The Complication

by CharlieFenwick

Data struggles to reconcile the discrepancies between Tasha's verbal and nonverbal communication during and after the events of Ligon II. "Am I the 'complication?" Data asked. Data begins to develop emotions. Tasha/Data fluff & angst. Data/Geordi friendship. Covers the events of TNG season 1 with- missing scenes, original adventures, and some mild AU retelling of events.

79. Bosom Buddies

Author's Note: And now the conclusion...

---

To Geordi's dismay, Ariana had fit right in with the rest of the team. She drank Raktajino in the afternoons with Data, swapping stories and theories about detective novels and sharing her memories of growing up in Starfleet.

Worf found her knowledge of Klingon opera impressive whenever they shared tea.

Ariana's research on sound waves had proven invaluable to the crew. Tasha was most interested in the practical applications of her research – including a plan to use a device that manipulated soundwaves to detect cloaked vessels.

Beverly was eternally grateful for Ariana's ambient sleep programme as it showed promising early results for a number of her patients suffering from insomnia.

And she was a big hit with the boys down in Cetacean Ops.

Geordi felt like the worst part of his childhood had returned to haunt him.

"Two more weeks," Geordi reminded himself aloud.

Geordi set down his sonic driver to inspect his work on the central Engineering console.

"Technically, one week, five days, nine hours, seventeen minutes and-"

Data metaphorically bit his tongue as Geordi shot him a look.

"Less than two weeks then," Geordi said.

"That would be an accurate statement," Data agreed.

"Still too long," Geordi grumbled before turning back to his work.

Data sensed this would be a prime opportunity to raise an issue that he longed to address for the last week.

Well, at least for the last seven days, fifteen hours, and forty-three minutes.

"Geordi, I am wondering if we could employ a second deception?" Data inquired.

Geordi let his head fall back as he groaned.

"I don't want any more lies or deceptions or plans or schemes!" Geordi snapped.

Geordi dropped his sonic driver into his toolkit harder than intended.

"Look, I'm not blaming you for what's happened. But this has gotten way, way out of control," Geordi fumed.

There had been an incoming transmission from his mother – congratulating him on his relationship with Data and expressing her support.

Geordi was now panicked that feigning a break-up would only lead to his mum hounding Data after the fact.

"Maybe I should just come clean. Oooo! Oooo! Or tell her that I don't actually have a partner and I made it all up!" Geordi said wildly.

"Geordi, I do not believe that you should compound our first lie with a second one," Data advised.

"I thought you just-"

"I was suggesting more of a ruse," Data settled on.

Geordi visibly bristled at the use of the term 'ruse.' Data put his hand up to signal that he would clarify.

"At least, not something to the magnitude of our initial deception," Data added.

"Daaaatttaaa," Geordi said slowly.

Geordi's shoulders slumped as he sat back on his knees.

"I just, I want what you and T have. Someday, you know?" Geordi shared. "And ever since meeting Sonya, well, it's my first real chance at that. I don't want to screw this up."

Data could empathise. Geordi was a romantic at heart. His past attempts to make a relationship work had failed miserably – largely because Geordi had the same neurotic tendency as the rest of his family.

He could be a wee bit too intense.

His efforts to foster the perfect romance had a way of coming off as suffocating.

Geordi frowned and shook his head.

"No, no more lies, Data," Geordi declared.

"Geordi, I was only going to suggest that we tell your sister that we are going to the holodeck so that I might spend the evening with Lieutenant Yar," Data said.

"Oh!" Geordi realised. "Tasha. Right."

"Yes, my fiancé," Data reminded him.

Data and Geordi had spent nearly every night entertaining Ariana. Data enjoyed her company – but he desperately missed his evenings curled up reading cheesy fiction with Tasha and their late-night strolls on the lower levels of the ship.

Tasha had been a good sport, but it just wasn't quite the same when Data had to sneak into her quarters after hours as if they were trying to hide their relationship.

"Actually, I forgot to mention – Ariana said she won't be joining us tonight," Geordi said.

Geordi didn't know what she had planned, and Ariana had been skint on details. In spite of Geordi felt that his sister had quite literally injected herself into his life & circle of friends, he was thrilled at the prospect of an Ariana-free evening.

"So do you want to revisit our Ross Expedition programme or try that new Australian Outback exploration one Reg programmed?" Geordi asked.

He'd grown so accustomed to spending every night together that Geordi had expected to still spend the evening together. It was like a throwback to their earliest days aboard the Enterprise.

Geordi had completely forgotten that Data may want to rather see Tasha – or that he was now free to spend an evening with Sonya.

"Please do not take this the wrong way, Geordi," Data began. "But at the moment, I do not wish to be in your company."

---

At 18:00 hours, Tasha snagged a warm cuppa from the replicator. There was nothing like a hot ginger tea with lemon to soothe her aching muscles after a long run.

For some reason, Worf had inexplicably cancelled their typical workout session. The two had desperately been trying to rebuild their muscle mass after the prototype suit incident – that meant increased time at the fitness centre.

While Tasha could use the safety programme to lift on her own, it just wasn't the same as working out with Worf. They both performed better when they had one another present to push each other and offer words of encouragement.

So Tasha had opted for a lengthy run on the holodeck by herself through one of her favourite programmes.

After arriving home, she'd taken a hot shower and then changed into her favourite cosy loungewear. It was the perfect way to end the evening by winding down with a nice cool down stretch and some post-workout TLC for herself.

Tasha slipped on a cool eye mask and then laid down on the carpet to stretch her hamstring. She'd no sooner found nirvana when the door to her quarters slid open.

"Do not get up," Data instructed.

Tasha opened her eyes and was delighted to find herself face to face with the most beautiful golden eyes.

"Hi," Tasha said.

"Hi," Data repeated, hovering just above her face.

Tasha slipped off her eye mask and tossed it aside. Staring up at Data, she bit her lip. Tasha wasn't sure why she felt bashful. But in a way, it felt like when they'd first gotten together all over again.

"Don't you have dinner with-"

Data closed the distance between them. And for what felt like the first time in ages, the two shared an unhurried kiss.

Tasha reached up to cup his face, holding him there for as long as she could before they broke apart. When they finally did separate, it was barely so – just far enough that Data could nuzzle his nose against Tasha's.

"My evening was cancelled," Data explained.

"Cancelled?" Tasha asked.

"Apparently Ariana had somewhere else to be," Data answered.

She hadn't given Geordi any explanation.

"That's alright," Tasha grinned as she tucked an errant strand of hair behind Data's ear. "Their loss is my gain.

Data sat up, pulling Tasha with him. He was staring at her.

"What?" Tasha asked, eying him carefully.

Data said nothing. But the corner of his lip curved upward into a small smile. The first time they'd made love, Tasha had just emerged fresh from the shower. The sight of her like that, the familiar feel of her wet hair did things for his neural net that no other external stimuli could.

"Have you eaten yet?" Tasha asked. "I could get you something from the replicator? Or if you'd rather sit down and get your hands and the next chapter of-"

Tasha gasped softly as Data's face drew close.

"I would much rather nibble on you," Data whispered.

---

Data was lying on his back. He was wide awake as he stared at the grey ceiling above.

"You're pensive," Tasha remarked.

He'd said very little in the last half hour as they lay together in bed. Tasha was lying across his chest as Data caressed the length of her spine, completely lost in thought.

Tasha didn't mind. In fact, it felt wonderful to simply relax against the gentle rise and fall of Data's bare chest with each artificial breath.

But she remained concerned by his silence.

"Data?" Tasha prompted.

"May I ask you a question?" Data inquired.

"Hmm?" Tasha responded lazily.

Data wasn't sure how to phrase his question. It had caused him great consternation for days. But after his evening with Ariana and Geordi – Data decided to just ask it straight out.

"Tasha, do you have memories of your sister Ishara?" Data asked.

Data felt Tasha's body stiffen at the mention of her sister's name.

"Data, I-"

"I mean fond memories. Moments that made you smile. Holidays? A favourite game?" Data went on. "I find that, in spending so much time with Geordi and his sister, I have identified a critical gap in my understanding of the human experience."

Tasha sat up and frowned.

"Data, where is this coming from?" Tasha demanded.

Data shrugged.

"I will never know what it is like to share such experiences with a sibling. My only family is Lore," Data said. "And our first encounter could hardly be characterised as typical – even for siblings that meet later in life."

It broke Tasha's heart to hear Data talk like that.

"I will never know a childhood. Or what it feels like to wake up on a holiday morning with my sibling," Data said.

For all of Geordi's negative feelings about his sister, there was no denying that the two shared a close bond. And it made Data long for something that he knew was unachievable.

"I fear that this has served as a cruel reminder that in spite of my best efforts to emulate human behaviour, there are some aspects that I shall never grasp," Data sighed.

Tasha laid back down against Data, holding him tighter as he shared his fear over missing out on that part of life. There were times that Tasha wasn't quite sure what to say. So she simply listened for as long as Data needed.

"Data, what is it that you wish you could do with a sibling? If you could do it all over? If you could have that childhood?" Tasha asked.

Data fell quiet as he contemplated this question. Tasha remained silent, giving him space to think uninterrupted.

"I suppose that I would want someone to make memories with. Someone that I could share the experience learning and growing," Data described. "Someone that would be there to support me in all my endeavours."

Data paused.

"Someone to spend the holidays with. I would like to look forward to spending time together," Data stopped and smiled. "To have a favourite game. And moments, experiences that were just ours."

"Geordi," Tasha said.

"Mmm," Data nodded in agreement. "Yes. Though there is tension between him and his sister they still care a great deal for-"

"No, Data. I mean Geordi," Tasha clarified. "You have that with Geordi."

Tasha heard Data's head move on the pillow as he cocked it to the side in order to consider this.

"Geordi is my best friend. Throughout our relationship, we have created many memory engrams that I treasure. Though the fact remains that he is not my sibling," Data said. "I must face the reality that I will never experience what it is like to have a loving, supportive sibling."

Data frowned.

"In fact, I suppose I will never know what it is to even have a sibling. Lore and I were both created by Doctor Soong. But his records indicate that there was always, as you would describe, tension between us," Data said.

There were few surviving records of Soong's life on Omicron Theta. The team had discovered them during their mission there months earlier. In the time since, Data had carefully analysed each and every one – playing them and replaying them in a desperate attempt to try and find some connection to his creator.

To his family.

Data knew that he had been deactivated prior to the arrival of the Crystalline Entity and the destruction of the colony. While he retained information about the colony and its occupants, Data's memories of Soong, Lore, and the mysterious woman known as 'Shinebug' remained unattainable.

Data could sense they were there. At least, he knew there were memory engrams that occupied space in his neural net that were locked. He could not access them, nor could he identify the contents. They were his oldest engrams.

And they sat there like an object frozen under ice – visible, yet unreachable.

All that Data knew of his relationship with Lore came from their brief encounters and Soong's records.

According to Soong, the two androids did not get on. He characterised Lore's behaviour as driven by envy. He resented Data for being what Soong called his 'superior construction.'

More perfect.

The phrase haunted Data. It had been a real shock to find it in amongst Soong's records after Lore's use of the term.

Lore's discovery was a turning point in Data's existence. He had placed such high expectations on that relationship.

Yet during their first encounter, Lore had attempted to destroy the Enterprise – including Data and everyone he loved.

Their second encounter had left Data with mixed feelings. Lore's presence hadn't entirely been nefarious. And there were a number of examples in which Lore had been willing to work with Data.

However, it was impossible to determine if this cooperation had been sincere or merely a means to an end when faced with the omnipotent Q.

"I recognise that Lore is a danger. However, a part of me longs for a relationship," Data confessed. "He is the only other one of my kind."

