Author's Note: Thank you all for your continued support of this series.
Long chapter alert! This one's lengthy. I just couldn't bear to cut any of it, though I tried to keep each interview short.
Based on the original script, I got the impression that Phillipa Louvois is passionate and thorough in regard to her work. I wanted to explore that and use it as a vehicle to give us some additional backstory on Captain Picard.
While not in the original script, Measure of the Man is the perfect opportunity for our supporting characters to really come together as a circle of friends for Data. This chapter is designed to give some perspective on that as it dives into Data's character through the eyes of his colleagues.
Thank you!
"I don't know what to say," Sonya stammered.
"I don't expect you to," Geordi replied.
The two had been planning to head onto the promenade on Starbase 173 for some shopping. Their plays were waylaid after Geordi received notice from Captain Picard that he would be needed at the JAG office.
After the Captain's visit, Geordi wasn't feeling much of anything.
He understood now why Data had felt he couldn't propose to Tasha.
Circumstances had indeed changed.
And Geordi was quite sure if he should feel confusion, outrage, or grief.
Starfleet had declared Data property.
It was almost unthinkable.
Data had previously shared with Geordi his own fears about the shaky ground of his legal status. Geordi had never imagined that Starfleet could simply swoop in and take possession of someone.
The situation was all so sudden and absurd it seemed like fiction.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Sonya offered.
She could sense Geordi was bothered by the news.
"I really don't know what to say," Geordi replied.
He sat forward on the table and exhaled slowly.
"I mean, this is 2364," he shrugged. "I'm waiting for someone to jump out and say this is all some elaborate prank."
His tone was anything but amusement.
"I'm appalled," Geordi went on. "And I don't know where to begin with this interview."
He was due to report to the JAG office at 16:00 hours for an interview with Captain Phillipa Louvois. Captain Picard had advised that the interview would take approximately an hour.
Geordi was scheduled as the last interview of the day so that he would have adequate time to prepare himself and his report.
As Geordi's assessment was the most technical of the lot, Captain Picard was counting on him to provide a compelling case.
"Captain Picard said to come prepared, but I don't know how or why it's necessary to go through Data's technical specifications," Geordi argued. "I mean he's Data. He's my best friend, not a warp coil!"
Sonya reached out and took hold of Geordi's hand.
"There's something else about this that bothers you," Sonya observed.
Geordi paused.
There was something else. But given the circumstances, Geordi felt it was selfish to focus on it. He quickly squashed the thought that had been lurking in the back of his mind.
"This is wrong," Geordi said.
He did not elaborate.
"It is wrong," Sonya agreed.
Geordi knew where she stood on the issue. Hell, Sonya said please and thank you to the replicators – and it wasn't just to be cute. She genuinely felt that it was necessary.
In Sonya's opinion, Data was just as much of a person as the rest of them.
"I'm sorry we can't hang out today," Geordi apologised.
"This is a lot more important," Sonya reminded him. "And I'm here to help."
"And how long have you been in service aboard the Enterprise?" Louvois asked.
"I accepted the assignment on Stardate 41023 and began my service on Stardate 41169," Commander Riker answered.
He was seated across from Captain Louvois in her office.
"And do you understand the purpose of this interview?" she inquired.
Commander Riker nodded.
"This is not a hearing. It is simply an informational gathering interview," Louvois explained.
Riker understood this. Captain Picard had said as much.
She checked to ensure the automated recording device was active. It was standard procedure and would give Phillipa the opportunity to go back and review documentation as necessary.
Satisfied it was working properly, she folded her hands and set to work.
"I'd like to ask you some questions about your experience with the android," Louvois said.
Her wording was not lost on Commander Riker.
"Lieutenant Commander Data," Riker said, correcting. "He's my colleague. And a friend."
Phillipa got the point.
"What was your first impression of Lieutenant Commander Data?" Phillipa asked.
"Pinocchio," Riker said, blurting out the first thing that came to mind.
He recalled the moment fondly. Their first meeting had been unusual – it was Riker's first time on the new Galaxy class holodecks and his first time encountering an android as advanced as Data.
Riker had seen other androids before. Most of them were non-functioning pipedreams or had limited capabilities.
The best and brightest minds of the day had designed androids that loosely resembled humans in the crudest of fashions. Some had limited functional mobility.
But none of them had Data's mind, physical perfection in the sense replicating human movement and physiology, or his distinct personality.
Riker had been blown away by Data. His physical appearance was so human like that it struck Riker as eerie. But that wasn't the only thing that had astonished Riker.
From the moment they met in the holodeck forest, Data's dream to experience life had been evident.
He was enjoying nature, trying to whistle, and using his free time for personal development.
It was just like what any other person would do.
"You see he wants to experience life," Riker described. "And everything that comes with that – friendships, experiences."
Riker grinned.
"Poker. Literature," Riker went on. "He absorbs all of it. More than anything, he longs to be human."
Riker hoped that sharing this information would help humanise Data.
"He tries his best to emulate human behaviour. Data analyses body language and social experiences. When he doesn't quite grasp something, he's not afraid to ask questions," Riker went on.
"Are you saying that it mimics patterns it observes?" Louvois asked.
"No!" Riker said quickly. "He's not just a computer recording something and spitting it back out. He's a person, trying his best to find his place in the world."
"And you've been seeing Mr Data in the capacity of a counsellor for approximately nine months?" Louvois asked.
"Yes," Deanna answered.
Data had given his consent for Louvois and Deanna to discuss his status as a client and his therapy sessions.
"Data came to me seeking counselling services earlier this year," Deanna explained. "I see him once a week for individual sessions and once every other week for couple's therapy."
Louvois's eyebrows shot up for a moment before she resumed her line of questioning.
Deanna could sense that she was surprised by the news. However, it was too early to tell if sharing this information was any benefit to Data.
"What is the purpose of these sessions?" Louvois inquired.
"When we began counselling, Data identified several goals," Deanna explained. "Understanding and coping with his developing emotions, improving communication for his needs, recognising his own self-worth, and trauma recovery."
Deanna had intentionally left the subject of trauma recovery for the end because she wanted to get read on Louvois when it came to that subject.
Deanna was keenly aware of Data's history with Maddox. It was a frequent subject in their sessions. Maddox's abuse had influenced Data's emotional development and self-perception for over twenty years.
"Data is a person," Deanna declared. "He feels emotion. He experiences joy and fear just as you or I do."
"And that is your professional opinion?" Louvois inquired.
"It is," Deanna insisted. "As you are aware from my information, I am half-Betazoid. While I do not possess full Betazoid telepathic abilities, I do have empathic powers."
Louvois shifted in her chair, leaning forward as she listened intently.
"And I can tell you that Data projects emotion just like organic lifeforms," Deanna said. "I can feel him emit these responses."
Louvois was intrigued.
"I've read through your personnel file. You have undergone extensive training on humanoid neurochemistry," Louvois said. "Do you believe when Data responds to emotional stimuli that it is capable of a genuine response or simply acting out an expected reaction?"
"My expertise is on humanoid neurochemistry. I am not an engineer," Deanna clarified. "I don't know how it works within a positronic matrix."
Deanna could immediately sense that her answer cast doubt on Data's sentience.
