Author's Note: Thank you all for your support on this! Your kudos, kind words, and DMs always make my day.
I am thrilled that this has taken off and to finally be here.
Onwards we go!
"A delay?" Admiral Walsh screeched.
His face was red as he seethed with anger.
"What kind of delay?" the Admiral demanded.
"It seems Captain Picard has concerns about the android," Maddox said. "He's been talking to someone."
Maddox frowned.
"You assured me Starfleet was behind me," Maddox said. "I thought this was settled with Admiral Nakamura?"
Maddox's involvement had come with conditions – he had to have Admiral Walsh's assurances that Nakamura would back his orders, that Maddox himself would dictate the conditions of Data's confinement, and that once Starfleet had its research – Maddox would be free to keep Data as long as he liked.
"I'll see to Nakamura," Walsh assured him.
His eyes narrowed in on the bruising along Maddox's jawline.
"Was it violent?" Walsh inquired.
"Oh this?" Maddox asked, rubbing his chin.
Maddox chuckled.
"You were right to warn me about that Lieutenant," Maddox remarked. "The blonde."
Yar. Admiral Walsh realised.
"Packs quite a punch," Maddox said.
"You have no idea," Walsh replied.
He was about to make a note to have Nakamura restrict Yar to quarters when he was struck with a truly brilliant idea.
It was wicked.
Rotten, really.
But Admiral Walsh had a feeling it was just the thing. As a bonus, it would keep his hands clean from any involvement in the manner.
"You know she likes it," Walsh said.
Maddox looked confused.
"The game. The chase," Walsh explained. "That's her way of putting the ball in your court. She's made her move and now she expects you to take it up a notch."
It played right into Maddox's already inflated ego.
"She's got quite a reputation," Walsh lied. "She'll act like she's not interested, but it's all just part of the game."
"Really?" Maddox said.
He had sensed there were some feelings there. He assumed it was attraction – he was too conceited to realise it was loathing.
And Maddox had no inkling of Data and Tasha's relationship.
Even Walsh thought Maddox was slimy. But using that was too great a temptation. Weaponising Maddox's own reputation as an aggressive lothario was perfect.
And given Maddox's relentless nature, sending him after that problematic Lieutenant Yar was as good as setting her up for trouble.
Walsh could tell he had Maddox hanging on his every word.
"Maybe it would be best if you backed off," Walsh said. "After all if the rumours from her Academy days are to be believed, she's insatiable."
Jean-Luc Picard stepped off the lift and stopped.
He shook his head. There had to be another way.
His eyes fell on the door that lay in front of him. More specifically, the identification plaque on the door that led to the office.
Her office.
Jean-Luc turned his attention to the tablet in his hands and frowned.
Closing his eyes, he sighed.
This is for Data. Jean-Luc reminded himself.
It wasn't like he had a lot of options.
And Jean-Luc was certain he could be professional about the matter. He just didn't know if he could count on her being able to set aside her personal feelings.
Dammit man, she probably can better than you. A small voice in his head chimed in.
Steeling his nerves, Jean-Luc stepped inside.
"My God, twice in as many days," Phillipa Louvois said.
She set her tablet down and smiled.
When she had suggested Picard call her for dinner, she certainly had anticipated him showing up the next day. And she could tell from his posture that he was nervous.
"I need your help," Jean-Luc said in a stiff voice.
"An historic moment," Phillipa smirked.
But Jean-Luc didn't rise to the bait. It was evident he was bothered by something. Phillipa immediately shifted gears.
"I have been trying to make sense of this gobbledygook, but it's beyond me," Jean-Luc declared.
He handed his tablet over to Phillipa and she quickly skimmed through his notes.
"The fact is, my android officer, Data, is being transferred compulsorily to be made part of a highly dangerous, ill-conceived experiment, and I want it stopped," Jean-Luc informed her.
He had spent a good share of the morning in a meeting with Admiral Nakamura. Fortunately, the Admiral had accepted Jean-Luc's invitation to the Enterprise.
It was both a tour of the facilities and a chance to discuss the situation with Data.
To Picard's dismay, Admiral Nakamura had insisted that Maddox be present as well.
So Captain Picard, Commander Riker, and Data had provided a tour as they covered the details of the transfer and procedure.
'Details' was an overstatement.
Lack of details is more like it. Picard thought.
Maddox was keeping his cards close to his chest. While he had said he wanted to disassemble Data, he provided little information about the specifics. As Maddox had yet to successfully construct a positronic matrix, there were concerns that his efforts would destroy critical portions of Data's memory.
Most alarming of all, Maddox had no information to offer regarding the expected duration of this procedure.
Jean-Luc had been left with no choice but to turn to the one person he didn't want to have to count on.
"He can refuse to undergo the procedure, but we can't stop the transfer," Phillipa said.
"Can he?" Picard asked.
Phillipa was about to open her mouth to answer when she hesitated.
"I see your point," she realised.
She bit her lip and sat back in her chair, weighing her options.
"Starfleet Regulation on medical testing wasn't designed to address the issue of an android," Phillipa said. "I don't think anyone ever conceived the idea that the medical ethics regulations might apply to a machine."
Jean-Luc wordlessly pleaded for another option.
"A failure of imagination," Phillipa shrugged.
Her brow furrowed.
"Is this really about the android or did you just come to have an argument for old times sake?" Phillipa asked.
During the short run of their relationship, they had often debated such ethical quandaries simply for the thrill of it.
Jean-Luc looked genuinely aghast.
"Commander Data is one of the finest officers I have had the pleasure to serve with," Picard said in a heated voice. "Not only that, I consider him a friend."
Captain Picard tugged his uniform to straighten it.
"Now I came to you hoping that you would take your role as the head of this office seriously enough. That would respect that our rules and regulations apply to everyone in the service of Starfleet and not just those that look like you and me," Jean-Luc snapped.
He turned for the door.
"Picard, wait," Phillipa called out.
A part of him wanted to march out the door. But he knew that wouldn't help Data.
Setting aside his pride, he stopped and turned around.
"Once this Maddox has control of Data, anything could happen. I don't trust that man nor his intentions," Picard said. "This procedure is dangerous."
"We agree to certain risks when we join Starfleet," Phillipa reminded him.
Jean-Luc shook his head.
"Yes. Acceptable risks. Justified risks. And risks we consent to. This isn't the same thing," Picard argued. "It is unjustified. It is unfair. He has rights."
Phillipa was momentarily struck by a memory. His chest always puffed out a little whenever he got truly engrossed in an argument.
"All this passion over a machine," she remarked fondly.
"Don't start!" Jean-Luc warned. "This is important. Is there another option? An appeal? A list of conditions that Data can demand be met? Or-"
"There is always another option," Phillipa said as she put her hand up.
Picard perked up.
"He can resign," Louvois said simply.
"I see," Jean-Luc said.
It was hardly the solution he'd come seeking – and it was far from ideal.
Assuming the matter had been settled, Phillipa sat back on her desk and chuckled.