Lore's very existence – though complicated – made Data feel less alone in the universe.

Before Tasha could speak, Data anticipated her remark.

"I know that is highly unlikely. I just wish that I could have that so that I could truly share in the human experience," Data sighed.

"Data, that doesn't make you any less of a person," Tasha insisted. "Plenty of people do not have siblings. Commander Riker, Beverly, Deanna – they're all only children."

Data realised that Tasha was right.

"Geordi is your brother. You've found that with him," Tasha said. "When you don't have that at home, so to say, it's alright to seek that connection elsewhere."

Tasha sat up so that she could look at Data. She smiled as she brushed his bangs back out of his face.

"Sometimes family is…well," Tasha paused.

She hated to use a term like 'born' or 'blood.'

Really, she was hesitant to use any term that mentioned biology.

"It's alright," Data assured her.

Data knew that she didn't mean anything by it, even if it was a reminder of his artificial nature.

"Sometimes family is born. And sometimes family is found," Tasha declared.

Tasha snuggled down next to Data as he wrapped his arms around her. Data closed his eyes and took a long, artificial breath as he reminded himself of what he had found.

A home.

And someone to share it with.

They laid like that in silence for a while. The only sound was the soft hum of the ship's nacelles and the gentle noise from the life support system.

"Tasha?" Data asked after some time. "Revisiting my earlier question, did you have that with your sister Ishara?"

"No, Data. I don't suppose I ever did," Tasha answered.

They had spent so much time just trying to survive there had been very little time for play. So much of Tasha's adolescence had been focused on their basic needs. Tasha had done everything she could to keep Ishara safe and alive.

It was hard to play pretend or make treasured memories when you didn't know where your next meal was coming from or how you would sleep safely at night.

"I am sorry," Data replied.

He felt terrible for bringing up a sensitive subject.

"It's alright," Tasha assured him. "I've found my people. And it wasn't always bad."

"Tell me about it?" Data requested.

Tasha sighed and she permitted herself to drift back to a memory – one of the only good memories she had from Turkana.

It was bittersweet.

"Goodnight, Data," Tasha said.

---

It was shortly before 05:00 when Data's dream programme was disturbed by an unfamiliar sound. He opened his eyes and sat up in bed, finding Tasha's side of the bed empty.

There was a soft, low whistle sound from the main room.

Pushing back the covers, Data slipped out of bed. He padded silently across the carpet toward the main room of Tasha's quarters.

She was sitting alone, curled up against the window. The side of her head was pressed against the reinforced glass that sat just inside the shield grid protecting the open spot in the hull.

The Enterprise had slowed from cruising speed in order to cool her engines. That meant she was currently gliding along through the sea of stars at impulse speed.

Data noticed that Tasha had something between her lips. It was attached to a long, woven leather string that Tasha was wearing.

Tasha spied him in the doorway.

"Sorry to wake you," Tasha apologised.

Data shook his head. He wasn't upset in the slightest. He made his way over to the window and sat down on the sofa near her.

"Is everything alright?" Data asked.

"Fine," Tasha replied with a smile as the object dropped from her lips.

Data could tell she was trying to avoid talking about her feelings. So he decided to shift focus and find another way in.

Data could see that the object in question was a small whistle. It appeared to be made from bone.

"A whistle," Data said.

"It's not important," Tasha said quickly as she reached up to clutch it, hiding it from view.

Tasha had always hidden it from everyone. She had always denied that this simple whistle necklace was special to her because it was the only way she'd managed to hang onto it for so long.

It was the only thing she'd managed to save from that godforsaken place.

The only good memory she had.

Truth be told, it was a bittersweet memory.

Sure there had been moments of joy. Of love. But it was all underscored by the cruel reality that was life on Turkana.

Data's hand covered Tasha's.

"Alright," Data said. "You do not have to explain."

Tasha slipped down onto the sofa next to Data. She rested her forehead against his and made no move to thumb away the silent tear that slid down her face.

You do not have to explain.

There was never any pressure with Data.

Tasha took hold of Data's hands and pulled them into her lap.

"Data, I promise you that sometimes family is something you find," Tasha said. "It doesn't have to be who you were born to or who you share a creator with."

Tasha paused and sniffled.

"Sometimes they find you," Tasha said. "I know because I had that once."

Tasha closed her eyes and tried to fight back a fresh wave of tears. She squeezed Data's hands.

"And I can tell you that love is just as real as anything people share biologically," Tasha said.

Tasha had never told anyone about this – not her counsellors on the Renegade.

Not Alfie.

Never Deanna.

"His name was Silas," Tasha said.

"Your father?" Data inquired.

Tasha shook her head.

"No, the man that gave me this," Tasha

She hadn't thought about him in years. But all of Data's questions about family had brought it all back to the surface.

"He used to make all sorts of little things for me," Tasha said.

They certainly weren't grand. But to a girl that had nothing, they were some of the greatest things she had ever received.

There was the wooden spoon that was all her own. The stick to play shinty so she could join the older boys that became her adoptive brothers.

There were lots of little gifts like special rocks that Silas found in the field, a tooth from a cayman, and an antique bottle cap that Silas had discovered in the field.

And then there was the little doll he'd sewn with scraps of seed sack and stuffed with corn. She only had one eye – a cracked button. Her smile was lopsided and drawn courtesy of makeshift ink from soot. And the mice had gotten into her after a few months.

But she had been very dear.

Tasha had been so frightened when Silas had found her and Ishara. Even at eight years old, she knew to fear people that offered kindness because it always came at a cost.

Silas had been patient with that world-weary child as he introduced her to a gentleness and stability that she'd never known.

It wasn't an easy life. Silas and his boys (all five of them) had a small farm. They were hard days that started early. Tasha and Ishara had been expected to pull their weight.

But they had found family. And though short-lived, it was the happiest Tasha had ever been on Turkana.

"There we are," Silas said.

She had sat completely silent and unmoving while Silas had finished the unfortunate task of cutting off most of her lovely, long blonde hair.

"It's safer this way," Silas said.

She was still young enough to easily pass for a boy. He'd instructed his sons not to tell any of the neighbouring farms that they now had two girls in the home. For all they knew, Silas had taken in two orphaned boys as extra farm labour.

He set down the scissors and reached for something behind him.

Tasha flinched as Silas turned back and moved to tuck her bangs back behind her ear. He'd left her hair just long enough in the front so that she could tuck it back.

"It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you, child," Silas said.

True to his word, he didn't.

Silas stepped back and smiled down at the young girl sitting atop the ramshackle platform with a reed-stuffed sack that served as a bed for Tasha and her sister.

Tasha tentatively reached up to touch the wildflower that Silas had tucked behind her ear.

She scowled, eyeing Silas with suspicion.

"Why?" Tasha demanded.

"I know you're frightened. You've great responsibilities here. But you're still a wee girl. And you deserve something nice to remind you of that. You deserve to feel pretty," Silas told her. "Even if that's just our little secret."

Aside from her father, Silas had been the first man to ever show her any kindness. Real kindness – and he didn't have to.

"He was a good man, Data," Tasha sobbed.

"What happened to him?" Data asked.

"What happens to all good men on Turkana," Tasha said bitterly. "They broke him. And then they killed him."

She closed her eyes and took a slow, shaky breath.

"Would you like to talk about it? To tell me about him?" Data offered.

"Story for another time," Tasha replied in a faraway voice.

---

Across the ship, Beverly Crusher was just beginning to stir.

She usually rose early so that she had time to get ready before an early morning breakfast with Captain Picard.

Beverly snagged her dressing gown from the hook on the wall and slipped it on. It had been a gift from her grandmother and was made of the finest Caldos colony wool.

After cinching the waist, Beverly stepped out into the main room of their family quarters. She was not surprised to find the lights on.

Wes often worked through the night.

However, she was surprised to hear voices.

"Alea iacta est," Wesley said, slowly sounding out the phrase.

"Very good," Jean-Luc exclaimed.

The Captain chuckled with delight as he politely clapped his hands together.

"Now for the real test," Jean-Luc said. "Who said it?"

"Julius Caesar. Crossing the Rubicon," Wesley answered.

"Very good," Picard replied.

Beverly watched from the doorway as Captain Picard picked up his saucer and leaned back in his chair.

"You see, Wesley. Learning a language is about more than just memorisation. It's about culture and history. Connection," Picard said.

"Professor Lemwick says our Latin preparatory courses are all about training our minds," Wesley commented. "According to the Professor, the Academy still teaches Latin in order for cadets to learn patience, accuracy, and attention to detail."

Jean-Luc couldn't help but laugh.

"It does. But there's so much we can learn about ourselves and our history," Picard offered. "The very root of our scientific, medical, and legal terminology. The basis for our literature."

Beverly was pleased to see that Captain Picard and Wesley had eased into being comfortable around one another. There had been an obvious tension during their first few months on the Enterprise.

Wesley had memorised every available fact about Captain Picard and his service record. But he didn't know the man himself, the parts of him that weren't recorded in Starfleet logs.

He didn't Jean-Luc in the way that Beverly did.

And a part of Beverly wasn't sure if he ever would. Jean-Luc had seemed practically chilly to the boy upon his arrival. He was terrified of getting too close, of crossing a self-imposed boundary.

Wesley's posting as an Acting Ensign had helped to break through the tension. And if their recent sessions like his were any indication, they were on the right path.

Wesley so wanted to impress Captain Picard. And Beverly was grateful that her son had chosen someone like Jean-Luc to idolise.

Though rare, Jean-Luc had offered some private mentorship to Wesley – more as of late now that he was preparing for his Academy entrance exams.

"I know that Art History is required. But I'd much rather take the course on Klingon Opera," Wesley shared.

Klingon Opera. Jean-Luc thought with astonishment.

"Captain?" Wesley prompted.

"Don't mind him, Wes. Captain Picard is just a bit shocked that the Academy would offer a Klingon Opera course," Beverly said, emerging from the shadows.

She glided across the carpet to join them at the table.

"When we were at the Academy, you could only listen to Klingon Opera through alternative means," Beverly shared.

Wes glanced back and forth between the two as he awaited an explanation.

"More like a bootleg copy in the basement of the dorms," Picard laughed. "And you'd best hope that the Residential Advisor didn't catch you."

Wesley still didn't follow.

"You see, back in our day the Federation and the Klingon Empire were still at war," Beverly explained. "And believe me when I say that any whiff of interest in Klingon culture was highly frowned upon."

She paused.

"We've come a long way," Beverly acknowledged.

"Hmmm, indeed we have," Picard agreed.

Wesley could just sense the conversation was either going to turn into a trip down nostalgia lane or a philosophical debate.

"Do you ever think we'll get there again?" Picard asked.

"The Academy?" Beverly replied with a smirk.

"Acceptance. Understanding. Do you think we'll ever share that with say the Romulans or the Cardassians? The Ferengi?" Picard inquired.

"If you're asking if I see myself buying a new dress from a Cardassian or sipping a pint with a Romulan at a pub run by a Ferengi, I'd say the chances look pretty slim," Beverly quipped.

Jean-Luc knew she was using humour to avoid a serious discussion.

"Captain, I don't debate philosophy over the breakfast table. At least not until I've had a proper cuppa," Beverly said.

"But we got there with the Klingons," Jean-Luc shrugged.

"Did we?" Beverly asked in response.

Jean-Luc sat forward and eyed her carefully.

"Wesley, I think it's time for you to get ready," Beverly said without breaking eye contact with the Captain.

It was said in the tone of voice that Wesley recognised as his cue to leave.

"Alright, mum. Thank you, Captain," Wesley said as he excused himself.