"But I can tell you that Data experiences feelings. They are as real as anything you or I have ever felt," Deanna assured her.
"It's programmed to emulate human behaviour," Maddox explained.
He paused and smiled.
"And as the most advanced piece of machinery to ever exist, it is designed to adapt to its surroundings," Maddox went on. "To observe and imitate the behavioural patterns of humans."
Thus far, Louvois had to admit that Maddox presented a compelling case. He had a way of explaining away all of the evidence the Enterprise crew had presented.
As the leading cyberneticist, Maddox was also perhaps the most qualified person to discuss the matter.
"Humans have long felt uncomfortable by the notion of artificial intelligence," Maddox went on. "It can be unsettling."
Louvois agreed.
Countless philosophers had opined on the matter. Luddites had preached caution. And there were plenty of people that still felt uneasy with all of the computer reliance that their modern, automated lives offered.
"I theorise that Data's creator designed him to blend in with humans as an effort to ease the transition to a world that readily accepts a class of working androids operating in our lives," Maddox said.
Phillipa sat back in her chair as she considered this hypothesis.
There were plenty of scientists trying to develop just such a machine.
With so many dangerous tasks involved in spacefaring, the need to increase safety was a top priority. Robots were already employed in a variety of capacities to support Starfleet for repairs, resupply, mining, and transport.
Androids were the next natural step.
"I've devoted my life to the study of Doctor Noonian Soong," Maddox said.
Phillipa let out a short laugh.
"An unusual path for a cyberneticist," she remarked.
Soong was an enigma.
Soong had once been a promising cyberneticist. In 2313, Soong had been laughed out of the Daystrom Institute. He'd left Earth shortly thereafter before disappearing from all known Federation records.
There were occasional reports that had cropped up over the years – possible sightings, rumours of a cyberneticist working in the far corners of Federation space.
A contemporary Frankenstein and his elusive modern Prometheus.
Soong was a divisive character in the cybernetics community.
Arguably, he was the most brilliant scientific mind of the last century. Some saw him as a visionary. But the reputation of the Soong name carried considerable baggage.
Noonian Soong himself never had any ties to such dangerous circles.
But the Soong family had long been associated with fringe circles – genetic engineering, biochemical weapons development, and their prominent involvement in the eugenics wars.
"I think Soong envisioned a future we can't even dream of," Maddox shared. "We lack the imagination to see the possibility that Data presents."
"Except for you?" Phillipa inquired.
Maddox smirked.
"As I've said, I am the foremost expert on cybernetics," Maddox said.
"But Soong?" Phillipa pressed.
"I believe was a misunderstood genius. Data is clear evidence that Soong's work continued," Maddox replied.
"You mentioned you had dedicated your life to the study of Doctor Soong," Phillipa recalled. "Not just his work."
She had combed through extensive records on Maddox prior to their interview.
"From reviewing your Starfleet personnel record, it seems you have a lot in common," Phillipa said.
Maddox had a reputation for being obstinate. He predominantly worked alone. Former colleagues had described him as 'fanatical' and 'prone to anger.'
"Doctor Soong isn't the only brilliant scientist to be misunderstood," Maddox replied.
He seemed slightly ruffled by the question.
"It says here you put in a lot of hours," Phillipa said as she read the file.
"I'm dedicated to my work," Maddox responded.
"And that you are highly organised," Phillipa noted.
Maddox laughed uncomfortably.
"I thought this interview was about Data?" Maddox asked.
He shifted in his seat. Though mostly composed, Phillipa could sense that Maddox was agitated.
"It is," Phillipa nodded. "But I want to be thorough."
She set her tablet down on the desk flipped to the next set of questions.
"Now you previously worked with Data," Phillipa began to say.
"I was cleared of any wrongdoing," Maddox interjected in a terse voice.
Maddox realised his error. He quickly cleared his throat and composed himself.
"I studied Data for approximately three years," Maddox said in a much calmer tone.
Louvois had read through the file. It was over twenty years old. Following the involvement of now-retired Admiral Rahim Farooq, there had been an investigation into Maddox's research methods.
There had even been a hearing at Admiral Farooq's insistence.
The panel had found Maddox's research methods to be extreme. While not criminal, they were certainly right up to the limit of what Starfleet found permissible.
Maddox was never formally admonished – but he was transferred, his research budget was slashed, and Data was freed from Maddox's custody.
What wasn't contained in the file was that Data had been prohibited from offering any testimony. Maddox had successfully convinced the panel that Data was incapable of feeling any sort of pain or emotion.
The true horrors of what Data had been subjected to at the hands of Maddox had not been introduced as evidence.
The team working under Maddox's command had known about the experiments to test Data's response to pain, electrical stimuli, extreme temperatures, and to test his strength.
They had no inkling of other, more sinister experiments Maddox had conducted. The emotional and sexual abuse Data endured was unknown to most.
Admiral Farooq knew some of it.
Deanna had learned of parts of the abuse during therapy.
Only Tasha knew the full extent of Data's torment.
And Maddox.
"This research is vital to Starfleet Security," Maddox declared.
"I'd like to talk a bit about that," Phillipa said. "You wrote extensive documents on Data during your initial study of the android. What more do you hope to learn?"
"I need to disassemble Data," Maddox said. "This procedure is necessary."
"Why?" Louvois inquired.
"I believe I'm very close to a breakthrough. But first I must disassemble and study it," Maddox answered.
It was technically an answer that failed to offer any insight.
"Why?" Louvois repeated.
She could be infuriatingly calm.
Maddox feigned ignorance.
"I-I don't understand," Maddox said.
"Why is disassembling Data required? What is the end goal?" Phillipa asked.
"Begging your pardon, but you aren't a cyberneticist. And this is quite complex," Maddox said, dodging the question.
Louvois wasn't so chased off. She was accustomed to confronting this kind of patronising attitude.
"Humour me," Louvois smiled.
Maddox cocked his head to the side and put on his best sympathetic look.
"I'm afraid the details of my research are classified," Maddox said.
Jean-Luc was sitting outside of Louvois's office when Maddox exited.
"Captain," he said with a short nod as he passed by.
Jean-Luc simply nodded in acknowledgement.
There was something about that man that put him on edge.
Maddox left the interview with a mix of emotions. He thought that he handled himself well. Though he was concerned that Louvois was poking around his past experience with Data.
He couldn't have Data slowing this down or any involvement from that meddling Admiral Farooq.
When Maddox reached his office, he queued up his computer.
"What?" Admiral Walsh asked sharply as he came on screen.
"I need a favour," Maddox said.
As Maddox explained the delay in obtaining Data, Admiral Walsh appeared annoyed.
"She's asking questions," Maddox warned in a low voice. "You need to put a stop to this."
Walsh was hesitant to put in more involvement. After all, he was doing his best to keep his hands clean of the matter. He couldn't have his fingerprints all over this – it could easily backfire.
"I have to distance myself from this," Walsh countered.
"You promised you would back me," Maddox snarled. "You gave me your personal assurance."
Walsh hesitated.
"We're too far into this to back out now," Maddox argued.
"I can't get too involved," Walsh snapped.
"You're already involved," Maddox said.
Louvois took a short lunch break in her quarters. She was having a tough time reconciling the information she'd obtained from Data's crew mates with that of Maddox's interview.
