex grounds. Others were about, talking, sharing a meal at the tables provided or engaged in romantic interludes down by the trickling stream that ran alongside the building. Data gave them all their privacy. Seeing the lights of a small town in the valley only two kilometers away, Data decided to walk in that direction.
While the planet was a part of the Federation, it's original inhabitants were from a group of settlers that wished to keep their level of technology at a much simpler level. The Federation had been sure the offer of a Daystrom Institute Annex would be refused for this reason, but the location had been perfect for the Federation's needs. The settlers had surprised everyone by answering that as long as their areas were respected and kept technology free, Starfleet was welcome to build on the negotiated plot of land and stay as long as they wished. It was an agreeable situation for all thus far.
Data was not sure he would be welcome in the small town, being that he was walking technology, but he wanted to see what he could see from the outskirts, at least.
Having been to Bajor in recent years, Data had seen some of the more advanced parts of the cities and the simpler outlying farms and provinces. This town reminded Data of one of the smaller Bajoran provinces.
Simplistic building designs, mostly made of indigenous wood and cement. Streets unpaved. Lighting of the oil lamp variety. Simple hand crafted tools hung in an open shed, Data could clearly see from this distance. Pack, work and food animals could be heard, seen and smelled in every direction.
At this late hour, the only humanoid activity taking place was in what had to be the local tavern. Music could be heard along with rowdy voices, singing, talking or just shouting. Data could even make out the tinkling of glasses.
Data watched the activity that he could spy through the windows for a while before hearing movement coming up behind him. Unsure if he should shield himself from view, Data turned to see who it was coming towards him.
"I would not have suspected voyeurism to be among your interests, Commander." The unmistakable (at least for Data) voice of Dr. Barrows reached Data's ears even before he had completed his turn.
He was stunned to come across this woman here and now, but her teasing words – and from her tone he knew she was teasing – were also dismaying. Even in the dim lights from the town, Data could see her more clearly now than her distorted transmission had previously allowed.
She was not green.
Her hair was dark, although how dark was still a mystery. It was pulled back, so Data could not tell it's length. Her skin seemed almost as colourless as Data's in the poor illumination. She was 1.563 meters tall, but stood with a confident air about her that almost served to make her appear taller. Once again, she was not in uniform.
But this time, Data could make out what she was wearing. There was a slight chill in the evening air, and she obviously felt it. She wore a light yellow sweater over dark brown pants. Her hands were hidden in pockets.
"I was unsure of my welcome here." he explained, "I did not wish to disturb any of the Brittas by bringing technology into their town."
"Ah, yes. The agreement. I'm not sure they would recognize you as technology, Commander, but I can respect your desire to honor the agreement. These are gentle people. Hard working, spirited people. You just came to watch?" she asked, coming around to stand beside him. Her gaze centered on the tavern Data had been watching moments before. With this new angle, he could see the long braid swinging behind her, reaching past her waist. "As I said, I was unsure of my welcome. I found I was curious about the inhabitants, however." Data paused a moment, considering the young woman. "Should we be speaking, Dr. Barrows?"
She chuckled, but did not alter the direction of her stare.
"Since you still have a decision to make, probably not. So we can stop." With a calm expression on her face, she turned away from the building they had both been studying, back towards the Annex. She extended a hand in that direction, clearing indicating they could head back together, if he cared to. With a nod, Data agreed, equally silent.
Neither seemed to be in any hurry to return. Their pace was even, leisurely. It was not easy to match her gate, with his legs being so much longer than hers, but Data managed well enough. Both looked often at the peaceful night sky.
Half way back, Barrows spotted something and tugged on his arm, pointing. Finding this distraction amusing, Data nodded and followed, glad the light of two of the five orbiting moons still allowed him to see that she was stepping on safe ground. Trips and falls were always a concern when walking in low light, he mused.
They came to a solitary tree over ten meters in height which her body language indicated was her destination. While there were other trees in the surrounding area, this one stood many meters away, alone in its grandeur.
Since even the lowest branches were too far above her, Barrows mimed the act of pulling down a branch to Data. Wondering how he had come to be in this ludicrous yet oddly comfortable situation, Data did as she wished. The branches overhead were full of fruit. Though the night was cool, it was not so cold that the fruit was spoiled by the temperature. Data collected the most pristine piece of fruit he could reach and handed it to her. With a few more hand motions, she made it clear he should pick one for himself. Seeing no reason to decline, he indulged her again. This seemed akin to childlike behavior...or so he gathered from his reading on the foreign subject. He found it surprisingly fun.
The fruit was shaped like a red pear, but tasted more like an Earth peach – sweet and delicious.
With sticky sweet juice running down their faces, the pair ambled back to the Annex. But the silence had been broken by grinning laughter as the abundance of juice had escaped the mouths of both. Once inside, Dr. Barrows headed towards the common room to dispose of the core and find napkins. She handed one to Data when she did. Cores taken care of, and faces wiped clean, the once again silent woman turned to Data, gave him a small, polite bow then straightened to grin and wave a farewell at him. Once done, she turned on her heels and walked away. Having never spoken another word.