Beverly waited patiently. She sat there sipping her tea until the door to Wesley's room was shut. But instead of speaking, Beverly simply reached for the plate of replicated scones in the centre of the table and nibbled at it while Jean-Luc sat on the edge of his seat.

"Beverly," he said, imploring her in a terse voice.

She was doing it on purpose, just to keep him hanging.

"Do you really believe that we as a society are past, well, the past?" Beverly asked. "That this a post-Klingon discriminatory world?"

Jean-Luc frowned.

"Well there is certainly still prejudice that exists. I won't deny that. There have always been people that can't accept, won't accept moving forward," Picard shrugged. "But we're allies now!"

Jean-Luc sat back in his seat and crossed his legs.

"I'm proud that we have a Klingon officer serving in Starfleet. Aboard my ship no less. Mr Worf is a valued member of my crew," Picard went on.

"I agree," Beverly replied.

Jean-Luc braced himself for a 'but.'

"Hmm?" he prompted when it didn't come.

Beverly smirked.

"It's been twenty years since Narendra III," Beverly countered. "And there's one Klingon officer serving in Starfleet. An officer, I might add, who was orphaned, found, and then raised by a Starfleet officer."

Beverly sighed.

"I'm not saying that to demean the historic nature of Worf's accomplishment, merely to point out that I think we've a long way to go," Beverly clarified.

"Of course," Picard agreed. "But I hardly think we can blame the lack of Klingon officers in the ranks of Starfleet on prejudice."

Beverly made a face that signalled she didn't quite agree with that assessment.

"What?" Picard demanded.

"We get together as senior officers. But have you ever really seen anyone else spend extended time with Worf? Anyone aside from Tasha? Have you ever seen him on a casual date at Ten Forward?" Beverly pressed.

Jean-Luc started to grow uncomfortable as Beverly pointed this out.

"He spends most of his free time working. He takes on extra duties because he feels it's necessary to work harder to prove himself to us," Beverly continued. "How many times have you heard the crew make a crack about one of his fasting rituals or joke about Klingon culture. How do you really think that makes him feel?"

"I really hate when you're right," Jean-Luc replied.

Beverly leaned forward over the table.

"When we were treating Worf during the prototype suit incident, I had to speak with three of my staff members about their treatment. They seemed to think that Worf had a higher tolerance for pain and required less care simply because he's Klingon," Beverly shared.

A dark look crossed her face.

"And it's not the first time I've had to have that conversation," Beverly added with obvious disapproval.

She glanced at the cup of tea in her hand and swirled the dark liquid a few times while Picard silently contemplated this information.

"We may have opened our doors to the Klingons. And we might find their culture fascinating. But I fear that we haven't welcomed them into our hearts," Beverly remarked.

---

Tasha knew that it was futile to try and return to bed. So she decided to make an early morning of it. With all her extra time as of late, Tasha had found herself with more time than usual to peruse Federation news sources for the latest information from the Neutral Zone.

Captain Rixx had sent another communique and Tasha was keen to take a look when she reached her office.

Tasha stopped off at the canteen on her way there to grab her usual Raktajino.

It was before 06:00 and the canteen was typically abandoned save for a few stragglers from the Gamma shift on their final break of the night.

After ordering a cinnamon and maple Raktajino with extra whip and toffee chips (there were some advantages to trying to pack on weight) Tasha turned and was stunned to find Ariana sitting alone by the window.

"Good morning," Tasha said.

Ariana practically jumped out of her seat. She smiled nervously as she reached back and scratched the back of her neck in the same manner that Geordi did whenever he was feeling anxious.

"Early start?" Tasha asked.

"Mmm," Ariana nodded quickly.

"Would you like company?" Tasha offered.

Ariana looked as if she'd been up half the night. Given that she'd blown off her evening with Geordi and Data, Tasha was worried that something may be wrong.

"Thank you, but I'm actually just headed back to catch a nap before I head for the lab," Ariana explained.

She held up her mug.

"Peppermint tea. Always helps me sleep," Ariana said.

"May I ask, is everything alright?" Tasha pressed.

Ariana looked shocked by the question.

"Why?" she asked slowly.

"Data said that you cancelled last night," Tasha replied without thinking.

Tasha hissed and kicked herself internally.

"I uh… ran into him. This morning," Tasha said in an attempt to cover.

"I feel so guilty about that," Ariana confessed. "Something just sort of came up."

"Oh I'm sure Mr Data enjoyed an evening at home alone with his loved one," Tasha replied with a cheeky grin.

"Do me a favour? Please don't tell Geordi you ran into me this morning. He'll just worry," Ariana requested.

---

It was certainly odd, but Tasha had no issue obliging. To add to the unusual start, Tasha found it was all go at the Security office.

There was loud rock music blasting through the sound system in the room. Three of the terminals were on with display schematics left up.

There were two empty Raktajino's on top of Worf's desk along with a half-eaten bag of crisps.

Worf was at his desk too – fast asleep and snoring loudly.

He sat up and shook himself when Tasha entered.

"Morning," Tasha said. "Sorry to wake you."

"I was merely resting my eyes. Thinking," Worf lied.

"Late night?" Tasha inquired.

Worf was outraged.

"What I do in my free time is frankly none of your business," he huffed.

"Alright. Keep your ridges on," Tasha said as she slipped into the seat behind her desk. "I didn't mean anything by it."

Tasha slid her Raktajino across the surface of her desk to Worf.

"I think you need this more than I do," Tasha remarked as she offered it to him.

Worf growled as he eyed the beverage.

"Or a nap," Tasha suggested. "We've a few hours before we go on duty. I could swap Jeffords and Olivet around. Have one of them cover your shift."

After the night he'd had, Worf was fairly certain that he did need a rest before his shift.

"I am going to meditate," Worf announced.

"Have a good sleep!" Tasha called after him as he made for the door.

Worf stopped just shy of it, turned around, and marched back to the desk. He swiped the Raktajino right out from Tasha's hand.

Without another word, he left.

Tasha just giggled.

---

"And what did Reg say about the circuits on Deck 18?" Geordi asked.

"He's going to swap out the diodes on A4 and A9 and then run a test," Sonya replied. "If that fails, his next step is to look at the inductor."

"Mmm," Geordi replied with a nod as stuffed a forkful of French toast into his mouth.

He paused to take a long swig of coffee. Sonya had barely touched her dinner. Rather, she'd sat nursing her hot chocolate during their breakfast/dinner date.

With Ariana onboard, this was the first opportunity they'd had to really see one another.

"And how did that new processor work for the canteen replicator on Deck 24?" Geordi inquired.

"Fine. No problems so far," Sonya answered.

She glanced over to the wall and began chewing on her lip. Geordi set his fork down.

"What is it?" Geordi asked.

"Can we not talk about work? Please?" Sonya requested.

Geordi sighed.

"I am so sorry," Geordi said.

He reached across the table and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"You've been amazing during all of this," Geordi said. "I can't thank you enough for being so flexible."

Sonya flashed him a small smile.

"Well you're the one that's got to deal with it," Sonya said.

"We're both dealing with it," Geordi countered.

It was early enough that Geordi knew there was no way Ariana would be up. She had always been keen to enjoy a lie-in and rarely was out of bed before 09:00 hours.

He picked up his plate and moved to the other side of the table, sliding in next to Sonya.

"Tell me about your week. I want to hear everything," Geordi said.

Suddenly, she went all coy. Sonya was always nervous when she was the centre of attention – especially when it was from Geordi.

"Um," Sonya hesitated.

She truly wasn't sure where to start.

"Alright," Geordi said.

He reached for her hand, wrapping his fingers between hers before pulling them up to study their hands together.

"Allow me to tell you what next week is going to be like for you," Geordi offered.

"Are you going to read my palm?" Sonya teased.

Geordi grinned.

"No, but I can guarantee that your week is going to start with banana pancakes and hot chocolate after your shift," Geordi began. "Followed by unwrapping a package that is suspiciously the same dimensions as the latest deck from the Age of Sail: Barbary Coast expansion."

There was a soft gasp from Sonya.

"Just in time for our play session with Reg and Wesley," Geordi said.

Their gaming night had been on hold ever since Ariana's arrival.

"I was thinking on your day off – if you wanted – we could get dinner together on Relva II. There's a little Italian place there and we could take a walk through their botanical gardens," Geordi suggested.

Sonya giggled.

"I think that sounds lovely," Sonya replied.

Geordi pressed a soft kiss to the back of Sonya's hand.

"Just you and me," Geordi said.

He kissed it again.

"No," Geordi paused and grinned.

Then kissed her hand for a third time.

Suddenly, his face fell.

"Ariana!" he squeaked.

Geordi dropped Sonya's hand and dove under the table as he watched his sister pass by in the corridor.

They were separated by a glass panel and fortunately she did not see Geordi.

"She's gone," Sonya advised after a few seconds. "Hopped onto the lift."

Geordi carefully peeked out from beneath the table. He'd never been more thankful for his VISOR as it had allowed him to identify Ariana before she rounded the curve of the corridor and came into view.

"What is she doing up at this hour?" Geordi pondered aloud.

His brow furrowed as he pulled himself back upright into a chair – opting to return to his original position across the table from Sonya.

"That was too close," Geordi said. "Look, I'll come by and see you before you go on duty tonight. Your quarters."

It was far from ideal. As a junior officer, Sonya shared a small room with another junior officer. Their quarters were linked by a lavvy that serviced three other small rooms. She was one of the lucky junior officers that was housed in the dormitory-style units rather than the lower decks.

There was very little space and even less privacy.

But for the time being, it was all they had.

---

After grabbing a fresh Raktajino to replace the one Worf had nicked, Tasha was back in the Security office and keen to take advantage of the privacy it offered.

Tasha kicked her feet up onto the surface of her desk and booted up her table, opening the new incoming message that had arrived overnight from Captain Rixx.

Hoping this letter finds you well. I wanted to pass along that I recently met with a former colleague, Captain Farida Munshi. We've been friends for nearly fifteen years and served together back when I was stationed on Starbase Yorktown.

I do not know how or why, but the woman I met was not Farida Munshi. At least, not the same Farida I have known these last fifteen years.

While she was apprised of recent information, the further back I went – questions about our history, memories from the past – the more she revealed herself to be an imposter.

She could hardly recall basic facts about how we met or our mutual friends.

Unfortunately, I can find no evidence of surgery to alter her appearance or of any kind of disguise mechanism or technology. We were only together for a limited time in a public space. I was able to subtly conduct a limited bioscan during that time.

All evidence indicates she is human.

I have not ruled out the possibility that some other form of deception is at play here. Perhaps a new technology we have never seen or a human that's defected to one of our enemies.

My thoughts drift back to the possibility of Romulan conspiracy.

Captain Munshi was a linguistics expert that worked directly under Admiral Henry of Starfleet Security. She specialised in Romulan, Reman, and Vulcanoid languages.

I loathe using the past tense, but I fear the worst for my friend.

Tasha visibly cringed as she read the message. She paused to take a sip of her hot Raktajino, and she mulled over this information.

It seemed terribly sloppy for the Romulans to replace Captain Munshi with someone that couldn't pass muster. Romulans were usually more vigilant than that.

In fact, they practised an abundance of caution whenever they employed subterfuge. It was part of what made them so difficult to detect.

It was possible that there was some kind of new technology that allowed one to mimic the physical appearance of another. There were several species that had such abilities.

But they were rare, and Tasha could fathom no reason that the likes of a Chameloid or Harvongian would want to infiltrate Starfleet Security.

The Vendorians were another species of shapeshifters. But their homeworld remained under a strict quarantine. Furthermore, the use of Vendorian spies would constitute a violation of the Treaty of Algeron.

Words matter. Tasha thought.

