Author's Note: Thank you for your continued support on this story!
All of your likes, kudos, comments, and messages on Twitter are wonderful.
This chapter starts by wrapping up the Romulan incident (and setting the stage for much later instalments) and ends with the first part of our next arc where we introduce a love interest for Geordi.
It wasn't the original plan. However, it seemed better to get this portion of the Romulan arc out before diving into the next adventure. It's a little heavier than I thought and focuses on the mentor-protégé relationship I envision Picard and Tasha sharing.
In this series, I'm trying to balance the episodic feel of TNG with various adventures while simultaneously lacing in some longer story arcs. Q, the Romulans, found family, Data's emotions, and Tasha's relationship to death are some of the longer arcs that we'll be exploring.
I'd like to preface this chapter by stating the science is not my forte. While I've attempted to weave in/ground this with real scientific phenomena, it's still science fiction.
As always, if you like my works or want to stay up to date with my art, comics, or just like chatting about the fandom you can join me TheTartanTart on Twitter.
Beverly was halfway through reading a fascinating article when a soft 'ping' disrupted her thoughts.
The article was the latest report on a new type of dermal regeneration gel that was proving effective for long-term missions where energy resources were scarce.
However, the alert from her computer was far more enticing.
Beverly dropped her feet off her desk and turned in her chair.
Sitting upright, she scanned through the readings on the screen.
For the few weeks Beverly had been carefully combing through all available information on the viral infection they suspected had been planted by a Romulan spy.
She was looking for anything – how it had been created, how to properly identify it, and how to create a fast-acting airborne inoculant that could counter-act any future possible attacks.
In her research, Beverly had managed to find and isolate a particular DNA sequence that had an unusual double-stranded pattern.
Beverly sighed as she read the final report on the screen.
She had run the sequence three times to rule out any possibility of error.
"Crusher to Captain Picard," she said as she tapped her combadge. "I need to speak with you in your Ready Room."
Down in the Main Security office, Tasha and Worf were seated across from one another at the briefing table. Proper to a fault, Worf was sitting with his back ramrod straight as he poured through the medical records from the day of the infection.
Tasha was lounging in a chair with her with her feet thrown over the armrest as she stared intently at the viewscreen.
Their investigation into finding the Romulan conspirator or conspirators was starting to grow mind-numbing.
For weeks they had combed through personnel logs, medical records, and access reports to narrow down the list of possible suspects.
The joint Medical and Security investigation had found a series of hotspots where the contagion originated. There were four spots total – the holodeck near the classrooms, Sickbay on deck 12, Ten Forward, and Main Engineering.
With Doctor Crusher's help, they had determined the contagion had been released sometime between 14:00 and 14:22 hours at the first of these hotspots.
Beverly's research had proven that once released into the airwaves, the initial agent had an approximate twenty-two minute 'life' before it dissipated. From there, it required person-to-person contact in order to spread.
Using the average incubation period, Doctor Crusher determined that the hotspots were activated at different times. Unfortunately, this information did not aid in narrowing down the suspects as theoretically it was possible for one person reach all of those places in the timeframe of the contagion's initial release.
However, Tasha and Worf had been able to use this information to limit the number of possible suspects – not by much – but anything was better than nothing. Everyone on the crew had access to those spaces but only 432 had schedules that would have permitted them access to all four locations at the appropriate times to coincide with the release.
Comparing these records to the access panel logs, Worf and Tasha had been able to eliminate an additional 178 people from the suspect list.
Their next step had been to examine the medical logs to see which members of the crew were confirmed as unconscious during the time when the refuse release was activated to send the Romulan ship information and materials.
In the end, they were still left with 213 names of possible suspects.
Now they were left looking for other possible motivations.
"What if separate all of the individuals that are human from other humanoids?" Tasha suggested. "Beverly's research seems to indicate non-human species have some level of natural immunity that doesn't make them as sick."
"The perpetrator is likely Romulan," Worf replied.
"That's an assumption," Tasha retorted.
Worf nodded, conceding the point.
They couldn't make any assumptions. There could be a Romulan defector or someone impersonating a human, Vulcan, or other humanoid through the use of genetic modification.