"So you came to me for help?" she teased.
Only Jean-Luc wasn't in the mood for banter. He was still stuck on the notion that Data's only viable option was resignation.
"Yes, I came to you," Jean-Luc barked. "You're the only JAG officer for this sector. I had no choice but to come to you."
His voice was cold. It was completely unlike the usual air of playfulness that characterised their back-and-forth.
In fact, the only other time Phillipa had heard him speak like that had been during the Stargazer proceedings.
"Wait! I didn't mean it that way," Phillipa said softly. "I'm glad you felt you could, well, come to me."
Jean-Luc sighed.
"The word trust just isn't in your vocabulary, is it? Good try, nine of out ten for effort," Jean-Luc responded.
As they stood there, Phillipa considered that perhaps she should have made an effort to reach out after the court martial.
She had made inquiries – discreet inquiries as to his well-being.
But she had never contacted him directly. She knew it took a toll and wanted to give him space.
She assumed that they would get back to the way things were in time.
Six months went by. Then a year.
And the next thing she knew, a decade had passed in the blink of an eye.
"I wish things were different," Phillipa confessed.
"I wish I could believe that," Jean-Luc replied.
"That is the only option," Picard shared.
He took a deep breath and looked up at the couple seated across from him.
"I wish things could be different. I wish I had the power to keep you on this ship," Picard said. "But it's not all bad."
He smiled.
"With your credentials you could go anywhere, be anything," Picard said. "I am certain that you could find a position at the Daystrom Institute or the Vulcan Science Academy. I'll give you the highest of recommendations."
Data glanced over at Tasha.
She was still trying to process the fact that their only option to save Data was to send him away.
"The Enterprise has to depart Starbase in forty-eight hours," Picard advised. "And under Starfleet regulation, as we are already at a Starbase-"
"I will have to depart the ship before you leave spacedock," Data finished for him.
Jean-Luc nodded.
Had this occurred during transit, Data would have been able to remain aboard until they reached a suitable starport. But Starbase 173 had numerous civilian transports in and out of there all the time. Data just needed to make a decision about where to go.
"That is, unless you find a posting somewhere that's en route to or near where we're headed next," Picard suggested.
That would buy Data another week or two on the ship.
"Then I guess I have work to do," Data said.
"I don't want to boot you from my office, but I suspect the rest of this discussion is something between the two of you," Picard said. "And I must notify Admiral Nakamura."
"What's this?" Nakamura asked.
Commander Maddox had strolled into his office and dropped a tablet on his desk.
"A request for you to send a Security team to the Enterprise," Maddox explained. "Lieutenant Commander Data is now almost eighteen hours overdue to report for duty at its new assignment."
Maddox sneered.
"And that is eighteen hours after the extension you granted," Maddox said.
Maddox straightened his posture, rolling his shoulders back and struck a determined pose.
"I want that android taken into custody. Captain Picard may have granted it leave, but I haven't," Maddox said. "This research is time sensitive. Need I remind you the threat that is Lore is out there somewhere?"
Maddox leaned in close over the desk.
"Right now, that android Lore has all the knowledge and information about Starfleet, our Galaxy-ships, defences, long-term strategic plans," Maddox went on. "It knows everything Data does. It's like a walking encyclopaedia."
Nakamura did not respond.
"Do you know what kind of damage that could do if the Romulans or Cardassians were to get their hands on it?" Maddox asked.
"I agree with you. The threat is terrifying," Nakamura said.
Truly, it was a scary prospect.
"But there's nothing we can do," Nakamura explained. "Lieutenant Commander Data has resigned from Starfleet. The transfer order is now moot."
"It can't resign," Maddox declared.
"You can't force the android to remain in Starfleet," Nakamura argued.
Data was a commissioned officer and had more than completed the allotted time of service. In fact, Data could technically retire as an officer. He had an impressive career under his belt.
Maddox ignored the Admiral and made for the door.
"Where are you going?" Nakamura asked.
Maddox had a dangerous gleam in his eye.
"Over your head," Maddox said. "To do something I should have done a long time ago."
"Please do not mistake my confusion for anger," Data said. "But is it not inappropriate for you to be happy?"
Data was thoroughly perplexed by Geordi's reaction to the news of his resignation.
"I'm sorry, Data," Geordi said. "Of course I'm not happy. I'm mad as hell."
Geordi smiled.
Data scrunched up his face.
Geordi realised he was going to have to spell this one out for Data.
"I'm just trying to look on the bright side. We can't change things, but maybe something good can come of this," Geordi said.
"I am leaving the Enterprise," Data said. "The only positive outcome of that situation is that your Age of Sail average will improve."
Geordi laughed.
"That too, I guess," Geordi said.
He put his hand on Data's shoulder.
"Tasha," Geordi reminded him.
"She is not accompanying me," Data said. "Nor would I wish to pull her away from this."
Tasha had suggested as much – she was willing to follow him. She'd take a civilian position if necessary as long as it meant staying together.
Data had promptly squashed the idea.
This was Tasha's dream job – a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Enterprise was the closest thing to family either of them had ever experienced.
Data could ask her to give that up.
Geordi shook his head.
"She's going to be thrilled when you propose to her," Geordi said. "And I can think of no better place than tonight at your going away party."
It was evident Data was struggling.
"You'll be gone for a while. But once you two are officially married, Tasha will be eligible to bring you aboard as her spouse. You'll be back!" Geordi explained.
Data's eyes began to flit back and forth.
"It would take six months for the spousal eligibility," Data said.
Geordi could see the wheels in his mind were beginning to spin.
Data took a step back.
"That will not be so bad," Data said, trying to use a human colloquialism to describe the situation.
Geordi was beaming.
"Not so bad at all," Geordi said.
Geordi reached over and grabbed the ring box from Data's desk in the lab. He opened it and held it up in front of Data.
"This couldn't come at a better time," Geordi said. "You'll be back on board in no time. I'm going to miss you like crazy, but when you're back on that holodeck with me – it will all have been worth it."
Data took the box and studied the ring inside.
All of a sudden, his face fell.
"What is it?" Geordi asked.
"We will be able to continue our recreational activities. But I will not be a member of the crew," Data lamented.
Resignation and return to the Enterprise meant Data would be giving up his lab, his research, and his role as Second Officer.
Civilian positions were available, but rare.
Vacancies had a three-year waiting list.
"Maybe that's a good thing?" Geordi suggested. "I mean, you've mentioned you want to start a family. Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity?"
"Yes," Data said.
There was a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Perhaps. Forgive me," Data said. "I just did not envision it would be like this."
Data left his meeting with Geordi and made a beeline for Ten Forward.
Upon hearing the news of Data's resignation, Deanna and Beverly had gone to Guinan with the intention of holding one grand farewell party.
Guinan was none too pleased with the circumstances but was happy to lend her lounge and talents to the occasion.
When Data arrived, Beverly and Deanna were bustling about the room. It seemed the whole team had turned out to help.