Tasha sat upright in her chair as she considered this theory. The treaty agreement between the Romulan Star Empire and the Federation specifically prohibited the use of Vendorian spies. It did not outlaw other species known to possess shapeshifting capabilities.

Granted, that treaty had been written at the start of the century. There had been more than a few developments since that time.

Tasha picked her tablet up again and braced herself for the rest of the message.

Be mindful of who you trust with information. My ship has recently received orders diverting us to Starbase 114 for another transport mission. We're to pick up a fresh batch of outgoing personnel and transport them back to Earth for reassignment.

All of our missions are being carefully monitored by Starfleet Command. We recently had to deviate off course due to a nasty run-in with a quantum filament in the Opletius system. We were eight hours late in arriving at Grangsia IV – a delay that resulted in a formal inquiry.

I've reached out to Lieutenant Commander Dexter Remmick again hoping he's found answers. I fear that he's gone directly to Admiral Quinn with my concerns. If that's the case, I worry that Starfleet politics will come into play. Quinn's a good man, but he's also a bureaucrat.

Watch your back – R.

Tasha then began her routine of wiping any trace of the message from her inbox. After deleting the message from her system, she then accessed the device's memory and created a backup.

Next, she turned the PADD over. Opening the panel on the back of the device, she pulled out the circuit chip and then replaced it, wiping any record of the incoming message from Rixx.

She replaced the panel and reactivated the device using the backup she had created.

It was an old trick she had learned from her time in Covert Operations and a necessary countermeasure.

Tasha leaned back in her chair and frowned.

At least we're headed to Relva VII next. Tasha thought.

It was about as ordinary a starbase as they came. It was not strategically located from a tactical standpoint. Rather, the installation at Relva VII had been constructed to provide a central point between a number of other strategic locations.

It housed a Starfleet Academy Extension office and testing facility. There were a number of diplomatic attaché offices. There was a research station and a Starfleet Sciences subdivision headquartered there – but hardly anything that would be considered a prime target for Romulan activity.

A normal mission. Tasha thought with a sigh of relief.

She'd had more than her fill of inquiries, investigations, and conspiracies to last a lifetime.

About damn time. Tasha mused.

---

"And?" Deanna prompted.

Data and Tasha turned to one another as they wordlessly tried to decide how to answer.

"Well.. erm, we really haven't gotten that far," Tasha said while facing Data.

"There is no need to rush," Data added.

The corner of his mouth curved upward as he held Tasha's gaze.

"I believe that we would like to simply enjoy being engaged for a while," Data said.

There was so much to figure out yet – and they still hadn't tackled the disagreement over the specifics of just what their commitment to one another would look like.

The Federation would legally recognise a Turkanan bonding ceremony. It was simply a matter of submitting the proper request forms.

In the eyes of the law, they would be married.

But Tasha remained sceptical of the concept of 'marriage.' Even those on Turkana that committed themselves to a bonding ceremony did not call it 'marriage.' The concept of husbands or wives felt so foreign.

People that made a life together did so because they were driven together by circumstance not because of any concept of romance. There could certainly be fondness and love (in a way) shared by some.

But it wasn't like finding your soul mate and settling down to start a life together.

Data and Tasha still weren't sure when they wanted to make the commitment, what sort of shape it would take, or what they would call it.

Tasha liked the term 'partner.'

Data had said he could exist with that.

And while that matter was largely settled, they both retained concerns about just how it would all work. Federation forms would require them to identify one another as 'spouse' – a word that made Tasha bristle.

There was also the matter of just what sort of ceremony would be involved. Data longed to celebrate this momentous occasion with his friends. He wanted Geordi to stand up with him. He wanted to dance with Keiko, puff on cigars with Commander Riker, and share a toast with his friends.

In addition to his companions on the Enterprise, Data also wanted to invite people like his friend Admiral Farooq to the celebration.

Tasha was perfectly content for them to do something small, private, and completely alone.

"At some point you will need to address this," Deanna advised.

"Yeah," Tasha agreed.

"But there is no need to rush," Data repeated. "We have time."

At the end of their counselling session, Deanna saw them both to the door.

Ariana La Forge was just coming out of an adjacent corridor when she saw Data and Lieutenant Yar leaving Counsellor Troi's office.

"I just want to say that I think the two of you are handling this remarkably well," Deanna said.

"Thanks. I know this must be a bit unusual," Tasha remarked.

Unusual? Ariana thought.

Ariana ducked back around the corner, pressing herself against the wall. She didn't mean to eavesdrop – but the opportunity had presented itself. And Ariana had been so concerned with Geordi's behaviour.

It was as if he were hiding something from her.

"There's nothing unusual about it," Deanna assured them. "Family comes in many forms. This is what works for you and that's what's important."

Data dropped his gaze to the floor and then looked up with a coy smile.

"Thank you. I am… learning to be patient," Data replied.

Family? Patience?

Ariana gasped softly as she covered her mouth with her hand.

Surely Geordi wasn't hiding that?

Ariana's mind began to race with wild theories. Their parents could be overbearing. Their other sister Maleah had three children and mum and dad were still poking their noses in.

She considered that perhaps Geordi was afraid of so much unsolicited parenting advice. Or that he was concerned that his family wouldn't understand.

Now it all made sense why they'd had that nice Lieutenant pretend to be Geordi's partner.

Ariana knew she'd have to be careful how she confronted Geordi on the matter – only she couldn't let it go.

---

As she observed her brother and Data at dinner that night, Ariana couldn't find any opportunity to subtly raise the issue.

However, their interactions and conversation only furthered her suspicion that they were hiding something.

"Again, I'm sorry to have cancelled on you the other night. I hope you had a good evening together," Ariana apologised.

"It was fine," Geordi replied casually.

"Yes, it was great," Data chimed in.

"Oh? What did you do then?" Ariana asked.

Geordi and Data answered simultaneously.

"Stayed in for a quiet night," Data said.

"Holodeck. Loads of fun," Geordi lied.

His face fell as he realised his mistake.

"I mean we went to the holodeck and then, uh… then came back for a quiet evening in," Geordi said, hoping to cover his mistake.

He reached for Data's hand and gave it a tight squeeze.

"Isn't that right, dear?" Geordi asked.

"Geordi?" Data asked.

Geordi gripped Data's hand, wordlessly urging him to go along with his excuse.

"I mean, yes," Data said. "Geordi's recollection of events is correct."

Ariana eyed the pair with suspicion.

"Geordi, you know that you can tell me anything," Ariana insisted.

Geordi shrugged, feigning innocence.

Ariana set down her fork and made a face, silently conveying her sympathy.

"Geordi," Ariana pressed.

"What?" Geordi replied in a defensive tone. "Do you need a play-by-play of our evening?"

"No," Ariana said. "I just.. I want you to know that I love you. And I'll always be here for you. Whatever may come."

Data watched with fascination as Geordi set down his own fork and grumbled something indecipherable.

"What is this about?" Geordi demanded.

Ariana picked up her glass of her wine and took a long, slow sip.

"Would you two prefer to speak alone? I could leave," Data offered.

"No," Geordi and Ariana answered in unison.

"I get the impression that the two of you are hiding something. And I want you to know – I understand," Ariana announced.

"We're not hiding anything!" Geordi snapped.

Ariana remained calm. She had expected this response.

"Geordi, I'm not here to judge. And I'm certainly not here just to report back to mum," Ariana assured him. "I won't say anything to mum or dad if you'd rather keep things quiet."

Geordi immediately relaxed.

For the first time since Ariana's arrival, Geordi felt like he could breathe.

"You really won't say anything to mum and dad?" Geordi asked.

"Of course not," Ariana promised. "Geordi, that's up to you to tell them when you're ready."

Geordi nodded slowly.

"Thank you," Geordi replied.

Geordi chuckled as he ran his hand back through his hair.

"You don't know what a relief it is to hear you say that," Geordi confessed.

Ariana put her hand up.

"You don't have to explain it to me. Do you remember that Vulcan physician I was seeing? Sitol? He never came back after our first dinner with mum," Ariana shared.

"I'm sorry," Geordi said.

Ariana shrugged.

"I should have waited to introduce them," Ariana said.

"Are you seeing anybody new?" Geordi asked, hoping to shift the topic of discussion.

Ariana froze.

"No," she replied quickly.

She laughed nervously.

"Why would you think that? Of course not! I'm so busy with my research and travelling about that there's just no time for, well, erm… no," she stammered.

---

To Data's delight, Ariana had dipped out early the following evening. After meeting up for a walk through the Arboretum, she'd bid both Geordi and Data goodnight after just twenty minutes.

Perhaps most intriguing (at least to Data) was that Ariana had spent that short walk constantly checking the timepiece on her wrist.

Geordi had been relieved – he could care less where she was ducking off to. He'd had a migraine all day and was none too keen for another late night entertaining his sister.

Data had no complaints. An early evening with Ariana meant more time for him to spend at home with Tasha.

In fact, during her final week aboard the Enterprise, Ariana spent considerably less time with Geordi and Data than she had at the start of the journey.

With less than seventy-two hours left, Geordi was counting down the hours until Ariana was deposited on Relva VII where she would board the USS Toronto to return to her home on Starbase Borlaug.

Data was stunned to find none other than Wesley Crusher sitting at the table when he reached Tasha's quarters.

"Wesley," Data said, surprised.

Wesley was startled by his arrival. He looked up from his study notes and blanched.

"Sorry, sir," Wesley stammered. "Lieutenant Yar was helping me study for the Federation Diplomacy portion of the exam."

"It is quite alright," Data replied. "Where is Lieutenant Yar?"

"Called away to the Security office," Wesley answered.

Data lifted his eyebrows. It wasn't Tasha's night to be on duty. In fact, it was Worf's night to be on duty if anything came up.

Unusual. Data thought.

Tasha had told Wesley she wasn't expected to be gone long. There was a paperwork issue with some of the material they were planning to deposit on Relva VII. Tasha had told Wesley that it was perfectly fine to stay and study as he already had himself settled in.

"I can go," Wesley offered.

He knew they'd had little time together.

"No, it's quite alright," Data replied. "How is it going?"

Wesley flopped back against the back of the chair and tossed his stylus down gently onto the surface.

"I feel like I've got a good grasp on the Sarek Doctrine, but I'll be honest – I really don't get the Bolian-Moropa conflict," Wesley confessed. "I don't understand why they've been fighting so long."

"I am not sure they are either," Data replied.

It was a small attempt at a joke to make Wesley feel better.

"The conflict has gone on for so long that the reasons for its origins remain unclear," Data said as he slipped into the seat across from Wesley.

Wesley said nothing and dropped his head to continue reading from his tablet.

"Wesley?" Data prompted.

"Was it lonely?" Wesley asked.

"Lonely?" Data inquired.

"Lonely when you joined Starfleet," Wesley clarified. "I know you were born on Omicron Theta but, well, I mean all the friends you made after that."

Data hesitated to answer.

"Perhaps I am not the best person to ask that question," Data advised.

Wesley's shoulders slumped as he nodded. It was evident he was let down.

"I apologise," Data said.

"No, no. It's not you," Wesley assured. "It's just that, well, Lieutenant Yar said the same thing when I asked her."

Wes sighed.

"And Worf. Commander Riker," Wesley said as he began to list them all off.

He'd not had much luck when it came to that question.

"Captain Picard said joining the Academy was one of the best things that ever happened to him," Wesley said.

Data could tell from the tone of his voice that there was something holding Wesley back.

"Wesley? Are you feeling conflicted?" Data asked.

Wes shrugged.

"I want to go. I really do. It's all I've dreamed about since as far back as I can remember," Wesley said. "A part of me just doesn't feel right about leaving. Now that I'm faced with it, it's all so soon."

