The closer we got to Data's quarters, the more quiet Geordi had become. The two officers posted at the door reported no issues while I was gone. Although Data looked hopeful and content before I left, a part of me worried that something would happen while I was gone and security would not be able to reach me. I pressed the button on the door and waited anxiously.

"Enter!" Data called from the other side.

I walked in first to find Data was still at his desk. He smiled slightly, but once he saw Geordi behind me it faded. He seemed to panic and looked almost everywhere but our direction before taking off to another room. He did this so suddenly that he almost tripped while turning the corner.

Geordi scoffed in surprise. "Data?"

I looked back at him confused. "He hasn't done this before?"

"Never."

"Give me a minute with him." I pressed my lips together and smiled apologetically before walking off.

I quietly made my way into the other room, the bedroom, where Data was pacing back and forth. I stood there for a moment in the doorway, watching. His fingers were against his lips and his brow was furrowed deep in thought. He almost seemed erratic. He had an intense look of worry on his face.

"Data…" I said softly, trying to break him from his trance. He continued like I wasn't there. As if he hadn't heard me. "Data." I stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder.

He finally stopped pacing and looked at me, almost freezing up in my gaze.

"What is wrong?"

He just shook his head. I could tell he was so caught up in thinking that he was having difficulty finding his words.

"Talk to me…" I tried to sound calm, hoping to bring him some comfort. To give him permission to slow down.

He opened his mouth slowly and froze again in thought. "I could not stop myself from walking away… I could not face him… I could not look at him…" He turned away from me and sat down on the corner of the bed, defeated. "I believe I am experiencing 'flight' in the 'fight or flight' component of my programming."

I nodded. "You would be correct."

"Why?" The expression on his face was sad. He looked so lost.

I would have asked him to try to identify the emotions he was experiencing himself, but I did not want to keep Geordi waiting. "You are scared. Scared of what will happen next and you are ashamed, aren't you? Ashamed of your actions in the past. You feel bad for hurting him."

Data sat there and processed it for a moment. "I am scared…" He put a hand to his chest before looking at me. "I worry I do not have the… the correct words to convey what I am wanting to say to Geordi."

I nodded. "I am here to help you. Just start with an apology and it should flow from there. You do not need to feel afraid."

"Alright."

Data stood and straightened out his uniform before giving me a nod. He seemed a bit more relaxed until he began walking back out to the main room. His movements gradually became more and more forced with each step he took. I could tell he was terrified. I followed him for a moment, but stopped at the doorway to give them some space.

"Geordi…." Data began. "I want to apologize for my actions…" He started off speaking in his normal matter-of-fact tone, but it quickly changed. The words that followed became heavy with emotion. "I have regretted hurting you for the past week, two days, and thirteen hours… I am truly sorry…"

I looked down at the floor, gripping my tablet to my chest. You could tell how sorry he was, how much regret he had been feeling. It was almost heartbreaking. His voice wavered slightly as he continued to apologize with every fiber of his being.

"Alright…" Geordi sighed, opening his arms and coaxing him in for a hug. "Come here."

"Are you not angry with me?" Data asked, looking at him confused.

"I was… But not anymore."

It was clear that Data was still processing the moment, but was pulled into the hug. I couldn't help but smile quietly to myself as Data slowly returned the affection. Contrary to his words, his movements still seemed robotic.

"Why are you not angry with me? What has changed?" Data pulled himself back.

"Well… Like you, I've had a lot of time to think…. And I don't think either one of us has reacted in the best of ways... I should have been more supportive and understanding instead of losing my cool with you."

"I think you reacted appropriately to my actions. Although I felt I had no control over myself, I do know I should not have reacted in that way. I am sor-"

Geordi lifted his hand between them. "You don't have to apologize again. I forgive you. I can see that you've been beating yourself up about it ever since it happened."

"So we can remain friends?"

"Yes." He let out a laugh, but his face quickly grew serious. "Just don't ask me to deactivate you again. Asking me to do that is… is like asking me to end your life. I just can't do that, Data."

"I understand… I am sorry I had not seen it that way until now… I will refrain from asking again in the future."

"I appreciate tha-"

Suddenly the floor lunged beneath our feet, sending us tumbling to the ground. I tried to grab onto the doorway but it was no use. The ship shook violently and the lights flickered before going out entirely. I hugged the floor and closed my eyes, willing it to stop.