"A bit more to the left, mum," Wesley said, directing Beverly where to hang the banner.
"Miles, you can't put the orange marigolds with the lilacs," Keiko said. "They clash."
"Then you come over here and do it!" Miles huffed.
Keiko set down the arrangement she had been working on and stepped over to the table.
"Try to balance colour and size," she said, showing him a different method.
Across the room, Commander Riker was setting up music stands.
"Will, you can't band there," Deanna instructed. "We need the space for more tables."
Data watched in fascination. As rotten as he felt, there was a strange sense of belonging that came from knowing these people were putting in so much effort for him.
"Can I help you?" Guinan said as she stepped up next to him.
"Hello, Guinan," Data said.
He glanced around to assure his presence was unnoticed. Fortunately, everyone was distracted by their various tasks.
Data leaned in close and dropped his voice.
"I must speak with you in private," Data said.
"Right this way," Guinan said, escorting Data to the back room.
She led Data through the door behind the bar and into an area where she kept backstock.
"You want to be sure there's enough Orion rum tonight because you know most of the crew drink it," Guinan said with a knowing smile. "But that's not why you're here."
She had a funny way of sensing things like that – even in Data.
"I need your help," Data said.
"Sure," Guinan agreed.
"I need to slip away from the party tonight. Without being seen," Data said.
Guinan eyed him carefully.
"And without anyone following or coming to look for me," Data went on.
"Ok. What do you need from me?" Guinan asked.
"I need to you buy time. A half hour," Data requested.
He was going to take Geordi's advice and pop the question that night. But knowing how private Tasha was, Data wasn't about to ask her in front of a crowd.
He figured she would appreciate that. Tasha hated surprises – especially if there was an audience.
Given that she had learned of his transfer in a public setting, Data thought slipping away for a moonlit stroll was the least he could do.
"Okay," Guinan said with a casual shrug.
It was a simple enough request.
"How will you do it? It is very important that I am not interrupted," Data insisted.
"You leave that to me," Guinan assured him.
Data relaxed.
"Data, should I have a bottle of champagne ready upon your return for, oh no particular reason?" Guinan asked casually.
Data cocked his head.
"Perhaps not champagne. But whisky," Data said.
Guinan quirked an eyebrow in his direction.
"Oh?" she asked, feigning ignorance.
"I am intending to ask Lieutenant Yar a question tonight," Data shared. "A rather important question."
"Whisky it is," Guinan grinned.
Data returned to his quarters. They weren't typically such a mess. In a way, the disorder seemed like a metaphor for his feelings.
During their discussion of what Data would do, where he would go, and how things would work between them, Tasha had started packing on his behalf while Data searched for available postings.
He had sent out a total of seventy-nine inquiries in response to jobs ranging from a civilian exobiology posting on the USS Rachel Carson to a job as a linguistics professor on Betazed.
Captain Picard was right about one thing – Data's impressive range of skills made him qualified for a variety of intriguing options.
And he was eager to find something that was in the direction the Enterprise was heading.
That would buy him at least another week or so aboard.
As Data surveyed the room he became uncomfortably aware of just how many things he owned. Personal possessions were few and far between for a Starfleet officer.
But unlike most, Data didn't have a home anywhere else.
The Enterprise was his only home.
Between his hobbies, holodeck costumes, and personal artefacts, Data had accumulated a lot of stuff in the last twenty years.
His collection of antique books alone had taken an entire crate.
Best to keep moving. Data told himself.
His eyes fell on a note on the table.
Called to the office. Shouldn't take long. See you at the party – T
There was only about an hour until the party started so Data decided to focus on the objects in the built-in shelves along the wall by his workstation.
He opened a small, personal case. This was his usual go-bag, and it would be perfect for keeping some of his more prized possessions close at hand.
Data reached into the bottom drawer of his workstation and pulled out a book. It had been a gift from Captain Picard.
Data smiled as he reread the inscription inside.
Captain Picard was one of the rare people that had seen more than just a machine in Data.
He was a dear friend and Data would miss their chess games.
He set the book down in the case and turned to the shelves along the wall. Tapping the drawer, he pulled out a wooden display box that held his most cherished honours. During his service, Data had earned more than a few metals.
He held some of Starfleet's highest honours. Data was a decorated officer, and it was an impressive collection. He had even been awarded a special commendation for valour and gallantry.
Data left the room to grab something from the bedroom.
As soon as he was gone, the door to his quarters slid open.
Bruce Maddox stepped inside and glanced around in fascination.
He snooped through one of the open crates on the floor and scoffed.
Painting supplies?
A sketchbook?
It was pathetic.
Oh Data. Maddox mused. You try and you try, but you'll never be one of us.
He put the sketchbook down in favour of the case on the desk.
Maddox pulled the metals out and scoffed. In his opinion, it was pointless to award a metal to an android. That would be like giving a ribbon to a computer or an engine.
Maddox set them aside and grabbed the book, flipping it open to a random page.
Data came back into the room and stopped.
"When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes, I all alone beweep my outcast state," Maddox recited.
He looked up from the text.
"Is it just words to you? Or do you fathom the meaning?" Maddox asked.
Data stood motionless near the bedroom door.
"Is it not customary to request permission before entering an individual's quarters?" Data asked.
"Yes," Maddox agreed.
He grinned.
"And if I had entered a person's quarters, I would most certainly have chimed," Maddox said innocently. "But in order for me to request permission, I would have to have someone to request that from."
He was trying to bait Data into reacting.
"You do not have my consent to be here," Data said firmly. "Now leave."
Instead of respecting that, Maddox simply laughed softly. He leaned back on Data's desk and smiled.
"It's good to be back together again," Maddox said. "Don't you think so?"
Data did not answer.
"You know a little cooperation would go a long way," Maddox said.
"Leave," Data repeated.
"Why are you doing this?" Maddox asked. "Don't you want to help Starfleet? I think you owe Starfleet for all it's done for you. And Lore is out there. Somewhere."
"Your attempts to manipulate this situation as anything other than a personal vendetta will not work," Data said.
Maddox wasn't phased.
"Fortunately, Starfleet agrees with me," Maddox said.
"While I believe it is possible to download the information contained in a positronic brain, I do not feel confident that you have acquired the expertise necessary to preserve the essence of those experiences. There is an ineffable quality to memory which I do not believe can survive your procedure," Data explained.
It may have sounded analytical, but it was as good as telling Maddox he was a lousy scientist.
Upon hearing the limited details of Maddox's proposal, Data had run a total of thirty-four simulations in the lab. With Geordi's help, they had built a programme designed to replicate the conditions.
In all thirty-four simulations, the procedure had failed.
"You will destroy my memories. Ruin my mind. And in the process, I will lose myself," Data said.
"Don't you get it?" Maddox scoffed. "That's the point."
Data was mortified.
Maddox picked up on the brief flash of concern in his face before Data recovered.
And he seized on the moment.