Worf tapped his screen several times and made a separate list to track any newer transfers.
"If they are using genetic modification, it would likely have shown during any medical scan involving bloodwork," Worf explained. "These are all individuals that have been aboard less than three months and have yet to undergo a routine physical."
Tasha chewed on the inside of her lip.
After a few seconds, she shook her head as she stared at the viewscreen.
"What's wrong?" Worf asked.
"This took planning," Tasha said.
There was something about focusing on new transfers that didn't sit right with Tasha.
"Make a copy of the list, but I don't want to spend too much time on this group tonight," Tasha replied.
Worf raised his eyebrow at her as he awaited an explanation.
Tasha got up and stretched.
"The Romulans took a big risk in obtaining that information drop," Tasha theorised as she paced back and forth. "I don't think they'd take that kind of chance for three months of information."
The Romulans had marched an entire fleet of ships across the Neutral Zone.
They had been just one false step from starting a war.
Suddenly, Tasha was struck with an unsettling idea.
She sat down next to Worf.
"Think about it, we were ordered to the Neutral Zone," Tasha whispered. "Specifically, to that location."
Worf sat back in his chair as he considered her hypothesis.
Tasha grabbed his arm and leaned in close.
"What if this goes higher?" Tasha asked in a low voice. "What if the spy or spies on the Enterprise are just one part of a network?"
"Then we would need to find somewhere else to discuss this," Worf replied darkly.
They had both suspected Romulan infiltration aboard the Enterprise for some time.
Although they had conducted routine scans of the Security office to check for any form of recording or monitoring technology, even their classified reports weren't secret for the highest levels of Starfleet HQ.
They would need to find somewhere to meet that provided a natural sound barrier.
It would have to be off the record.
"You know what I'm asking?" Tasha inquired.
She had to be sure.
"I can't order you to-" Tasha started.
Worf raised his hand and cut her off.
"Aft nacelle Jefferies tubes," Worf mouthed.
She beamed.
He understood perfectly.
And he was on board.
"This is why we are Maqoch," Worf said in his signature baritone drawl.
Tasha knew enough Klingon to understand it was a term of the deepest endearment – more than best friends, blood brothers.
But she couldn't resist the temptation to tease him.
She cocked her head to the side.
"No, it's your knitting," she replied, feigning seriousness.
"I told you that in confidence," Worf muttered.
"What? Are you worried the Romulans are going to find out you knit?" Tasha asked.
Even though this would be off the books, she had an obligation to loop in Captain Picard.
She had worked with the Captain long enough to understand how to inform him of such work while still providing him with plausible deniability.
She tapped her combadge.
"Yar to Captain Picard, there's a security situation that I need you to see first-hand on deck thirty-eight. Can you meet Lieutenant Worf and me near the aft nacelle on the starboard side?" Tasha inquired.
"Is it urgent? I just started a meeting with a Doctor Crusher," Picard replied.
"Not urgent, sir. Could you meet us when you're finished?" Tasha asked.
"Certainly," Picard's voice acknowledged. "Picard out."
Security situation on deck thirty-eight? Not urgent but enough that he needed to see it in person?
Captain Picard was thoroughly confused by Lieutenant Yar's request.
The Captain pushed the thought from his mind and turned his attention back to the Doctor seated across from him.
"Forgive me, Doctor," Picard said. "Please continue."
Beverly nodded and resumed with presenting her findings.
"As I was saying, after numerous tests in the sealed biomedical lab we've determined the dispersal time and range of the contagion," Beverly explained. "It requires mixing the virus with a specialised dispersal chemical in order to carry it through the air particles."
"Excellent," Captain Picard replied.
He had been thoroughly impressed with Doctor Crusher's research into this new contagion and her progress in such a limited timeframe.
"And your certain this virus was engineered?" Picard inquired.
Beverly nodded.
"Positive, sir," she responded. "This virus was constructed based on manipulating human DNA."
She paused.
"And?" Picard prompted.
Beverly wasn't sure how to respond.
She had run her diagnostic tests numerous times to ensure there was no error. It had left her with many more questions than answers.
