Author's Note: Thank you all for your kind words, kudos, favourites, reviews, and support.
This chapter features more Worf/Tasha friendship moments and some domestic fluff.
I had originally intended this to be the final segment of the Edo/Justice story arc but it wound up being much longer than I anticipated.
Instead of one long chapter, I decided to divide it into two chapters. While not split 50/50 this was sort of the space in which it made sense to break.
It's hard to believe we are 15 chapters in and yet we still have SO far to go on this story.
As always, this is a work of fan fiction for entertainment only!
Tasha had woken up early and was pleased to see Data was still in his sleep mode. She tiptoed out of bed and made her way to the main room of her living quarters, shutting the door to the bedroom behind her.
She snagged a cup of mint tea from the replicator and sat down on the sofa in her room, curling her feet up underneath herself.
She didn't need to look any further to know that Commander Bruce Maddox was responsible for Data's trauma. She had already read everything Maddox had written about Data when she had first taken the role of Chief Security Officer.
Data hadn't specified the details of what had occurred, but Tasha had a fair idea about the circumstances.
Now knowing that the information regarding his specifications had come from such abuse, Tasha was mortified.
"Computer, current location of Commander Bruce Maddox, Starfleet Cybernetics," Tasha inquired.
"Commander Bruce Maddox, Starfleet Cyberneticist, is currently stationed on Starbase 173," the Computer reported.
Tasha filed that into her memory bank.
She returned her saucer to the replicator and stepped into the lavvy to turn on the tap. She grabbed her toothbrush and set to work on her teeth.
In the bedroom, Data was awake. He knew that it bothered Tasha when he would lie awake. He had tried to implement his sleep programme, but he had been far too excited about today. So, he had laid there, pretending to be asleep while he ran through his plans for the day.
He had heard her ask about Maddox. He felt conflicted about this. On one hand, he was nervous about discussing it with her. At the same he was touched that she cared.
A new thought settled in his neural net.
She wouldn't try to contact or harm Maddox, would she? Data did not wish to discuss the matter, but he felt he needed to address it.
Tasha heard the door open as she felt Data slip in next to her.
"Good morning," she said as his hands took over shampooing her hair.
"Morning," he replied, his fingers working the shampoo into a lather.
She turned and rinsed the suds down the drain. Wiping the excess water from her eyes, she noted the look of trepidation on his face.
"Data?" she prompted.
"At some point I will tell you the details of my time with Commander Maddox," he explained.
Tasha bit her lip, embarrassed that he had heard her request to the computer.
"Data I wasn't snooping. You didn't need to say anything. I knew it was him from the moment you told Deanna about the crate. Data I read every file pertaining to your specifications," Tasha said as she looked down at her feet. "I had no idea that this information was obtained through, through-"
She looked back up at Data and could see he was disturbed.
"Tasha, please do not contact Commander Maddox or attempt to address this issue," Data warned her.
Tasha wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close.
"I just wanted to know where he's stationed because I intend to ensure he never gets the chance to come near you," she told him. "He's never going to hurt you again."
Data accompanied her to the Transporter Room to see her off.
Worf was waiting at the transporter pad with Geordi.
Tasha set her gear down next to Worf's on the transporter pad.
"We should get going, Data," Geordi advised.
"What do you two have planned for the morning?" Tasha asked.
Data had been vague about his plans with Geordi, and she was concerned it was work.
Geordi shifted uncomfortably and looked at Data.
"We will be conducting a simulation of our shuttlecraft warp coil refit to see if the procedure will-" Data stopped himself.
Tasha brought her hands to her hips and stared at him in disbelief.
"It is not work," Data added quickly.
"Data's right. This is a project we've wanted to work on for ages but never seem to have the time," Geordi explained.
"If you say so," Tasha said with a shrug.
A moment later, Tasha and Worf were beamed down to the Edo planet. The weather was cool, and Worf smiled broadly. He preferred the cooler air for physical activity. It reminded him of his youth in Minsk.
A group of Edo came running toward them, waving brightly. As they grew closer, Tasha noticed some of them were the group they had met previously.
"Health and happiness," Liator said as he stopped in front of the pair.
"You have returned, huge one," Rivan said as she gave Worf a hug.
Tasha cleared her throat to hide her giggle.
"And you have also returned. I did not get the chance to greet you on your first arrival, I am Farren," one of the women said as she came forward and gave Tasha a hug.
"What is all of this?" Liator asked as he took in the equipment they were hauling.
"It's for climbing. These devices keep us safe," Tasha explained as she pointed to their gear.
"We are planning to scale the backside of the mountain you call Eder Feno," Worf explained.
"There are easier ways to reach the hot springs," Liator advised.
"Hot springs?" Tasha asked as she looked at Worf.
Worf shrugged nonchalantly.
"The Highmoon springs on the other side of the mountain," Farren told them. "It's about an hour's run down from the peak. But you can easily reach it with a few hours' journey up the path on the other side."
Tasha and Worf looked at each, confused.
"I would be happy to show you the way," Farren said as she grabbed Tasha's hand and gave her a smile.
"We want to climb the mountain," Tasha clarified politely.
"You share our love of the physical challenge!" Liator said with a grin.
"May your climb be invigorating," Riven said, wishing them well as they parted ways.
Tasha leaned back against the rock, the mountain behind her and rested her eyes for a moment. They had been at it for nearly ninety minutes and had made a good pace up the first leg of their climb.
Worf tapped her shoulder with their canteen and Tasha took a sip without opening her eyes. It was too peaceful up here with no noise aside from a gentle wind.
It felt good on her skin and she was grateful for the good weather.
She handed the canteen back to Worf who replaced it back in his pack.
After a moment, Tasha felt Worf tap her shoulder again.
"I'm fine," she replied, waving him off.
"No, look," he said.
Tasha opened her eyes and took in the view for the first time since they'd reached the ledge. The main Edo village with its large white buildings was visible beyond the treeline. In the distance was the ocean, fading into the horizon, white peaks on the top cutting into the large, dark churning waters.
Tasha smiled, because for a brief moment it reminded her of the ocean that had brought her to freedom.
In the distance, a flock of large white birds swooped and dove to the water.
"My father had a saying that Starfleet were the Albatrosses of the universe," Worf told her.
Tasha looked at him with confusion.
"It is a large bird on earth that traverses great distances. There is also an ancient earth myth that killing one of these great birds foretold of disaster among sailors," Worf explained.
"So, you've been spending time on Geordi's sailing adventures too?" Tasha said with a grin.
"Nice hats," Worf shrugged.
Tasha knew that Geordi, Data, Miles, and apparently now Worf were all keen on Geordi's holodeck sailing adventures. She was hoping that at some point they would realise they'd left her out of the loop and ask her to join them.
"So, what are you doing with the rest of your shore leave?" Tasha asked.
"I am unsure," Worf replied stoically.
"There's so much to do here," Tasha said. "I could spend a week here and still not scratch the surface."
"Indeed," Worf said, agreeing with her statement but he did not elaborate.
