Author's Note: Once again, I just want to express my sincere gratitude for all the support. Your comments, kudos/likes/stars, and DMs are wonderful.
I love hearing your thoughts and feedback and discussing the fandom in general.
I wanted to insert a bit of humour into this chapter to try and balance out all the angst. On the whole, this still remains a story with serious subject matter. But there will be a fluffy ending – and it has everything to do with that ring Data's been guarding.
Jean-Luc Picard watched the wine run off the sides as he swirled his glass.
For the last fifteen minutes he had been staring down at his drink.
It was late and Ten Forward was completely abandoned – it was typically the only time Jean-Luc ever popped in for a drink alone.
Normally he restricted his visits to official business or dinner with colleagues. He didn't think it was wise for a Captain to get too friendly with the crew or be seen in the lounge too frequently.
"Warm milk helps," Guinan said as she approached the bar.
Jean-Luc sighed.
"I always thought that sleep was related to the weight of one's conscience," Picard said. "And tonight I can feel it."
"Why?" Guinan asked.
"He came to me," Picard shared. "Days ago. And I had to be convinced to take up this cause."
Jean-Luc was horrified with himself.
"I bought into the argument that this was all for the greater good," Jean-Luc went on. "It didn't even phase me that I was reinforcing a system that's let this man down for ages."
"And now you feel responsible for fixing it," Guinan said.
"I have to," Picard said as threw his arms out. "I gave him my assurance that Captain Louvois would find in his favour."
Jean-Luc had pleaded with them to return on his word that Louvois could be trusted.
"Now she's taunting me with this," Picard scoffed.
Guinan frowned.
"Is this attitude really about Data? Or is it about proving yourself to her?" Guinan asked.
"Of course this is about Data," Picard insisted.
He was offended by the very notion that it could be anything else.
"This is not a personal vendetta," Picard went on.
Guinan looked unconvinced.
"It's not," Picard repeated.
"I think you feel responsible for Data because Captain Louvois is a reminder of-" Guinan began to say.
"This isn't about that," Picard snapped.
He sat back and relaxed.
"I'm sorry," he apologised.
Guinan had a way of bringing out the best in Jean-Luc. She also had a way of getting under his skin when he needed it.
"You have always felt a certain responsibility for your crew," Guinan said.
"It's a Captain's role," Jean-Luc replied.
Guinan shook her head.
"No, this runs deeper," Guinan said.
Jean-Luc averted his gaze out the window.
"You work so hard to maintain a barrier between yourself and your team. You have an image in your mind of this infallible leader that you've always tried to live up to," Guinan went on.
Captain Picard chuckled.
"Hardly," he said.
He spent his youth at the Academy getting into fights at seedy pubs and racing down at the old Hanger.
"I've got a scar the size of a small starship on my chest that disproves that notion," Picard said.
"I didn't say it was storybook perfect prince charming," Guinan said. "Your idea of what a good leader should be."
She paused.
"And you wear it well," Guinan said. "But you can't keep acting like this crew isn't your family, like this situation doesn't hit differently because its Data."
Jean-Luc crossed his arms and looked back at Guinan from across the bar.
"Data is-," Jean-Luc stopped.
"You don't have to have to explain it to me," Guinan assured him.
Truth be told, Jean-Luc wasn't sure where to begin. Data was a friend, colleague.
Captain Picard enjoyed their weekly evening together – a chess game, a bottle of fine wine, and a lengthy discussion about whatever book the two had agreed to read that week.
Data was such a unique person. Jean-Luc found his personality refreshing.
When he'd become aware of Data and Tasha's relationship, Jean-Luc had been forced to confront personal feelings he had harboured for his crew.
They were his family.
And the longer they served together, the harder it was for Jean-Luc to dissociate himself.
"You feel responsible," Guinan said.
"Yes, I do," Picard agreed.
"Then save him," Guinan said.
Jean-Luc made a face.
If only it were that easy. Picard thought.
"You make it sound as if I can just snap my fingers and will the result I want into reality," Jean-Luc said.
Guinan's eyebrows shot up.
"I don't think that," Guinan said. "But I do know that you're not going to fix this sitting here. Besides, you're bringing down the mood in the whole room."
Jean-Luc glanced around at the room. It was almost devoid of life.
He turned back and gave Guinan a knowing look.
"Alright, you're bringing my mood down," Guinan confessed.
Jean-Luc knew she was right. He was in a foul mood, and he was helping Data by moping around.
"I just, I can't mess this up," Jean-Luc said. "I don't want to fail again."
Whether he was ready to admit it or not, this situation had resurfaced buried insecurities from the Stargazer.
If Jean-Luc failed to win this case, it meant Data would very well lose his life – or what constituted life in the sense of being a free person.
It also meant letting down Tasha.
And, as much as he hated to admit it, it would mean failing in the eyes of Phillipa Louvois.
Again.
"You have to fix this Jean-Luc," Guinan said.
She took hold of his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"And I know you will," Guinan said.
Jean-Luc sat back and eyed her carefully.
"What did you see?" Jean-Luc asked.
He didn't fully comprehend Guinan's gift – but he knew that she had some kind of otherworldly connection with the universe.
Guinan could sense things that were invisible to others. It was as if she could see right through a person and into their soul.
"I don't see things," Guinan clarified.
It seemed no matter how many times she reminded him of that fact, Jean-Luc always forgot.
"I just get a feeling," Guinan said.
In truth, the feeling she had was Jean-Luc needed a nudge, a reminder that he had the talent and drive necessary to win this for Data.
"I still can't sleep," Jean-Luc remarked.
"In my experience, the people that struggle to sleep aren't the ones with guilt on their conscience," Guinan said. "A heart is a heavy burden."
Over in Data's quarters, Geordi was having a hard time keeping Data engaged in conversation.
Data had accepted Geordi's offer to stay with him – though he had been distant since.