As she dove into a tuna on rye, Louvois mulled over her options.
She still had interviews scheduled for the afternoon with Data, Captain Picard, and several other crew members.
Louvois couldn't shake the feeling that the decisions she made in regard to this situation would have a ripple effect on Starfleet Security, Federation law, cybernetics, and human rights for ages to come.
Human rights. She mused.
For years, Earth's allies had warned against the use of that term.
Klingons, Vulcans, Andorians, Orions – they all had their reasons to cringe whenever 'human' was applied to mean 'people.'
Human. Humanity.
It was, perhaps, a human failing that they were subject to put themselves at the centre of everything.
She sat back in her chair and sighed.
A part of her wanted to invite Jean-Luc in for lunch just so they could hash the matter out between them.
He always made her better, her argument stronger.
Swiping her tablet screen to move to the schedule, she realised it would be another few hours before she got the pleasure.
Before finishing her lunch, Phillipa fired off a subspace communication to retired Admiral Rahim Farooq. It would take several days to reach him on Earth, but Louvois was keen to hear his take on the matter.
Tasha was pacing back and forth in the corridor. It was a habit she fell back on whenever she was nervous.
Captain Picard had cautioned it may be best for Tasha to avoid mentioning her relationship with Data. Both Data and Tasha had agreed.
Louvois could easily dismiss all of Tasha's testimony in her interview if she thought it was influenced by their personal relationship.
No matter how hard she tried to push aside her past impression of Louvois, Tasha couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into the lion's den.
When the lift doors opened, Tasha immediately stopped pacing and straightened her posture.
"Are you my 13:00?" Louvois asked.
"I-I'm sorry," Tasha stammered.
She'd been so taken aback by Louvois's sudden presence that it had momentarily left her stunned.
"Lieutenant Yar, correct?" Louvois inquired.
Tasha was reminded of when she first met Louvois. She'd been intimidating then – and it was only amplified now.
"Uh-" Tasha's mouth went dry.
"Well are you or aren't you?" Louvois asked.
She frowned.
"If you're not capable of-" Louvois began to say.
"Yes. Lieutenant Yar. I'm here for the interview," Tasha said suddenly, finally finding her voice.
She couldn't fail. This was far too important.
"Good," Louvois said. "Right this way."
They stepped into her office and Louvois instructed Tasha to take a seat while she prepared her notes and recording device for the interview.
"You're early," Louvois commented as she set down and opened her briefcase.
"I'm sorry," Tasha replied.
She had been so worried about messing up the interview that Tasha had been waiting outside of the office for the last half hour.
Phillipa could sense that Tasha was uneasy.
"It's quite alright," Louvois assured her. "I appreciate your timeliness."
Tasha visibly relaxed.
"In fact, I learned that you were the one who prepared the injunction request," Louvois shared. "I have to say I'm impressed."
Tasha's panic immediately set back in.
Louvois may have said she was impressed, but Tasha was concerned her comment was about to precipitate a conditional statement.
Satisfied everything was set up to resume business, Louvois took her own seat behind the oversized desk.
"I read through your personnel file and noted that you withdrew from the JAG programme," Louvois said.
"I took a different position," Tasha replied.
"I'll say," Louvois chuckled.
She skimmed through the file and then looked up at Tasha with curiosity.
"There are over ten thousand applicants to the JAG programme annually. Starfleet accepts less than one percent," Louvois remarked. "And you gave that all up for?"
She paused and glanced back at Tasha's personnel file.
Tasha couldn't very well answer 'two months undercover in a Cardassian work camp.'
"I like being in the field ma'am," Tasha responded.
Louvois seemed amused.
"You Covert Operations types are all the same," she smiled. "You're very good at brief answers."
As the interview wore on, Tasha tried her best to stay focused on answering the questions honestly and in a way that did not paint Data as any kind of threat.
"Now several months ago you sent a Security Bulletin out regarding the android Lore," Louvois said.
"Yes," Tasha answered.
"How were you able to distinguish Lieutenant Commander Data from Lore?" Phillipa inquired.
Tasha froze.
"There were signs," Tasha shared. "Differences in behaviour, reactions."
"Specifically?" Louvois asked.
Tasha's brow wrinkled. She bit her lip as she tried to describe it.
"When you work with someone long enough, day in, day out, you become familiar with them. You know who they are and how they operate," Tasha said.
Louvois was unconvinced.
"How?" Louvois pressed.
"I guess…I just knew," Tasha fumbled.
Her answer had been less than satisfactory.
"In your Security Bulletin, you described Lore as highly dangerous," Louvois read. "You also warned that he may try to impersonate Commander Data."
There was a sinking feeling in the pit of Tasha's stomach. She didn't like where this line of questioning was headed.
"If this android Lore were to impersonate Commander Data, how would advise Starfleet Security to distinguish between the two?" Louvois asked.
"They are completely different people. Data's mannerisms and-" Tasha began to say.
"Lore impersonated Commander Data on the Enterprise for several hours before any of you knew," Louvois said, cutting Tasha off.
In preparation for the interview, Louvois had read through the Enterprise mission log from the encounter with Lore and the Crystalline Entity.
"I was incapacitated during that incident," Tasha argued. "After I immediately identified that Lore was-"
"You were incapacitated by Lore," Louvois said. "And with all due respect Lieutenant, though your record is impressive – you cannot possibly be on every Starbase and every planet that this Lore might target."
Tasha didn't know what to say.
Technically, Louvois had a point.
"Two years ago you prepared a report on Commander Data," Louvois went on. "You identified one thousand eight hundred and forty-three ways in which Data could be a threat to the Enterprise, her crew, or Starfleet security."
Tasha felt the bottom had dropped out.
She had written the report at the request of Captain Picard.
It was shortly before Captain Picard had selected Data as his Second Officer. And to that day, Tasha regretted ever writing it.
"I was tasked to write that report, yes," Tasha acknowledged. "But knowing Data now, I know that he would never do anything to hurt the Enterprise."
"Intentionally?" Louvois asked.
Tasha didn't understand.
"According to your own report, Commander Data engaged in a transfer of information where he shared all of his knowledge of the Enterprise including security codes," Louvois said. "Starfleet operations, procedures, security practices."
She continued to list off the subjects Data had revealed.
"Data disclosed information that is devastating," Louvois went on. "He may not have intentionally harmed the Enterprise. But he has compromised the safety and security of all of us."
Tasha's mind began to spiral.
It felt like the Stargazer trial all over again.
Tasha knew that Louvois was right – but she was completely overlooking the human aspect of the equation.
"Eight years ago a Berellian officer accidentally revealed the location of a covert operation along the demilitarised zone between Grushia and Jonto IV," Tasha said.
Louvois nodded.
"I'm familiar with the case," Louvois nodded. "He told his wife what he was transporting and where."
"And she didn't know that a family friend was also a Jontonian sympathiser," Tasha went on.
Nineteen people had been killed when a Jontonian terrorist group had targeted the Starfleet supply transport.
"So you can see how dangerous information is, even when it is shared unknowingly," Louvois said.
"That Berellian officer spent a year in custody for violating General Order 16," Tasha said.
She dropped her gaze to her lap.