"Alright, what's going on?" Tasha asked bluntly.
She knew Worf well enough to know there was something bothering Worf.
A moment of silence passed between the two.
"Worf!" Tasha said a little more firmly, pressing him for a response.
Worf signed in a most un-Klingon like fashion.
"I received a subspace communication from my parents," Worf informed her.
There was a beat of silence as Worf did not continue.
"Is everything OK?" Tasha questioned.
"Yes. They are fine," Worf answered.
Tasha rubbed her hands together, unsure of how to proceed with the conversation.
"I thought you got along with your parents?" Tasha asked.
Worf had only ever spoken fondly of his adoptive parents.
"I do," Worf replied.
"Then I don't understand Worf. If it wasn't bad news, why are you bothered by-" Tasha started to say but was cut off by Worf.
"The Enterprise is scheduled to return to Earth in three months," Worf explained. "And when we return, they are planning to visit."
"Worf! That's great!" Tasha said as she playfully punched his arm.
Worf grunted.
"Oh c'mon, what's so bad about them visiting you?" Tasha prompted.
From everything Worf had told her, his mother and father seemed like wonderful people. He'd shared memories of Helena Rozhenko's willingness to oblige his taste for Klingon foods. He often commented that replicated blood pie was no comparison to his mother's.
And Tasha knew he worked hard to make his father proud. Worf credited Sergey Rozhenko's lessons with instilling the values of Starfleet into him at a young age.
"I am concerned that they will become an annoyance to the crew," Worf said.
"I'm sure they're lovely people. I'd love to meet them," Tasha assured him.
"My father will want to see main Engineering. Lieutenant La Forge is too busy. He should not have to deal with that," Worf said.
"Geordi's parents were in Starfleet. I'm sure he would understand," Tasha replied.
"Their visit to Starfleet Academy caused me great embarrassment," Worf confessed.
Tasha didn't know what to say. In some ways, she had always felt relief that she'd had so little experience with 'family' that she didn't have to worry about such things. Starfleet was her family. It was Data's family too. And in many ways, it was Worf's family.
"Maybe we could schedule some activities to keep your Dad in line? Like a guided tour? We could keep him occupied and make sure he doesn't stay anywhere too long," Tasha suggested.
"I would not ask anyone to take on that kind of hazardous assignment," Worf said sarcastically.
"You don't have to. I volunteer," Tasha replied brightly.
Worf turned to look at her, his eyes wide with surprise and his mouth a thin line.
"This is not funny!" he said critically.
Tasha shook her head, laughing.
"I'm serious, Worf. I would be delighted to show your parents around," Tasha reassured him.
Worf grunted.
"I do not think you realise how insistent my father can be," Worf said darkly.
"After handling the Anticans and Selay, I think I can handle one eager Mr Rozhenko," Tasha responded.
Worf threw his head back and laughed. It was a rare occasion for Worf to give one his big, belly laughs but Tasha took pride in knowing she knew exactly how to bring out the best in him.
"Just promise me we will still be friends afterwards," Worf asked.
Tasha rolled her eyes.
"And if my mother brings up tea with my babushka, redirect the conversation promptly," Worf advised.
"I thought you were very close with your grandmother?" Tasha asked as she looked to Worf for an explanation.
"She is a woman of great strength. And yes, we are close. But I'd rather that not get around," Worf told her. "I was ridiculed at the Academy when my roommate discovered the embroidery kit she sent me."
"That's nothing to be embarrassed about. I think it's grand that you have that kind of relationship with her. Besides, you're very talented at it," Tasha said with a wry grin.
"I told you that in confidence," Worf warned.
"My lips are sealed," Tasha assured him.
They sat in silence for a moment while they rested. They still had another ninety minutes or so of climbing before they would reach their final destination.
"Now that your worries about you parents are off your chest, what do you plan to do with the rest of your shore leave?" Tasha pried.
"I truly am unsure. I have secured a lodging at one of the Edo facilities and I am eager to attend a training course with one of their martial artists. I'll also be joining Lieutenant La Forge for a dive," Worf told her.
Tasha had to admit to herself she was a wee bit jealous of Worf's plan. The Edo planet was so full of life and activity. As much as she wanted to be with Data, there was a small part of her longing for the adventure this planet had to offer.
"Part of me wishes I could join you. I haven't been diving in ages," Tasha sighed.
"Are you having second thoughts about taking the oath?" Worf asked, deadpan.
"What are you talking about?" she asked as she looked at him, confused.
"My mistake. I thought you were planning to spend the next few days taking the oath with Commander Data," Worf said dryly. "You know the same oath you took on the Strnad colony and again back aboard the Enterprise."
"Worf, I didn't take-" Tasha stopped as she realised the meaning of his words and the joke behind them.
She elbowed him and shook her head.
"Does everyone know about what happened on the hunt?" Tasha asked, suddenly feeling embarrassed.
Worf laughed.
"Worf?!" she pressed.
"No, I took a wild guess. But thank you for confirming my suspicions," Worf said with a wry smile.
"On Turkana I would be well within my rights to kick you off this ledge," Tasha teased.
Worf suddenly clutched his arm and hissed in pain.
Tasha turned to him, alarmed.
"Cramp?" she asked, concerned.
Worf shook his head as his grip around his arm tightened.
"You have wounded me," Worf said, suppressing a grin.
"Alright, you want to go down this road? Are you going to tell me who that woman is on your desk?" Tasha nudged.
Worf sat back straight against the rock and took a sip from the canteen.
Tasha knew she'd struck a sore spot. Worf kept a picture of a woman on his desk, and he always clammed up whenever Tasha would inquire about her. She knew he didn't have a sister. She suspected it was an old flame, but Worf was certainly keeping it close to the chest.
"She's very beautiful. Where's she stationed?" Tasha commented.
"It does not matter," Worf replied.
"Alright, have it your way. But someday you're going to tell me about her," Tasha pressed.
"Someday I hope you can meet her," Worf replied. "It would be easier to let you see for yourself than to try to describe her."
"Oh Worf, you've got it bad," Tasha said sympathetically.
They could feel a shift in the weather, it was starting to get warm. Knowing they had another ninety minutes of climbing to reach the top, the pair decided they had best pack up and get on with it.
The rest of the climb was challenging. The air temperature continued to rise, and Tasha noted this was unlike the environmental readings they had taken from the Edo. She was going to be sore later in the day and was going to be more than ready for a shower.
Although the morning had been a little chilly, Tasha knew it had to be close to twenty-eight degrees now.
Worf was the first to reach the top and she was grateful when he reached back over the edge to offer her an arm up. It wasn't the peak of the mountain, but rather a cliff that was about twenty meters down from the peak.
Once on level ground, Tasha was grateful to strip out of her gear. Removing her helmet, she ran her hand through her hair and ruffled it a bit. It felt good to feel the gentle wind on the back of her neck.
She stepped out of her harness and tossed it unceremoniously on the ground.
After a quick stretch, she decided to join Worf in meditating. It was tradition for the two following a climb.