As soon as they had returned from Starbase 173, Data had sat down at his workstation. He'd turned on a music programme and pulled a small box out of the bottom drawer.
Data had been staring at the ring in the box for several hours while Geordi attempted to cheer him up.
Geordi had suggested they revisit a favourite holodeck programme.
Data had declined.
Then Geordi had attempted to lure Data out of his funk with a trip to the Arboretum. He'd even offered to join Data in painting.
But Data wasn't interested.
"Why don't I get us some food and I'll fetch my cards. We can play a few rounds of Age of Sail?" Geordi suggested.
Data shrugged.
He was completely immersed in his own world.
"Come on, it will be fun," Geordi said brightly. "Guinan's got Tagine stew tonight. You said you regretted missing it last time."
Data did not look up.
"Data, you need to do something, or you need to rest," Geordi said in a firm voice.
"I cannot," Data said.
Data picked up the ring and studied it in the light.
"There is not enough time," Data said.
"Data?" Geordi pressed.
"I wonder if this is what it feels like for humans?" Data pondered aloud.
Data's attention was wholly fixated on the ring in his hand.
"Data, I don't understand-" Geordi began to ask.
"I cannot help but think this experience is not unlike humans given a terminal medical diagnosis," Data explained. "What it must feel like to know you are dying."
Dying was always a subject that had fascinated Data.
In his mind, it was one of the distinct markers that distinguished him from ever truly being human.
And now that he was facing a fate worse than death, Data found he longed for the ability to die.
It wasn't that Data had any desire to leave the world.
But if his options were ending his existence or living as Maddox's property – there was no debate in Data's mind as to which option was more palatable.
"There are so many things I wanted to do with my time," Data confessed.
He had spent many hours thinking about all of the experiences he had yet to encounter. There were skills he hoped to master, places he wanted to see with his own eyes, and life events that he had hoped to witness.
Looking back on all of the hours Data spent in the service of Starfleet, he was afraid that he wasted many valuable years.
He had hobbies.
But Data had dedicated so much of his time to work that he had never truly given himself time to enjoy the activities that brought him pleasure.
Until the Enterprise.
Geordi, Tasha, Keiko – they had all pushed him to spend more time for himself.
Data was grateful for that, because without them, Data never would have done so many wonderful things in the last year.
Data ran his fingers across the surface of his workstation as he reflected on all the moments that had occurred while he was at this very desk.
It was where Geordi had first asked Data if he wanted to join him on the holodeck for an afternoon sailing around a holographic Zanzibar.
Data had been sitting in this very spot when he'd been creative enough to save Captain Picard during the Ferengi incident.
On countless occasions, Tasha had come through the door and sat down on his lap while they made plans for a quiet evening in.
They'd made love on his workstation after confessing their feelings for one another.
It may have been a physical object, but Data felt connected to his workstation in a way that was hard to describe.
"Even if I were to limit myself to experiences I can complete on this ship, I fear there is not enough time to even get to a fraction of my desires," Data lamented.
Teaching.
Growing a perfect hybrid orchid.
Beekeeping.
Mismatched baby socks.
Data closed his eyes and mourned the loss of unfulfilled dreams.
"Even if this hearing lasts for a week, it will not be enough time. I will never complete research on dilithium repurposing," Data said.
He glanced at the easel in the corner of the room where his latest effort to capture Andorian Pop Art would have to remain an unfinished masterpiece.
Suddenly, Data sat back as a cold, sinking feeling settled in his chest cavity.
"I must record a message for Tasha," Data said.
Tasha groaned.
The first thing she noticed was how dry her throat felt.
The next thing she realised was that everything hurt. Every fibre of her body felt like it was in pain. Even her teeth hurt.
Eew. Tasha thought.
She could feel that her teeth were fuzzy.
Tasha wanted to hurl.
She rolled over onto her back and instantly regretted it.
The entire room was dark, but for some reason Tasha was keenly aware of the light from the timepiece on her nightstand.
It was a dim glow, but in her current state it might as well have been a white dwarf star.
Tasha knew she needed to get up.
It was the last thing she wanted to do in her present condition.
But Tasha had to brush her teeth and get something to drink.
Reluctantly, she kicked off the covers and stepped onto the carpet. Tasha accidently kicked a bottle of whisky as she fumbled for her dressing gown.
Glancing down at the floor there was an empty bottle of whisky.
And a bottle of Klingon bloodwine.
Tasha bit her lip in embarrassment.
No wonder everything hurts. She realised.
She had been in rotten mood the night before. Louvois's ruling combined with being forced to represent Maddox's interests at the hearing had left Tasha feeling broken.
It was like nothing in the world made sense anymore.
Tasha remembered coming home and sharing a drink with Beverly and Deanna. They had dropped by to check on her.
In fact, Tasha was pretty sure they had stayed until 22:00 hours.
After they had left, Tasha had kept drinking.
And then kept drinking.
Everything was kind of a blur after that.
It's a good thing Data wasn't here. Tasha thought.
She was furious they were forced to stay apart. However, Tasha knew how Data felt about her using alcohol as a coping mechanism. Last night's performance would have been prime motivation for Data to insist on a counselling session.
Tasha wandered out into the main room of her quarters and shuffled over to the replicator.
She froze.
Tasha clasped her hand over her mouth.
Data!
Her eyes went wide. Tasha could hear the shower was running.
Oh my gods! What did we do? Tasha thought.
Tasha didn't think she could feel any worse than she had five minutes earlier. But the sound of her shower made her want to collapse into a puddle on the floor.
No doubt her drunken antics had alarmed Data. And ever the protector, Data would have risked everything to take care of Tasha.
If Data was in her quarters then that meant they had broken contact protocols for the hearing. Louvois had specifically warned them against such a violation.
Technically, Louvois was not aware of Data and Tasha's relationship. Finding out they had broken the rules and failed to disclose their relationship would mean double trouble.