"He wasn't shipped off and experimented on against his will," Tasha added.
She took a shaky breath.
"We don't lose our rights as Federation citizens simply because we violate a Starfleet General Order," Tasha said in a heated voice.
Louvois was impressed.
A part of her felt like she was right back at that corner bistro arguing with Jean-Luc.
"In the eyes of the law, Data is not a Federation citizen," Louvois said. "For lack of a better term, Data was born on Omicron Theta."
It was like a lightbulb went off in Tasha's brain.
She smiled.
"I wasn't born on a Federation member planet either," Tasha argued. "In fact, I was born on a world where I didn't have rights. People are still bought and sold for everything from domestic service and farm labour to sexual slavery and organ harvesting."
Louvois was familiar with the stories about Turkana.
"Starfleet General Order 20 prevents the possession, transfer, or commercial exchange of sentient beings," Tasha went on. "I didn't know any of this when the crew of the USS Renegade found me in a cage."
Data was the only other person aside from the crew that had rescued her, the medical staff, and her first counsellor that knew that detail.
"They gave me medical attention and food," Tasha explained. "They provided me with a place to sleep and support."
It took all of her willpower not to break down.
"They never questioned if I deserved that," Tasha said. "And they certainly never conducted an investigation to deliberate the matter of my sentience."
Tasha was in a foul mood when she left Louvois's office.
Jean-Luc had been sitting outside waiting for his own turn in the hot seat. He watched Tasha leave and could sense it had been a tense discussion.
Jean-Luc waited for a few moments for Louvois to call him in. When she didn't emerge, he decided to go on ahead anyways.
"We'll start in ten," Phillipa said as she rose from her desk.
Jean-Luc watched as she strolled over to the drink replicator and ordered a hot tea.
"Earl Grey?" Phillipa offered.
"No, thank you," Jean-Luc answered.
After obtaining her tea, Phillipa set it on the desk. She moved to the built-in cabinet along the wall and opened one of the drawers. She began to rummage through the files inside.
While the vast majority of their work was digitised, Phillipa had always had a fondness for the written word. She enjoyed the tactile sensation of pen and paper and often took notes in that fashion.
"You're rattled," Jean-Luc said in astonishment.
"I'm organised," Phillipa countered, pretending to be amused. "I just need a few moments to sort these notes. You know I wasn't expecting such a deep case to drop into my lap."
"You're rattled," Jean-Luc repeated.
"I'm understaffed," Phillipa insisted.
Jean-Luc sat back and smirked.
Louvois stopped and glanced back over her shoulder.
"What? No snappy comeback?" Phillipa asked.
Picard feigned innocence.
"Oh I don't need one," Picard assured her. "I know you're rattled. She got to you."
Phillipa shut the drawer on her cabinet harder than intended.
"You seem awfully concerned about one crew member," Phillipa said.
"I am concerned," Picard admitted.
"I just can't help but wonder if you'd shared this same passion during the Stargazer incident if those thirty-two people would still be alive," Phillipa remarked as she took her seat.
Phillipa met Jean-Luc's eyes.
"I'm sorry," she said, her tone immediately changing. "That was below the belt."
"So low you blew through the bottom of the metaphorical barrel," Picard spat.
Tasha and Data were seated across from one another.
They had been silent for the last twenty minutes.
In fact, Tasha had been unusually quiet ever since coming back from her interview with Louvois. Captain Picard was in her office now. Data and Geordi were both scheduled for interviews after the Captain.
"Tasha?" Data prompted.
She'd been counting down the minutes ever since she had returned from Starbase 173.
"I will need to leave in eight minutes and forty-three seconds in order to reach my interview on time," Data advised.
There was a brief pause.
"So if you wish to discuss what happened-" Data began to offer.
"I messed up," Tasha said. "I don't think my testimony helps you."
Data blinked.
"This is simply an interview. You were not providing testimony in a formal fashion," Data said.
"I know," Tasha sighed. "But I don't think what I said helped."
It was a bigger conversation than they had time for.
"If this is about the report," Data trailed off.
Tasha closed her eyes. A pained expression crossed her face.
The report that Tasha had written two years earlier had been a sore subject between them ever since their relationship began.
Rather, it would be more accurate to say that it was a sore subject for Tasha.
Data had first learned of its existence during one of their counselling sessions. Even after they had become friends, Tasha had never disclosed such a report.
Tasha had finally decided to come clean about it after the incident with Lore.
Data had assured her that he was unaffected by it. In fact, he expected it – and that was what bothered Tasha the most.
Tasha sat forward and reached across the table.
She cupped Data's face as she held his gaze.
"I judged you before I ever knew you," Tasha confessed. "And if I had only known that you were this kind, tender-"
Data took hold of her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze.
"Come here," Data said.
He gave Tasha's hands a gentle pull.
She got up out of her seat and joined him on the other side of the table.
"What do you believe I should do when I speak with Captain Louvois?" Data asked.
Tasha found solace in helping others and Data knew it would help.
"Be you," Tasha said.
She tucked an errant strand of hair back behind his ear.
"The person you are," Tasha said.
"Well, I think I'm satisfied. You've exhausted my list of questions," Louvois said.
She sat back and folded her hands on top of the desk.
"Have dinner with me tonight," Picard said.
Phillipa laughed in disbelief.
"Only you would be arrogant enough to proposition me after an interview," she said.
"It's an offer for dinner," Picard countered. "If you heard anything else, it must have been your imagination."
Louvois rolled her eyes.
"Oh don't flatter yourself," she responded.
"I asked you to share a meal, a fundamental act of companionship between people for centuries and you're the one that makes clear her intentions for-" Picard scoffed.
"I never said-" Phillipa replied tersely.
"You didn't have to!" Picard roared.
They both fell silent, staring back at one another from across the desk as they sized each other up.
"19:00," Phillipa said.
"My ship. Ten Forward," Picard nodded. "Don't be late."
"Don't wear that ridiculous grey v neck," Louvois called after him.
Jean-Luc left Phillipa's office with a smile on his face.
It dropped the minute he turned the corner and spied Data waiting on a nearby bench.
"Data," Picard said.
"Captain," Data nodded.
Jean-Luc wasn't exactly sure what to say.
He felt that there were no words that could do justice to Data's situation.
"Good luck," he settled on, shaking Data's hand.
When Data first stepped into her office, Phillipa Louvois was momentarily shocked by his unusual appearance.
His arms were unusually long for his frame, his hands too big. Despite the realism of his hair and movement, his skin was unnatural.
Most unsettling were his striking yellow eyes.
It struck Captain Louvois as unusual that Soong would be capable of so accurately replicating every detail of the human form only to fail to capture a natural complexion.
"Lieutenant Commander Data," Louvois said.
"Yes," Data responded with a polite nod. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain Louvois."
He extended his hand to shake hers as was customary.
Louvois hesitated for a brief second.
Not because she was frightened but rather she was struck by the realism of his hand. There were nailbeds and artificial veins. His knuckles had wrinkled flesh, just like a human.
And at the cuff of his sleeve where his wrist meet his uniform, Louvois could see arm hair.
Data was accustomed to this type of reaction.
But today, in this setting, it stung.
"The pleasure is all mine," Louvois responded as she took his hand.