She sat down on the ground and folded her legs in. Rolling her shoulders, she closed her eyes and focused on the sounds around them – the soft rustle of the wind against the rock, the call of a flock of birds below, and there was the faint sound of running water like a stream.
Tasha suddenly went stiff as a pair of firm hands began to rub her shoulders.
"Um, what are you doing?" Tasha asked without opening her eyes.
"Do you find this relaxing?" Worf asked.
Suddenly, this all felt very awkward. Tasha opened her eyes and saw Worf sitting in front of her with a grin. Glancing down at her shoulder she recognised the familiar pale hands.
"Did you find our deception amusing?" Data inquired eagerly.
"Very funny," Tasha said tightly.
"Thank you for your help, Worf," Data said as he helped Worf and shook his hand.
"My pleasure," Worf said as he nodded to Data.
Data helped Tasha up and the trio followed a path that split into the rocks. About thirty metres back from the ledge, they reached the backside of the mountain. There was water flowing down from the peak that landed in a pool of cold, clear water. The pool wasn't terribly deep and only about ten metres long. At the edge, it fell over the cliff on the backside and raced down the rocks below.
There was a bit of short grass and some limited shrubbery, including a few blue mountain flowers growing along the rocks.
"All set in here," Geordi said, poking his head out from a tent that was set up.
Tasha looked to Data for an explanation.
"He will not be staying," Data assured her quickly.
A moment later, Geordi stepped out.
"So, this whole thing was a ruse to set this up?" Tasha said, piecing together the chain of events.
Data looked at her for approval.
"And you were both in on it?" Tasha added turning to Worf and Geordi.
"Well, Data knew you would want to go climbing and it was going to take time for us to get this set up," Geordi explained.
"Thank you," Tasha said genuinely.
"Well, Worf. I think we've got a mountain to make our way down," Geordi said.
Data showed her inside the tent and Tasha collapsed, exhausted, into the chair set up at the camp table. She was relieved to see that along the back of the tent there was a camp mat set up on the ground covered with bright cushions and pillows. It looked soft and inviting, but Tasha was afraid the minute she hit the soft fabric she was liable to fall asleep.
"This is quite nice, Data," Tasha said.
"Would you like me to continue where I left off?" Data said as he started to rub circles just under her shoulder blades.
"To be honest with you, I'm feeling quite mucky," Tasha confessed. "Please tell me you've got some kind of solution for-"
As if one cue, Tasha felt something cool and wet on the back of her neck.
"The water is quite safe," Data whispered in her ear.
Tasha's eyes shot open, and she sat up properly. Data smiled to himself, proud in knowing that he'd been right to surmise she would want to relax under the cool water this mountain spring presented.
He took her hand and helped her up.
"And I know that you like looking out at the stars so Geordi and I rigged this," Data said as he indicated to a hand crank in the corner.
He stepped over to it and gave it a few turns. To Tasha's astonishment, the roof of the tent retracted and opened to reveal the sky above.
Data was quite pleased with himself as he took in the look on her face. He had never been on shore leave before and he had never had the opportunity to plan a romantic getaway for another person. His neural net was racing as he felt the excitement of knowing his efforts had been successful.
"You know it feels like it's getting hotter," Tasha said as she fanned herself.
"You are correct. The air temperature has risen significantly today. It is well beyond the average temperature the Edo typically experience," Data explained.
"C'mon," she said as she took his hands and led him outside.
Kicking off her boots, Tasha rushed into the water with no reservations. It was quite cold, but she had anticipated it would be as she waded into the water.
"Ah- ooo," she hissed as she wiggled her toes across the cool, slippery rocks under her feet.
She dove below the water, submerging herself for a moment, before she resurfaced under the waterfall pouring down from the rocks above. Tasha leaned back and let the cold water run over her, washing the grime and sweat from the climb away from her hair.
For a moment, it reminded her of being back on Turkana. Shaking the thought from her mind she poked her head out from the water.
"It's shallow enough that you won't sink," Tasha called, her eyes still closed as the water poured over her face.
She knew Data wasn't buoyant enough to swim. He'd sunk like a stone the last time he'd tried to with Geordi. But this pool was shallow enough along the edges that he would be fine.
"I am aware," he said in a low voice from right behind her.
He wrapped one arm around her shoulder and pulled her back against him. He planted a quick kiss on the side of her face and Tasha relaxed.
After a moment, she shivered against him. Data suggested it would be wise to get out of the water and warm up.
"Despite the humidity of the atmosphere, this water is considerably colder than that found in the other bodies of water on this planet. Your human physiology will require you to warm up soon," Data advised.
"Not yet," Tasha said playfully.
She dove under the water and emerged a moment later along the side of the pool that was against the rocks.
She waded out to the edge and looked up as she mapped her path. Tasha rubbed her hands together briefly and then began to carefully climb up along the rock wall. There was something inside her, a childlike need to launch herself into the pool from a higher position.
"If it is your intention to dive into the water, I must say that is ill-advised," Data warned.
"I'm not going to dive, Data," Tasha called back to him. "I'm just gonna jump!"
She reached up for her next target, but the rock was loose. It fell away as soon as she grasped it. With bare, wet feet she was unable to maintain the grip in her other hand. She lost contact with the wall and felt the familiar queasy feeling of free falling in her stomach.
She made contact with something hard.
"Please do not attempt that again," Data said as he caught her.
It was a small fall – only a few feet – but the shock was still enough to set her nerves to red alert.
Glancing down the side she noted the visible stones through a few inches of clear water. Having been unable to push off the rock, she would have landed in far too shallow a spot.
Lucky you're with someone that has android reflexes. She thought to herself with a sigh of relief.
"I struggle to understand your desire to engage in such risky behaviour," Data confessed.
"I like the thrill," Tasha shrugged.
Data titled his head to the left as if was waiting for a further explanation.
Tasha splashed him and he squinted as it made contact with the bioplast on his face.
"Nothing wrong with getting wet," Tasha said. "Just a wee bit of water."
Without warning, Tasha felt herself launched into the air as Data tossed her into the centre of the pool where the water was deep enough to cushion the fall.
Tasha pulled herself a moment later, sputtering at the shock of the cold mountain spring water.
"Data?!" she asked incredulously as she ran her hands back through her hair.
"In the grand scheme of bodies of water, this is a miniscule amount," Data replied, flipping her words back on her in his own way.
"This is an excessive amount of wetness," Data whispered into her ear.
Another loud crack of thunder rang out across the sky as Data and Tasha sat huddled in their tent.
The afternoon had continued to grow hotter and more humid with each passing hour. Being so high up, they had spotted the dark clouds in the distance. Initially, they had considered paging the Enterprise to request pickup, but the Edo had told them storms were small and rare.
When the sky initially grew black, they theorised it would be a brief rainstorm that would pass quickly.
It had been two hours and the rain had not ceased.
It was a heavy downpour of large, thick drops of water accompanied by harsh winds that rippled across their tent.
The storm also appeared to be affecting their communications because they had been unable to contact the Enterprise since the start of the storm.