It would all be over.
Tasha started to cry.
Before she could completely dissolve, the door chimed.
Tasha panicked.
She quickly wiped her face and tried to compose herself.
Perhaps no one knew? Tasha thought.
Data was clever. He may have figured out a way around the watchful eye of their court-appointed escorts.
The door chimed again.
Knowing she was under surveillance, Tasha didn't want to raise suspicion.
"Captain Picard?" Tasha squeaked as the door slid open.
It was obvious she had come straight from bed.
"Lieutenant, my apologies," Jean-Luc said.
He attempted to hide his frown. It was nearly 08:00 hours and unlike Tasha to sleep so late. Captain Picard's face immediately softened.
She probably couldn't sleep either. He realised with a pang of guilt.
"I'm sorry, it was probably a difficult night," Jean-Luc said.
More like rough morning. Tasha thought.
"I just spoke with Data and came to drop off this official request for evidence disclosure and a notice of our meeting at 18:00 in Captain Louvois's office," Picard said, handing her an isolinear chip.
"Right," Tasha nodded.
"I need to get back to Data, we've got a lot of cover," Picard said, excusing himself.
"You're with Data?" Tasha asked.
Jean-Luc assumed her question was out of concern for Data's welfare rather than panic that he might be discovered in her shower.
"Yes. We're setting up shop in my Ready Room," Jean-Luc said.
Tasha's throat grew tight.
There would be no possible way to sneak Data out in time.
"He's fine," Jean-Luc assured her.
"Oh," Tasha smiled nervously.
"And if you will excuse me, I'm afraid I've left him waiting long enough," Captain Picard said.
Tasha's entire body stiffened.
"He's there?" Tasha asked.
"Yes, and I think it would be best if you were to steer clear of the Bridge for the time being," Picard advised. "Contact protocols."
"Right," Tasha agreed almost too enthusiastically.
She swallowed hard.
"And he's there now?" Tasha asked to clarify.
"Yes, I just left him," Picard assured her.
Captain Picard's expression shifted to one of concern.
"Tasha, are you alright?" he asked.
"Mmm hmm," Tasha nodded quickly.
Jean-Luc's eyes narrowed as he studied her behaviour. She seemed rattled. It was quite unlike his ever-composed Security Chief.
"And just," Tasha paused. "Data's in your office. Right now? He's there?"
"Yes," Jean-Luc replied slowly.
Of course. Picard thought.
Jean-Luc surmised the whole situation likely had Tasha on edge. The last few days had been difficult. Her behaviour only reinforced Jean-Luc's suspicion that there was something more between Maddox and Data.
Tasha was probably worried out of her skull for his safety.
"He's safe. In my Ready Room," Picard said.
"Thank you," Tasha said.
As soon as the door closed Tasha whipped around and glanced at the door to the lavvy.
She bit down on and chewed on her thumb as she surveyed the room.
There were some dishes on the coffee table and empty glasses. At some point she must have given up on trying to drink from a cup and gone straight to the bottle.
Her tablet was on the windowsill and the sofa cushions were a mess.
Glancing down to the left there was a pair of boots next to the door.
What did I do? Tasha gasped.
She racked her brain as he tried to think of an explanation for what had occurred.
Deanna and Beverly had definitely left. In any case, these boots were too big to belong to one of them.
Did Miles and Keiko have a row? Tasha thought.
Tasha scanned the room again for any clue as to the identity of the mystery person in her shower.
Her eyes fell on a pair of trousers and a black undershirt thrown over the back of the chair.
Tasha tiptoed across the carpet and tentatively picked it up.
Tasha whimpered as she held the shirt up.
It was far too big for her favourite portly Transporter Chief.
Tasha felt awful. She was terrified that all the teasing and light-hearted flirting she'd done with Will Riker for the better part of two years had just come back to bite her in the arse.
Tasha didn't even want to think about what kind of horrible mistake they had made after that much whisky and bloodwine.
Tasha immediately put the thought aside.
There is no possible way either of them would have let that happen.
She laughed and shook her head.
Tasha would never do anything to hurt Data. And Will Riker knew that. More importantly, Will Riker certainly never would have gotten drunk and frisky – he had a strict policy against mixing substances and sex.
In any case, Will Riker wasn't her type.
Tasha was sore though.
She was sore everywhere - her knees ached, her arms hurt, and her back was screaming.
Almost like I spent the night tussling with a-
"Worf."
Tasha whimpered as Worf stepped out fresh from the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist.
A towel and very wet, very drippy, very beefy biceps.
"I have to go," Tasha said quickly.
Keeping her head down, she avoided eye contact with Worf. Tasha grabbed her boots off the floor and left Worf standing alone in her quarters.
An hour later, Tasha had brushed her teeth, changed her clothes, and gotten ready for the day at the locker room adjacent to the Security Office.
By the time she strolled into Commander Riker's office, there was no trace of the hangover, panicked Lieutenant from earlier.
"Hey T," Riker said as she stepped in.
Tasha was grateful that Riker had a steaming mug of Hazelnut Raktajino waiting for her.
"Thanks," Tasha said as he handed her the mug.
"Anytime," Riker smiled. "Figured you could use it. Worf said you had a good night."
Tasha blanched and choked on her first sip.
"W-what else did he say?" Tasha asked.
"Just that you were pretty hot last night," Riker said. "Not that anyone would blame you."
Tasha's hands were shaking as she set the mug down on the table.
"Let's just uh, get to work," Tasha said.
Riker nodded.
Worf had warned him to take it easy with Tasha. Apparently, she'd been pretty intoxicated and emotional the night before. Worf could see just how hard this was on Tasha and knew the day ahead was going to be a challenge.
"Alright, did you bring the files?" Riker asked.
Tasha nodded.
She set a handful of isolinear chips down on the table. Tasha closed her eyes and sighed.