"Doctor? What else did you find?" Picard asked.
He could tell by the way she was sitting that there was something else.
Beverly sighed.
She knew she had a duty to report her findings to the Captain – even though she had no justification for them.
"I want to preface this by saying I have no explanation for what I am about to tell you," Beverly began.
She had to prepare him.
If Beverly hadn't run the tests herself, she never would have believed the results.
Reluctantly, Beverly explained the process of how she had isolated the DNA present. Its structure was so unusual compared to a standard virus – double helix, twenty-three pairs of chromosomes, and unquestionably human in origin.
When she had first encountered the unique DNA structure, she had run it through a series of standard, preliminary models to compare it to any other known viruses.
That had been a bust.
So, Beverly had expanded the search to check it against any known DNA the computer system had ever encountered.
"The computer matched it to DNA of a person," Beverly said. "A person on this ship."
Captain Picard leaned forward. He folded his hands on the desk.
"Yes?" he asked.
Beverly handed him her tablet.
"The DNA on which this virus was based came from Lieutenant Natasha Yar," Beverly said.
Jean-Luc didn't know what to say.
Tasha? A Romulan spy?
She had served with him longer than any other member of the crew.
"Then this DNA came from when she released the substance?" Picard asked.
Beverly shook her head.
"This is what the virus was built from," Beverly informed him. "It certainly explains why she was less effected than the other crew."
"You're certain?" Picard inquired. "This couldn't have been deposited when she activated the dispersal mechanism."
It wasn't that he didn't trust her research.
But Tasha?
There had to be another explanation.
"Could she have handled the evidence during-" Picard started to ask, but Beverly stopped him.
"No, Jean-Luc," Beverly insisted. "Tasha was down on the planet when the virus was dispersed. The time and method of dispersal mean it is impossible for her to have been responsible."
It offered little comfort.
Beverly went on to explain that she had tested the DNA of the virus itself – not DNA evidence found at the suspected dispersal hotspots or the refuse lock.
Frustrated, Jean-Luc stood up and stepped over to the window in his Ready Room.
This was a disturbing development from both a personal and professional standpoint.
"There's more," Beverly said.
"Beverly, please," Jean-Luc snapped as he turned around.
"You may want to sit down," Beverly suggested.
She cast her eyes back to the seat at his desk.
Picard grumbled and sat back down.
She pointed to the tablet. Picard picked it up and swiped to look at the next screen.
He could see it was a magnetised image of human DNA, but he didn't understand much beyond that.
"The Tasha Yar from which this DNA was taken was thirty-four years old," Beverly said.
Captain Picard set her tablet down on the surface of his desk.
"I don't understand what you're saying Doctor," Picard admitted.
"Tasha is twenty-seven," Beverly asserted.
Jean-Luc was aggravated, and Beverly could sense it.
"I don't know what to tell you, sir," Beverly confessed.
Captain Picard closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"You're certain of this? There's no room for error?" he asked. "I mean, how can you possibly determine age from a DNA sample?"
Beverly's eyes lit up.
Halfway through explaining the procedure for dating the telomere, Beverly could see she was losing the Captain's interest. He was struggling to stay focused – not for a lack of trying but simply because the advanced level of discussion was far beyond his understanding of DNA.
Jean-Luc Picard was an intelligent man.
But the finer points of medical science were beyond his comprehension.
"A decade ago, this wouldn't have been possible," Beverly said. "But thanks to a process developed by the Vulcan Medical Institute, we can now date telomeres. Essentially the ends of chromosomes can tell us the age of the DNA sample when it was extracted."
Captain Picard was full of questions.
Beverly had plenty of answers – but none that helped solve the riddle.
He wanted to know if the sample had been artificially aged.
Beverly had assured him that was not possible.
Knowing what he did about Turkana, Picard pondered aloud if it was possible that Tasha was, in fact, thirty-four.
Turkana was a dusty backwater on the fringes of civilised society – and that was before decades of famine and civil war had turned it into a desolate planet ruled by warning clans, mercenaries, and enough aggressive major fauna to cause a lifetime of nightmares.