Suddenly there was loud ripping noise as the retractable top Data had rigged up was ripped off and carried away by the wind. Data caught the support pole right above their heads and set it down gently as the walls of the tent collapsed.
There was a second gust of wind and most of the equipment they had blew dangerously close to the edge of the opposite cliff.
Lightning cracked and streaked across the sky. It had grown closer and more frequent since the start of the storm.
There was dust and small rocks being carried in the wind. Data's optical sensors also read that the water in the pool was rising due to the downfall.
Data twitched involuntarily as he suddenly felt the unwelcome intrusion of water in his audio receptors.
"Tasha I am afraid it would be unwise to remain here. We need to find shelter," Data said, unable to hide the urgency in his voice.
Tasha nodded in understanding.
She knew he was capable of being submerged in water without suffering damage, but wind, dust, and water together was an entirely different matter.
Truth be told, she was afraid too. She was concerned that if it weren't for Data, she may have blown away during that last gust. Storms like this were frequent during monsoon season. She'd been through her fair share of them and knew they were dangerously exposed on the mountain.
"There's a camp down the other side of the mountain," Tasha thought aloud, recalling her earlier conversation with the Edo.
She looked around desperately for their emergency pack and spied it nearby. Saying a silent prayer it had been spared, she gripped it firmly. She pulled out an emergency poncho and handed it to Data.
"This will help," she shouted over the window.
He nodded in understanding and threw the garment over his head.
Tasha and Data set out down the mountain trail. He gripped her hand just shy of too tight, but Tasha took comfort in the touch.
The trail was slippery as they stumbled down the side of the mountain. When the storm had first started, Tasha had put on her boots out of the instinct. Now as she trekked down along the sharp rocks and mud, she was grateful she'd carried that part of her Turkanan upbringing with her.
Despite Data's firm grip, she'd lost her footing more than once. Coated with mud, she was starting to grow cold. Tasha wasn't exactly sure what to look for, but the Edo had told her the retreat was about an hour down from the mountain.
An hour run. A little voice reminded her.
It was an hour 'run' down the mountain. They were making haste as best they could, but in this terrain she anticipated it would take twice as long.
In the end it very nearly did.
When they finally reached the Edo resort, Tasha cried out in excitement and then pulled Data in for a kiss.
He hadn't been expecting it, but his informational databank gave him enough clues to piece together this was likely more celebratory than romantic.
The Edo retreat was a series of large wooden structures, with one central structure tucked back among the trees. It had beautiful big windows, and Data suspected that during normal weather it was filled with natural light.
Several of the trees around the structure had fallen under the pressure from the wind, ripped up at their very roots.
It took Data considerable effort for Data to close the door behind them against wind as they stepped into the main lodge.
Inside the bustle of activity came to a grinding halt. One of the Edo carrying a tray of refreshments, dropped it at the sight of the two new arrivals. The glass shattered when it hit the floor and the tray rolled for a moment before coming to a stop and falling to the side.
Data and Tasha suddenly felt like they were under the scrutiny of a hundred pairs of eyes as the guests at the lodge turned their attention to the commotion at the entrance.
They were dripping wet, caked in mud, and frozen.
Staring into the sea of Edo before them, Tasha was unsure what to say.
In the corner, someone choked back laughter.
Data cocked his head to the side and pulled down the poncho as he trained his audio receptor to detect where the sound was coming from.
The sound grew louder as it was evident someone was trying not to laugh at their predicament.
Data glanced around the room, but it was difficult to see clearly. There was a crowd and it appeared the lighting was not working as there were candles splayed out throughout the vicinity providing low, intimate lighting.
The laughter grew louder, and Tasha nodded as she recognised the deep Klingon belly laugh and Geordi's unmistakable giggle.
A familiar face stepped forward from the crowd of Edo and offered them a hand.
"You have been out in the storm," Farren said, her eyes full of concern as she took in their condition. "I am so glad you are safe."
It was the same Edo that Tasha had met earlier.
"Data, this is Farren, one of the Edo we met earlier today," Tasha explained. "Farren, this is Commander Data."
To Data's relief, she didn't seem interested in poking or prodding him like many of the other Edo had been.
"Are you alright? It is rare for God to gift us with such a significant light show. Most will only experience one or two in a lifetime," Farren explained.
"It's a big storm," Tasha nodded.
"You two look like you've been through hell," Geordi said as he approached the pair.
"There was a moment where I was quite concerned," Data confessed.
It may have come across as mechanical to the Edo, but Geordi's eyes grew wide at Data's statement. He knew the weight of what Data's words meant.
"All that work and it looks like you two barely made it out with the clothes on your back," Geordi said as he looked them up and down.
"There was this gust of wind and everything was gone," Tasha explained.
"There are lodgings available here," Worf informed them before adding, "and very few Starfleet personnel."
Well, at least there's that. Data thought to himself.
Part of why he had selected a camping excursion was to pick a secluded spot that was free of both other Starfleet personnel and Edo. He wasn't sure if he could cope with being crowded and touched like that again.
"I take it your emergency pack doesn't contain a clean uniform?" Geordi said as he looked at the mud in disgust.
"No, Geordi. Is there somewhere here where we can procure clothing?" Data inquired.
"As a matter of fact, there is," Geordi said with a grin.
"We will prepare lodgings for you. In the meantime, we will see to getting you clean garments and a place to freshen up. Once that is complete, your lodgings will be ready," an Edo man advised as he approached the group.
"Come, I will show you where you can wash," Farren advised as she took Tasha's hand and guided her out of the main room.
Data felt panic creep into his mind. He didn't want anyone touching or measuring him for clothing. Recognising Data's discomfort, Geordi decided to step in.
"This way, Data," Geordi said as he waved Data in the opposite direction.
Data followed Geordi and Worf down a dimly lit corridor. The wall was lined with large windows that were pummelled by the rain.
Worf opened the door to his quarters and showed Data to the facilities.
"Nice towels in the wardrobe. Soft dressing gown," Worf explained before adding, "and the bath salts smell quite appealing."
"I'll get you some threads from the garment shop," Geordi said with a grin.
Data stripped out of his muddy uniform and made quick work of cleaning himself. He paused briefly to contemplate if Tasha would enjoy the scent of the bath salts on his bioplast. Data had never had before had a need to apply cologne or scented products to his body.
He thought about how much he enjoyed the soft lavender scent of Tasha's shampoo and decided perhaps it would be best to ask her if there were any scents she preferred.
Closing his eyes, he ran a quick assessment of his systems to check for any damage.
Across the lodge, Farren had directed Tasha to a set of rooms with a large, stone bath. Farren touched the tap and water began to fill the basin and steam the room.
"We have a tailor that can provide you with garments. If you would like, I can obtain something clean for you or would you prefer to choose something of your own liking?" Farren inquired.
"I'll be honest with you, fashion isn't really my forte," Tasha admitted. "Any chance it would be possible to just clean my uniform?"
"We will launder your uniform, but it will not be prepared until tomorrow," Farren explained.