It felt wrong.
Everything about what they were doing felt wrong.
The isolinear chips held Data's schematics, his personal logs, the very details of his life.
Tasha's stomach felt icky, and it wasn't from the hangover.
Riker picked up the first chip and inserted it into his tablet. As it was a secure file, it required authorisation.
"Computer, identify Riker, William T. Access code theta alpha two seven three seven blue, enable," Riker ordered.
"Riker, William T. Identified," the computer answered.
Will tapped the screen on his tablet to project the image to the large viewscreen on the wall.
"Open technical schematics on Lieutenant Commander Data," Riker ordered.
It took the computer a moment as it dove into the files on Data's technical details. Riker tapped the screen and zoomed in to get a look at his physiology.
"So he comes apart," Riker said in astonishment. "And there's that mysterious off switch."
Data's emergency manual control switch was highlighted.
Riker's grin disappeared as soon as he made eye contact with Tasha.
Tasha hated that she knew so much about Data's system and abilities.
"I'm sorry," Riker apologised. "I didn't even think about the implications, T."
"It's fine, let's just get to work," Tasha replied.
"Come," Picard ordered.
Geordi entered Captain Picard's Ready Room to find Data and Captain Picard hard at work.
On the desktop there were isolinear chips scattered about filled with decades of Federation law. Data and Captain Picard were combing through every available source that contained case law on the rights of sentient beings.
They weren't finding much that could help Data.
"How's it going?" Geordi asked.
"Not entirely successful," Data admitted.
They'd been at it since 07:00 and had little to show.
"It would seem the initial Horta incident cited by Lieutenant Yar in the injunction request remains our strongest piece of evidence," Data said.
Jean-Luc sat back in his seat and frowned.
He was convinced he had failed Data.
"Data, if there is some other officer with which you would feel more-" Picard began to offer.
"Captain, I have complete confidence in your ability to represent my interests," Data assured him.
"I wish she could be on our side too," Jean-Luc commented.
Data didn't need to say it aloud – they were all thinking it.
"Captain Louvois may be overly attached to the letter of the law, but I suspect she still understands its spirit," Picard said.
He had faith that Phillipa would not let him down in that respect.
"We're going to put to rest this question of your legal status once and for all," Picard declared.
"It seems to me this whole thing could be put to rest if you were to ask Lieutenant Yar a certain question," Geordi said.
It was obvious he was dropping a hint.
Jean-Luc watched as a wordless exchange took place between Data and Geordi.
"It would be a violation of the court-ordered contact protocols for me to contact Lieutenant Yar," Data said quickly.
"What are you talking about?" Jean-Luc inquired.
Geordi glanced over at Data.
Data did not immediately respond. He was upset with Geordi for even bringing it up. Though he hadn't blurted out the secret of the ring Data had kept hidden, it was clear Captain Picard knew something was up.
"Data?" Picard pressed.
"Come on, Data," Geordi urged.
"I believe we should examine the Acts of Plathau from the reports regarding the insectoid-Xindi," Data suggested.
He wanted to shift the topic of conversation and he wanted it to move quickly.
Geordi grumbled and grabbed one of the isolinear chips. He angrily plugged it into his tablet and punched away in search of information to help Data.
Captain Picard watched the pair with keen curiosity. It wasn't like Geordi and Data to be at odds with one another.
Whatever it was that Data was hiding, it was clearly a source of tension between the two.
After hours of research, Captain Picard had little factual evidence to work with. Data was such a unique lifeform that there really wasn't anything else out there like him.
At least, not anything anymore.
A few months earlier, the Enterprise had discovered a silica-based inorganic sentient lifeform during a routine stop at the Terraforming Base on Velara III.
After a misunderstanding, Starfleet had sent a second ship with new orders.
In one fell swoop, Starfleet had wiped out the entire colony of this beautiful lifeform.
Such an act had shaken Data to the core. It was a reminder of his fragile position and just how easily Starfleet could take that away.
They were due in Louvois's office in a few hours and Jean-Luc had little to show.
The team decided to break for a late lunch.
On the way out the door, Captain Picard caught Geordi.
"One moment, Mr La Forge," Picard said.
As he passed, Data shot Geordi a pleading look.
Geordi hung back in Captain Picard's office until Data was gone.
"Anything you care to tell me?" Picard asked.
"I wish I could," Geordi confessed. "But it's not my secret to share."
Jean-Luc stood up and nodded.
"My La Forge, I respect the integrity of your friendship with Mr Data," Picard began. "But if there is information you are withholding that could help free him from this unjust predicament-"
"Captain, I want to help," Geordi insisted.
He reached up and scratched the back of his neck.
"Sir, if you knew," Geordi stopped and shook his head. "I just, I can't do that to Data. Especially not now."
Data was already feeling dehumanised enough. Between the hearing, Maddox dropping back into his life, and the incident with Tasha, Data felt like he had no control over his own life.
Geordi wasn't about to shatter the last thing Data was holding on to – even if it might help him.
"I'll talk to him," Geordi offered. "But I won't break his trust."
Tasha stopped by Ten Forward to grab lunch.
It was Tuesday and that meant sushi.
Tuesday was also typically Tasha's standing lunch date with Worf.
But there was no way she could face him – not after the events that transpired that morning.
"You look a bit peaky," Guinan commented.
"Yeah," Tasha replied as she approached the counter.
Guinan frowned.
"What? You don't even have the energy for a smart remark?" Guinan asked.
Usually the two could go round for round. Their casual banter was part of what had made them such fast friends.
Tasha shook her head.
"Sorry, I'm exhausted," Tasha confessed.
"A double order it is," Guinan smiled. "And I'll be sure to put an extra shot of espresso in your Raktajino."
"Thanks," Tasha replied.
She was relieved.
"I got a table in the corner," Worf said.
Tasha jumped as Worf came up next to her.