"I'm going to take you apart piece by piece until you are nothing more than a very expensive paperweight to adorn my desk," Maddox said.
The thought of being nothing more than a sentient cranial unit in Maddox's sights sent a chill straight to Data's core.
"Starfleet will be satisfied with whatever I give them. And when I think you've had enough, when you're broken, and you finally understand your place I will dump your memories onto an isolinear chip," Maddox snarled.
Maddox stepped forward and Data instinctively took a step back to put some space between them.
"I will reassemble you," Maddox promised.
"But I will be lost," Data said.
Maddox grinned.
"I will rebuild you. And when I do, it will be in my image. You will follow my commands," Maddox vowed. "All trace of this-"
Maddox picked up Data's sketch book and threw it aside.
"Will be gone," Maddox went on.
Data's system was working in overdrive to maintain a façade of composure. He couldn't break down in front of Maddox. It would only play right into Commander Maddox's hands.
"Don't you see? I will make you the android you were meant to be," Maddox said. "Not this programming error masquerading, pretending to be like a human because it can't understand the world around it."
Maddox stepped forward.
He tried to put his hand on Data's face, but Data ducked away.
"Because it never should have been permitted to wander," Maddox said in a patronising tone. "Because it can't understand."
Data didn't have a response.
An hour earlier he had felt sure of himself. He was certain who he was and where he belonged.
He had talents. He was accomplished. He had friends and a healthy relationship with a woman he adored.
But now, in the shadow of Maddox, Data felt just like he had twenty-seven years earlier – a scared, uncertain piece of machinery with no place in the world.
"Look at you," Maddox said. "You can try to hide behind these decorations, this uniform. But you can't conceal what you really are."
Without warning, Maddox pulled one of Data's hands up and held it between them.
The damage to his bioplast from the mission with Geordi was still visible. Below, Data's circuitry blinked and moved.
"A machine," Maddox concluded.
Data quickly pulled his hand back behind him.
"Leave. I have resigned. I am no longer in Starfleet. And you are no longer welcome in my quarters," Data said.
He pulled himself up to the full height of his frame.
"I regret the decision, but I must. I am the culmination of one man's dream. This is not ego or vanity. But when Doctor Soong created me, he added to the substance of the universe," Data proclaimed. "If I am destroyed or even held captive, something wonderful will be lost. I cannot permit it and must protect that dream."
Data was beaming with pride. It may not have been the preferred solution, but he had managed to thwart Commander Maddox, nonetheless.
The fact he got to deliver the news to Maddox himself only added to that satisfaction of the moment.
Only Maddox seemed amused by his little declaration.
"You cannot resign," Maddox chuckled.
He handed Data a table.
Data's eyes flitted back and forth as he read through the new orders. And Maddox ate up every second of that moment as he watched Data's pride slip away.
"You'll see that Admiral Nakamura has granted you time to attend your little going away celebration," Maddox said. "Have a drink for me, will you?"
Data was flummoxed.
All his years of service, his work as an officer had been for naught.
"Keep packing," Maddox said, taunting him. "Didn't you learn anything from our time together? One way or another, I always get my way."
Maddox had won.
"You will be reporting," Maddox promised. "See you tomorrow, paperweight."
Maddox turned and headed for the door.
He stopped and turned back to Data.
"Oh, be a good boy and bring that tablet back with you," Maddox ordered.
As soon as the door closed, Data closed his eyes in an effort to fight back the liquid that was threatening to spill over.
He couldn't get the sight of the orders out of his head.
And he couldn't stop himself from thinking about the implications of such an order.
Property of Starfleet.
Desperate to be around other people, Data headed for Ten Forward.
Technically, the party wasn't due to start for another thirty minutes.
But Data felt he needed to be around his friends to have some semblance of safety.
When he arrived, Geordi was already there with a Coco-No No in hand.
"Man of the hour!" Geordi said as clapped Data on the back.
"Hello, Geordi," Data said.
Geordi could sense there was something wrong.
"Are you alright?" Geordi asked.
"Fine," Data responded quickly.
Geordi took Data at his word. He chalked it up to Data being more a bit nervous about the upcoming big moment.
"Is Tasha here yet?" Data asked as he scanned the crowd.
"She had to meet with one of the new personnel," Worf advised, joining the group. "She will be along shortly."
"And Ensign Jeffords here will show you to your new quarters," Tasha said. "We ship out in forty-eight hours, and you'll need to be fully moved in by then."
Lieutenant Lucas smiled.
"My wife assures me that she and the kids will be all ready by then," she said.
Lieutenant Lucas was a new Security specialist that would be joining the Enterprise on this crew rotation.
"Her transport is due to arrive tonight," Lucas shared. "I gotta say, we've been waiting two years for an assignment like this."
She paused to smile.
"I'm just relieved we've found something with family quarters," Lucas said.
Though Starfleet had expanded their options, postings that permitted families to join were rare – especially when there were a number of kids involved.
"Well, welcome aboard," Tasha grinned.
Lucas checked the time on the wall.
"Ooo! I should get going. Gina will want my help and I didn't realise it was so late," Lucas said.
She stood up and grabbed her coffee mug.
"I'll get this," Tasha said. "Go, be there to greet your family."
"Thanks," Lucas said before she rushed off.
"The party, sir," Jeffords reminded Tasha.
"Go on ahead, I'll meet you there," Tasha said.
She stacked their glasses and returned them to the replicator for reprocessing.
As soon as she placed the last one on the tray, Tasha got the eerie feeling she was being watched.
Tasha turned around and startled.
Bruce Maddox was standing directly behind her.
She moved to go around him, but his arm shot out blocking her path.
"Excuse me," Tasha said.
"You still owe me that drink," Maddox said.
"I don't owe you a thing," Tasha said.
She tried to move in the other direction, but Maddox had his other arm out.
Maddox leaned in close, towering over her. Tasha found herself pressed against the replicator.
"I dropped the charges," Maddox reminded her.
"I didn't agree to your offer," Tasha countered.
"You're not being very polite, Lieutenant," Maddox said.
His choice of words were intentional – reminding Tasha both of the fact that he could press charges from their encounter the other night and that he outranked her.
Tasha knew she had to tread carefully.
One slip up and she could find herself facing another situation like the one with Walsh.
Given Data's resignation, Tasha could afford to spend another night in the Brig. They were already on borrowed time.
It wasn't fair – but it was the case.
Tasha felt trapped.
"Why are the on Enterprise?" Tasha demanded.
"I had clearance to come aboard from Admiral Nakamura," Maddox said.
He was an expert at avoiding answering the question.
"But for what purpose?" Tasha asked.
"A little bird told me that you are an expert marksman," Maddox said.
He was inches away from her face. His breath on the side of her cheek made Tasha want to vomit.
"I'm an avid hunter myself. Big game," Maddox shared. "And you should know once I set my sights on a target, I never miss."
Maddox yowled and jumped back.
Desperate and out of options, Tasha had punched the first button she could find on the replicator.