Picard theorised it was likely that record-keeping was sparse, and he knew Tasha had been orphaned at a young age.
From their personal relationship, he knew that Tasha didn't even know the real date of her birth – opting instead to choose the date of her discovery by Starfleet simply for record-keeping purposes.
He considered it possible that Tasha didn't know her actual age and had merely guessed or been assigned an age when Starfleet personnel had encountered the captive teenager on a smuggler's ship.
But Beverly had disputed that theory.
Using the same dating technology, she had compared the sample to Tasha's last DNA test in Sickbay.
It had confirmed that the Tasha Yar they knew was twenty-seven.
"She's too young for this DNA sample to have come from her," Beverly assured him. "But I can confirm it is Tasha Yar's DNA."
Captain Picard shifted in his chair as he weighed his options.
"I want to take this to the senior officers," Picard advised. "But I want to keep Tasha's name out of it until we know more. Wipe all identifying information from your report."
Approximately thirty-minutes later, Captain Picard met Lieutenants Worf and Yar down on deck thirty-eight. They were waiting for him near the entrance to the Jefferies tubes.
"It's just in here, sir," Tasha explained as she pulled off the access hatch. "About ten metres ahead."
Captain Picard hopped into the tube and followed Worf down to a junction.
Looking around he didn't see anything.
"Where is the non-urgent problem I needed to see?" Picard asked.
His question was tainted with irritation and a part of Tasha did feel bad for making him trek such a long way.
"There is no problem, sir," Worf answered. "We need to speak with you."
"And you considered this a more scenic location than my Ready Room?" Picard remarked as he waved his hands vaguely to the junction.
"No. But it is more secure, sir," Tasha responded.
Picard studied his Security Chief carefully.
Her tone indicated the seriousness of the conversation they were about to engage in.
"The nacelles provide enough background noise interference to ensure this conversation cannot be overhead by any computer log or surveillance equipment," Worf explained.
"Tasha?" Picard asked.
His interest was now thoroughly piqued.
"Hypothetically, we have a working theory that the Enterprise was ordered to specific coordinates during the Romulan incident," Tasha said. "Those orders came from Starfleet HQ. And the Romulan fleet knew the Enterprise would be present and in the midst of a crisis."
"Meaning someone knew or transmitted that information to the Romulan fleet," Worf added.
"Someone arranged that dead drop, Sir," Tasha went on. "And made sure the Romulan's knew where to find us."
Tasha and Worf didn't know if that had been prearranged or transmitted after the Enterprise had received her orders. Either way, it meant someone with a high security clearance had been privy to the information and had either coordinated the exchange or informed the Romulans of their position.
"In the end, all roads lead back to Starfleet HQ," Worf said before quickly adding, "hypothetically."
The wheels in Jean-Luc's mind were racing.
This was good detective work and he expected nothing less from the pair.
"Then in theory, what do you want from me?" Picard inquired.
Tasha gave the Captain a knowing look.
"Nothing, sir," Tasha replied. "But theoretically, if we were to have another problem with this section of the Jefferies tubes, would you understand our request for your presence?"
"Loud and clear," Picard responded.
Two hours later, Captain Picard and the Senior officers were seated in the Observation Lounge.
He had called an emergency conference to discuss Doctor Crusher's findings regarding the origins of the virus.
Beverly had presented her research on the viewscreen. She was grateful she had run it by Captain Picard first. It allowed her to anticipate most of the questions. Beverly answered most of the common questions before the crew had time to postulate, saving precious time.
Just as she had done before, Beverly explained the process of isolating and studying the DNA of the virus. She walked them through her findings – including that it matched a person and the mysterious seven-year discrepancy in age.
Beverly had wiped all identifying information – a fact that didn't go unnoticed by the other officers.
"Who?" Riker asked, curious as to why the name had been withheld.
He was never one to dance around an issue.
"That is unimportant," Picard said in an attempt to deflect from the conspicuously absent name.
Data surmised the Captain had left the name out because it was someone in the room – or someone close to the senior officers such as a key member of one of their teams.
He considered raising this point but realised there was likely a reason for the omission.