As he watched her go, Data wondered if she knew how many strings surrounded her. He was beginning to wonder if he cared.
While Data had returned to the Enterprise to indulge in his dream program, he was still thinking about strings, fruit trees, braids and his upcoming choice when he joined Geordi in the transporter room the following morning.
"Are you ready for this, Data?" Geordi asked, joining his friend on the transporter pads.
"It is happening, whether I am prepared or not, Geordi. Energize," Data called to the transporter chief, who promptly beamed them down to Britta III.
There, they were greeted by a young woman almost as tall as Data, with deep red hair and a sultry twinkle in her light green eyes that put both men on guard.
With a voice that purred and a suggestive sway of her hips as she advanced towards them, the woman introduced herself as Larria Myers. She was in uniform, but neither man had ever seen the standard Starfleet uniform fit another officer quite this snugly. And it was not sealed properly at the top, noted Data, exchanging disconcerted glances with Geordi. The woman gave off a predatory vibe even the android would have to be "off" to miss.
"I was told to direct you boys to your first meeting this lovely morning. I must say, I hadn't expected two such sex- ah, charming men to be my responsibility to guide today. How will I refrain from escorting you both straight to my quarters?" she mused, as she came to stand between the stunned silent men. She slipped an arm through each of theirs, gently pulling them along with a smile too wide for either of their comfort. When Data and Geordi were finally released from her grip and left to attend their meeting – with a Britta III candidate this time - both of the Enterprise officers expelled a deep breath of relief.
"I'm not sure I have ever been that unnerved in my life!" Geordi admitted, looking from Data to the cyberneticist candidate. The young man was grinning, but Geordi suspected he understood completely. His supposition was confirmed a moment later.
"Most of us have given up and let her have her way," the candidate supplied. "She takes it as a personal challenge if you don't." The man took a deep breath and his gaze became far away. He grinned at what the other two could clearly tell was an exciting memory. "She is just as much of a wild cat as you'd expect. That sensuous mouth, that figure... It took me four days to recover enough-" Finally realizing what he was saying, the young man swallowed the rest, coughed and flushed some. All business now, he introduced himself and the meeting formally began.
As the interviews progressed, moving closer to Data's final one with a string laced girl, the android became convinced he wished to conduct this one alone. But he was not sure Geordi would agree. Yesterday and today, both Counselor Troi and the chief engineer of the Enterprise had only abandoned Data for the briefest moments necessary to have a hastily consumed meal. But once the meeting just prior to Barrows' was concluded, Geordi stopped his best friend as they walked the halls that led to the young woman's lab.
"Okay, Data, out with it! What's wrong? Did Dr. Justman say something to offend you that I didn't catch?" the blue eyed man asked, trying to study his friend's face in more detail. Geordi was referring to the candidate they had just interviewed.
Data chided himself for being too transparent still, where emotions were concerned. Best to just say what he was thinking. He wasn't hiding it well now in any case. With a sigh, he plunged ahead.
"Geordi, during this final interview, I wish you...to remain behind." Try as he might, Data could not keep the expression of embarrassment off his face. Geordi looked suspicious, however.
"Data, the idea behind the counselor and I coming with you was to make sure you're safe. I can't do that if I'm not there!" The human's open and honest concern warmed the android. He gave Geordi what he hoped was a disarming smile.
"Agreed, however, I do not believe this young woman is a threat to me. She is too small to overcome me. And I…"
"Okay, Data. I think I get the picture," Geordi began, speaking slowly and cautiously. "I'll make you a deal. I'll come in with you first, but I'll leave after twenty minutes or so if I don't get any bad vibes from her. No, don't argue, my friend," he said when Data took a breath to do just that. "You're not always the best judge of character, Data. You're still far too trusting. Let's go."
Geordi could see what Data meant about her being too small once he laid eyes on Dr. Barrows. When Data introduced them, the woman took Geordi's hand and shook it firmly, but with a sincere warmth that surprised the engineer. Her silky brown hair was pulled back in three braids that she had plaited again. She had been playing nervously with the tip when they entered. Her pale lavender eyes sparkled with delight. Her full lips curved upward, but her smile did not cause the engineer unease like her colleague, Larria Myers. In comparison, this girl was a more subtle beauty. Soft features, delicate curves. Stealing a fast glance at Data, Geordi felt his suspicions were correct. Now to see if she was less dangerous than her colleague!
"I know from my previous conversation with Commander Soong that you and he are very close friends. It's an honor to meet you, Commander LaForge. I know I recall reading several of your papers too. I found them quite insightful." She went on to list five of the last papers Geordi had authored, noting several things she was intrigued by in each, delighting their author.
Grinning with modest pleasure, Geordi noted, "Thank you, Doctor, but it's Commander Soong who's supposed to lead this interview and you who are meant to be the focus."
She looked over at Data now, with a calm, but pleased smile on her face.
"I was very pleased to hear that you honored your father by taking his name. Commander Soong has a very nice ring to it. Although, I thought you should have done it years ago," she noted, almost apologetically.
"I said the same thing!" Geordi couldn't help but say.
