Chapter Four
Maddox claimed fatigue and left the lab for his bed. He had still been in a bit of a huff when he did so. Data was giving Barrows accusatory expression as the door closed behind the human male. "You know he's wrong too," she said with a slightly defensive shrug. The verbal struggle had begun with the Compilation, but had continued unabated for the eight hours that followed.
But the young woman's mind was a live wire. Data could not deny that her ideas were more promising than Maddox's. No doubt something the commander had already begun to notice, to his disdain. Every time the man had come up with an idea, one that had often been tried, thoroughly tested and dismissed, Lessa Barrows had more often than not topped the commander's idea with something better. It made Data feel slightly guilty when he was the one with the better idea. But the android had tried to submit his ideas with more tact than his younger colleague. Lessa had ground the man into the floor with her ideas, repeatedly.
"I do not care for the imagery invoked by it, but the saying 'beating a dead horse' still comes to mind." Data was shaking his head at her.
"That does sound awful. Now explain it. I don't know that one." She let go of her anger to look up at Data with an almost innocent expression on her face.
Data explained. As he did, Lessa looked just as chagrined.
"I see. So I pressed him too much in your opinion." Lessa got to her feet, stretching. She looked at the door Maddox had just exited through. "Are you going to be angry with me until I apologize?" she asked, turning to face Data again. "Or is there more to this? You've changed your mind, haven't you?" She narrowed her eyes at him, her gaze becoming penetrating.
Since it was something he had come to expect from her, Data was surprised not to see an argument brewing behind Lessa Barrows pale lavender eyes. Instead, as she stared, her braid came over her shoulder and her fingers were fiddling nervously with the unbound end. She curled roughly ten centimeters of her hair repeatedly around her fingers.
Odd, but for the first time, Data could see just how young she was. Brilliant, but still only twenty six years old.
Data felt deflated. She was correct in her assessment. But perhaps he had been too hasty. There had only been that moment. He was still not sure what had happened in that moment. There had been cognitive errors. But the alarms had silenced themselves only 1.93 seconds after sounding. No further indication of damage had been indicated and the errors too had disappeared. How? What had caused them? Did she have something to do with it?
Data had later contacted Dr. Crusher to ask if his new sensor had picked up anything, but Crusher had found nothing there either. There had been alarms when the young woman had removed and replaced his left arm, but Data had silently entered the code that told the doctor he was fine and had approved the procedure. The other incident had not been the same. But as yet, he saw no reason to assume this woman was responsible. For now, he would give her the benefit of the doubt. But Data still needed her to behave.
"Perhaps this collaboration will require an adjustment period for all of us. This is something you desire, correct?" Data asked.
"More than anything else in my life." Here she tossed her braid behind her. Here was her confidence again.
"Then every effort to cooperate must be made." Data knew he was speaking like a parent to a wayward child, but it seemed called for. He leaned over her, speaking softly but firmly. "You must not create tension. This may require compromise. Let someone else win an argument once in a while." Data found even his pointer finger had joined in this mini lecture.
He was pleasantly surprised when she slowly smiled. After a moment, she chuckled for a second. Reaching up, she took hold of his finger, stilling it. She wrapped her entire hand around it, bringing it down between them.
"For you, Data, I'll try." She moved her grip to his now relaxed hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, before releasing him and leaving the lab.
Data watched her go, stunned and confused.
"My first meeting with my new collaborators was most enlightening." Data said into his personal project log later that evening. "While I continue to vacillate between assured and disturbed by my choice of Lessa Barrows as the final member of the team, I find the forced choice almost as disheartening. Perhaps more so.
"Commander Maddox was once a man of many talents. The papers he published in the past I found to be concise, detailed and well thought out. However, it seems his desperation to create a stable positronic matrix continues to tempt him to skip steps, or ignore them altogether."
Data paused here to consider. He believed that this log would one day be read by his child. He did not wish to be overly critical of Maddox, but Data did have concerns.
It had only been two years ago when Data had last seen Maddox at the annual cybernetic conference. The man had seemed sharp as a tack that day, still urging Data to work with him, pummeling the android with his ideas and innovations.
But too much had been going on. For one thing, Data had just given in and started using the emotion chip. The conference had occurred only weeks after the destruction of the Enterprise-D.
That had been one uncomfortable meeting for Data. The impulses that ran through him via his still overworked chip had been very difficult to control. Memories of this man wanting to dismantle him had been at the top of the chip's list of relived experiences.