He'd been wrestling with mixed feelings about the matter ever since the final exam results were announced.

"A part of me wishes I'd never won that award," Wesley admitted.

Wesley longed to spread his wings and start his career at the Academy. But he felt terrible about leaving his mum alone. It was already hard enough to find friends. It had always been a struggle to fit in.

And now Wesley would be leaving the only real home he'd ever known.

"You do not have to go," Data said. "If you do not wish to leave, then stay."

"I'm worried I'll be letting down everyone. Mum. Captain Picard. You. Commander Riker. Geordi," Wesley said with a sigh.

"Wesley, we would all be immensely proud to watch you go to the Academy. But I do not believe anyone will think less of you should you decide to stay," Data assured him.

The door to Tasha's quarters slid open and Tasha stepped inside.

"Hey! Sorry about that," Tasha said.

Data turned back to Wesley and a silent understanding passed between them.

"Thanks, Data. But I think under the current circumstances, you'll like me better if I choose not to stay," Wesley teased.

Wesley collected his study materials and beat a hasty retreat.

"Early night again?" Tasha asked as she slipped off her boots.

"Yes, Ariana cut the evening short. Said she wanted to get an early start tomorrow," Data replied.

Tasha snagged two hot whiskies from the replicator and joined Data at the table.

"Well, her loss is my gain," Tasha said with a smile as she slid one of the mugs across to Data.

"Was there a problem at the Security Office?" Data inquired.

"Just a paperwork issue. A missing L14 Transfer Approval form on some samples the chemistry lab wants to leave at Relva VII," Tasha explained.

"Is not tonight Worf's evening?" Data asked.

Tasha nodded.

"Asked if I'd switch. Figured you weren't going to be home anyways. And now that we have – it means I'll have extra time when we reach Relva VII," Tasha said with a smirk. "I figured you'd appreciate a little more time together after Ariana's left."

"A wise plan," Data said as he raised his mug.

---

The next afternoon, Tasha was in the Security Office. Keen that she wouldn't have any duty assignments during their stop at Relva VII, she was frontloading her work in order to maximise her time with Data once they arrived.

She was halfway through her paperwork when the door to the office slid open.

It was Worf returning from lunch – and Ariana was with him.

"You know the first time I saw Shevok'tah gish it was performed by the Vulcan Theatre Academy," Ariana said. "But I was stationed on Boreth for a while. I snuck away to Qo'noS for a weekend and caught a performance."

Ariana paused to let out a wistful sigh.

"Nothing compares. Not even the '78 cast recording," she remarked.

Before Tasha could make a comment, Data arrived with takeaway from the canteen.

"Oh, have I interrupted?" he asked as he stepped inside.

Ariana and Worf were in deep conversation by his desk.

Tasha wordlessly assured Data it was fine as she waved him inside.

"I noticed that you failed to join the rest of us for lunch and had a feeling you worked straight through it," Data said.

"Thank you," Tasha said.

Data set the sack down on the surface of the desk. He'd also brought a large Raktajino.

"There is a double order of nosh bean sarnies with extra pickles. It also contains additional pickles on the side," Data explained. "I took the liberty of grabbing your hot sauce."

Tasha was beaming as he pulled out a bottle of her Tears of the Prophets sauce – a favourite in the Security Office.

"Are you sure this will be sufficient? Is there anything else I can get for you?" Data asked.

Tasha stood up. She chuckled and shook her head as she eyed the contents of the bag.

"No, this is wonderful. Thank you, Mr Data," Tasha said, using a formal response so as not to draw suspicion.

The unusual conversation had caught Ariana's attention.

"I don't know if I told you but I'm up another four and half pounds," Tasha said with pride.

She'd been trying so hard to get back to her previous weight ever since the incident with the protype suits. Between the loss of fluids, muscle mass, and body weight, she'd lost nearly three stone.

Tasha had managed to put on about a third of that back – but it was going to be a long process.

Data had noticed the difference and was quite pleased.

"Wonderful," Data said.

Ariana had to hide her shock as Data's hand lingered over Tasha's abdomen.

"Coming along nicely," Data remarked. "Won't be long now."

---

"Are you sure about this?" Deanna asked as she watched Will Riker bustle about the room.

He lifted the lid on a glass baking dish and sniffed the contents appreciatively.

"Ah," Riker said as he inhaled.

The whole of his quarters was filled with the aroma of Riker's home cooking. He'd converted a portion of his main quarters into a quasi-kitchen through the use of a tabletop camp range, roasters, and a hot plate.

Deanna thought it was all very risky – but she knew that Will Riker had always been a man that lived life on his own terms.

Where there's Will…

Riker had always been keen to cite his own interpretation of that phrase.

In truth, his current setup wasn't all that different than the home he'd grown up in. His father had been gone so often and life had been hard on the Alaskan frontier.

It was nothing like the sophistication of modern cities like London, San Francisco, Auckland, and New Berlin.

"Will, are you sure that Ariana is going to be okay with all of this?" Deanna asked.

Will Riker waved her off as he dug through the drawer for a hot pad.

"She's going to love it!" Will insisted. "Data's going to ensure she's out of her quarters. We'll sneak in, plant the surprise, and then hide."

Deanna knew there was no sense in arguing with Riker once he had mind set on something.

Beverly, Wesley, Miles, Keiko, and Tasha had all dropped by to help haul equipment, games, and food over to Ariana's quarters.

Data and Geordi were going to swoop by and pick Ariana up. For all she knew, they were headed to Geordi's for dinner. He'd make an excuse to bring them back by feigning a dropped combadge.

"Come on, we don't want to be late!" Riker said.

---

"But we planned to have dinner?" Geordi protested.

"And I'm sorry, Geordi. I should have reached out sooner. I'm just tired. I want to rest up before we arrive," Ariana said.

"Might I suggest we forgo dinner and grab dessert instead?" Data suggested.

They had to find a reason to leave with Ariana. Commander Riker was planning on at least an hour of setup time.

"Excuse me, I forgot to message the Bridge regarding the Operations report," Data said as he excused himself from the room.

He quickly radioed Commander Riker to advise there was a snag.

"Think of something. Even if you can buy us fifteen minutes," Riker replied.

When Data returned to the room, he found Geordi and Ariana engaged in a terse conversation.

"Do I have to have a reason?" Ariana fumed.

"No! It's just strange. Are you mad at me?" Geordi asked.

Ariana crossed her arms. She threw her head back and scoffed.

"Of course not! I'm just tired. Look, tomorrow is my final night on the ship. We'll do something then. I promise," Ariana said.

"Let's just grab a tea. You always sleep better after a cup of peppermint tea," Geordi said.

Ariana wasn't sure what to say. She really didn't have an argument that would hold water. Geordi could tell she was frustrated. Their conversation may have started as sibling banter, but now it was evident that Ariana was bothered – and Geordi was concerned.

If she wanted to be alone, then Geordi was happy to respect that. He would simply radio Riker that it was all off.

"Tell you what, I'll grab you some tea from Ten Forward and stop back with it. You curl up in a bed and I'll bring it to you," Geordi said.

Ariana panicked.

"No!" she said quickly.

She couldn't have Geordi returning to her quarters. That would ruin the whole night.

"Come on," she said.

Ariana threw on her shoes and snatched Geordi's arm.

"Let's go grab that dessert," Ariana suggested.

Geordi was thoroughly perplexed by this change in Ariana's behaviour – but he let it slide. Data and Geordi simply shrugged and trekked off to Ten Forward with Ariana in tow.

---

Will Riker glanced around the corner of an adjacent corridor as he watched Geordi, Data, and Ariana finally leave.

"C'mon," he whispered to the caravan of food dishes.

The team snuck in and set to work.

"We don't have much time," Riker advised.

Miles and Keiko set to work as they laid out a tablecloth and put a few fresh bouquets of flowers in Ariana's honour.

Tasha and Wesley hung a banner in front of the window while Beverly, Will, and Deanna got all of the food stasis fields set. Deanna used the replicator in the room to fill a bucket with ice. She set it down on the table and the team added the various bottles they'd brought along for the occasion.

Then it was a mad dash to find a hiding spot.

It was just in time – they'd barely gotten the lights off before the door slid open.

"Surprise!" everyone shouted.

On cue, the lights turned on to reveal Worf standing in the doorway.

He frowned as he surveyed the room.

"Worf! I'm so glad you could make it!" Riker said brightly.

Worf had previously advised that he had unavoidable plans for the evening and would not be able to attend what had been described as a surprise party at Commander Riker's residence.

"What are you all doing here?" Worf asked.

Worf cleared his throat.

"I mean, yes. My plans have changed," Worf said.

"Well hurry up! Get a hiding spot. They'll be back any minute," Riker said.

Worf decided to take up a spot crouched down next to Tasha behind the chair. He knelt down on the carpet and sighed.

"Computer, kill the lights," Riker ordered.

Even in the dark, Worf could feel Tasha's eyes on him. He glanced to the side and grumbled.

"What?" he demanded.

Tasha grinned.

"You didn't know we were going to be here," Tasha said.

Worf didn't respond.

Tasha clamped her hand over her mouth to suppress a giggle.

"You say one word," Worf warned.

Tasha pulled her fingers across her lips to wordlessly signal that they were sealed.

"I'm just glad this is where you've been running off to all week," Tasha whispered. "I was worried you'd jumped in with Lieutenant Kimball again."

There was a thump followed by a distinctive 'ow' from behind the chair as Worf playfully shoved Tasha. As she was balancing on the balls of her feet, she'd stumbled into the end table.

"Oi! Keep it down or you'll give away the game," Miles cautioned.

"They could be back any minute," Riker added.

"I hope so. My knees are killing me," Deanna grumbled.

---

"Geordi, this really isn't necessary," Ariana said.

"I insist," Geordi countered.

Ariana fought the urge to cringe. She'd been trying to shake Geordi and Data ever since they'd left the canteen.

For some unfathomable reason, the two had insisted on seeing Ariana back to her guest quarters. In hindsight, telling her brother she was tired hadn't been the best plan.

She could have feigned work or an appointment with a member of the Science team in order to shake them.

Pity I didn't think of that sooner. Ariana grumbled to herself.

"Ok. We're at the door. Goodnight you two," Ariana said, hoping they would get the hint and leave.

But social cues directed at Data and Geordi were like throwing waves at a cliff – they simply hit and ran off without making the slightest impact.

"We'll just make sure you're settled in," Geordi insisted.

To Ariana's frustration, Geordi pushed past her and into the room.

Data gestured for the door.

"After you," he said.

Everyone was crouched and at the ready as they hid in dark corners and behind the furniture in the room. They were about to leap out and shout 'surprise' when Ariana reached her boiling point.

"Geordi Edward Guster La Forge!" she said in a commanding tone.

Geordi froze. It was so rare for Ariana to use Geordi's name (let alone his full name) when addressing her brother.

"Right now, you need to leave," Ariana announced.

Even in the dark, Geordi could see that her hands were trembling with anger.

"Now I've been politely trying to get you to understand I have plans tonight," Ariana huffed. "For your information, I have a date."

Geordi's eyebrows hit the hull.

"And since my time is coming to an end here on the Enterprise, I'd like to spend some time with that person before I have to go," Ariana said.

She hadn't meant to raise her voice – but she'd been awfully patient.

"I'm sorry to snap. I just… please don't tell mum and dad," Ariana requested. "You know how they are."

Behind the table, Will Riker cringed. He shared an uncomfortable glance with Deanna. She didn't have to say – she'd warned him that surprises weren't necessarily the best idea.