She smiled in amusement.
Phillipa had been expecting his hand to feel cool and plastic. It was anything but.
Data's grip was firm but not over the top. It came from years of practice so that Data knew precisely what amount of pressure to apply so as not to harm the other person.
"May I call you Data?" Phillipa inquired.
"It is my name," Data responded.
"I would like to ask you about that," Phillipa said. "Did you choose this name?"
"You are curious," Data said. "No doubt you are already aware of my dream to be human."
Louvois nodded.
"It is an unusual name that would seem to be at odds with such a goal," Data said.
Phillipa was surprised at how perceptive Data was. He had identified her curiosity based on her tone of voice and body language – just like a human.
"Nonetheless, it is the name my father gave me," Data said. "Therefore, it is my name."
"Your father?" Louvois inquired.
"Doctor Noonian Soong," Data answered.
"And you refer to him as your father?" Louvois asked.
It was a recent development for Data. Ever since the discovery of Lore and Doctor Soong's lab, Data had spent a substantial amount of his free time combing through all the information he could find.
When the away team had initially searched Soong's lab on Omicron Theta, Tasha had found an isolinear chip that contained approximately three years' worth of personal logs from Soong.
In a strange way, it provided Data with both a sense of closure and a series of unanswered questions.
"Soong referred to me as his son and called himself my father," Data shared.
Initially, Data had been disappointed in the recordings. Soong and his partner – an unknown woman that Soong referred to as 'Shinebug'- had chosen to leave Data behind on Omicron Theta.
It was a decision made after Data's efforts to protect the colonists from Lore.
Though the log indicated Soong was planning to flee, Data presumed he was killed in the subsequent attack. The Crystalline Entity moved quickly. So fast, in fact, that it had overtaken the Enterprise.
It was unlikely that any vessel attempting to flee would be successful in such an endeavour.
Louvois folded her hands and rested her chin atop them.
"Do you know why Doctor Soong created you?" Louvois asked.
Existentialism was two-fold for Data.
Not only was left to contemplate the purpose of life, Data was left to wonder why Doctor Soong designed him in the manner he was built.
"I am not certain that I can answer your question," Data began.
Louvois eyed him carefully.
"That is not because I am incapable of answering such questions due to my inorganic nature," Data clarified. "My study on the matters of philosophy, biology, history, and sociology could be classified as extensive."
Louvois was fascinated as Data's expression shifted in a manner that was so human like.
"I can no more answer that question than the likes of Epicurus or Emerson," Data concluded.
"She's going to try and catch you," Tasha said.
Tasha and Geordi were standing together in front of the oversized window on deck 17. It oversaw both Starbase 173, the planet, and her three moons.
Any other day it would be a spectacular view.
Data was down there somewhere, and Tasha couldn't help but feel concerned. She had wanted to escort Data to and from his interview.
Data thought it was important to go alone to maintain a healthy distance between them. He suspected Maddox was watching him from afar and Data didn't want Maddox to see him and Tasha together.
Tasha's arms were folded across her chest as she clutched herself tight.
"Be careful," Tasha warned.
"Tasha, she's a Captain with the Judge Advocate General of the Fleet's office," Geordi said. "She's thorough because she's doing her job."
Tasha pursed her lips.
"It's their job to uphold justice and we're on the right side of it," Geordi said, hoping to cheer her up.
"No," Tasha shook her head.
Geordi opened his mouth, but Tasha anticipated his protest.
"It's not her job," Tasha said.
She kept her eyes forward as she watched a shuttle pull out of the docking bay on Starbase 173.
"Tasha-" Geordi began to say.
"It's not her job," Tasha repeated.
She glanced over at Geordi.
"It's not Captain Louvois's job to uphold justice," Tasha explained. "It's her job to protect her client."
It was the prime directive that the JAG corp operated on.
For Tasha, that was the distinction that had been the final deciding factor in leaving the JAG programme.
"Her client is Starfleet," Tasha said. "And Starfleet has declared Data property."
"During your service to Starfleet you have been an invaluable part of numerous crews," Louvois remarked. "The Trieste, the Repulse, the Tantalus."
Data had an impressive record.
His promotion to Lieutenant Commander had been unexpected but earned.
During his time in Starfleet, Data had served on everything from auxiliary craft and scientific survey vessels to interceptors and dreadnought ships.
"From what Mr Maddox tells me, this procedure could be of great benefit to Starfleet," Louvois said. "There's a possibility of creating more of you."
"I very much doubt the veracity of that claim," Data said.
"You have the opportunity to help Starfleet," Phillipa said. "From what I read in the report on your schematics, you were designed to perform complex tasks."
"Yes," Data agreed. "I am capable of processing trillions of calculations per second."
"And because of your unique nature you can face temperature and atmospheric conditions without much of the risk that human officers face," Louvois went on.
Data was weary as to the end result of this line of questioning.
"That statement is accurate," Data responded before adding a caveat. "In a physical sense."
This struck Louvois.
She waited for Data to elaborate.
"What you are alluding to is the use of a mechanical tool such as a robotic crane or an automated guided vehicle," Data said. "Robots that are designed to perform tasks that are deemed too menial, too dangerous, or too complex for humans."
Data had prepared for this moment. He'd run through it time and again in his head in anticipation that such a question would arise.
"There is a fundamental difference between an android and a robot," Data went on. "I was not designed to perform tasks."
As painful and confusing as it had been to study Soong's personal logs, it gave Data a sense of belonging to hear his father talk about him in his own words.
"I was created to be a lifeform," Data declared. "Different, but equal in every way to biological humanoid lifeforms."
He was more certain than ever of his place in the universe.
"When my father brought me into the world he added something to the substance of the universe," Data went on. "I am the culmination of that dream."
Twenty-four hours earlier, Data may have been resigned to his fate. But with the support his friends and encouragement from Tasha had reminded him precisely why it was so important to push back.
"And like my father, I dream of one day creating my own offspring," Data said.
"More androids?" Louvois inquired.
"Perhaps," Data said.
The 'how' remained an unsettled topic of discussion between Data and Tasha.
Louvois's aim was to find a way to resolve this issue in an amiable fashion.
"Then perhaps you and Commander Maddox could work cooperatively on-" Louvois began to suggest.
"My apologies for interrupting," Data said politely. "But if I decide to start a family it will be at a time of my choosing. And I will not permit my children to be experimented on."
"We've got this," Geordi said.
He gave Tasha's hand a reassuring squeeze.
They were standing outside of a market stall on the promenade overlooking the corridor below where crew passed the checkpoint between the Enterprise and Starbase 173.
Tasha had come to see Geordi off and make sure Data made it back to the Enterprise safely – albeit, from a distance.
The promenade gave her a chance to view the checkpoint safely from a distance.
In fact, Tasha was glad she had chosen this spot. Bruce Maddox was approximately twenty metres away chatting with another crew member.
There was something awfully familiar about the man, but Tasha couldn't quite place him.
Geordi followed her line of sight down the way to the lithe figure of Maddox.
"Hey, keep your chin up," Geordi said. "We've got this."
Geordi was surprised. Tasha looked afraid.
He threw his arm around Tasha and gave her a friendly side hug.
"We've got the wind at our backs," Geordi said.