After inviting each other to use their first names, the two launched into a dizzying conversation about Data that, while amusing, was still not quite meant to be the topic intended.
After twenty-five minutes had elapsed, Geordi, out of breath, looked over at his best friend in the known universe. He smiled.
"I hope you two don't mind, but I think I'll go get something to eat and head back to the Enterprise. I think you're in good hands here, Data. See you tomorrow." Taking the girl's hands in his, Geordi gave her a charming grin along with a little bow. "Good night, Lessa. I enjoyed meeting you. I hope I get to see you again."
Once Geordi took his leave, Barrows turned her full attention back to Data. As though their previous debate had never stopped, she picked it up, right where they had left off.
But this time, she had visual aids!
The two were entering equations and theories onto a PADD, as fast as the device could handle. As Data typed, she was beside him, making suggestions and expanding on the ideas as things came to her.
"I think the only way to prove to you how much of an effect this could have on you is to show it to you," the young woman announced. With that, she went to a compartment and, covering a keypad, typed in a code. The lock released and she opened the door. But before she did, she stopped, turning slowly to look at him.
"I hope you're not offended by this, but the best results, from my research, was for it to be fully integrated." With a cautious and hesitant expression on her face, she pulled a silver case out of the compartment. Laying it on the nearby counter she opened the case to reveal what at first glance appeared to be a human looking arm. But closer examination showed it to be of cybernetic construction. At once Data could see from the connections it was fully compatible with...him.
"It's up to you, Commander. I'd need to make some further adjustments to your neural net, but we don't have time for that now. You won't get the full range of tactile sensations without it, but you will get the basic idea."
From the expression of wonderment on Data's face, she knew he wasn't going to object. While removing his own arm was never a sensation Data enjoyed, he was ready to endure it to experience what she offered.
"Ready?" she asked, gently, posed to disconnect his left arm. He had removed his uniform shirt to allow her access.
"Proceed, Doctor," Data encouraged her, ready to input the code that would alert Sickbay aboard the Enterprise that he was fine.
With a final nod, she twisted his arm with just the right force required to disconnect it. With great care, she placed it on the counter by the arm she had created. Moving to that one, she brought it over and with sure movements, connected it to Data. She turned to place his original arm in the case before turning back to see Data's reaction.
While Data was noting an increase in how the fingers just touching the thumb of this hand felt, she had turned away again to order something from her food slot. She returned seconds later with two glasses of water. One steaming hot and one icy cold.
"Put your fingers in the cold one first, Commander." She placed the two glasses before him.
"Data," he said, offhandedly, as he lowered his fingers into the cold water. He gasped at the sensation. "The water is seven degrees," he stated factually. But was startled when she touched his arm. The softness of her fingertips was unsettling. But he quickly realized she was attempting to draw his attention to something else.
"Gooseflesh! I have never experienced any of this before!" Excited, Data moved to plunge his hand into the hot water. But before he could, she caught his hand. Since he had been in motion, the results were her hand, which was covering his, was dunked instead.
With no reaction at all, she pulled her hand back out. It was slightly flushed, or red, but there was no other reaction. But the water was steaming!
"Just touch a finger in this one, Commander Soong. Heat still has more of an adverse effect, even to you."
"I will be careful, but I will restate my request, as you seemed to not understand the first time. I would prefer for you to call me Data." He slowly lowered one finger into the water, but pulled it back out again an instant later. Noting the temperature was hot enough to burn, Data reached for her hand, noting only a slight indication that she could have suffered a burn. Her hand had been in the water for two seconds longer than his finger. But there was almost no indication of damage. Just a warm, soft skinned, fragile seeming hand.
"You are not burned?"
Carefully removing her hand from his grasp, she shook her head. "I'm almost never bothered by heat. I don't care for the cold, though. I'm assuming you're going to want permission to call me Lessa if you want me to call you Data?" Her demeanor was still unflinching.
"It would facilitate a more comfortable atmosphere when we work together," he told her. Eager to see her reaction.
As he watched, she lifted her eyebrows slightly before allowing a grin to slowly take over more and more of her face. She chuckled softly.
"You realize Bruce will not like that. Not at all." She tilted her head to the side as she told him this. Her eyes darted away for a moment. Data was certain she was picturing the Commander's reaction.
"Commander Maddox mentioned that he found you willful."
Now she laughed, coming over to his side with a feather that appeared as though she had conjured it out of thin air. Running the feather over the inside of his elbow, as Data jerked and laughed, she answered.
"I doubt he used that word, but I am. It won't be easy, Data. We were arguing that night I contacted you before. I know you didn't forget," she cautioned him. She seemed to want him to understand just what he was getting himself into.
Data reached over to take the feather from her grasp and experimented with the feel on his original arm as compared to the one Lessa had created.
"I was engaged in a thoroughly enjoyable debate with you, I recall no argument," he corrected, between short giggles.
She scoffed at this, but leaned in, grinning.
"It is your choice, Commander Data Soong. Just make me one promise."
Data looked up from his experiment to see her bemused expression.
"If I am able. What do you wish, Lessa?"
"Let me be there when you tell him!"