Worf felt horrible. He could have avoided trapping everyone there had he just been honest with them about his presence in Ariana's quarters. Now that the real reason behind his arrival and unusual behaviour was out in the open, Worf felt twice as bad for not clueing them in.

"Why didn't you just say something?" Geordi demanded.

Ariana crossed her arms and grumbled.

"Because what I do in my personal time isn't necessarily your business," Ariana countered. "In any case, you're one to talk. All the bloody secrets you're keeping."

Confused and irritated, Geordi fell back on his usual operating procedure whenever he and Ariana got testy with one another.

He made for the door – the party completely forgotten.

"Well have a great night," Geordi barked. "C'mon, Data. Let's get out of here."

Geordi stepped into the corridor as he muttered. His tone was loud and obviously intended to get under Ariana's skin without direct confrontation. He stopped just in the doorway, crossed his arms, and tapped his foot as he waited.

Data was sure whether to stay or go.

Everyone hiding in the room was equally uncertain. There was no easy way to announce their presence. With each passing moment, the situation grew increasingly unpleasant.

Resigned there was only one way out of this, Worf stood up and cleared his throat.

"I am so sorry," Ariana said without turning around. "Data, I trust that you won't say anything about Worf's presence here. He wanted to keep it hush hush from the rest of the crew."

Data did not respond.

Ariana frowned. She turned around and was horrified to see the rest of the senior officers, young Mr Crusher, and Keiko Ishikawa as they emerged from their hiding spots.

"Ariana, I take full responsibility for this," Riker said.

As it had been his idea to initiate the surprise, Will felt it necessary to own up to his mistake.

"I never should have-" Riker began to say.

"Made you wait down on the floor like that?" Ariana fumed as she rushed over to the other side of the room.

She made a beeline for the chair where Worf and Tasha had been hiding. But to everyone's surprise, instead of offering Worf her arm, Ariana pulled Tasha around and practically shoved her into the seat.

"I am so sorry about all of this," Ariana said.

Tasha was completely at a loss as Ariana shoved her peppermint tea into Tasha's hands, insisting she hadn't taken a drink yet and that it was caffeine free.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Ariana demanded.

She whipped around, her eyes narrowing as she stared at Riker awaiting an explanation.

"We just wanted to throw you a little surprise going away party. We never intended to disrupt your evening," Riker explained. "I apologise, Ariana. I really can't tell you how awful I feel."

Ariana seemed unmoved by this apology.

"I can't believe you!" she huffed.

Geordi scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Oh let it go!" Geordi said.

"And you," Ariana said, rounding on her brother.

Geordi braced himself for the worst as Ariana marched over so that she was standing face to face with Geordi. They may have been nearly the same height, but Geordi looked almost petite compared to an enraged Ariana.

"Making them hide like that for who knows how long," Ariana said, poking his chest with each word. "And a pregnant woman no less!"

She backed Geordi into the corridor proper until his back made contact with the wall.

"Did she say pregnant?" Wesley whispered.

Miles cursed under his breath. The panic was evident in his voice.

"Don't look at me," Keiko said as she put her hands up.

"Oh thank heaven for that," Miles remarked as he breathed a sigh of relief.

Miles was sweating, white as a sheet as he flashed Keiko a queasy smile.

Keiko put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows.

"I mean… oh no," Miles said awkwardly.

Keiko fought the urge to roll her eyes.

"Honey, I'm confused. I don't understand if I'm supposed to be angry or happy right now," Miles confessed.

"We'll talk about this later," Keiko said in a warning tone.

Before anyone could decipher just what was happening, Ariana rounded on Geordi.

"I would have thought you would be more considerate to the person that's carrying your child!" Ariana said as his voice broke.

She stopped and shook her head.

"And that man, that poor man," Ariana began as she pointed to Data. "He brings her meals. He cares for her. And what do you do? I haven't seen you lift one bloody finger for her since I came onboard."

Tasha flopped back against the chair and blinked as she tried to process how the situation had gone so far off the rails.

"Oh dear," Tasha said, completely lost in thought.

Data decided it was time to clear a few things up. He stepped into the corridor and glanced back and forth between both siblings.

"If I may-" Data began.

"No!" Geordi snapped.

"You don't get to talk to him like that," Ariana insisted.

"Goodnight. Have a great evening," Geordi said.

Without another word, he stormed off the nearest lift. The entire evening had been a disaster and he just wanted to be away from everyone – especially Ariana.

Geordi was so angry that he rounded the curve of an adjacent corridor and blew past Captain Picard without so much as a hello or friendly nod.

A moment later, Data came round the corner calling after him. Data had gathered from Geordi's reaction that he was not yet keen to come clean about their deception.

In an effort to keep it up, Data was playing the role of supportive partner.

"Geordi. Sweetheart? Please do not storm away in anger," Data called after him as he chased Geordi to the lift.

Before he could step forward, Jean-Luc was practically run over by Ariana La Forge.

"Geordi, wait! I know you didn't want to tell me about the baby, but I think it's really sweet what you're doing with Lieutenant Yar!" Ariana shouted. "Come back so we can talk about this."

Tasha was a half a step behind Ariana.

"Oi! Could we please stop talking about this?" Tasha hollered.

Worf was next and he looked like he had a bone to pick with someone.

"It was never our intention to cause you anger. I'd like to share that my role in this," Worf started to explain as he followed the group to where Geordi was waiting near the lift.

Jean-Luc decided to let it go. He made to turn the corner, but Keiko Ishikawa beat him round it. She was in a rush to get to the lift with a confused and concerned Miles O'Brien huffing along behind after her.

"I said I was sorry!" Miles insisted.

"You also said you want children," Keiko countered. "Now you're acting like the entire idea is repulsive."

"Someday!" Miles clarified. "Years from now. When we've had proper time-"

"I saw your face! You were absolutely terrified!" Keiko fumed.

Jean-Luc was flabbergasted. His senior officers were a fine bunch – but at the moment they looked like a circus.

"Hem hem," Jean-Luc said as he cleared his throat.

Everyone froze – including Commander Riker who came to such an abrupt stop that Deanna and Beverly ran into him.

"Captain-"

"Sir, we were' just-"

"I'd like to make abundantly clear that I am NOT-"

Jean-Luc put up his hand to silence the chorus of excuses from his team.

"I don't know. I don't want to know," Jean-Luc said.

What his crew did in their own personal time was none of his business. There was a certain distance that a Captain had to maintain in order for the team to function.

The less he knew, the better.

"Take it out of the corridor. Please," Jean-Luc instructed.

"I'd like to state here and now that I am NOT pregnant," Tasha declared in a heated tone.

It felt good to say that, to finally make that clear.

"Not that it's anybody's business anyways, but I am not pregnant. Again. Well, I wasn't pregnant the first time either, but I'll NOT have another rumour about me being preggers running wild about the ship," Tasha said.

She was rambling now. The entire situation had her steamed.

"And I didn't think I'd have to say that twice in six months but here we are," Tasha went on. "And I'm sorry Geordi, but I can't do this anymore!"

Tasha stopped. Her chest was heaving. It was so out of character for her to go to pieces like that – but she couldn't go through again.

Jean-Luc was at a loss for words.

"Well then," Picard said.

"You're not.." Ariana trailed off.

She pointed back and forth between Tasha and Geordi before shrugging.

"And the meals?" Ariana asked, looking to Data.

Data did not react. He didn't want to break his promise to help Geordi – but he was out of excuses. His nonresponse was as good as admitting the jig was up.

Ariana glanced over to Tasha.

"The extra pickles?" Ariana squeaked.

Tasha could see how Ariana had gotten the wrong end of the stick. All the signs had been there.

"I just really like pickles," Tasha confessed before adding some additional clarification. "There was an incident before you came aboard. I've been trying to get back up to a healthy weight. Data just wants to make sure I'm eating enough."

All eyes fell on Geordi.

"Geordi?" Ariana asked softly. "Did you…make all of this up just to impress me?"

Geordi closed his eyes and dropped his head in defeat.

Given his limited options, Geordi felt that lying to Ariana about making the whole relationship up was perhaps a better choice than having her find out about Sonya.

At least that way their relationship could remain a secret and Sonya would be safe from his parents.

"Yeah," Geordi lied.

It was heart-breaking to pretend to admit such a thing.

Geordi felt as if he were twelve years old again.

Humiliated.

And once more - right in front of his friends.

"Yeah, I guess I just wanted you to think I was… you know, doing well here," Geordi added in hopes of selling her on the idea.

Ariana shook her head. Her expression was full of sorrow.

"And you were all in on this?" Ariana asked.

"For what it is worth, we are sorry to have deceived you," Data answered on behalf of the group.

Jean-Luc saw a prime opportunity to excuse himself from the chaos.

"Well, as I have no part in.. whatever this is, I am going to resume my walk. Goodnight," Picard announced. "I trust you can settle your disagreements without raised voices?"

"Goodnight, sir," Riker nodded, indicating that he would ensure things didn't get out of hand.

As soon as the Captain was gone, everyone felt comfortable enough to open up.

"I'm sorry," Riker apologised.

Ariana was a lovely person. Even though their lie didn't hurt Ariana, the crew still felt terrible for lying to her.

"Yeah, what we did was really rotten," Miles chimed in.

Ariana rushed forward and pulled Geordi into a tight embrace.

"Oh I think it's wonderful! You have such dear friends," Ariana said.

In spite of her fabulous career and sparkling personality, Ariana had struggled to connect with her fellow crew members like that. Because she had to travel so frequently, it was difficult to make connections.

Ariana had friends – but they were spread out throughout the galaxy and that presented a great difficulty in having the type of close, interpersonal relationships that Geordi shared with his colleagues.

In fact, it was why she had been so keen to spend more time with Worf after they'd hit it off.

Geordi tapped Ariana's shoulder to indicate that the hug was too tight. She immediately released him before pulling him into a second, less powerful embrace.

"You never have to lie to me, Geordi," Ariana said.

"Great," Geordi replied in a monotonous voice.

He just wanted the whole evening to be over as quickly as possible so he could retreat back to his quarters with the shame of what had occurred.

Ariana may have offered her assurances, but Geordi knew it would only be a matter of time before his mother heard about the matter. And Geordi knew Ariana would never, ever forget it.

"Come on, everyone," Ariana said.

Ariana looped her arm through Geordi's as they started back toward her quarters.

"It's alright, baby bear," Ariana said fondly. "I know how hard dating can be. Keep your chin up. I'm sure in time you'll meet someone. You just need a little help."

Geordi fought the urge to groan.

"In fact, I know this lovely ecologist that's stationed on the Mi'kmaq. You know she grows her own coffee!" Ariana went on.

"No thanks," Geordi grumbled.

Ariana dismissed this with a wave of her hand.

"You'll love her!" Ariana insisted.

"No thank you," Geordi repeated.

Ariana gasped softly.

"Oh, oh Geordi! I'm sorry. I didn't even think – tell you what, she's got a friend that's in the seismology department. He's a bit tall but he's single," Ariana offered.

Geordi cracked his neck to relieve some tension.

"Well you don't have to get huffy," Ariana commented.

"I'm not getting huffy!" Geordi barked.

Ariana's expression softened.

"I just want to help," Ariana said in a soft voice.

Geordi took a sharp breath and exhaled slowly as he counted to four.

"I don't need your help," Geordi replied.

He was doing his best to keep his voice even and his temper in check.

Ariana clucked her tongue.

"Baby bear-" she began.

And that was it – the exact phrase that was enough to make Geordi snap.

"I don't need or want your help!" Geordi roared. "For your information, I happen to have a pretty fantastic girlfriend!"

It felt glorious to finally say that aloud. In fact, the thrill of his confession emboldened Geordi.