But some of the tersely phrased letters he had sent Data had also been brought to mind. Maddox had never given up, would never give up!
But was he up to the task now?
"I was forced to caution young Lessa regarding her tactics in handling our older team member."
He did not understand why, But Data looked at the finger he had at first waved at her before she had taken hold of it.
"But I also wonder at her tactics in handling me. Or if they are indeed, tactics."
In the days that followed, Lessa bit her lip, trying not to beat her partners until they were dead horses, with her ideas. With a knowing gaze exchanged with Data, she even let the two men battle a few of the contended points out alone. She was sure her tongue would heal eventually.
Going to the lounge after the work day, Lessa met with a woman who also worked her shift at the same time that Lessa did. They had dinner most nights since meeting on her first evening here. Akayla was an older woman that reminded the younger of her guardian and mentor, Andaria Wellers.
Lessa didn't think her and Akayla Tormon had a single thing in common, but they had sparked a friendship the moment they met. It was nice to have someone to count on seeing every day. Someone other than Maddox and Data.
"How many arguments did you start with Commander Maddox today, little girl?" Akayla asked the moment Lessa slid into her seat.
Lessa's jaw dropped, affronted. "I never should have told you what Commander Soong said. And I was good today," she claimed, trying to center herself. "I only started five minor disagreements with Maddox and one slight difference of opinion with Data," she insisted, holding two fingers only centimeters apart.
Akayla laughed, sitting back in her chair. "Only six today? Were you unconscious for part of your shift, little one?"
The jokes and jabs went on for a while. Spoonfuls of food eaten between clever bits of teasing. Lots of laughing in between it all.
Geordi entered the lounge with Data coming in only two seconds behind him. They found a small table and took their seats. Geordi ordered his dinner and Data, studying the different reactions he had to all of the teas listed in their replicator database along with all the ones he found ways to recreate, ordered the seventy third on his list. Bitterdine Blue Leaf Steeping.
Looking around the room, Data noted Barrows and Lieutenant Tormon. The younger woman took notice of Data, catching him watching her. Wishing that his father had not added the physiological changes, such as blushing, to the emotion chips programs, Data nodded at her. He relaxed when she simply nodded back. The android sighed with relief when she turned back to her dinner companion. Then he noticed Geordi was watching him with that playfully amused expression on his face.
Damn, caught.
"So, how are things going in the lab, Data?" Geordi asked, trying not to grin.
Data was not a being who often used short, concise answers. He always strived to make his answers as complete, organized in facts, and as detailed as possible, something not always appreciated by his crew members. So when Data replied, Geordi's surprise was expected.
"Fine," the android replied, pleased that his tea had arrived, providing a modicum of distraction. But when the server placed Geordi's dinner before him, the engineer only nodded absently at the man before focusing all his attention back on his best friend.
"Unless one of them has replaced you with an android that doesn't like to talk, there is more to this than 'fine'!" Geordi leaned in, narrowing his eyes. "Are they doing something we need to know about, Data? Do you suspect you're in danger?"
Data considered this. He thought again about that moment in Barrow's quarters.
"I do not know."
When Geordi looked alarmed, Data saw the need for clarification. So he told his friend about the odd moment he had experience, giving as much detail as was in his nature. Now his friend relaxed. With a puzzle to piece together, both had something to concentrate on. This was their forte.
"I know it's been days, but we can go to engineering after dinner and run a complete systems check. But I do have a theory," Geordi offered.
Data looked up from his tea, which he had decided to list as bitter as the name indicated, however the way it made his whole mouth pull was an intriguing sensation.
"What is your theory?" Data asked, wondering if he should keep drinking the tea. He was starting to get strange looks from Ensign Krelic, who faced him across the lounge.
Again, Geordi leaned forward, but this time he also whispered. "Maybe you like her," he replied, with a very meaningful expression on his kind face. "Data, I know you're sensitive about this subject."
Data nodded, trying not to frown, since the ensign was still watching off and on.
"I have not had the best experiences when it comes to 'this subject', Data noted. "I do not wish-"
"Data." Geordi put a hand on his friend's arm. "I'm not trying to upset you. But you were the one who told me to leave during your interview with her. And I understood why...or at least I thought I did. Did you change your mind about her? I thought you said the rest of the interview went very well?" Since there was a hint of pleading in Geordi's voice, Data relented.
"Perhaps it is that I am uncertain when it comes to what she thinks of me. Not as a project collaborator or as the only functioning example of her field of work's goal. But just as me." Data looked so crestfallen, that Geordi found himself smiling in an attempt to encourage his friend.