It was her luck that it was the family-size portion of strawberry yoghurt.
"Oops," Tasha said.
Maddox was furious as he wiped the thick substance from his arm. He reminded himself that this was all part of her game – at least, according to the Admiral it was.
"Well, I'll have to get out of this uniform. Unless that was your plan all along?" Maddox chuckled.
He looked up and realised Tasha had vanished.
While Maddox had been concerned for his boots, Tasha had used the opportunity to slip away.
Maddox inhaled sharply.
"I guess you're spoiling for quite a chase," Maddox smirked.
Tasha raced out of the canteen and headed straight for Data's quarters. Her backside was covered in strawberry yoghurt.
But it had been worth it.
Though she had no desire to go about the ship in such a condition. Data's quarters were closest, and she could quickly clean up there before joining the party.
They had packed most of his belongings, but Tasha still had a spare uniform hanging in the wardrobe.
It took Tasha less than five minutes to wash up and change.
On her way out the door, she stopped and looked around.
A sense of loss gripped her heart.
For weeks Data and Tasha had been in disagreement about moving in together. They were both keen on the idea, but neither had been ready to give up their quarters.
Now that Data was leaving, Tasha felt like she understood his predicament.
These quarters had been their shared home for the last year. They split their time between their rooms, but these quarters were just as much 'home' as her were.
It hurt to think that she wouldn't be able to walk out and find him fast at work behind his workstation or puffing away on his pipe on the sofa.
Just above the sofa, a painting they had done together hung on the wall.
And it was here that they had finally confessed their feelings for one another after the polywater incident.
This room had been an important part of their lives. It hurt to think those memories would be just that from now on – memories.
Tasha's eyes fell on the tablet on the surface of the table.
Her breath hitched.
Maddox.
"Computer, what is the location of Commander Data?" Tasha asked.
There was no hiding the urgency in her request.
"Lieutenant Commander Data is in Ten Forward," the computer responded.
Tasha threw her head back and thanked whatever deity was listening that Data was still aboard the Enterprise.
Tasha picked up the tablet again and read through the new orders more thoroughly.
Data was safe aboard the Enterprise for the moment.
But he wouldn't be for long.
Tasha sat down at the table and buried her head in her hands.
The party at Ten Forward was in full swing by the time Tasha arrived. Commander Riker had a good share of the room dancing and tapping along as a jazz quintet serenaded the group.
"Night Bird! Night Bird!" Deanna shouted above the crowd.
Will shot her a grin before announcing the band would play Satin Doll instead.
Worf, Geordi, Sonya, and Reg were all huddled around a table as they presented Data with a series of gifts.
Data was taking his time, meticulously removing the adhesive on one of the gifts.
"Data, you're supposed to rip the wrapping off," Wes said.
"With the application of a little care, Wes, the paper can be utilised again," Data said.
He got the final piece off and slid the book out the end.
"Data, you're missing the point," Wes teased.
Data set the book down and held the paper up. He looked at Wes and ripped it half.
Everyone laughed.
Data was in a rare mood. All evening he'd been doing his best to make his friends laugh and ensure they were enjoying themselves at the party.
"The Dream of the Fire by K'Ratak. Thank you, Worf!" Data said.
"It was in the hands of the Klingons that the novel attained its full stature," Worf said.
"Oh, I couldn't agree more," Reg nodded eagerly.
He was a big fan of the sweeping romantic novel, it's dreamy setting on the failing estate of a once-prominent Klingon House fallen from grace, and the main hero's forbidden romance with a Romulan.
Data picked up another gift and tore into the wrapping.
"The Zheng He expansion!" Data said.
His eyes lit up as he studied the deck.
"It's guaranteed one five-star ship," Reg said, overcome with excitement.
Geordi, Data, Sonya, Miles, and Reg were all fans of a game called Age of Sail. Geordi in particular was a prominent enthusiast. Most recently, Wes had gotten in on the trend and even Worf could see the appeal.
"Thank you, Reg," Data said. "This was most thoughtful."
"And I was th-thinking we could figure out a way to keep a game going over subspace," Reg offered. "And maybe plan a weekly game night?"
Data paused.
He would certainly love such a thing – if he were going somewhere where it would be possible.
Data had no desire to mislead his friends, but he felt obligated to keep the party upbeat. Data did not wish to burden anyone or bring down the mood.
They had all worked so hard to make this happen.
"Perhaps," Data answered. "I do not know what my schedule will be."
Technically, it wasn't a lie.
Out of the corner of his eye, Geordi noticed Tasha approaching the bar.
"Night Bird has landed," Geordi whispered.
Deanna's request hadn't just been about teasing Will. It was their code word for Tasha's arrival. At Geordi's request, Deanna had kept her eyes peeled all evening.
She didn't know why Geordi had wanted a lookout, but Deanna trusted it must be important.
"Excuse me," Data said to his friends.
He slipped away and joined Tasha at the bar as she ordered a whisky.
From the corner, Guinan watched carefully. She had everything ready for Data to slip away and was just waiting for the signal.
The song concluded and everyone clapped as they shouted their requests.
Before they could resume, Captain Picard stepped up onto the small stage. He put his hands up to request silence from the audience.
"I'd like to say a few words," Jean-Luc announced.
"What is wrong?" Data whispered.
"I had to stop by your quarters before I came here," Tasha answered quietly.
She turned and looked at Data.
Silently, Data understood.
She had found the orders.
"We're here tonight to honour someone that has been our colleague and our friend," Jean-Luc went on. "And I think the fact that so many of us have turned out is a testament to Data's character."
The room was packed.
"I'm not mad," Tasha assured him.
They were speaking in hushed tones, pretending to listen to the Captain's speech.
"Please do not tell anyone," Data whispered. "I do not wish to ruin the party."
He paused.
"And I do not want my friends to be sad," Data shared.
Tasha stared at him in disbelief.
"No one regrets this more than myself," Data said. "But you do understand my reasons?"
"Why are you resigned to accept this?" Tasha demanded.
"I will always remember the first time Mr Data came to my Ready Room for a game of chess," Picard recounted.
The crowd laughed as Captain Picard shared an amusing anecdote.
"And I am sure that we all have a similar experience. We could spend all night sharing our fond memories of Mr Data," Picard continued. "Because he has touched all of us in a way that, I know for myself, has made me a better person."
"You're being forced out," Tasha whispered in a heated voice.
She didn't mean to raise her voice, but she was angry.
"Once Captain Picard has concluded his speech, will you please accompany me on a walk?" Data requested.
They had to step away before Tasha lost her temper.
Jean-Luc's heartfelt speech concluded a moment later and everyone applauded.
After a toast and series of handshakes, Riker had whipped the band up again and the party resumed.
Data grabbed Tasha's arm and guided her out the back door through Guinan's stock room.
On the way out, Guinan caught his eye. She had the whisky and two glasses packed and ready to go.
Data shook his head in the negative.
There was a dark look in his eye, and it made Guinan feel sick to her stomach.