"She's a brilliant engineer and you know what? I'm crazy about her!" Geordi went on. "In fact, she's pretty smitten with me too. That's right, baby bear's got himself a real girlfriend."

For three weeks they'd lied to Ariana. Geordi was grateful to finally lay it all out. In fact, after a lifetime of following in her footsteps, Geordi was excited at the prospect of being the one with something to show off about.

Geordi was gesturing wildly as threw his head back, beaming.

"I don't care about the differences in our ages or our ranks. Because she's so absolutely perfect," Geordi continued. "And she doesn't mind a bit. She likes me. She really likes me."

Hell, she trusted him enough to orchestrate this wild scheme.

"And I'm not letting you or mum or anybody get in the way of that," Geordi declared.

Silence fell upon the corridor. Ariana was both stunned and confused. Geordi was elated. And no one else was quite sure what to say or do.

Data was the first to find his voice.

"This is not a deception," Data said, hoping to lend an air of authority to Geordi's claim.

"Well," Ariana said with a small shrug.

It hurt to know Geordi did not wish to share that part of his life with her.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm off to see my girlfriend and do something that is long overdue," Geordi said.

Without another word, he left.

"We should probably get going," Miles said as grabbed Keiko's hand.

"Yeah, night!" Keiko added brightly.

Beverly was keen to stay and watch how it all unfolded. She could be morbidly curious about such things. Knowing his mother like he did, Wesley knew he would need to drag her away.

"Come on, mum," Wesley said.

Tasha patted Worf on the bicep to show her support. She felt for him and knew it wouldn't be easy for Worf and Ariana to resume their planned date following that encounter.

Data reached for Tasha's hand and made to pull her toward the lift.

"You two?" Ariana asked with a small smile.

Data glanced down at where his hand was joined with Tasha's.

"Yes," he replied. "Again, I apologise for-"

Ariana stopped him.

"No, I just meant, well," she paused. "You're a very special person, Data. I'm glad Geordi has you in his life – even if it's just in the capacity as a best friend."

"That part was not a lie," Tasha said with a smile as she locked eyes with Data.

"And I'm sorry I thought you were pregnant," Ariana apologised.

"Wouldn't be the first time," Tasha replied with a shrug.

"Or the last!" Riker teased.

He was lucky Tasha was not back up to her full strength.

"Come on," Deanna said, pulling Riker away.

"What about the party?" Riker protested. "I made crab puffs. Three varieties! And there's fresh pineapple on those skewers that-"

Ariana was left standing alone in the corridor as the uncomfortable sense of loneliness crept in. A firm hand on her shoulder pulled Ariana out of her silent contemplation.

She glanced up to see a pair of soft brown eyes.

"You don't have to stay, I'm sure this is all terribly awkward," Ariana said, thumbing away a stray tear.

"Shall we?" Worf inquired, offering her his arm.

---

Down in Main Engineering, Sonya was humming to herself as she worked through the checklist on her tablet.

The lift doors slid open and Geordi stepped off.

He immediately spied her standing in the corner near the main sensor control panel. Her biological signature was such a familiar presence that Geordi was certain he could spot it through the densest atmospheric interference.

Geordi marched over to where Sonya was working. She could sense someone was hovering – a behaviour that always set her on edge.

Sonya practically jumped when she turned and saw it was Geordi.

He was staring at her with such an intensity it made Sonya think she'd made a horrible mistake on the job.

"Geordi?" she chirped.

"I don't want to scare you," Geordi said.

Sonya swallowed hard.

"You are scaring me," Sonya replied honestly.

To Sonya's surprise, Geordi's face broke out in a smile.

"I'm sorry," he said strangely. "I just… every time I think about you I smile."

Sonya frowned.

"Have you been drinking?" she asked in a hushed voice.

As Gamma shift was underway, there weren't many people about in Engineering. But Sonya still wanted to be discreet. She'd never seen Geordi act so oddly save for their encounter with the inorganic lifeform that had occupied his body.

"No," Geordi replied as he moved in close.

Sonya instinctively backed toward the wall as Geordi drew closer. His lips were just inches away from her own and Sonya could practically taste the mix of sweet hazelnut, mocha, and coffee on his breath.

"Geor- mmmmp."

She never got the chance to finish her question.

Sonya keened as Geordi captured her lips with his own. For a full seven seconds, neither of them moved.

The tablet dropped from her hands and fell to the floor with an audible 'thud' before Geordi's hand came up to cup Sonya's face. He caressed her cheek with his thumb and grinned against her mouth.

When they finally broke apart, Sonya was left breathless.

Geordi rested his forehead against her own.

Up to that point, such passion had been on the backburner. There had been some hand holding and chaste kissing. An occasional snog.

But it was nothing compared to the fury behind Geordi's kiss.

"I don't want to scare you," Geordi began in a soft voice. "But I think I may be falling in love."

"Oh," Sonya replied, unsure of what to say.

Geordi smirked as he held her gaze.

"I think I'm in love with the way you blush," Geordi said.

He pressed a soft kiss to her beet red cheek.

"And the way you move," Geordi went on.

Sonya was utterly dumbfounded as Geordi traced the line of her jaw with his lips.

"And the way you think," Geordi said before he moved lower.

Geordi growled in a low voice.

"Don't even get me started on your brain," Geordi said as he nipped her neck.

Sonya squeaked in response, and it filled Geordi with a newfound sense of confidence.

"You take your lunch break around midnight, right?" Geordi asked.

"Uh huh," Sonya replied with a meek voice and a small nod.

Geordi's sudden behaviour had caught her off guard.

"I'll see you then," Geordi said.

He brought Sonya's hand to his lips and pressed a slow kiss to the back of it. Then he swept out of Engineering with an obvious pep in his step – leaving Sonya standing there against the wall in shock.

With trembling hands, she scrambled to pick up her tablet off the carpet. Sonya glanced out the door and back to the wall again.

Did that really just happen? She thought.

She reached up and touched the side of her face where Geordi's lips had been just a moment before.

Yes. It most certainly did. Sonya realised.

Sonya turned back to her work. For the rest of her shift, it was hard to wipe the smile from her face.

---

"He really said that?" Sonya asked.

"Uh huh," Wesley nodded.

"Whoa," Sonya breathed.

It was nearly 04:00 and Wesley had come onto duty early in an effort to get some of his duties out of the way so he would have more time to study later.

Wesley recounted the events of the night before as he and Sonya worked on swapping out depleted coils as part of their upkeep schedule.

Sonya's overnight lunch with Geordi had been wonderful. It was relaxed. Comfortable. All trace of the anxiety that had clouded their relationship for the past few weeks was gone.

Though Geordi had shared that he'd finally set the record straight with Ariana, he hadn't quite gone into detail.

It warmed Sonya's heart to hear the kind things Geordi had said in the heat of the moment.

"So care to take a guess where Worf's been sneaking off to all week?" Wesley asked.

---

Ariana packed away her hairbrush and then shut and latched her travel case.

Travel was both the best and worst part of her job.

It was always difficult to say goodbye to varying degrees. But this trip in particular was going to be hard to leave.

Ariana sensed Worf's presence as he came up behind her.

"Tea?" Worf offered.

Ariana turned around and smiled up at the tender-hearted Klingon.

"Thank you," Ariana replied.

She readily accepted the warm mug of spiced tea that Worf had made for the two of them.

"I've really enjoyed our time together," Ariana said.

"As have I," Worf responded.

Ariana reached up to stroke the side of his face.

"Worf, I-"

"You need not say it. I entered into this knowing it would be short-lived," Worf assured her.

They'd established that from the start. There was an obvious attraction and a friendship that had sparked a deep connection.

However, they both knew it couldn't last – a fact both Worf and Ariana had come to terms with at the start of their spontaneous liaison.

Ariana's work demanded far too much attention for a dedicated relationship. Worf was holding out hope that someday, somehow he would settle down with someone when the time was right.

And if he was being honest with himself, Worf still wasn't entirely over K'Ehleyr.

But that didn't prevent him from seeking companionship when the circumstances were right.

With Ariana, everything had been right save for the fact their liaison could only ever be casual. She was brilliant. And she saw something in Worf that few did – the side of him that was the quiet, devoted romantic who enjoyed a bubble bath and fine wine just as much as he liked to debate the finer points of classical literature.

"Come, we should get to your party," Worf said.

---

Over at Commander Riker's place, everything had fallen into place.

Beverly had dropped by early to ensure none of Riker's recipes were too off the wall. She'd brought along a few dishes of her own to supplement the menu just in case.

Miles and Keiko had smoothed things over.

They always did.

Tasha and Data were pleased to finally be back out in the open with their relationship. For a couple that had spent so long dodging questions and sneaking around in an effort to hide their relationship at the start, it was strange to fall back to that in order to go along with Geordi's plan.

Being able to share a glance, touch, or a hand on the arm in public was liberating.

Geordi had arrived and it seemed the siblings had reached an understanding with one another. Ariana recognised that Geordi had his reasons for keeping his relationship quiet – much as Ariana had also sought to keep her own liaison with Worf under wraps.

The party was in full swing by the time Sonya arrived.

It was a strange feeling to be invited to a party in the First Officer's quarters. Sonya had set aside her anxiety and summoned the strength to make an appearance.

All of the other senior officers had been incredibly kind to her. But it was hard to shake just how intimidating it could be when surrounded by a roomful of them.

Sonya liked taking them in small doses – Age of Sail game nights with Geordi, Miles, and Data or a night at Ten Aft with Tasha and Worf.

Sonya squared her shoulders. These kinds of events came with the territory of dating a senior officer and Sonya knew sooner or later she would have to meet Geordi's family.

The door slid open, and Sonya stepped inside.

To her horror, the party came to a grinding halt. Beverly and Deanna's conversation dropped off. Keiko and Data's game of cards stopped. And food slipped off the edge of Miles's plate and onto the floor as he momentarily forgot to hold it upright.

"Oh jeez," Sonya breathed.

"You came," Geordi said.

He stepped forward and greeted her with a smile.

"Mmm hmm," Sonya nodded.

Geordi took hold of her hand and pulled Sonya over to the table.

"Ariana, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Ensign Sonya Gomez," Geordi said.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Ariana said, extending her hand. "My brother tells me you're an antimatter expert."

---

The send-off party wrapped up shortly before midnight. The Enterprise was due to dock at Relva VII between 03:00 and 04:00 in the morning.

Ariana was planning to spend her last few hours on the ship awake. She could take a nap later after getting checked in on her next assignment. It sure beat getting a few hours of sleep and being groggy all day.

After the conclusion of the party, Ariana had gone to Ten Forward so that she could spend a few hours there until it was time to depart.

She had no sooner sat down and cracked open a book when there was a familiar shadow across the table.

"Worf," Ariana said.

Her throat grew tight as Ariana was gripped with a sense of dread.

Oh no. Ariana thought.

She braced herself for the worst.

"Worf, I really enjoyed our time together but if this is some attempt to-"

Worf shook his head.

"No," he replied simply. "And should you wish to spend the next few hours sitting her alone, then I will leave you be."

He paused.

"But you do not have to," Worf added.

Ariana shut her book.

"Thanks," she replied in earnest.

---

Up several decks, Data was in the lavvy brushing his teeth. Though his system handled oral hygiene with a routine, automated sanitisation programme, such an act had become a part of Data's night-time routine and made him feel more human.

Such ordinary tasks helped Data to relate better to the humans around him.

"If you keep brushing like that you're going to wear your teeth down," Tasha remarked. "They may be duranium, but they're not invincible."

Data stopped.

Checking his internal chronometer, Data realised he'd been brushing his teeth uninterrupted for seven minutes and eighteen seconds.

He quickly rinsed his mouth and brush before he turned back to face Tasha.