"You are on edge today," Worf remarked. "I thought we could talk."
Talk? Tasha thought.
Her mouth went dry.
"Tasha?" Worf asked.
Guinan returned right on time with a double order of her lunch special and a giant thermos of Raktajino.
"I gotta lot of work to, you know, um, work on," Tasha said.
She grabbed her food and made a beeline for the door.
When she reached her quarters, Tasha flopped down on the sofa and began angrily stuffing her face with Guinan's signature dragon rolls.
It was bad enough that her last conversation with Data had ended on poor terms.
Tasha knew she had betrayed his trust and he was hurting.
Now this? Tasha scoffed.
Sooner or later she would have to come clean with Data. She didn't want to hurt him – but Tasha knew dishonesty would only cause more harm in the long run.
What frustrated Tasha the most was the fact she couldn't even speak to Data.
Violating contact protocols would only harm his cause.
In fact, this contact protocol was terribly isolating.
As she chewed on a ball of rice, Tasha only hoped Data wasn't feeling equally as isolated.
"Hey, how's it going?" Miles asked as his slid into a seat next to Data.
"Any word yet?" Keiko inquired as she sat down across from them.
"Captain Picard is working to develop a successful defence strategy," Data replied.
He didn't want to disappoint his friends with dismal news. Data was also hesitant to admit they had found little. He was clinging to hope that things would turn around.
"Data!" Wesley Crusher said.
He set his own tray down on the table and pulled up a chair to join the rest of the team.
"How's it going? Mum's gonna want an update," Wesley said.
Across the room, Beverly Crusher was asking Jean-Luc the very same question.
Typically, Captain Picard took his meals in private. But Beverly had sensed that recent event were beginning to wear on him and had asked him to join her for lunch in the canteen.
Jean-Luc took a sip of tea and then crossed his legs.
"Jean-Luc?" Beverly prompted.
"Not well," Picard admitted.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Beverly replied.
She couldn't begin to imagine what Data was going through.
"If you ask my opinion, this is ridiculous," Beverly said.
She was never shy of opinions.
"I mean do you know how many people in this very room have synthetic organs? Hearing aid devices?" Beverly huffed. "I mean, is your heart now Starfleet property too?"
She angrily stabbed a piece of fish and shoved it in her mouth.
"I mean, I'm not an engineer and my experience examining Data has been limited in a medical capacity," Beverly went on. "But I'm telling you, he's sentient. He feels things."
"You don't have to convince me," Jean-Luc said as he put his hands up.
While Beverly went on about android rights, Jean-Luc watched Data's table carefully.
He was dining with Geordi, Chief O'Brien, Keiko Ishikawa, and Wesley Crusher.
Throughout their meal a number of interactions had caught both the Captain's eyes and ears.
Reg Barclay had stopped by to wish Data luck.
Ensign Jeffords from the Security Team had popped in for a few moments to chat with Data and check in on him.
Lieutenant Bernard had dropped off a card on behalf of the kids and parents in Data's art class.
And three members of the Astromycology team had come to tell Data they were all rooting for him.
Jean-Luc knew that Data had a unique relationship with the crew. Between all the various departments he ran, hobbies he engaged in, and additional volunteer duties he had between the Arboretum and the school, Data interacted with a great number of people aboard the ship.
Toya Doogan came in with her daughter Alexandra in tow.
The minute she saw Data, Alexandra rushed over to give him a hug and tell him all about the new baby bunnies they had at school.
Data listened patiently as she described how they were learning to care for them, nodding and talking with her.
"We're all behind you," Toya assured him.
The corner of Jean-Luc's mouth curved upward as he watched the interaction.
Beverly followed his line of sight across the room.
"You know all the kids in Wesley's class just adore him," Beverly shared. "He's made quite an impact on all of us."
"We need a new strategy," Jean-Luc thought aloud.
At 17:38, Jean-Luc was preparing to join Data and head over to Louvois's office.
"And everything is ready?" Jean-Luc asked.
"Yes, sir," Geordi replied.
"We've asked they meet us in Ten Forward at 19:00 hours," Worf explained. "Lieutenant La Forge and I will collect statements. Professor Ishikawa has offered to organise the room."
"Good," Picard nodded.
He picked up his tablet and placed it in his briefcase along with a stack of isolinear chips.
Jean-Luc shut the top and snapped it closed.
"Right," he nodded to the two men.
Bruce Maddox chuckled.
He didn't even have the decency to hide his amusement as Captain Picard shared their evidence with the prosecution.
"That's it?" Maddox asked.
There was hardly anything to show for an entire day's work.
In fact, they were still heavily relying on the Horta sentience argument as Data's best defence.
"We also are arranging for several character witnesses," Picard said.
Maddox smirked.
"Ah, character witnesses," he said, amused by the notion of Data parading his friends about.
"Please inform us of the witness list once you have it finalised," Tasha said, ignoring Maddox.
"Of course," Picard said.
Their circumstances may have forced them to operate on opposing sides, but they weren't about to throw away decency and friendship.
For his part, Maddox thought it was adorable the way the crew were trying to be civil. This would haunt them forever, drive a wedge between them.
And although Maddox had only set out with Data in mind – he got a sick thrill in knowing all of these people were now mere puppets for his machinations.
Power was intoxicating and Maddox craved more.
"What I want to know is how soon we can move forward?" Commander Haffley asked.
"We'd like another day to prepare our case," Picard said.
Louvois sat back at her desk and eyed the two parties.
"We have no objection to that," Tasha said.
Haffley immediately baulked.
"Unacceptable," Haffley barked. "Starfleet demands this matter be resolved at once. The hearing will begin tomorrow. No further delays!"
"Then perhaps you should have consulted with the prosecutors assigned to your case," Louvois advised coolly.
Haffley was outraged – but silent.
"No?" Louvois pressed.
Haffley glared.