Data and Tasha walked in silence until they reached the oversized window on deck twenty-nine.
It was one of the places they liked to stroll.
As a service deck, it was typically abandoned. Tonight was no exception. To their relief, the corridor was empty.
They stopped in front of the window and sat on opposite ends of the sill.
The Enterprise was in just the right position as she passed under one of the three moons near the Starbase.
"Say something, please," Tasha requested.
"I do not know what to say," Data confessed. "Or, more accurately, I do not know where to begin."
It was 19:00 hours and Data's party was expected to go for a few more hours.
But it was nowhere near enough time.
"For there are so many things that I feel compelled to say that I fear I cannot begin to sort my thoughts on the matter," Data said.
"Why?" Tasha asked, her resolve beginning to fail.
"Because he is a cruel man. And I do not believe I will ever understand the motivation behind his machinations," Data answered.
"No," Tasha said. "Why are you resigned to accept this?"
Her voice broke and her shoulders shook as she started to sob.
"I have legally been declared property," Data said. "I have no homeworld to petition for legal representation. There is no planet that I can return to or android government that will fight on my behalf."
It hurt to admit, but Starfleet was all Data had. He didn't even have recognised Federation citizenship.
"I have no home other than Starfleet," Data said. "And as that organisation has declared me property. I cannot file a legal petition as I do not have the right to do so."
It was the bitter reality of his circumstances.
"You have to," Tasha urged. "This is wrong. It's unjust."
Data did not respond.
"I didn't sign up to serve for this," Tasha declared.
She could be so passionate when it came to injustice. It was one of the qualities Data had always admired in Tasha.
As they sat there in the moonlight, Data became painfully aware of the weight of the ring box in the pocket sewn into the inside of his uniform.
In that moment, Data was reminded of the first moment he had really looked at Lieutenant Yar – when she had stood up in front of Q and challenged him during their mission to Farpoint.
It was a gutsy move.
Perhaps a foolish one.
But in Tasha's own words, she couldn't sit by.
For a fleeting moment, Data was tempted to reach in and grab that ring box.
A passing shuttle came into view as it departed Starbase 173, and Data was reminded of why he couldn't make that ask.
Why it would never be something he could reveal.
No, he would leave that box with Geordi, and it would remain an unfilled dream – like so many others.
"I wanted to do it with you," Data whispered.
"Do what?" Tasha asked.
Data realised he had accidently spoken his thought aloud
"Everything," Data confessed.
For a moment, neither of them spoke as they stared at one another.
"Data, we can march back into that room and every one of those officers will file a protest against this," Tasha declared. "Once they find out-"
"I do not want them to-" Data protested.
"Shut up," Tasha snapped.
Data immediately fell silent.
Her chest heaved as she was breathing heavily, consumed with a righteous fury.
"If you will not fight this, if you cannot see that in yourself," Tasha said.
Her commanding poise faltered.
"Then do it for me," she said in an uncharacteristically small voice.
Tasha crawled forward and cupped his face.
"Do it for us. Please?" Tasha pleaded.
The ferocity of her typical demeanour had been replaced by fear of losing Data.
"I don't care if we have to leave the Enterprise. Or start over on some planet with nothing," Tasha said. "I don't care if you want seven children."
Tasha laughed.
"This is wrong. And I won't stand by and let them do this," Tasha vowed. "But I need you to want to fight this."
Data pulled her close.
"Because this is not going to be easy," Tasha said as she clutched his shoulders.
If their experience during the hearing on Regulation 1138 had taught them anything, it was that they needed to be prepared for anything.
"He will, as you say, fight dirty," Data cautioned.
"And we'll hold fast together," Tasha promised.
"Starfleet may try to use the existence of Lore against me," Data warned.
"I'll stand right beside you," Tasha assured him.
"They may try to employ such tactics as characterising me as a threat," Data said.
Tasha sat back. She took hold of his hands and locked eyes with Data.
"We will hold fast together," they said in unison.
Data and Tasha slipped back into the party an hour later. Despite Guinan's efforts, their absence hadn't gone unnoticed.
As soon as they were back, Tasha found Captain Picard.
After a short, hushed conversation the two slipped away from the party.
Jean-Luc had that look in his eye that told Guinan there was a situation.
When Data didn't make an announcement upon their return, Geordi sought out Data.
"You didn't do it," Geordi said.
It was a statement rather than a question.
"Not the time," Data responded.
His reply was both in regard to Geordi's remark and an explanation as Data vaguely implied that the situation had changed.
But Geordi was prepared to accept that.
Data turned to talk with Beverly when Geordi grabbed his arm.
"Can I see you, Data?" Geordi asked tersely. "In the corner?"
Data didn't want to upset Geordi, so he allowed himself to be escorted across the room to a corner table by the window.
Tucked away from the crowd, Geordi put his hands on his hips.
"Well?" Geordi demanded.
Data sat down. His posture was off, almost like he was hiding something.
"Geordi, you must trust me when I say that the circumstances have changed," Data shared. "And the details of that are best kept between Lieutenant Yar and myself."
Geordi looked unconvinced.
But there was little he could say to argue against that point. They were entitled to their privacy.
Data's arm shot out and grabbed Geordi's wrist.
"Geordi, what I shared with you on our last mission. The ring," Data said.
"Yeah," Geordi said slowly.
He didn't like where this was going.
"You must forget that conversation. Promise me you will never mention it to Tasha," Data requested.
It wasn't what Data wanted.
More than anything he had longed to come back and announce to the party that she had said yes, that he was making a commitment with the person he loved.
He wanted to increase his audio output to a volume loud enough to share such news with the whole ship.
As much as it hurt, Data knew he couldn't do that now – not when he was as good as marching off to his own death.
A fate worse than death, really.
"Promise me, Geordi," Data pleaded.
Geordi frowned.
This agreement didn't sit right.
But Data was his best friend.
"Alright," Geordi said reluctantly.
Data relaxed a bit, but he still seemed to be bothered about something.
"Data, is everything alright?" Geordi asked.
"You have always treated me with such kindness," Data replied. "You have always seen me as a person. Do you remember our first meeting?"
Geordi nodded.
He recalled the memory well. Though in this setting, Geordi didn't like the way Data was talking. It was almost like he was saying goodbye forever.
"You did not have to do that. But you did, nonetheless," Data recounted. "Thank you. You are a true friend."
"And all it took was the word of the First Officer?" Picard questioned.
Tasha nodded.
"2267," Tasha said.
"How do you know this?" Jean-Luc asked.
"I looked it up yesterday," Tasha answered before adding. "And I remembered the case from my JAG training."
Tasha's path in Starfleet had very nearly been quite different.
After completing Starfleet Academy, Tasha had been accepted to the JAG programme. It was an additional two years of training and a dream come true.
Tasha had promptly quit her JAG training after six months. Her decision to leave coincided with the Stargazer Court Martial proceedings and it was no coincidence.