Tasha suddenly felt a little uneasy. She had no shame over the scars that marked her arms and back, something she had carried with her from her days before Starfleet.
But she didn't want the inevitable questions. She just wanted to relax.
There was a loud crack of thunder and Farren jumped.
"Hey, it's ok," Tasha said, noting the fear in her eyes. "You know where I'm from we have storms like this all the time."
Tasha was a nurturer at heart. Farren's eyes grew wide, and Tasha gave her a reassuring squeeze on the arm to try and let her know everything was going to be alright. She theorised that if the Edo had rarely experience this, it must seem dreadful.
"It is so rare to experience a momentous storm like this," Farren explained. "Our tradition dictates that children conceived during the great light shows will be blessed with long lives, passion, and happiness."
Good thing that won't be a problem. Tasha smiled to herself.
Farren shut the tap off and then waited patiently, her hands crossed behind her back.
"Um," Tasha said, clearing her throat and looking at Farren.
"If you remove your garments, I will take them to be laundered," Farren said as she indicated to Tasha's mud-coated uniform.
"Right," Tasha nodded.
She knew the Edo were extremely open people. Assuming this was custom for the Edo, Tasha took it in stride, stripped down, and handed over her uniform.
"We will return this to you once it has been cleaned. I will fetch a fresh garment for after your bath," Farren said brightly before stepping out of the room.
Tasha breathed a sigh of relief and put a toe into the water.
A moment later Farren returned, and Tasha nearly slipped on the edge from the shock.
"I'm sorry, I did not mean to frighten you," Farren apologised before setting a cup on the edge of the bathtub. "This is a traditional tea that will soothe your muscles."
Tasha nodded and gave Farren a tight smile. Farren slipped back out of the room, apologising again as she left to get Tasha some new clothes.
Finally! Tasha said to herself as stepped in the water.
It was warm, perhaps a little too hot. She slipped into the deep tub and sat down.
The beverage Farren had put on the ledge had a sweet, slightly spicy scent that was beginning to entice her taste buds. Tasha took a sip of the warm liquid, almost tea-like, and smiled to herself.
Leaning back in the water, she rested her head against the cool stone tile ledge.
Back in Worf's quarters, Data stepped out of the washroom to find Worf and Geordi waiting for him.
"Geordi, I believe there may be some residual water and dust damage that is affecting my auditory receptors," Data said.
"I bet that storm really did a number on your circuitry," Geordi said in agreement. "I don't have any equipment with me but I'm sure we can get the Enterprise to beam some down after storm."
"I believe I will be capable of functioning sufficiently until our shore leave is completed," Data told him.
"If you say so, Data," Geordi said as he handed Data a stack of folded clothes.
Data nodded and stepped back into the washroom to put on the clothes.
He eyed the garment curiously, grateful Geordi had managed to procure something that was unlike what most of Edo were wearing. It was the same white linen cloth as the attire of the Edo they had met previously. But much to Data's relief, this covered more than the short, tight rompers they had seen.
Data stepped into the trousers and tightened the drawstring to keep them in place. Next, he slipped on the loose-fitting shirt and took in his appearance in the mirror. It was rare for him to wear anything other than his Starfleet uniform. Turning from side to side he nodded in approval.
These clothes would be most sufficient.
Data stepped back into the main room where Geordi and Worf were waiting for him.
"Try these, Data," Geordi said as he handed Data a pair of slip-on cloth shoes.
Data slipped his feet into the shoes and evaluated the material makeup.
"What is the purpose of these foot coverings?" Data inquired. "They are cloth and would be most ineffective for walking on terrain."
Geordi laughed.
"You don't wear them outside Data, just inside," Geordi explained.
"Or to the hot springs," Worf added.
Data cocked his head to the side and waited for Geordi or Worf to explain.
"You can slip in and out of them easily. And they dry quickly," Geordi explained.
Worf pointed to a glass door at the back of his quarters.
"Each of these quarters leads out to the hot springs," Worf clarified.
"Ah, I see," Data said, nodding in understanding.
It was far too dark for Data to see properly with the rain pounding against the glass. But based on the spatial dimensions of the building, he thought he had a clear idea of what Worf had described.
"Now, if you both don't mind," Worf said as he tipped his head to the door.
"Sorry, Worf!" Geordi said as he slapped his hand to his forehead. "C'mon Data, let's go find Tasha."
"I am sorry if we have disturbed your rest, Lieutenant Worf. I am grateful for your-" Data began to say but was cut off by Geordi.
"Time to go, Data," Geordi said as he pushed Data toward the entrance to the quarters.
"You have brought friends, huge one," a voice said from the doorway.
It was Rivan, the Edo woman they had met earlier.
"It is nice to see you again, Rivan," Data said politely.
Data glanced from Worf to Rivan and back to Worf again as realisation struck him.
"Health and happiness," Data said brightly.
"We were just leaving," Geordi said quickly as he grabbed Data's hand and pulled him down the corridor.
Data and Geordi made their way back toward the main hall where the Edo were sitting by candlelight, watching the lightning out of the large glass windows that ran the length of the back wall.
There was a large stone fireplace in the centre with a low fire that had long since passed its prime. Orange embers gave off a little warmth as Data noticed there were several Edo cuddling close to one another around the dim firelight.
"It doesn't look like Tasha's come back yet," Geordi said as he glanced around the room.
They sat down on a bench and one of the Edo approached them with a tray of beverages.
"Hello pale one," the Edo man said with excitement. "I am glad to see you again."
Geordi could sense Data's uneasiness as they took their drinks from the tray.
"I'm sorry about your plans," Geordi said suddenly. "But you'll like it here. It's pretty quiet. And this stuff isn't too bad."
Data eyed the drink in the stone cup. To Data's delight it was warm and sweet, almost like cinnamon.
"I take it you like that?" Geordi asked as he looked at his best friend.
Data's eyes had grown wide, like a child excited about something.
"This beverage is a most pleasing flavour," Data said as he took another sip.
Data relaxed a bit. It seemed, at least for the moment, the Edo were more interested in the storm than in him.
"You don't even have to leave your quarters," Geordi told him.
"Although I do not require sustenance, human physiology does," Data advised. "Perhaps I should beam back aboard the Enterprise once the storm is finished. I know there are many activities that Tasha would find enjoyable. Besides, humans also require sunlight and-"
"Whoa, Data," Geordi said as he put his hand on Data's shoulders. "Slow down, buddy. First of all, Tasha wants to spend her shore leave with you. Secondly, you can stay in your quarters. You don't have to come out here if you're uneasy about the attention."
"But Geordi," Data started to say but Geordi cut him off.
"Ah, ah, ah. You really haven't ever been on shore leave, have you?" Geordi said, shaking his head.
"No, Geordi. As I have explained, I have never been on shore leave," Data said, confused by Geordi's comment.
"They'll bring food to your room," Geordi explained.
Data nodded and looked out the window into the dark. Geordi noticed his shoulders slump a little.
"And Data, your quarters will have a place off the back where you can take Tasha to see the stars," Geordi told him, sensing Data's mood.