"Good luck," Tasha said.
With his briefcase and tablet in tow, Geordi set off for the JAG office.
"Boyfriend?" an unwelcome voice inquired.
Tasha didn't need to turn around to know the identity of the man behind her.
Tasha did not respond.
"I'm going to take your lack of response as a no," Maddox said.
To Tasha's dismay, he stepped up next to the balcony and surveyed the promenade below.
"What are you doing here?" Tasha demanded.
"As you don't deny, I'm going to assume I'm right," Maddox responded.
"What are you doing here?" Tasha asked again.
"I could ask you the same thing," Maddox remarked.
Tasha turned and glared.
"Why are you here, Lieutenant?" Maddox asked with a smile.
Tasha couldn't share the real motivation for her presence. Quick on her feet, she thought of an excuse.
"It's my duty to ensure that our crew comply with the process," Tasha said. "I just wanted to make sure everyone made it to their interviews with Captain Louvois."
Instead of leaving, Maddox rested casually against the rail.
"You're dedicated to your work," Maddox said.
He turned his attention to watch a passing Bajoran woman, eyeing her with amusement as she walked by.
Tasha wasn't surprised.
His behaviour only reinforced her assessment of Maddox's character. Only an arrogant lech would openly ogle someone else while flirting.
"A little bird told me that you are quite devoted to your work," Maddox went on.
He tilted his head to the side in an effort to make it obvious that he was interested in the Bajoran woman.
When Tasha didn't react, Maddox upped the ante.
"Mmm," he murmured in appreciation as if he were evaluating a piece of equipment.
Tasha had seen this move before. He was trying to make her jealous – offering her his attention and then turning it elsewhere in order to draw out a response.
But Tasha was too distracted to take the bait.
Her mind was reeling.
She knew the man Maddox had been speaking with. She had seen him before.
Somewhere.
Tasha just couldn't place it.
Down below, Data emerged from the lift and headed for the Enterprise.
Tasha wasn't the only one to notice his appearance.
"Well seeing as how you are committed to your duty, I'll bid you a goodnight, Lieutenant," Maddox said.
He made to step away.
Tasha knew that he was going for Data.
Maddox technically couldn't do anything yet to touch him – but that was irrelevant.
His goal wasn't to stop Data or even talk to him. Maddox simply wanted to pass by, to make Data aware of his presence.
To be in his line of sight.
That was all he needed to do to rattle Data.
And that made Maddox feel powerful.
Tasha knew what she had to do.
Her arm shot out, stopping Maddox in his tracks.
Before Maddox could protest, Tasha thought of the first thing that came to mind.
She couldn't very well take Maddox into custody. And she had no legitimate cause to stop him from strolling the promenade.
But she could play into his ego to distract him long enough for Data to get away.
Maddox looked down at Tasha's hand on his chest and chuckled.
"Excuse me," Maddox said.
Tasha swallowed the urge to vomit and decided to lean into his cliché manoeuvre.
"Our drink," Tasha said.
Maddox's eyes lit up.
"He was right," Maddox remarked. "You really are in this for the chase."
Tasha could see he was eating it up.
She needed to be sure that they went together so Maddox couldn't slip past Data first.
"I'm not exactly sure where the lounge is here," Tasha lied.
She flashed him a coy smile, feigning embarrassment.
"See the last time I was there my mind was a bit preoccupied," Tasha said, referencing their encounter a few days earlier.
Tasha noticed Maddox hesitate. He briefly glanced down at the promenade where Data was walking by.
Relying on her instincts from her covert operations days, Tasha made her own move.
She reached out and turned Maddox's face back toward her own.
"Unless you're afraid," Tasha said.
It was a direct challenge to his ego – one designed to force Maddox into a corner. With his attitude, there was no way that Maddox could refuse such a challenge.
Tasha could see Maddox was weighing his options. He desperately wanted to scare Data. But the possibility of attention from a woman that had scorned his initial advances was all too tempting.
"You're the one that should be afraid," Maddox said, leaning in close.
Every fibre of Tasha's being wanted to toss him over the railing.
One drink. For Data. Tasha repeated in her head.
"Two years is a long time to work with someone in such a posting," Louvois commented.
It was unusual for the senior crew of a flagship to be as stable as the Enterprise – though Phillipa would expect no less from Jean-Luc Picard.
"We're a tightknit crew," Geordi answered. "And that includes Data."
Louvois had initially held reservations about this particular interview. It was arguably the most technical interview of the day.
From everything she had read, even Starfleet's best and brightest didn't fully comprehend how Data's positronic matrix functioned. His scientific specifications were far beyond even Phillipa's brilliant mind.
But Lieutenant La Forge had a way of breaking things down in a way that was manageable. His presentation arguing in favour of Data's sentience was simple enough for non-engineers to grasp without coming across as patronising.
His presentation was informative – far more informative than the non-answers Maddox had provided.
"Data is more than a machine," Geordi said. "And I don't know that I've served with a finer officer."
Comments like that had been the theme of the day.
From all accounts, Data was an exemplary officer. And it was evident that his crew certainly saw him as a person.
"And in your professional opinion?" Phillipa inquired.
"Data is a sentient being," Geordi answered. "Data wasn't just endowed with programming to replicate human behaviour. He is aware of his own existence. His feelings are his own and I have no doubt that they are real."
Phillipa was certainly starting to get that impression.
"I want to thank you, Lieutenant. This has been most informative," Louvois said.
Geordi nodded politely and began to pack away his presentation materials.
Feeling a surge of confidence from Louvois's compliment, Geordi found the courage to voice something that had been bothering him all day.
"Captain, may I ask you a question?" Geordi inquired.
"Shoot," Louvois encouraged.
"What happens when Starfleet decides my VISOR means I'm property too? And I'm ordered on some dangerous task? Or to test a new neural implant or vision aid?" Geordi asked.
Geordi had pushed away the thought that morning. He had misplaced fears of being selfish. This was about Data.
But Geordi had a point.
"What happens when Starfleet orders me to undergo a procedure I want to refuse but Starfleet decides I can't?" Geordi inquired.
It was a profound question and one that left Louvois thinking.
"Lieutenant, Federation law protects you from being forced into any non-consensual medical procedures," Louvois advised.
"Because I have blood instead of biofluid?" Geordi pressed.
Louvois didn't have an answer.
"That's what we're here to determine," Louvois said.
"This procedure is a medical procedure for Data," Geordi shrugged. "And as someone else that relies on a sonic driver to help maintain the device that interacts with my neural implants, I really hope Starfleet recognises there are a lot of people out there that will be impacted by this decision."
"You haven't made one comment about my shirt," Jean-Luc said.
He'd worn the grey V-neck specifically to get a rise out of her.
But Phillipa had said little ever since joining Jean-Luc in Ten Forward. Her attention was elsewhere, her mind occupied.
Geordi's comments had stuck with her ever since his interview.
"The Estricor-Rigel treaty arbitration failed to address the Estricorite economic crisis," Picard commented.
She had worked on the negotiating team personally and Jean-Luc was certain that his comment would get her attention.
"I say, your chair is on fire," Jean-Luc said.
When Phillipa didn't respond, he followed her line of sight across the room.
Jean-Luc had to suppress his grin.