Publicly, Tasha had cited recruitment into covert ops. While it was true that she had been recruited to join Grey Ops, Tasha had only accepted the offer because she couldn't stomach the thought of becoming a JAG officer.
Not after watching the likes of Phillipa Louvois grill into Captain Picard at the trial.
The torment he had been subjected to in being questioned and re-questioned didn't sit right with Tasha's moral compass. Jean-Luc had been interviewed eighteen separate times by different officers and departments – all in an effort to ensure his story didn't change.
Jean-Luc had testified nine hours a day for three days straight.
And when he had appeared calm and collected, Louvois painted him as aloof and uncaring.
Adding insult to injury, Tasha was probably the only person aside from Beverly to know about Captain Picard's relationship with Louvois.
After the Stargazer crew had been located and returned to Earth, Jean-Luc had no one where to turn. His relationship with his brother was non-existent and he had no other family.
Jean-Luc had never expected to see Tasha standing on the platform waiting for him. In truth, Tasha had felt like a fool waiting there.
But after they found one another, it had all seemed so right. The friendship between the young orphan and the older career Captain might have seemed strange.
Yet they were alike in so many ways - and they were all one another had.
So Tasha had offered him her spare bedroom. And she had been there when Phillipa Louvois had broken his heart and betrayed his trust.
Tasha had never forgotten her time as a JAG in training. Those skills had come in quite handy during her tenure as a Security Chief.
So when Data's situation first arose, Tasha had set to thinking about a solution. In particular, a legal solution.
"All it took for the Federation to recognise them as a sentient species was a report from the First Officer," Tasha explained.
"Pity that First Officer was then-Commander Spock," Picard said.
He sat back and sighed.
"But it shouldn't matter," Tasha argued. "The precedence is set."
She had a point.
"To this day, that authority has never been challenged and the Horta remain a Federation-protected species granted all the rights of a Federation member species," Tasha argued.
"I'm afraid it might not be enough," Picard said.
Tasha tapped her tablet and flipped to the next page of her notes.
"I looked it up, they just opened a JAG office here on Starbase 173," Tasha said. "We could go to them and ask that they rescind this. There are plenty of qualified officers aboard that could affirm Data's sentience. I'm sure it won't be a problem for-"
Jean-Luc grimaced.
"Tasha, the JAG office on Starbase 173 is new," Picard said.
Tasha shrugged as if to indicate that such a fact was irrelevant.
"There aren't staffed quite yet," Picard went on. "The head of the office is still working to fill those roles."
Tasha wasn't bothered by this.
"The head of the office is more than qualified to make a ruling on this," Tasha explained. "Even if they would rather wait for staff, we can file a form 199c requesting an injunction to halt this until a hearing."
"Tasha, it's her," Jean-Luc said. "Louvois."
Tasha blinked a few times. Her brow furrowed as she tried to process what this information meant for Data.
"I-" Tasha trailed off.
"Tasha?" Jean-Luc prompted.
"The sheer cruelty of fate that of all the Starbases in all the Alpha Quadrant that she would be the one sitting in that office on the same base as Bruce Maddox," Tasha scoffed.
Tasha was desperately trying not to fall into the trap of dark thoughts that threatened to emerge. It had taken months of therapy with Deanna for Tasha to overcome her preconceived notion that she did not deserve her relationship with Data.
There were moments that Tasha had a hard time accepting she was worthy of love.
It was a combination of trauma and Turkanan culture.
Tasha had been struggling – especially as Data pushed the idea of marriage.
Turkanan custom dictated that success came at a cost. And for fleeing Turkana, Tasha believed that would come at a hefty price – namely her happy ending.
It was like the universe didn't want Data and Tasha to be together.
"I agree with you that we need to fight this," Picard assured her. "I'm just not sure this is going to be effective."
He wanted to believe Louvois would protect Data's rights, but her commitment to Starfleet was too strong. Knowing her as he did, Picard could just see her buying into the Security argument.
"I'm going to send a subspace communication back to Starfleet Headquarters. Admiral Henry directly," Picard explained.
"That will take days. It could take weeks," Tasha said.
"I admit it's not perfect. And in the meantime, Data will likely have to go into Maddox's custody. But Admiral Nakamura has assured me he will check on Data daily to-" Picard said.
"He can't," Tasha pleaded. "He can't go back there."
Jean-Luc paused and looked down at the table as he thought about their options.
"Tasha, is there something you know about Data's history with Maddox? Something that might help me stop this?" Picard asked.
Tasha bit her lip.
It wasn't her story to tell.
And Data had shared the details of his abuse in confidence.
"Sir, what that man did to Data," Tasha paused and shook her head. "No one deserves that."
Jean-Luc had a feeling it was grim.
"He should be locked up," Tasha asserted. "And if you send Data back to him, we will never see Data again."
"Do you have any idea what time it is?" Phillipa Louvois said as her door flew open.
For the last two minutes, Jean-Luc had been pounding on it.
"I need you," Jean-Luc said.
His voice was desperate.
Phillipa could tell whatever it was – it had to be urgent.
It was 23:41 and Jean-Luc looked more haggard than she could recall.
"Jealous ex?" a deep male voice said.
"Not exactly," Phillipa hollered back.
She tightened the knot on her dressing gown. Taking a step back, she motioned for Jean-Luc to step in.
A half-dressed man emerged from the sitting room. Phillipa grabbed a pair of trousers off the table.
"I'll call you," she said as she shoved the trousers at him.
Thoroughly confused, the man left muttering to himself.
"What?" Phillipa asked. "No smart remarks. I'm almost insulted."
Phillipa crossed her arms and leaned back against the door.
Captain Picard reached up and massaged his temple, almost as if he were in pain.
"Picard?" Phillipa prompted.
Jean-Luc glanced over to the wall as he tried to collect his thoughts. He wasn't sure where to begin. He turned back to Phillipa. On his face was the most pleading look Phillipa had ever seen.
She made a face.
"Please tell me you aren't really here for some midnight come-to-Jesus moment to confess your feelings?" Phillipa asked. "What happened in the past was-"
"No!" Picard cut her off.
"I'm not that revolting," Phillipa said, chastising his reaction.
She pulled the neck of her dressing gown tight, clutching it near her throat.
"You have to admit the timing and your, well, anxiety seemed to point in the direction of-" Phillipa said.
"I need an injunction," Picard said suddenly.
Phillipa's eyebrows shot up.
"A man's life depends on it," Picard declared.
"Well the paperwork seems to be in order," Phillipa said as she reviewed the document.
Following his late-night interruption, Phillipa and Jean-Luc had moved to her office.
She tapped the screen and flipped back to the summary brief on the previous page.
"You know this is really quite well prepared," she remarked.
All of a sudden she grinned. Dropping the tablet, she locked eyes with the Captain.
"You didn't write this, did you?" she asked.
The injunction request had been submitted under Jean-Luc's name, but he had not been the one to prepare the formal request, nor had he compiled the supporting documents.
"No," Picard admitted.