"It may be more prudent for Starfleet to communicate the requests for the timeliness in this decision to the prosecutors appointed to represent Starfleet rather than pinging me with messages at 05:00?" Phillipa suggested.
She certainly wasn't one to mince words.
Jean-Luc could hardly contain his glee.
She'd given Haffley a right verbal slapping and he could only imagine what the conversation with Admiral Henry had been like.
"As it seems our prosecution team and the defence council have agreed, I am inclined to concur," Louvois announced. "The hearing will begin Thursday morning at 09:00."
On the way out of the JAG office, Maddox and Haffley cornered Commander Riker and Tasha.
"Is this the best you can do?" Haffley asked in a terse voice.
Commander Riker furrowed his brow.
"I'm sorry?" Riker asked in a voice that indicated he didn't follow.
"You're here to make sure that weapon is locked up where it belongs," Haffley spat.
Maddox could see that Haffley had struck a nerve.
"I think my colleague is trying to say that it would bear ill for all of us were there to be an unsatisfactory report on your performance," Maddox smiled.
The threat wasn't lost on Riker or Tasha.
"I'm going to assume your protest was in regard to the deadline Starfleet has imposed on this case," Tasha said. "And if so, then I suggest you take Captain Louvois's advice and start looping us in."
Haffley scowled.
"You've made your feelings quite clear on Commander Data," Haffley hissed.
Riker wasn't about to back off so easily.
"And if you don't like our performance then by all means, we're happy to wait until Starfleet produces another team capable of prosecuting this case," Riker replied.
"Only, wouldn't that interfere with your deadline?" Tasha asked innocently.
Haffley was at a loss for words. They had backed him into a corner using his own self-important deadline.
"I think it's high time you start working with us," Tasha said.
She had no desire to work with either of them – but she hoped to uncover more information about Maddox's plan for Data and Walsh's involvement in the hope of devising a plan to outwit them.
Maddox seemed giddy at the idea of discussing it.
Tasha suspected this was more about yanking them around with vague threats against Data. But Tasha also recognised that hubris would be his downfall.
By his own admission, Maddox had let it slip that Walsh was involved somehow.
Tasha still didn't quite understand his hand in all this – but she knew that the more Maddox talked, the more liable he was to slip up again.
"May I suggest your Ten Forward?" Maddox said.
It would give him a chance to get aboard the Enterprise again – and with it, the possibility of running into Data again.
Maddox would do anything he could to get into Data's line of sight.
When they stepped off the lift on deck Ten, the four were overwhelmed by the line.
"Whoa," Riker said.
Tasha and Riker glanced at one another – they had never seen Ten Forward so packed.
It was one of the largest spots on the ship and the crowd was so big it was flowing out into the corridor. Even on Guinan's most popular theme night things had never been so busy.
"What's going on?" Maddox demanded.
It was Tuesday night and Guinan was running her usual special. The food was great – spectacular even. But it had never brought out hundreds of crewmembers at once.
The entire corridor was full of people. The line stretched down past the lift and all the way back to the aft portion of the ship.
"Maybe we should head for my office instead?" Riker offered.
Tasha nodded slowly.
There would be no way they were going to get a table at Ten Forward anytime soon – but she was still curious what was going on.
Tasha scanned the crowd and spied a friendly face in the line.
"Hey," Tasha said, approaching Lieutenant Oliver Adams.
"Hey," he replied with a smile.
"What's going on here?" Tasha asked as she motioned to the line.
"Commander La Forge was asked to find a few character witnesses to speak on Data's behalf at the hearing," Adams explained. "And well, when word got out-"
He trailed off and shrugged.
"You mean?"
Tasha gasped as realisation hit. She was completely taken aback.
"Yeah," Adams answered. "We're all here for Data. And you."
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Tasha was having a hard time staying composed. There had to be at least three hundred people lined up – and they were all there to show their support for Data.
There was a team from Engineering, Tasha's Security officers, a group of parents from the art class Data taught, and even the entire Stellar Cartography department.
In some way, Data had touched all of these people's lives and they were better for it.
When word got out about the hearing, the crew had rallied on behalf of their favourite Second Officer. In the two years they had served together, Data had made an impression.
And it was a good one.
Tasha wanted to shout for joy, but she had to restrain herself to maintain an air of professionalism. It was so exciting and heart-warming to see the turnout on Data's behalf.
There would be no way the court would permit so many character witnesses – but Tasha knew the sheer number of proposed witnesses would have to make an impact on Louvois.
"Thank you," Tasha said to Adams.
"Anytime," Adams assured her.
Tasha was delighted.
Maddox was boiling.
"All this time and effort wasted," Maddox scoffed.
"I have to agree. Surely, this must violate some ship wide regulation," Haffley remarked. "They're blocking the corridor!"
"I can't wait to rip that android apart," Maddox declared.
Jean-Luc was equally as blown away by the turnout when Worf and Geordi reported back to his Ready Room that night.
"What's this?" Picard asked as Geordi dropped the stack of isolinear chips on this desk.
"Character witness statements," Geordi answered.
"All of it?" Picard asked.
Geordi nodded.
"Good God, did you ask the whole ship?" Picard remarked.
"There are four hundred and eighty-seven individual character witnesses," Worf reported.
"That we could process," Geordi added. "We had to turn folks away."
Jean-Luc was over the moon. He grinned as he sat down behind his desk.
"Ninety-one of those interviews are from Departmental heads," Worf explained. "There are hundred and forty-four from parents that have children in one or more of Mr Data's classes. Two-thirds of the interviews are from crew that directly serve under Data in Operations or Science roles and have a day-to-day working relationship with him."
Jean-Luc was impressed. Geordi and Worf had truly gone above and beyond.
"Gentleman, colour me astonished. This is magnificent work," Picard said.
Then he sighed.
"But you know most of this won't be used in the hearing. We'll likely be limited on the number of character witnesses," Picard said.