After inviting Phillipa to dinner, Jean-Luc had requested that Commander Riker organise another dinner to coincide with his own.
The senior officers in addition to several other friends had pushed the tables together into one long table.
They were laughing over a pint, chatting away, and appeared to be having a good time for a change. It was the first time Jean-Luc had seen Riker genuinely smile since the news of Data's situation had broken.
In the middle of the crowd, Data was talking with Commander Riker, Geordi, and Reg Barclay.
It was exactly as Jean-Luc had planned.
He turned back to the table and studied Phillipa's expression.
"You're thinking about him," Jean-Luc said.
"What?" Phillipa asked.
"You're thinking about him. Starting to see him as we do," Jean-Luc said.
Phillipa quickly turned her attention back to her own table. She straightened her posture and reached for her wine glass.
"I have a lot to consider," Phillipa replied.
Jean-Luc couldn't help but grin.
"Oh don't be smug," Phillipa said. "I want to be thorough."
There are a lot of people out there that will be impacted by this decision.
Geordi's comment had haunted Phillipa ever since the conclusion of his interview.
"I've extended the injunction," Phillipa shared.
It was due to expire at midnight.
"Thorough indeed," Jean-Luc said.
"There are some unanswered questions. I want to know more about the history between Data and Maddox. I'm looking forward to speaking with retired Admiral Rahim Farooq," Phillipa explained.
It would take several days for them to make contact and set up a long-range communications channel.
"He recommended I shortlist Data for the Second Officer position," Picard said. "And I'm very glad I took his advice."
As Phillipa watched them interact with one another, it was clear that Data was a fundamental part of this group.
More than that, Phillipa was beginning to realise that his mannerisms weren't just for show.
Yet there was something holding Louvois back. She wanted to accept Data as a person. But the rational side of her brain was screaming to take a step back and check her perceptions. Bruce Maddox was the foremost expert on cybernetics.
And he had spent nearly three years studying Data after his discovery by the crew of the USS Tripoli.
According to Maddox, this bond shared between Data and the crew of the Enterprise was nothing more than the human compulsion to pack bond with anything. They had assigned Data human characteristics because he looked human.
Though as she watched Doctor Crusher throw back her head and laugh at something Data had said, it was hard to deny he certainly seemed human.
If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck. Phillipa thought.
For allegedly not having emotions, Data was sure capable of evoking them in others.
"And then the Ferengi says 'nobody expects the Rules of Acquisition'," Data said.
Beverly roared with laughter.
Every once in a while Data told a good joke – though usually his deadpan delivery is what made it funny.
In this case, he had actually gotten them with a ringer.
"You practised that," Geordi said with a knowing look.
"Six hundred and forty-eight times," Data replied.
Overcome with the giggles, Beverly's side hurt.
"Stop," she urged.
"So Tasha had to watch you rehearse that all six hundred and forty-eight times?" Riker asked. "I'm sure she thinks this is hilarious."
Riker smirked.
"No, she has only heard it twenty-eight times," Data clarified. "It was her suggestion that I try to look more animated during the punch line."
"Where is Tasha?" Deanna asked.
Glancing up and down the table, Tasha was notably absent.
After her encounter with Maddox, Tasha had sent a quick message to Data on her tablet advising that had been caught up on Starbase 173.
"She mentioned that she was delayed and would be along as soon as possible," Data said.
"You see a lot of people are satisfied with a holodeck programme," Maddox said.
He smiled as he swirled the whisky in his glass.
"But not you?" Tasha asked.
"No. Me? I need the real thing," Maddox admitted.
For the last hour, Tasha had listened as Maddox recounted the stories from his holiday hunting near-endangered creatures on Zora Fel.
"As it's technically outside of Federation space, the black-horned Targ is not under the jurisdiction of the Endangered Species Protocol of 2278," Maddox said.
It was like he was proud of that fact.
Tasha was glad there was real whisky at this lounge, or she wasn't sure she could stomach listening to another minute of Maddox's stories about skirting Federation law to hunt down rare creatures for sport.
"You must be pretty important," Tasha said.
It wasn't just an effort to spare herself from another sick story.
She was trying to shift the conversation to his work. If things went south, Tasha wanted as much information about Maddox's plans as possible – anything that could be helpful in getting Data back.
It was a trick inspired by Phillipa Louvois.
In Tasha's opinion, Louvois had exploited her personal relationship with Captain Picard to draw information about the Stargazer situation prior to disclosing her involvement in the investigation.
"I am the foremost expert on cybernetics," Maddox replied.
"Like robots?" Tasha asked.
"No," Maddox chuckled. "Much more complex. Androids. Like your Commander Data for example."
"And that's why you want him. For study?" Tasha asked.
It was a leading question. Tasha put her hand on his arm in an attempt to make him feel comfortable. It was her hope that if Maddox thought this was leading to something, he might be more inclined to share information about his plans in an effort to impress her.
"Yes," Maddox replied.
Suddenly he gripped Tasha's hand.
"But you already knew that," Maddox said in a cold voice. "That's why you came to find me after he was taken into custody. That's why you came for me, specifically."
Tasha froze.
"And that's why you've been sitting here, pretending to be interested in me, isn't it?" Maddox hissed.
He tightened his grasp on her hand to the point that it was painful.
"What I don't understand is why," Maddox said.
Tasha grimaced.
One of the staff passed by. Sensing something was amiss, they eyed the pair carefully.
"We'll have another round," Maddox ordered, sending them away.
"Why do you care? Why are you doing this to him?" Tasha asked.
"I don't know what Data told you," Maddox began. "And I don't really care."
He leaned his close, his breath was hot and unwelcome against Tasha's ear.
"I'm going to rip him apart, piece by piece, until he's nothing more than a sentient paperweight on my desk," Maddox said dangerously. "And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it."
He laughed softly as he nuzzled against the side of Tasha's face.
"Admiral Walsh was right about you," Maddox whispered.
A chill settled in Tasha's core. It crept down her spine. She wanted to scream, but she couldn't find her voice.
"You are a troublesome little cunt," Maddox said. "But I like a challenge."
Tasha's thoughts were scattered. If Walsh was involved with this, Data's situation was so much worse than expected.
More than that, Tasha knew this was all her fault.
"Maybe I'll request you personally?" Maddox suggested. "For my staff."
The thought of Data in captivity was awful enough. Having to actually see him endure that torment was too much to bear.
"You see, once I have Data back, I'll be able to complete my research. Build my own army of Datas," Maddox went on. "Starfleet will be eating out of the palm of my hand. I'll be the most powerful man in the galaxy. And I'm going to need Security."
Tasha tried to pull away, but Maddox had a strong grip on her wrist.
"You're deranged," she scoffed. "And that is never going to happen."
"You can't stop me," Maddox promised. "As we speak, the orders ending your little injunction exercise are on their way. Events are already in motion."
New orders? Tasha thought with alarm.
"This is so far above your rank, Lieutenant. I've got an ace in the hole," Maddox smirked. "Data will be mine. Tomorrow morning."
Maddox released her hand.
"Go. Scurry off and warn him," Maddox said. "I want him to know this is his last night of freedom."
Tasha's hands were shaking the whole way back to the Enterprise.