Data turned back and gave Geordi gave a wee smile. His plan hadn't failed after all.
"Thank you, Geordi," Data said.
They sat in silence watching the storm for a few minutes before the Edo man from before approached them to inform Data that his lodgings were ready.
"I can wait here and let Tasha know if you want to leave," Geordi offered.
"I can take you to your friend, the blonde one," the Edo man said.
"Thank you," Data said. "Goodnight Geordi."
Data set off with the Edo man down the dimly lit corridor, headed in Tasha's direction.
Tasha had to admit the Edo certainly knew how to relax. There was something incredibly invigorating about the steamy bath, the dim candlelight, and the storm raging outside.
Farren hadn't been lying, whatever had been in that tea had soothed the ache in her muscles. Feeling like a noodle in a pot of hot water, she told herself she would be perfectly content to remain there for the rest of her shore leave.
"Your friend is inside," the Edo man said to Data as he indicated to the entrance of the bathhouse.
Two firm, skilled hands found the sides of Tasha's neck and massaged behind her ears, down her neck, and onto her shoulders.
Tasha grinned as she felt the hands ghost down across her chest.
"My people also have a tradition that there is no higher way to honour God that through the intimacy of joining during the great storm," Farren said in Tasha's ear before she placed a kiss at the nape of her neck.
Tasha's eyes shot open, and she froze.
"Um, Farren," Tasha said as she cleared her throat. "I'm flattered, but this-"
"I know you find me attractive. I can sense it," Farren said as she ran her hands back through Tasha's hair.
It wasn't a lie. The Edo were capable of sensing attraction. It was one of the things Tasha had read during her initial report on the people and their customs. She just hadn't expected something like this.
"It's a lot more complicated than that," Tasha said as she sat forward to put some distance between the two of them.
"I have offended you," Farren said apologetically. "Is it forbidden in your Starfleet?"
"No, no, no," Tasha shook her head as she spun around, arms crossed in an attempt to cover herself.
Gods this went off the rails. Tasha said, unsure of what to say.
"I think I should explain that I'm actually-" Tasha tried to clarify.
"You do not have to explain," Farren said apologetically. "My heart is also fluttering."
Without warning, Farren gripped the sides of her face and kissed her. Shocked, it took Tasha a moment to register what was happening.
None other than Ensign Walsh was stopped in the doorway as he observed the scene in front of them.
Tasha gently gripped Farren's shoulders and pushed her back. She was about to explain when she caught sight of the troublesome Ensign standing frozen in the doorway out of the corner of her eye.
"I knew it," Walsh gasped as he began to slowly clap.
"Ensign, this is not what it looks like," Tasha said as she covered herself with her hands.
"Don't mind me, Lieutenant. Just came to enjoy a bath. I just wasn't expecting this much steam," Walsh said with a cheeky wink. "Don't let me stop you ladies. Please carry on."
Walsh felt like he couldn't breathe as his back made contact with the marble wall of the bath. A familiar pair of yellow eyes stared at him and Walsh instantly regretted his words.
"You will apologise and leave. And if you ever speak that way again to any crewmember or Edo that have generously granted us stay on this planet, I will ensure you are assigned to carbon filter scraping for a month," Data said as he held Walsh by the front of his uniform against the wall.
He released him and Walsh adjusted his uniform.
"Sorry," he said quickly, looking at the floor.
Walsh turned to leave. Data caught him by his arm and stared hard at the young, out of line Ensign.
"Sincerely," Data ordered.
Walsh turned back to Tasha and Farren.
"I am sorry for what I said. It was inappropriate," Walsh said.
"Goodnight, Ensign," Data said coldly. "It's time for you to return to your lodgings."
Walsh nodded and left quickly.
Gomez is never going to believe me. He thought to himself.
Farren handed Tasha a towel as she stepped out of the water.
Looking between Data and Tasha she could read their attraction for one another.
"I understand now what you were trying to tell me. You and the pale one are joined," Farren said, suddenly understanding Tasha's disinterest.
"Yes, he and I are sort of uh-" Tasha tried to explain, suddenly struggling to find the words.
"Well then, health and happiness to your union. May you honour God tonight with your joining," Farren said with a disappointed smile.
A little while later in their quarters, Tasha and Data were sitting in bed.
"Am I correct in assuming that Farren expressed romantic interest in you?" Data asked.
Tasha laughed.
"I'm glad you came when you did because it was getting hard to explain in a way she could understand," Tasha confessed. "The Edo sense attraction in a different way than humans."
"I read that in the report, they are capable of sensing attraction between individuals," Data added, letting his statement hang in the air.
Tasha rolled over to her side to look at him.
"I think we should talk," Tasha said seriously.
"You do not need to explain," Data said without looking up from his PADD device. "I understand. I am not bothered by it."
"Data you know that I meant what I said yesterday. I love you," Tasha assured him.
"I know that," Data replied honestly.
He set his PADD down on the nightstand next to the bed and turned to her.
"Data, I want to make sure you understand that although I'm attracted to more than one gender, I only want this relationship," Tasha explained.
"I know that," Data repeated.
"Just because I find Farren to be an attractive person it doesn't mean that I want-" Tasha started to say but stopped as Data placed a finger on her lips to silence her.
"I know," he repeated for a third time.
Tasha looked back at him but said nothing.
"Do you think I am incapable of understanding?" Data asked her seriously.
She could tell from his tone that he was slightly miffed.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you were incapable of understanding," Tasha said as she realised she was doing exactly the same thing she hated to watch others do to Data.
"It is quite alright," he assured her. "Besides, I can't blame her for being attracted to you. Even if you were coated in mud."
Tasha fell onto her back and groaned.
"Of all the places to end up in a freak storm, we had to wind up at the same remote lodge as Ensign Walsh," Tasha laughed.
"I do not believe he will say anything," Data stated.
Tasha gave him a look.
"Knowing Walsh, he's probably already told Gomez and Harris," Tasha said as she rolled her eyes.
"Tasha, what are we?" Data asked.
He had asked the question once before, prior to Tasha finally saying the words 'I love you.'
"I only ask because it seemed as if you struggled to find a word for it when you were explaining our relationship to the Edo," Data prompted.
Neither of them liked using the term 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend.' The word 'lover' was too intimate and 'significant other' was too cold for Data's taste.
He knew that Tasha had expressed dislike for the term 'partner' - but that was also before she had been comfortable expressing her love verbally.
"What would you like to be?" she asked, flipping the question back to him.
Data tilted his head to the side as he contemplated her statement.
Was this her way of saying she wanted something 'more'? Data pondered.
He quickly shook the thought from his head. Tasha was a straightforward person and if she wanted something, it was likely she would tell him.
"Truth be told, I don't have an answer. You're my companion and my lover. You're the person I want to be with. But I don't see why we need to put a label on that," Tasha said. "Especially as we are intent to remain discreet about our relationship."
Data nodded in understanding and she snuggled back against him.