"We had an idea about that," Geordi said.
He tapped his tablet to pull up the appropriate document. Then he handed it over to Captain Picard.
"Brilliant," Picard smiled as he skimmed over the document.
It was a petition on behalf of Data demanding that Starfleet reverse its decision. While petitions did not often carry much weight, the vast number of people that had turned out for Data gave Jean-Luc hope this one might raise some eyebrows at Starfleet Command.
"With your permission, we'd like to circulate it to the ship," Worf said.
"And I've already been in contact with friends on the Hood and Starbase 126," Geordi said.
He paused and straightened his shoulders.
"This ruling affects all of us," Geordi said. "I think if we make enough noise on this issue, Starfleet is going to have to listen."
Geordi had already sent off a communication to his mother, Captain Silva La Forge.
Geordi had an inkling that soon as his mother caught wind of this – she would pull out all the stops. He didn't want to be around when his mother's righteous fury came for Admiral Henry.
"Excellent work," Picard said. "Make it so."
At 22:00 hours, Worf stopped by Tasha's quarters to check on her. She had been distant that whole day and that bothered him.
Worf had spent the entire day trying to help Data's cause – but he couldn't forget about Tasha. He knew this was hard on her and probably terribly isolating.
He was surprised to find she wasn't home.
"Computer, what is the location of Lieutenant Yar?" Worf inquired.
"Lieutenant Yar is in the main Security Office," the computer responded.
Worf found Tasha in the office ten minutes later. She was seated behind her desk, fully absorbed in the day's report.
The Enterprise may have been stuck at Starbase 173, but Security was one department where work didn't stop.
In fact, being docked at a Starbase often meant more work. All of the people and packages passing between the ship and the base had to be accounted for.
There was always a massive increase in paperwork. Typically, Tasha took care of this after they were back on their way to the next mission.
But it was starting to back up and Tasha couldn't see Data. She figured there wasn't a better way to spend her evenings than being productive.
As soon as she saw Worf, Tasha shut down her computer and packed up her things.
"Hey! I was just on my way out," Tasha said, fumbling for her tablet. "Long day."
She stuffed her tablet and notes into her Parrises Squares bag and rushed for the door. When she tried to push past Worf, he put out a hand to stop her.
"I should get to bed," Tasha lied.
"Not until we talk," Worf said.
"I-I really need to-" Tasha stammered.
"Talk," Worf interjected.
Tasha's shoulders slumped and she moved back to her desk – anything to put distance between Worf and herself.
Worf stood by the door and crossed his arms. He wasn't going anywhere until this was settled.
"You have been acting strange all day," Worf commented. "And you were quite out of character last night."
Tasha's lip began to quiver.
"Worf, I made a terrible mistake last night," Tasha confessed.
Worf remained stoic.
"I don't mean that directed at you," Tasha assured him. "I'm just, oh gods I'm really mucking this up."
Tasha sighed and sat back on her desk.
"I drank too much. This whole thing with Data has me on edge. I'm terrified of losing him and this Maddox makes my skin crawl," Tasha went on.
"You were threatening to go after Maddox last night," Worf said. "You could barely walk straight."
Tasha's face was warm.
Morning-after conversations were always embarrassing. Tasha was humiliated by her own behaviour.
"I didn't think you should be alone," Worf said.
Tasha closed her eyes and cringed.
"Oh god, I'm so sorry," Tasha apologised. "I just. You're my best friend and I mean, of course I've thought about it but I-"
Tasha trailed off. She put her head in her hands and groaned.
"I don't know what to tell Data. This is going to break his heart," Tasha began to sob.
Worf frowned.
"I don't want this to come between us," Tasha sniffled. "Between me and Data or between us. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Worf was her dearest friend. Next to Data, Worf was the person she was closest with. He understood Tasha better than anyone.
Worf's eyes went wide as Tasha continued to ramble.
"Tasha," Worf said sharply.
Tasha paused and wiped her eyes with the back of her sleeve.
"You had too much to drink. I stopped by after Doctor Crusher asked me to check on you," Worf explained.
Tasha's face contorted as a fresh wave of tears threatened to pour over.
"You went to the holodeck alone and used my fitness programme," Worf said.
Clarity began to dawn on Tasha.
"We-" she began to ask.
"We ate four servings of nuclear nosh bean nuggets, played two rounds of S'kjay T'ec, and watched the shinty game between the Cabers and the Blues," Worf said.
Tasha sat back and looked down at the floor as she tried to recall the evening.
"You threw up," Worf added in a disapproving voice. "Several times."
Tasha threw her head back. She clapped her hands together and cheered.
Worf was utterly confused.
Tasha leapt off the table and gripped Worf's face.
"You are my best friend," Tasha said with a broad smile.
She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and then laughed.
"I love you! You know that right?" Tasha asked in an excited voice.
Worf's expression suddenly shifted from bewilderment to surprise as he finally understood why Tasha had been acting so strange.
"You thought-" Worf began to ask.
"I'm sorry," Tasha apologised. "I'm so sorry. I should have known you would never take advantage of a person like that."
"There is honour in pursuing someone that cannot consent," Worf replied.
While neither of them was particularly physically affectionate, Worf pulled Tasha into a warm hug.
"Thank you for being my best friend," Tasha said.
"I know that you cannot speak with Commander Data right now," Worf said. "But should you theoretically have something you wish him to know, I cannot guarantee I will be able to refrain from repeating such a message in his presence."
"I love him. And I'm sorry," Tasha confessed. "I'm so sorry. And not a minute goes by that I don't regret what I did."
Tasha had been overcome with guilt since the incident with the shuttle.
Not being able to talk with Data about it only added insult to injury.
"And I don't even care about quarters anymore," Tasha sniffled. "I don't care. I'll give mine up. I just want him to know that."
"He knows," Worf assured her. "But I am certain a reminder will be welcome."