As quickly as it happened, everything grew still.

Silent.

My ears began ringing.

"Are you alright Data?" Geordi was the first to break the silence.

"Yes. Counselor?"

I managed to sit up against the wall and struggled to catch my breath. "Y-yes! I'm here."

I nearly jumped out of my skin as someone grabbed my arm. It was so dark I nearly forgot that I had already opened my eyes.

"Are you injured?"

It was Data. I couldn't see a thing yet through the darkness. A chirping sound rang through the room as Geordi attempted to contact Engineering and the bridge.

"N-no I'm okay. Just a little shaken up." I allowed him to pull me to my feet. I kept the wall against my back and tried to recall the layout of the room so I could get my bearings.

"I'm not getting a response from anyone." Geordi called out. It sounded like he was walking towards us. "We need to get to engineering to see what happened."

"It seems that emergency power has not been activated." Data left my side. "Let me get the door for you, Geordi."

A hollow thump rang out from the door across the room and I could hear it grinding slowly against the inner walls in protest as it was forced open.

"Everyone okay out here?" Geordi called out into the hall and a handful of voices answered back.

"How can you see anything?" I reached my hands out in front of me as I took a few steps ahead.

It was pitch black and I tripped over what felt like my tablet. It slipped out from under my foot and I heard it smack against the wall. Someone caught me before I fell down.

"Although I was created to mimic humans, my eyesight is significantly more advanced. I also can read thermal signatures. Geordi's visor allows him to see better in the dark as well."

Before I could answer, Geordi spoke up from the doorway. "C'mon Data, we gotta get moving."

"But… I have been confined to quarters. I am not permitted-"

"Yes, yes I know. But with the power out, who is going to open doors for me? Plus, I may need your help getting things back online."

"Alright." Data's grip tightened slightly on my forearms and he pulled me away from the wall. "Follow me, Counselor. I will guide you out into the hallway with the others."

I had hoped that my vision would have adjusted by now, but it was still so dark. The atmosphere seemed to change slightly as we entered the hallway and I felt like I could breathe a little easier too. I could hear the low chatter of the others, but they quieted down as we approached.

"Spot!" Data let go of me and quickly moved to the floor. "I told you, you are not allowed to leave our quarters-"

"Sir, we have orders not to let the Lieutenant Commander leave his quarters." I picked up on the conversation of the male security officer in the distance.

"This is an emergency situation. I will return him when we are finished." I could hear Geordi's voice grow more impatient.

"But Worf-"

"I don't have time for this! C'mon Data. We'll bring the Counselor along to keep him in check." I was yanked away by my wrist and nearly fell over. It must have been Geordi this time.

"Please take care of Spot in my absence."

I heard Data's voice grow quiet as I was pulled along down the hall. It was not long before I heard him running to catch up behind us. I was thankful when LaForge finally slowed his pace, stopping at what I assumed would be the turbo lift. He let go and I felt alone again in the darkness. My ears began ringing in the silence and I was thankful for the sudden uncomfortable sound of the doors being pried open.

"Alright," Geordi sighed, his voice echoing through what I assumed was the doorway. "You should probably stay here, counselor."

"What?" I blurted out. I reached my hands out to connect with anything. Anyone.

"We have to climb six floors down through the turbo lift shaft to get to engineering. It may be best that you stay here since you can't see."

"But…" I could feel a cold sweat begin. My hands started to tingle and shake nervously. He was right… But I could not stand the thought of being left alone here in the darkness. The walls felt like they were closing in. "Please don't leave me here…"

I heard a heavy sigh. "Alright, come here." He grabbed my hand and pulled me close, guiding it to the doorway. I gripped the frame with my right hand as he held my other arm. "There's no floor past this point, so be careful. We'll take the ladder down. Data will guide your foot onto the ladder and he'll be under you the whole time."

I hadn't realized that Data was already there and ready to go. As I reached out into the darkness I felt him grab my foot and guide it to the metal bar. I followed with my hand and Geordi helped guide the other half on as well. My stomach dropped at the thought of having no floor below to catch me. At least not for a while… I took a deep breath and followed Data down, deeper into the abyss.