Tasha felt like this was all her fault. She had put Data in this position. And now she had to get Data out of there.
But she knew Maddox was likely watching.
He had been one step ahead of them the entire process. Tasha didn't think Louvois was a part of that – but she wasn't likely to be sympathetic to such a cause.
If Walsh was involved then Tasha knew there was nowhere safe for Data as long as he remained on Starfleet's radar.
No, she had to get him somewhere outside of Starfleet's reach.
Most of all, she had to be discreet. Tasha couldn't afford to tip them off.
Squaring her shoulders, she stepped through the door to Ten Forward with a broad smile.
"Oh, excuse me," a timid-voiced Ensign said as she inadvertently ran into Tasha.
Tasha nodded and moved on to the table in the corner to join her friends.
The Ensign that had bumped into her surveyed the room and rushed over to Captain Louvois's table.
"Um, excuse me ma'am," she squeaked.
She held out Louvois's tablet.
"This came for you," the Ensign advised. "I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner. But it was marked urgent. From Admiral Henry."
"That's alright, thank you," Louvois said as she accepted the device.
"Should I wait for a reply?" the Ensign inquired.
"No, have a good night, Ensign," Louvois said.
The Ensign nodded quickly, made another apology, and then scampered off.
"The terrified Ensign?" Picard asked in an amused voice.
He could only imagine that Phillipa was an intimidating woman to work under.
But Louvois did not respond. Her brow was furrowed as she skimmed through the message on her tablet.
"What is it?" Picard frowned.
Louvois's eyes shifted up and met Jean-Luc's. There was concern etched in her face.
"Lil?" Picard pressed.
"A message from Admiral Henry, reminding me of the importance of Starfleet Security's interest in this case," Phillipa said.
While it was not an explicit order, Admiral Henry had sent a strongly worded communique reminding Louvois that her client was Starfleet, and she was sworn to protect Starfleet's interests.
"Looks like I won't get that chance to speak with Admiral Farooq," Louvois grumbled.
Her biggest pet peeve was administerial interference in the process. In her opinion, good law took time. It wasn't a matter that could be rushed.
And efforts to rush it often belied hidden political agendas.
"Starfleet has ordered you to stop?" Picard asked.
"Not specifically," Louvois replied. "But there's a deadline set on my decision that will make speaking with Farooq impossible."
It was as good as outright ordering her to stop.
"A deadline set by people with more titles than you and I combined," Phillipa said.
She could practically hear Jean-Luc's thoughts and needed to stop him before they went any further.
"So that's it then? Data is the property of Starfleet," Jean-Luc scoffed in disbelief.
Phillipa hesitated to answer.
The pause did not go unnoticed.
From across the table, Jean-Luc quirked an eyebrow at Louvois.
"I need to sleep on it," Phillipa said.
Only when Phillipa Louvois reached her bed, she couldn't sleep.
As the group of friends swapped jokes and shared stories over a pint, Tasha surveyed the table as she coordinated her plan.
Will and Deanna had already given one another the nod. Tasha had known them long enough to recognise this was their signal. They were planning to spend the night together.
Miles and Keiko were going home soon. They had moved in together a week earlier.
That takes care of that. Tasha thought.
Wes and Lieutenant Barclay were planning a late-night experiment down in the lab. They had been working on a side project for holographic image improvement and were due to run a test.
But Beverly, Worf, Geordi, and Sonya would be at risk.
Tasha asked Worf if he could help her carry the next round of drinks back from the bar.
Worf readily agreed and joined her.
"How'd it go today?" Guinan inquired.
"We'll find out," Tasha nodded slowly.
Guinan frowned.
She could sense Tasha was on edge and overcompensating to appear upbeat.
"Could we order some snacks too?" Tasha asked. "Like some popcorn, maybe a plate of nachos for the table?"
"I've got some Devils on Horseback tonight too," Guinan offered.
"Sounds great," Tasha replied.
As soon as Guinan left to fill the order, Tasha took a breath.
"I need to ask a favour," Tasha said in a low voice.
"Anything," Worf replied.
"You need to host a late-night poker game after this. And you need to be sure that anyone suffering Swiss Cheese syndrome is there," Tasha instructed.
Swiss Cheese syndrome was a Security term. It was coined years earlier by a former instructor at Starfleet Academy. It referred to anyone that was at risk of a weak alibi because they were alone.
If someone was home alone in their quarters, it was easy to poke holes in their alibi were they to ever be suspected of perpetrating or aiding in a crime.
"Tasha-" Worf began to ask.
"You need to be sure you are all together and that you stay there until after the first Beta shift break," Tasha went on.
Worf gave her a stern look.
He would do anything for Tasha. They were best friends. But he was worried about what she was planning – not because of protocol or the rules.
Worf was concerned that it might fail.
"I can help you," Worf offered.
"Need to know," Tasha responded softly as she squeezed his arm.
When Data and Tasha reached her quarters that night, they were unaware of the deadline Starfleet had imposed on Louvois's decision.
Though Tasha knew something was coming.
"I am glad we chose to stay here tonight," Data said.
Data's quarters were a mess of half-packed boxes and dismantled art supplies. His life was in limbo.
But Tasha's quarters were the same as they had always been, and it gave Data a renewed sense of comfort. Here he felt safe.
He could set aside the uncertainty of his predicament and at least pretend to find a semblance of normal.
Data sat down on the sofa with two steaming cups of hot chocolate.
"Should we resume chapter eight of Poison Prawn, or would you like to look at the stars?" Data asked. "I could share some information about the local area."
They had left Ten Forward for a night alone after politely declining Worf's offer for an afterhours poker game.
To Tasha's relief, everyone had agreed to go except Miles and Keiko.
But they had one another and would be together.
Data and Tasha had returned to her quarters and slipped into their pyjamas before snuggling down on the sofa.
Tasha reached up and ran her fingers through Data's hair.
Data looked at Tasha curiously.
"I love you," Tasha said strangely.
"The feeling is mutual," Data replied.
There was something odd about the way she was behaving though Data couldn't quite pinpoint it. He pushed it aside, assuming that she was simply struggling with the situation.
It was hard for them to interact, never knowing what the next day would bring.
"You know that I would never, ever do anything to hurt you?" Tasha asked.
It was a question rather than a statement.
"I know that it is hard right now. I must apologise, as I have not been focused on how this situation has impacted you," Data said.
Tasha smiled as her eyes welled up.
Data cocked his head to the side in confusion.
"You're the one Starfleet is threatening to take apart and you're worried about me," Tasha said.
She shook her head, eyeing him with pity.
"You are so wonderful," Tasha said. "Don't ever doubt that."
She leaned forward and kissed Data's forehead.
"I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect you," Tasha promised.
Before Data could respond, she captured Data's lips with her own. Tasha slipped her arms under Data's and he allowed her to pull him with her as she fell back to the sofa.
Tasha's hand caressed his spine.
If this was the manner in which Tasha wanted to spend the evening, then Data was eager to comply.
His fingers found the hem of her shirt.
A second later, his hand dropped to the floor as his entire body went limp.
Summoning her strength, Tasha pushed Data up. She slipped out from underneath him and then stood up.
Her lip began to tremble as she stared at his lifeless body.
"I'm sorry," Tasha said softly.