Data wasn't the only one in the room thinking it.
Blunt to a fault, Tasha was the first voice such a concern.
"You've scrubbed the name because it's one of us, isn't it?" Tasha asked.
Beverly didn't know how to respond.
Jean-Luc kept a neutral face.
"No, Lieutenant," he lied.
She wasn't buying it.
They both knew it, but Tasha didn't press the issue.
"I want theories, people," Picard ordered.
"Maybe the Romulans have some kind of advanced tech we're not aware of," Miles suggested.
It was certainly a possibility.
"Or maybe it came from an alternate dimension?" Geordi offered with a shrug.
"This could be explained through temporal mechanics," Data theorised.
"Are you suggesting time travel, Mr Data?" Picard inquired.
"That is correct, sir," Data replied. "With further evidence it may be possible to determine the origins."
Tasha felt like her stomach did a somersault.
She couldn't rationalise it, but there was something about the notion of time travel that made Tasha feel uneasy.
Data observed Tasha's face as it visibly soured.
Matters of engineering were not Tasha's forte. At the Academy, she had nearly flunked Temporal Mechanics. Concepts like the framework of relativity, spacetime geometric field equations, and EPR paradoxes were enough to make her head spin.
What she did learn was that time travel was dangerous and something that she had no desire to ever experience.
No one knew what happened to people who travelled through time.
Although there were Starfleet logs of missions where unintentional time travel had occurred, Tasha knew enough to understand it was a force far beyond human control and not worth messing with.
"How is it possible for a sample to be older if they travelled back in time?" Tasha asked. "Wouldn't the sample have occurred before they reached that age?"
"It is possible to observe a reaction before the action which initiated it. In essence, effect can precede cause," Data said.
Tasha didn't look satisfied with his answer.
"It is one of the more difficult concepts to grasp in temporal mechanics," Data added, hoping to make her feel better.
Tasha bit her tongue, but Geordi could sense she was bothered by his comment.
Tasha knew it hadn't been Data's intention to make her feel intellectually inferior, but the comment had stung. It was a reminder that she lacked the Engineering prowess of the other officers.
After another hour of discussion, Captain Picard settled on a plan that they would table the discussion until after the completion of their next mission.
Worf and Tasha gave a vague update of their investigation. Wordlessly, they both understood if there was conspirator among their ranks, it would be best to stay light on specifics.
He dismissed the officers. Everyone left the Observation Lounge feeling less sure of themselves than they had before the briefing.
The Romulan they had encountered – Supreme Commander Morak – had seemed to know an awful lot about the crew of the Enterprise.
There was one question on everyone's mind.
Could there be a spy among them?
As Data and Tasha stepped onto the lift, she remained silent.
It was hard for Data to ignore the fact she was miffed.
"Tasha, I have observed that have appeared to be distressed since my comment in the briefing," Data said.
She inhaled sharply and crossed her arms.
"It's nothing," she replied.
"Are you bothered by the idea of a Romulan conspirator among the crew?" Data inquired.
"Aren't you?" Tasha retorted.
While the question was valid, her tone led Data to believe it was made in an effort to deflect from her real feelings.
"You are upset because of my comment about temporal mechanics highlighted your lack of comprehension on the subject," Data commented.
Tasha fought the urge to roll her eyes.
"I know that you don't mean to be insulting, sir," Tasha said. "But when you say it like that it comes across as, well-"
Tasha trailed off.
"Hurtful," Data said, finishing her sentence.
"Yeah," she confessed as she traced a circle in the carpet with her foot.
Data felt terrible.
It had not been his intention to make her feel that way. He had suspected for some time that Tasha had struggled internally with feelings of inadequacy – and used humour to deflect from it.
He'd heard her crack enough jokes about 'having a head for Security' and 'a skull built to handle a few cracking's.'
"Computer, halt," Data ordered.
"Don't think twice about it," Tasha assured him. "I should really get back to the office."
If she was being truthful with herself, Tasha didn't want to think about it.
"You may lack a working knowledge of temporal mechanics and relativistic mechanics," Data began. "Your knowledge of particle physics is deficient. And you have an inadequate comprehension of dimensional topology to differentiate between a cosmic string and a quantum filament-"
"Not helping," Tasha remarked.