He couldn't explain it, but there was something inside of him that had hoped she was hinting for something more. He didn't want to read too much into her statement, but he felt something. There was a feeling that was so strong, that compelled him to want domesticity - marriage, children, family.
It was stronger than his desire to be human. And that scared him.
They hadn't gotten much sleep. They had stayed awake until the had storm passed. Once it had moved on, Data had checked in with the Edo to see if they required help in searching for persons or cleaning up the damage.
The Edo had advised them that none of their people were ever harmed during the great storms. True to form, the buildings themselves did not suffer any damage. Furthermore, they believed that all downed trees and brushes should be left where they landed as they felt it was the will of their God.
Communication was still down but the Edo had advised these great storms often caused extreme ionisation in the atmosphere. Data theorised that could interfere with their combadges until it cleared. It left Data and Tasha feeling uneasy – they had half the crew of the Enterprise dispersed across the planet with no communication.
Under normal circumstances they would try to get everyone to stick together. But this wasn't a four or five person away team, this was over 500 people.
On Data's advice, they decided to get some sleep.
The next morning, Tasha was up early. For the first time she looked at the clothing Farren had procured for her. It was one of the short, white rompers similar to what the other Edo wore, and Tasha was very hesitant to put it on.
She had worn the dressing gown from the bathhouse to her quarters, but she would need actual clothing for the day if she was going to go anywhere.
As hesitant as he was to interact with the general population, Data offered to head off to the tailor to procure alternative clothing for her.
"You sure you'll be OK?" she asked as she bit into a piece of fruit that had appeared on the table in their quarters.
"I will manage sufficiently," Data advised.
A few minutes later, Data left and made his way down the corridor toward the tailor. Looking out of the large glass windows, Data could see the damage that was left from the storm. The ground was still wet and there were trees and branches strewn about across the once-pristine wilderness.
Approximately thirty metres away from the window there was a dark tree that was split down the middle, struck by lightning. It was evident the storm had caused significant damage.
When Data reached the tailor, he quickly selected something more to Tasha's taste. He was ready to head back to their quarters when he spotted Ensigns Walsh, Gomez, and Jeffords sitting with Lieutenant Harris at a table in the main hall.
The four raised their glasses to Data.
Feeling it was necessary to perhaps remind Walsh to behave, Data approached the group.
"Lieutenant Harris, I hope your leg wound has recovered from the hunting trip," Data asked.
"Yes, sir. It's much better," Harris smiled.
"That is good," Data said with a small nod.
He gave Walsh a knowing look and turned to leave.
"Uh, sir. Wait a moment," Walsh said nervously.
Data turned back around and eyed Walsh cautiously.
"Sir, may I ask you a question?" Walsh asked.
"Yes, Ensign?" Data responded.
"I'm sorry I underestimated you. Clearly there's a lot more to you than I think any of us realised. You're not just a machine," Walsh said.
Data felt a strange sense of gratitude for Walsh's words. It wasn't often the other crew members admitted to their prejudice.
"Thank you, Ensign," Data replied.
"But you are a machine with the ladies," Walsh said as his demeanour changed. "What's your secret, Commander? How do you do it?"
Data cocked his head to the side as it took him 0.021 seconds to process Walsh was, in fact, mocking him and another 1.3 seconds to formulate an appropriate response.
"I treat people with respect, Ensign," Data replied coolly. "And if you find you are having trouble in your romantic endeavours perhaps you should consider changing that about yourself. Good day, gentlemen."
Data turned on his heel and left, leaving Walsh with his mouth hanging open, looking like he'd been smacked across the face.
"I bet she's only with him because he doesn't have any emotion. Just like her, soft as Klingon armour," Harris said.
"No. I'm telling you, I heard it from a guy that served with her on the Crazy Horse. Said she was insatiable. It only makes sense she'd go for a robot. He probably vibrates," Gomez said.
"Guys this is vulgar. They are our superior officers," Jeffords warned, looking around cautiously.
"Give me an hour with her and I guarantee she'd never go back to that tin can," Walsh boasted.
"Oh, I think it's going to be hard for you to find that kind of time when you're on report," Geordi said from behind Walsh.
The four men stiffened.
"Lieutenant, I didn't mean that-" Harris said.
"Save it. I heard every word. Harris, Walsh, Gomez you are on report the minute your shore leave ends and if you ever speak about another crew member that way again, I'll file a formal complaint with Starfleet," Geordi said in a low, warning voice. "And take my advice, Jeffords – find yourself better friends."
"He said what?" Tasha asked, as her eyebrows shot up.
Data had just informed her of his encounter with Walsh.
Tasha was fuming. She didn't like anyone calling Data a machine, especially an overly confident young Ensign with an attitude like Walsh.
"I'm going to speak with him about this," Tasha said as she got up from the table.
She shrugged off the robe she had been wearing and grabbed hold of the clothes Data had brought back for her. It was similar to his own, a large shirt and loose drawstring pants.
"He needs to understand that you're a person. His behaviour has been completely unacceptable," Tasha said as she stepped into trousers.
She grabbed the drawstring to tighten it, but Data's hand grabbed her hand to stop her.
"You cannot expect to force acceptance onto others," Data advised.
She didn't respond. She knew he was right.
"I believe you promised that the duration of our shore leave would be spent doing what I wanted. And right now, I would like for you to put him out of your mind," Data said.
Despite the storm forcing Data to rework his plan, he was able to stick largely to his schedule with only a few minor adjustments. They had been able to gain radio contact with the Enterprise again and so Data and Tasha were able to relax.
Upon Geordi's suggestion, they spent most of their time isolated in their quarters. The change of plans also afforded both of them the opportunity to spend some time with their friends. Tasha joined Worf for the martial arts class at the lodge. Meanwhile, Geordi and Data had snuck down to conduct some geological scans and do a bit of rock hunting for Geordi's collection.
Rather than dining in the main hall, Data and Tasha had enjoyed trying new foods in their quarters. The Edo really knew how to live, and their food represented that with its flavourful spices and exotic fruits.
"I found this while Geordi and I were rock collecting," Data said as he unwrapped a cloth containing what looked like blue mushrooms.
Tasha eyed them suspiciously.
"I have scanned them, and they are safe to consume," Data explained as he held them up.
He popped one into his mouth and Tasha bit back a laugh as his face turned sour. She watched as he slowly chewed the object before swallowing with a grimace.
"I do not understand. This tastes like dirt. Humans regularly consume fungi and enjoy them," Data said confused.
"Usually we cook them first," Tasha said, choking back laughter.
As an alternative to the yoga he'd planned at the top of the mountain, they settled for moving the table in the main room of their quarters to open up space. Tasha was perfectly happy with the view from the large glass windows that overlooked the hot springs and tall pines that dotted the landscape.
Sitting on the floor, they pulled one another forward. Tasha marvelled at how flexible and humanlike his inorganic musculature could be. In her mind, this only reaffirmed he was truly humanoid in every way – just with a different set of building blocks.
An hour later, Data lifted her off the ground. The bottom of his feet were planted firmly on her backside. Tasha leaned back and gripped her ankles, Data stretched up to support her shoulders.