She was leaning against the doorframe as she watched him. Whenever he got like that, Tasha knew there was something significant occupying his mind.

Not just anything could distract Data.

"What is it?" Tasha asked.

Data shrugged. He was almost embarrassed to admit just where his mind was at.

"Data?" Tasha pressed as she stepped forward.

"I was thinking about my brother again," Data confessed.

Tasha looped her arms under Data's and pulled him close so she could rest her head against his chest.

"I know that it is not the same with us as it is with humans," Data said, trying to downplay his own conflicted feelings.

"Data, that doesn't matter. Your feelings are valid," Tasha assured him.

"I just…I want things to be different with Lore," Data shared.

Data closed his eyes and took a shaky breath.

"I know that is highly improbable," Data lamented. "But one can dream."

Tasha didn't want to offer him false hope. And a part of her was still concerned that Data had come so very close to falling for Lore's tricks the first time around.

In her opinion, Lore was abusive and manipulative. She had been deeply worried about the influence Lore had on Data during their first encounter.

However, Tasha knew that she had to tread carefully on broaching that subject. The last time had very cost Tasha her relationship with Data because he felt that she'd made decisions for him rather than with him.

Tasha didn't want to infantilise him – nor did she wish to see him led astray.

So she opted to stay silent and simply listen as Data talked through his mixed emotions on the subject.

"Tasha, do you ever hope that you will be reunited with your sister?" Data inquired.

"She's probably dead," Tasha replied.

The average lifespan for a human on most Federation planets was around one hundred and twenty-five years. On Turkana, the lifespan for a woman was about forty-three years.

"Is that not distressing?" Data asked.

The tone of Tasha's voice had been so unfeeling that Data wasn't sure if she genuinely was unbothered or if Tasha was attempting to mask her true feelings.

"No," Tasha answered honestly. "If she is, she's better off."

Tasha looped her fingers through Data's and pulled his hand toward her mouth.

"I know that your relationship with your brother is a disappointment. But even if it never works out, you have a lot of people that care about you," Tasha assured him.

She pressed a soft kiss to the back of his hand.

"Including me," Tasha said.

"I know. And I am grateful for that," Data replied.

His expression shifted.

"But you are not my brother and I fear that I must accept that will always remain an unfulfilled part of my life," Data said.

A wicked gleam flashed in Tasha's eyes.

"No I suppose I'm not your brother and I can't quite replace that," Tasha said.

She sighed heavily for dramatic effect.

Data was about to offer her reassurance that his comment was not intended to put one above the other when Tasha began to slowly back away toward the door that led to his bedroom.

"But there are all sorts of things I can do for you that your brother can't," Tasha teased, her fingers toying with the hem of her t-shirt.

Data lunged forward.

Tasha had anticipated the move and jumped out of the way just in time. Pressed against the wall, she giggled as Data realised she had managed to pull it off.

He whipped around and Tasha knew the game was over – there was nowhere to run, and Data had her at disadvantage.

Nonetheless, she had to try.

When Data made a move, Tasha dodged left in hopes of slipping out to the main room of his quarters.

She shrieked as Data captured her.

"Alright, alright! You win!" Tasha said, squirming against his grip.

"How very big of you to admit that," Data replied, taunting her incapacity to escape as he carried Tasha out into the main room of his quarters.

"You win!" Tasha grunted as she tried to free herself. "You've won. Enough already."

Data paused.

"Have I injured you?" Data asked.

Tasha made a face.

Obviously he hadn't.

"Does it bother you to be in my arms?" Data pressed.

"No," Tasha replied.

Data did not respond, he simply hoisted Tasha up over his shoulder and continued on over to his workstation.

"Data!" she protested. "What the hell are you doing?"

"At the moment, I am putting my workstation to sleep before I lock the door and deactivate the lights," Data said as if it were obvious.

He was teasing her – keeping her dangling just because he could and because Data knew that Tasha enjoyed these little displays of strength (even if she tried to deny it).

"Alright you've made your point," Tasha said.

"I am aware," Data said.

They were headed back to the bedroom, but Data had yet to release her.

"Ooof," Tasha exclaimed as Data tossed her down on the bed.

Data had been careful to calculate the precise force necessary to do so in a way that was safe while maintaining the playful nature of such an act.

"Are you alright?" Data asked, his brow furrowed with worry.

"I'm fine," Tasha assured him as she rubbed her tailbone.

"You did not damage… the goods?" Data asked.

Tasha's nose wrinkled as she blinked, utterly confused.

Did I land on something? Tasha thought.

She was fairly certain that she would have felt a tablet or tricorder had she hit one.

In a flash, Data was on the bed.

Instinctively, she moved back as he descended on her – golden eyes ablaze and bringing the overwhelming sense that Tasha was both trapped and safe between a pair of long arms planted on either side of her.

"Data?" Tasha asked.

His face was hovering just inches above her.

"Data, what are you doing? Tasha inquired.

"Claiming my prize," Data said before moving in close.

He stopped less than an inch from her face and his mood immediately shifted.

"If that is alright with you," Data added.

Tasha clutched the front of his shirt.

"Get over here," Tasha demanded as she pulled him the rest of the way, closing the distance between them.

---

The next morning, most of the senior officers had gathered for breakfast together at Ten Forward following completion of the docking procedures at Relva VII.

Anytime the ship arrived or departed at a set location there was always a mountain of paperwork and physical tasks that needed to be completed for both diplomatic and security reasons.

Given their arrival time, it had been an early start for most of the staff.

Geordi wandered in late and joined the team part of the way through their meal.

"Well, Ariana's all settled in on the Toronto," Geordi said as he slipped into a seat next to Data.

He eyed the breakfast muffin that was sitting untouched in front of Miles.

"Are you gonna?" Geordi trailed off.

"All yours," Miles said as he pushed it toward him.

In addition to his own duties that morning, Geordi had gone to see Ariana off as she boarded the USS Toronto. It was a transport vessel that would see her the rest of the way back to her home on Starbase Borlaug.

"You know, I really miss having her here," Riker said.

"I know," Beverly added. "It's only been a few hours, but she was really great."

"Yeah," Miles agreed. "Shame she couldn't stay."

"I will miss her anecdotes," Data said, chiming in.

"I'll miss her chili," Riker sighed.

Ariana had proven to be a fantastic cook. As a culinary enthusiast, she'd shown Riker more than a few tricks in the kitchen.

"I'll miss her teacakes," Worf said.

Tasha choked on her Raktajino.

"So that's what they're calling it now?" Miles smirked.

Worf scowled.

"For your information, she makes delicious raspberry lemon cakes," Worf huffed.

"Among other talents," Beverly teased.

"Geordi?" Data asked.

He had noticed that Geordi's mood had shifted ever since the conversation had turned back to Ariana.

In spite of reaching a new understanding, Geordi couldn't shake the leftover resentment following a lifetime of living in his sister's shadow.

Deanna could sense where Geordi's head was at and knew precisely what he needed to hear.

"Geordi, we all enjoyed your sister's company. But our friendship with you is so much more," Deanna said.

Riker was the first to catch on.

He exhaled with emphasis.

"Phew. If we're all being honest, Ariana's chili was good. But if I was going to have to eat another bowl I would have lost it," Riker said.

Beverly nodded.

"Mmmm. Very lovely. But I don't think I could have stood for another week of helpful tips in my lab," Beverly announced.

"Agreed, I don't think I could listen to another anecdote about baby bear," Tasha said.

"Or laugh at those hoity toity jokes," Miles offered.

"Speak for yourself," Worf grumbled.

Geordi looked up from his muffin and studied the table.

"You guys aren't just saying that right?" Geordi asked.

"No!" Riker assured him.

"Not at all," Miles added.

"We mean every word," Deanna assured him.

Geordi relaxed. For once in his life someone had recognised Ariana's overbearing behaviour for what it was. It was as if Geordi was finally understood.

Suddenly his brow furrowed as self-doubt gripped his chest.

"You really mean it?" Geordi asked.

He had to be certain.

"Yes!" they insisted.

Geordi breathed a sigh of relief. With that settled, he turned his attention to spreading jam onto his muffin.

"Boy, I can't begin to tell you what a relief it is to hear that," Geordi shared.

Before anyone could react, Geordi's combadge pinged. It was the team that was on duty overseeing a swap out of used parts.

"Sir, could you come down and take a look at some of the replacements. We think they may have the same faulty sensor issue as the last batch," Lieutenant Grieves report.

"On my way," Geordi replied.

He scooped up his muffin and headed for the door. This would be one meal that would be eaten on the run.

As soon as Geordi was gone, silence descended upon the table.

Tasha sipped her Raktajino as Worf stared out at the planet below. Deanna was mindlessly stirring her tea while Beverly poked at her eggs.

She practically jumped when Geordi came rushing back in.

"Geordi?" Riker asked.

The manner in which he'd burst back in had him worried there was some sort of emergency.

"I mean, you all really mean it?" Geordi asked to clarify. "You aren't just saying that to make me feel better?"

"No!" Riker said as he threw his arms out. "Would I lie to you?"

"Geordi, we love you," Deanna assured him.

"We meant it," Tasha insisted.

"Every word," Miles added.

"You are my best friend," Data said.

Data chose his words carefully given that he didn't quite feel comfortable lying. Data had enjoyed more than his share of deception in the last few weeks that he was quite certain he'd experienced enough to last a lifetime.

"Ok, thank guys," Geordi said.

Everyone held their breath until Geordi was gone.

When the doors to Ten Forward finally slid shut, there was a collective sense of ease that went around the table.

"Phew," Miles said, dabbing his brow with a napkin.

"Best. Chili. Ever," Riker declared.

"Oh gods yes," Tasha agreed.

"Mmm, and that joke about the chili pepper?" Miles said with a guffaw.

"Jalapeno face!" Beverly finished for him as she slapped the table.

Everyone had appreciated Ariana's wit.

"I'm really gonna miss her," Riker said.

"Me too," Worf added.

"Speaking of missing people," Deanna began as she turned toward Wesley.

"Nothing's certain yet," Wesley said.

He was so careful about keeping expectations in check. Inside, Wes was worried about letting everyone down if he failed.

"You're a shoe in," Riker said as he flashed Wes a broad smile.

"You've trained hard," Tasha added.

"And we know you're going to do great," Miles said, hoping to cheer him up.

Wes felt lightheaded. All the pressure to perform was starting to take its toll.

"Wesley, whether you win the spot to advance to the Academy or not is irrelevant. You have worked hard to get here, and I believe in your abilities," Data said. "And should the outcome not be acceptance, I will think no less of you."

Data knew Wesley needed to hear that.

He had sensed just how uncomfortable Wesley was under all the pressure weighing on him to succeed. Data had reminded Wesley that most Starfleet hopefuls had to take the exam several times in order to pass.

The average number of attempts for admission currently sat at seven point four – nearly double since Data's testing.

But with the increased interest in joining Starfleet, it only made sense that the numbers had jumped. Applications had skyrocketed. And with all the new members joining the Federation, more and more people were keen to serve Starfleet as it offered an excellent way to tour Federation space, gain an education, and learn about other member planets.

"Thanks, Data," Wesley acknowledged. "I think I'm mostly ready. There's just a few more details I'm worried about."

"Stop by later," Tasha instructed. "I'll be happy to talk through them if you'd like."

"Same goes for me," Riker offered.

"You know where to find me," Miles said.

"Anytime," Worf added.

Deanna reached out and took hold of Wesley's hand. He may have been Beverly's son – but during his time on the Enterprise, Wesley had truly become the community child.

They'd all taken an interest in helping him and Wesley was grateful for the guidance.

It takes a village. Beverly thought.