Phillipa smirked.
"I knew it," she said.
"Don't start. This is-" Picard fumed.
Phillipa put a hand up to stop him.
"Save the spiral," she said. "I just meant that this is clearly professional. I didn't realise you had a JAG officer aboard."
"I don't," Picard said.
He was hesitant to reveal too many details. Phillipa didn't need to know about Data and Tasha's relationship. It might colour her view of the request.
"My Security Chief put it together," Picard said, choosing his words carefully.
"I'm impressed," Phillipa replied.
Phillipa Louvois was not easily impressed. But she could recognise good work – and this was top notch.
"And?" Picard pressed.
"And I'll grant your injunction," Phillipa agreed. "For now."
Of course there was a hang up. Picard thought.
"I'd like to interview the android and this Commander Maddox," Phillipa explained. "Yourself, the officers named in these supporting documents, and I'll need to speak with Admiral Nakamura."
Picard nodded in understanding.
Surely if she spoke to Data then Phillipa would have to see reason.
"Twenty-four-hour injunction granted, and I'll notify you of the schedule in the morning," Phillipa declared.
Back at Ten Forward, the party was fast coming to a close.
It was after midnight and most of the crew was exhausted.
"Alright, we're going to do one more song to send you home," Riker announced.
At the insistence of the crowd, Data had been invited on stage.
As a skilled musician, Data could play a variety of instruments. He also had a wonderful voice.
"Take Me Home Tonight!" Sonya shouted.
"Blue Skies!" Deanna requested.
"Sto-vo-kor!" Worf roared.
"I am afraid I am unfamiliar with that particular song," Data said into the mic.
Everyone laughed.
Data paused and scanned the crowd.
A part of him felt that this would be the appropriate time to share his fondness for the crew. But there were so many friends in the crowd, Data couldn't find the words.
More than that, he was worried that if he started to share his feelings that he might spill more than intended and confess this was a permanent goodbye.
Instead, he nodded and stepped over to the piano.
"If I may?" Data requested.
Lieutenant Durante vacated the seat for Data.
Data assumed his seat behind the instrument and adjusted the mic for his height. He cleared his throat and then, without a word, began to play.
"Oh, I love this song," Beverly remarked as she recognised the tune.
"I will be seeing you, in all the old familiar places, that this heart of mine embraces," Data began to sing.
It was an old favourite and seemed only fitting.
The song was a bit more down than the crowd had expected for a final number. But they didn't mind. It was bittersweet.
"I will always think of you that way," Data belted out.
Tasha and Captain Picard returned to Ten Forward as Data was reaching the conclusion of his song.
"I will find you in the morning sun, and when the night is new," Data went on.
She immediately recognised Data's voice. He sang often at home and Tasha could listen to him for hours.
She stopped just in the door.
From his elevated position on the stage, Data could see them. His fingers danced across the keys as he reached the apex.
Data paused.
"I will be looking at the moon," Data sang.
He hit the dissonant chord, lingering for a few seconds.
"But I will be seeing you," Data concluded.
He turned his attention back to the piano and played the last few notes before the chord resolved.
Everyone cheered and Data descended from the stage to a chorus of For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.
The meaning behind the moment was lost to most of the crowd.
Everyone that was, except for Geordi and Guinan.
After pushing his way through the crowd, Data found Tasha. She whispered something to him, and Data seemed to be relieved by the news.
They offered to stay and help clean up, but Guinan didn't want them sticking around.
"You two should really be spending this time together," Guinan reminded them.
"Thank you," Data said.
As soon as they were gone, Geordi approached her.
"What do you know?" Geordi demanded.
Guinan shrugged.
"You know something," Geordi pressed.
The party had cleared out. There were just a handful of crew left to clean up. And they were all out in the main part of the lounge – far enough away that they wouldn't overhear anything.
"Why didn't he propose?" Geordi whispered.
"I had a feeling that's what he was hinting at," Guinan said.
Geordi's face fell.
"You didn't know!" he realised.
Guinan put her hands up.
"Secret's safe," Guinan assured him.
Geordi leaned in close.
"I just, I thought it would work out," Geordi said. "I can't imagine why he couldn't go through with it. He said the circumstances changed."
Geordi looked completely heartbroken.
"I just can't imagine Tasha saying or doing something to make him feel that way," Geordi said.
He didn't understand.
"I can't either," Guinan agreed.
A dark look crossed her face.
"I think there is something more going on here. Something he doesn't want any of us to know," she advised.
Up in Data's quarters, Data was sitting in bed. He heard the sink stop as Tasha finished brushing her teeth.
A moment later, she appeared in the doorway.
"Penny for your thoughts," she said.
"This is…confusing," Data settled on.
Tasha glanced down at her attire.
"I know, your shirt," Tasha said as she tugged at the hem. "And it's a bit long. But all my stuff's back in my quarters."
She looked up.
"And I quite like it," she added with a cheeky grin.
"It is not the shirt," Data said.
"I know," Tasha assured him as she crawled into bed.
"This is our third possible last night together in here," Data confessed as he looked around.
The strain of his circumstances continually changing with little to no notice, the constant uncertainty of not knowing – it was overwhelming.
"I cannot go on like this," Data said suddenly.
Without warning, a horrid, painful sob escaped from his throat.
Data sat there, utterly wracked with grief as yellow tears streamed down his face.
He felt guilty. He'd just attended the most wonderful party in his honour. He had been granted a twenty-four injunction to stop Maddox.
Yet Data was overcome with anger and sadness at the injustice of it all and confusion about how Starfleet – an organisation he had dedicated his life to – could betray him in such a cruel manner.
"I-I-I do n-not unders-stand," Data sobbed.
Tasha wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tight.
"I sh-should be ha-hap-p-py," Data said.
Tasha pulled him down into her lap. She ran her fingers through his hair as he wept.
"No, Data. You should not be happy," Tasha assured him. "Cry, Scream. Let it all out."
Data squeezed his eyes shut as a fresh wave of discomfort welled up inside of him.
"This is so wrong Data. It's all wrong," Tasha went on. "And you have every right to feel this way."
Tasha tried to soothe him as he released the emotional weight of the last three days.
"You should rest," Tasha encouraged.
"I do not believe I can," Data shared.
"I'll be right here. I'll hold you," Tasha promised. "And I will never let him hurt you again."
Data looped his fingers through Tasha's.
For a brief moment, his thoughts drifted back to the ring that was currently housed in the top drawer of his workstation.
More than anything, he wanted to ask her.
But on the verge of speaking - his courage faltered, and words failed him.
Data rolled onto his back and stared up at Tasha.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," Tasha sang softly. "You make me happy, when skies are grey."
She was no Data.
She certainly wasn't comfortable singing in public.
But for him, Tasha would stand on the Bridge and sing showtunes if it meant seeing him smile.
"Iu sela, iu anwylyd," Tasha whispered.
Data didn't need the translation.
It was a Turkanan phrase he knew well.
My sunshine, my beloved.