"Trying to figure out what women think...that could take the rest of your life to understand, my friend. But I do have a suggestion. You need to be around her outside of the lab."
As it happened, Data got the opportunity to do just that not even twenty hours later. While the trio was in the lab, designing, the red alert sounded. This was one of the instances when Maddox and Barrows would be required to report to a duty station. As the three rushed out of the lab, Barrows hesitated.
"Which way to Sickbay?" she grumbled, exasperated that she couldn't recall.
"It is on my way to the bridge, I will show you." To hurry her along, Data gently took her arm, but only pulled a little. Fortunately, she ran. She thanked him hurriedly once Data showed her to the door. He watched her go inside for just a second before rushing to his own post.
The Enterprise was getting closer to areas the Dominion had been infiltrating. Skirmishes would now become more frequent. As they went, this first one during this mission, was not bad. No fatalities were reported, though thirty one injuries had been sustained. Two were bridge officers.
One hit by the Jem'Hadar had caught Lieutenant Dasher at her station, flipping her forward over her console, where she knocked into Troi causing the counselor to smack her head into her console so sharply, the covering broke into shards that flew off everywhere, but some went into her face. The Lieutenant looked dazed, but relatively unhurt. Deanna was crying from the pain.
The Jem'Hadar scout ships had been no match for the Enterprise. There were only two, which had been dispatched easily enough. Even though it had gotten in a few lucky hits first.
Worried about Dasher and Troi, the Captain had ordered them to sickbay, but the counselor required assistance. Data volunteered to carry her and escort the Lieutenant as well, since sickbay was busy with the more life threatening injuries. The captain nodded his approval, so they were off. Dasher was a little wobbly, but managed to walk. Data went carefully on with Troi who was only semiconscious. She was crying out about her pain and the pain of others over the ship. Having accessed the injury list before he left his station, Data knew Troi was empathically linking to many of those on the list.
Data had frequently wondered what it must be like to experience other people's emotions or hear their thoughts as a full Betazoid could.
But he did now as he had before. Data dismissed the thought. If even Tam Elbrun could not hear an android's thoughts, then doubtless it was not possible.
Sickbay was a flurry of activity once they arrived. Doctors Crusher, Selar, and Hitoshi were all present, along with all shifts of the medical staff.
Selar was nearest the door when Data and his charges arrived. She motioned him to place Troi on a bio-bed after getting an orderly to help a treated patient to a recovery area. Selar ran a medical tricorder over Dasher's head as this was done.
"You will have a mild headache for approximately four hours, Lieutenant. Some neck muscle strain pain is also likely. You may return to duty in eight hours. Get some rest until then." The Vulcan doctor administered the recommended treatment and turned to Troi, almost as though the Lieutenant had ceased to exist. Dasher looked at Data, smiling. She gave him an aborted attempt at a shrug, but the expected muscle tenderness was already apparent. The woman made her way out of sickbay to get some rest.
Turning his attention back to the doctor and Counselor Troi, Data listened, out of the way, as Selar ordered the proper treatment to see to the mending of Troi's injury.
"Her injuries look worse than they are. She has a minor concussion, but she will be restored to pre-injury health within thirty hours, Commander Soong." Dr. Selar was cool and efficient as ever.
Ordering a tool to remove foreign objects from an open wound, Lessa Barrows appeared with the needed tool seconds later.
It was strange to see her in this situation. This was not Barrows' bailiwick. Again, she seemed to Data a young girl, uncertain, and nervous. When Data could catch her eye, he smiled, in an effort to show his support. When the doctor ordered a tool that Barrows obviously could not recall the location of, Data unobtrusively pointed. Barrows nodded, mouthing a thank you.
After the shards were removed from the wound on the right side of Troi's face, the dermal regenerator was used and plasma to help with blood loss. The bleeding taken care of, now the cause to her disorientation could be addressed.
Since Data had not been on duty prior to this action, and the ship had resumed normal status, he decided he would watch the girl, while waiting for an update on Troi and anyone who stayed longer than the counselor.
Seeing Lessa Barrows unnerved was interesting. Seeing her frazzled was...Data had the disconcerting suspicion he found this enchanting. It was such an interesting difference from her impenetrable certainty when they were in the lab. She was like a force of nature or an unmovable stone in her conclusions. But here she was out of her element and vulnerable. He absently wondered what Maddox would think if he saw this, but quickly decided the commander would not be as intrigued as Data was.