"Hey," she smiled, looking down back at him and feeling the stretch in her chest and quads.
"Hey yourself," Data replied.
"Still feeling OK after that mushroom," Tasha said.
"My system is not capable of being affected by ingestible items," Data stated.
"Well, it doesn't appear to have weakened you," Tasha said as she hung suspended in the air, Data supporting her weight.
"It is unlikely my endoskeleton would be weakened by an organic substance," Data said.
"So, what's the plan for the rest of the day?" Tasha asked.
"I think we should hang out here for the day," Data replied. "That way you can be certain that my system has not been weakened."
Looking backwards down at him she could see the smug look on his face.
"Have I wounded your pride, Commander?" Tasha asked playfully.
"Not at all, Lieutenant. Just reminding you that I am perfectly capable of remaining like this indefinitely or until you are satisfied that the fungi have not impacted my systems," Data said with a straight face.
"Alright you've made your point," Tasha said.
Data lowered her slowly but before she could stand up and tipped her back against him. He sat up and wrapped his arms around her.
"Perhaps you should conduct a more thorough investigation, Lieutenant. To satisfy your curiosity," he said in a low voice next to her ear.
Instead of painting on the edge of a cliff, they painted from the deck at the back of their lodging. Data incorporated the storm and lightning blending it with the tranquillity of the soft blue from the hot springs in the surrealist style he had been recently working through.
Tasha gave up working with the brushes he provided and opted to paint with her fingers instead. In analysing her work, Data observed it was a colourful piece but lacking in artistic value.
"I know it's bad," Tasha said as she watched him study her canvas.
"It is colourful," Data said.
He dipped his fan brush into the cerulean blue paint.
"Here," he said as he motioned for her to look at him.
Tasha turned to him and swiped his brush across her nose.
"Like you," he added with a smile.
"Data," Tasha exclaimed, chastising him.
They had about forty-five minutes of daylight remaining, and it was their last night on the planet.
"It would seem you need to clean up," Data said as he turned his gaze down to the hot springs before adding, "The salts and minerals will not harm me."
He knew she had wanted to take a dip in the hot springs since their arrival and he surmised she had avoided asking for fear that he wouldn't be able to join. While rock collecting with Geordi, Data had scanned the springs and concluded it would be perfectly safe for him to venture into them.
As the sun set, they made their way down to the edge of the hot springs. Despite their icy blue colour, they were pleasantly warm. And the minerals made the water incredibly soft.
Data was seated on a rock along the edge, the water coming up to his shoulders. Tasha emerged from under the water a few feet back from him.
She shook her head to remove excess water and then took her hand to slick her hair back.
"I'll have to take shower when we go back up," she said as she slid over to him. "You probably should too. The salt isn't great for my hair and probably not for your circuitry."
She sat down on his lap facing him and wrapped arms around his neck.
"A part of me is going to miss this," she confessed.
"We could program the holodeck to replicate these conditions," Data suggested.
"I mean the domestic life. Not having to sneak around," Tasha said as she tucked an errant strand of hair behind his ear. "Besides I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable doing this on the holodeck."
"I think it is safe to say we are well past 'sneaking around'," Data stated.
"I suppose everyone knows in a general sense. But we still have our responsibilities and roles. And separate quarters. And our agreement with Captain Picard to be discreet," Tasha advised.
A sense of melancholy crept into his neural net. He disliked that she was correct.
Despite their routine of bouncing between their quarters on the Enterprise, there was something different about having a shared living space the last few days that had been wonderful.
"Then I guess we will have to treasure the moments we do have," Data said as he brought his hands up to rest on her waist.
Tasha glanced up at the sky.
"I was hoping we could lay back and watch the stars from the campsite, but the view is quite nice here," Data said as he followed her gaze upward.
Tasha looked back down at him. Sometimes she couldn't rationalise how lucky she was. For a brief moment she considered maybe it was time to tell Data about Alfie, but before she could think about it any further Data inhaled.
"Tasha look," he said as his eyes widened.
Tasha cast her gaze up to the night's sky and smiled.
"A meteor that has collided with the air molecules of the planet's upper atmosphere. It creates incandescence and a streak of light as it-" Data began to explain.
"A falling star," Tasha smiled.
A moment later there was another flash of light. A few seconds after the second falling star there were four more meteors that streaked across the sky.
Suddenly, there were more that began to dot across the dark.
Data and Tasha looked at each other.
"I do not recall reading about an expected meteor shower of this magnitude," Data said as he accessed his informational database.
In the distance, the large bell above the lodge began to ring.
"God has seen fit to bless us with the dancing fire!" a voice called out.
"Do you think we should get out and see what's going on?" Tasha asked.
Before Data could respond, Geordi came running up. Data pulled Tasha against him and she was thankful the water was cloudy.
"It's fine," Geordi said, breathing heavily. "The Edo said this has happened before. It's rare, but no large impacts. It should pass in a few minutes."
"Thank you, Geordi," Data said.
"I've already alerted Worf, and I ordered Harris and Jeffords to alert the other Starfleet personnel at the lodge," Geordi explained.
"Thank you, Geordi," Data repeated.
"I'm going to be sorry to leave this place," Geordi said as he gazed out at the steam rising from the hot springs and disappearing into the dark. "I hate this is our last night here. Got to make the most of it."
"Precisely. Goodnight, Geordi," Data said, hoping Geordi would get the hint.
To Tasha's frustration, Geordi stepped closer and proceeded to squat down next to them.
"What do you think the odds are of experiencing two of their once-in-a-lifetime phenomena in one trip?" Geordi postulated aloud as he stared up at the natural lightshow above them.
"Geordi," Tasha said, looking at him pleadingly.
Geordi looked down at Tasha and realisation hit him that he was interrupting an intimate evening.
"But we can figure that out when we're back aboard the Enterprise," Geordi said. "You two have a good evening."
"Geordi wait," Data said.
His head was cocked to the side and his eyes were flipping back and forth rapidly as he calculated the likelihood of both events occurring in succession of one another.
"We don't need to do this tonight, Data," Geordi advised.
"It is incredibly unlikely these events were unrelated. Although I can theorise no manner in which a storm could cause a meteor shower. I will require additional information before I can properly formulate a hypothesis," Data said.
"Tomorrow," Geordi said as he got up quickly and left the two alone.
"Geordi is correct, this is most puzzling," Data said to Tasha.
"Not tonight," Tasha pleaded.
"I apologise. I find a significant portion of my neural net is now overwhelmed in attempting to find the connection between these two events," Data confessed.
He closed his eyes and tried to refocus his attention.
"I am sorry, Tasha. I am afraid that my thoughts are, as you would say, 'racing' and I am not certain I will be successful in redirecting my attention," Data explained.
Tasha put her head against his forehead.
"And there's nothing that could make you change your mind?" she asked a low voice.
"I am attempting to redirect my-" Data stopped.
"Is this helping?" Tasha asked as she innocently rocked against him.