Tasha chuckled.
"Thanks," she replied.
"I'm glad to hear you laughing," Worf said.
"Sorry, I'm sure I was a right mess last night. And angry about Maddox," Tasha apologised.
"You did throw a jar of pickles when the Cabars scored," Worf shared. "And subsequently cried at the loss of a perfectly good jar of pickles."
Tasha's shoulder shook with laughter.
"Tasha, may I ask you a question?" Worf inquired.
"Yeah," she replied.
"You've 'thought about it'?" Worf asked.
Tasha's body stiffened.
She backed away and made a face. She could just kick herself for confessing that.
"Look, I-" Tasha fumbled.
"I am not mad," Worf assured her. "I am flattered."
He flashed her a wicked grin.
"And excited," Worf said.
"Worf, I didn't-" Tasha protested.
"Now I have blackmail," Worf teased.
He roared with laughter. It was one of his great, deep Klingon belly laughs. It was also a sign that things were going to work out.
Across the ship, Data was spending the evening with Deanna.
"This is very thoughtful, Data," Deanna assured him.
Ever since learning of all the people that had turned out on his behalf, Data had insisted on writing handwritten, old-fashioned thank you cards to each individual.
Deanna wanted to speak with Data to see where he was at mentally. He had declined a formal counselling session but had offered to share a meal.
So the two had enjoyed a quiet dinner in Data's quarters and Deanna had offered to stay and help with the thank you notes.
She was grateful Data was so efficient and speedy. In the time that it had taken her just to sort the names on the list, Data had completed nearly a quarter of the cards.
Data wrote the notes while Deanna sorted them by deck. Once they were complete, Data was planning to hand deliver the notes to everyone's quarters. They were just slim enough to fit under the doors.
"Data, you've said very little about this situation since Maddox's orders changed," Deanna observed.
"I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the crew," Data replied.
He did not look up from his work.
"Data, how are you feeling?" Deanna asked.
He hesitated to answer.
Data felt compelled to maintain a cheery disposition. It was easier than confronting his own trauma. He also did not wish to let down his friends.
"Data, I think you are an incredibly strong person. Emotionally," Deanna commented. "But I also think that you've spent a long time trying to live up to people's expectations."
Data did not respond, he continued scribbling away at the thank you cards.
"I think you believe that people expect you to act a certain way," Deanna went on. "To weather this storm with a stiff upper lip."
Data paused his writing, but he still kept his gaze down at the table.
Deanna reached across the table and took hold of Data's hand.
"No one will think any less of you for being honest about your emotions," Deanna assured him. "You have every right to be angry. To feel wronged."
Data finally raised his head. There was a pained expression on his face.
"But anger is a negative emotion," Data protested. "And all of these people came to my aid because they believe in me."
"We do," Deanna said.
"Counsellor, please," Data said.
His face darkened.
Deanna could sense there more to Data's hesitancy. She could also tell this was difficult for Data to discuss.
"Anger is an emotional privilege I am not entitled to," Data explained. "These people trust me and believe in me because I have always been calm, rational, polite, and composed."
"Data, I don't understand," Deanna admitted.
"I cannot afford to get angry," Data shared. "When a human is angry, it makes people uncomfortable. If I were to get angry, I am afraid that people will view me as a threat."
Deanna started to comprehend Data's line of thinking.
"No one would ever question if your anger was a malfunction or a programming error," Data continued. "But I do not believe the same treatment would apply in my case."
"Oh Data," Deanna remarked.
"Perception is everything. And ensuring I am always in control has been the only thing that has kept me alive and free," Data confessed. "If I were to get angry-"
He stopped and shook his head.
"You're afraid you'll wind up back in a box," Deanna finished for him.
Data blinked a few times to stop the pooling liquid that pricked at the corner of his eyes.
"As I said, anger is an emotional luxury I cannot afford," Data said.
He turned his attention back to the thank you cards.
Data was part way through a thank you to Ensign Greene when a droplet of yellow liquid landed on the page.
Deanna's hand shot out and gripped Data's, silently offering reassurance as he wept.
When Tasha got back to her quarters, Commander Riker was waiting outside.
"Sorry to bother you so late," he said.
"It's fine," Tasha assured him.
"I just have some important information that I thought we should cover before tomorrow," Riker said.
The very last thing Tasha wanted to do was look at another document on Data.
"It won't take long," Riker promised.
Reluctantly, Tasha escorted him inside.
"Sorry, I'm just tired and not in the mood for this," Tasha said.
"Well then it's a good thing I didn't come to talk about the case," Riker said as he set the document tube down on the table.
It was a long cylindrical tube that housed printouts of Data's schematics.
Tasha turned around to watch as Commander Riker pulled out stems of fresh lavender.
"Geordi dropped these off at my quarters," Riker explained.
He didn't have to say it.
Tasha knew they had come from Data.
There was a small note tied around the bundle.
"I'm assuming you know what that means," Riker said.
It was not something he could decipher.
"Thank you," Tasha said.
"Keep your chin up, T," Riker said. "In any case, I'm a lousy prosecutor."
He was hoping to make her smile.
To his delight, it worked.
As soon as she was alone, Tasha slipped off her boots and stepped into the lavvy. She turned on the tap and let the water run to fill the tub.
Data's gift hadn't just been about reassuring her – it was his subtle way of encouraging her to take care of herself.
And a hot bath with fresh lavender was just the thing she needed after a long day.
Tasha shed her uniform, slipped off her socks, and grabbed a hot chocolate from the replicator.
She hissed as she dipped her toe in the water.
But once she was in, it felt wonderful on her shoulders.
Tasha leaned back against the cool tile and looked at the note again. It was brief. Given their circumstances, brief was best.
Siorruiwyd.
It may have only been a single word – but it was all Data needed to say to reassure Tasha of his feelings, that their love endured.
Everlasting.