He liked how each time he caught her eye, the smile she gave him was genuine. She did seem to honestly take comfort in his presence here.
As Dr. Selar worked to repair the damage from the concussion, Troi came to. Her lovely dark eyes opened. Bringing a hand to her head, Troi tried to sit up, but Selar had motioned for Barrows to hold her back. When Troi focused on the girl, the smile that was coming to her lips was washed away by an expression of panic.
"I can't sense anything from you!" the counselor declared, almost like an accusation, staring in horror at Barrows.
Barrows was backing away from Troi as Data came closer in an attempt to calm the counselor. The dark eyed woman caught sight of Data, turning her focus to him. The relief when she sensed his strong concern for her well-being, had a dramatic effect. She reached out for Data's hand clenching it tightly, smiling so warmly at him, he was slightly embarrassed. Troi's panic quickly drained away...mostly.
The odd thing was the suspicious glances the counselor continued to throw at Barrows every time the girl came near. But soon she calmed enough that Data returned to his spot by the door, to continue surreptitiously helping his project partner.
It took some time, but finally all of the injured had been tended to and Dr. Crusher released the previously off duty medical personnel.
Not for the first time, she made note that Data was still standing near the entrance that was closest to the bridge. He'd been there for a while. Beverly was just about to call to him, when she noticed Lieutenant Barrows moved towards Data almost like the Commander had her in a tractor beam. They left together after only another minute. Business or pleasure, she wondered. But she still had reports to do, so that was the last she thought of either of them for a while.
"You did well during this crisis. I am sure Dr. Crusher will be pleased," Data said in an effort to be supportive. He watched Barrows pull her braid over her shoulder in her now recognizable nervous habit. Absently, Data wondered if she ever wore it unbound.
"I was all thumbs. I doubt I would ever have found half the instruments they needed if it hadn't been for your cues," she grumbled. Data could tell she was being self-deprecating. Not begrudging his assistance, just the need of it.
Without a word about it, they left sickbay together.
"If you would care to, I can duplicate sickbay on the holodeck, and I could assist you in practicing the memorization of everything there."
She looked over at him, thinking this over. He could see that she had switched over, almost like an android, to her work mode of thinking and reactions with him. But this was not what Data wanted.
"That sounds like a good idea. You don't mind wasting your time on this, Data?"
"Not at all. I am in charge of operations. I must make sure you are operating within specified parameters," he offered. She shook her head, laughing.
Trying for as pleasant and accommodating an attitude as he could manage, Data asked her what items she recalled so far, hoping to quiz her as they walked. The laugh had been encouraging. Maybe he could take her back out of her work mode thought process.
She was concentrating so hard on recalling the room that was still unfamiliar territory, Barrows did not notice where they were heading. Not that she would have recognized it if she had known. The supply area of the ship was not exactly on the guided tour.
"What are we doing here, Data?" she asked, taking note of the signs in the doors. "We haven't exactly gotten to the assembling stage in the lab, yet." She looked around at the huge containers of every shape and size. Data made a beeline straight to the ones he needed.
"I have not had the opportunity to speak with Lieutenant Chance. I will gather the items needed to construct your burner now, if you agree."
"I suppose I could have done this myself, except for having no idea where to find what I needed. Can you make two burners, Data? I'll need two, I think." She smiled mildly when he nodded his agreement.
As they walked back to Lessa Barrows' quarters, tools and building materials in hand, Lessa studied her silent companion. He had been watching her for hours in sickbay. Something was going on with him, but she did not know what. Time to discover just that by talking. Just talking.
"I insulted you the other day, didn't I?" she began.
Data looked over, his expression a questioning one.
"Saying you care nothing about food," she clarified.
"That is not precisely what you said. You said-"
"Data, I remember what I said. The point is, why would you care for it? You gain nothing from eating. So-"
"That is not precisely true," he said, interrupting her this time. "I have had an emotional reaction to many foods and beverages. I enjoy the sensations involved in eating and drinking. I find the social and cultural roles of food and drink in rituals fascinating. I am currently doing a study of the effects the different varieties of tea have on me physically and emotionally."
They arrived at her quarters and entered together.
She chuckled with surprise but also interest. "Really? What teas are you studying?"
"All of them. At least, all of the ones in the Federation database. Would you be interested in seeing my results?" he asked, seeming a little wary of doing so.
But Lessa grinned, pleased at the offer. "I would love to!"