"But I still think you are the greatest detective I have ever known," Data finished.
Tasha turned to face him.
"Better than Holmes?" she asked.
"Indubitably," he replied in earnest.
She bit back a grin.
"You're lucky you're cute, buster," she replied as she poked him squarely in the chest.
Data glanced down and then back up to meet her gaze.
It took Data 0.017 seconds to access his informational database to confirm this was, in fact, flirtation.
He decided to 'lean into it.'
If he responded properly, Tasha may find it alluring.
And if his comment missed the mark, at the very least it would make her laugh.
She was incredibly patient with him in that respect.
"Or what?" Data asked.
He took a step toward her, and she backed into the wall of the lift.
Internally, Tasha was impressed with comeback.
For months she'd been encouraging him to experiment with verbiage – followed by a strict warning it was probably best to stick with just her and Geordi for the time being.
But she could give as good as she got.
And she liked to keep him on his toes.
"Your boyfriend will break me in half?" Data teased.
"No. Me, you dolt," she replied as she playfully smacked him on the forehead.
Data caught her wrist before she could retract it.
"It is fortunate you are aesthetically pleasing, Lieutenant," Data said, throwing Tasha's own favourite taunt back at her.
"Or what?" Tasha replied with a wicked grin.
"Or I would assign you a remedial course in temporal mechanics," Data said.
Touché. Tasha mused.
On deck nine, the conversation was far less genial.
Shortly after the briefing, Captain Picard had shown up at Deanna's office and requested an audience.
He wanted to know what she had sensed from the other officers during their meeting.
"So that's why you didn't ask me to remain?" Deanna speculated aloud. "It really is one of us."
It had been a shocking revelation, but Picard's presence had confirmed the mutual suspicion that the DNA found in the virus had been from one of the senior staff.
"You couldn't be seen to ask me about it because that would have substantiated everyone's speculation," Deanna went on.
Captain Picard nodded.
"I want to be clear - I don't think the person involved is actually involved," Picard stated.
He was failing miserably at explaining his feelings.
For all of the exemplary command qualities Jean-Luc Picard possessed, expressing his feelings was not one of them.
"But some part of you isn't certain. That is why you are here," Deanna said.
As Counsellor, she knew that Captain Picard needed some guidance in identifying his internal feelings from time to time.
Deanna was keenly aware of the inner turmoil that Captain Picard was struggling with. It radiated off him.
"It's someone with whom you are close," Deanna said.
"Counsellor, while I appreciate the skill with which you practice your role," Picard said in a warning voice. "I did not come here to discuss my feelings. I came as your Captain asking for your read of the room."
Deanna nodded in understanding and made a mental note to work the subject in during their next session. It was rare that the Captain came – but Starfleet regulations did require a monthly appointment between Captain and Counsellor for a command this size.
She sat back in her armchair as she formulated a response.
"If you want to know if someone knew, I would say no. I did not sense that," Deanna explained.
It was the truth. During the meeting, everyone had been genuinely surprised by Beverly's assessment. Although Will Riker and Tasha Yar had been the two officers to call out the conspicuously absent name, the concern had been shared equally amongst all of the officers.
"But there was something I did pick up on," Deanna informed him. "Something that everyone in that room experienced."
Captain Picard looked at Deanna expectantly.
"Fear," Deanna said.
She went on to explain that all of the senior officers had been overcome with concern at the idea that one of them could have been engaged in subversive activities involving the Romulans. The idea that it also involved time travel only added to the collective anxiety.
"Captain, you can't just drop something like that on us," Deanna advised. "Especially in that manner."
The senior officers of the Enterprise were closer than most crews.
They weren't just colleagues, and they were closer than friends.
"This revelation came as a shock. It's shattered our relationship with one another," Deanna said. "I do not believe any of the crew will discuss the matter openly because they want to respect you. But we're all doing the math."
Captain Picard sighed.
"That math, counsellor?" Picard inquired.
"To figure out who it is," Deanna elaborated. "It cannot be Data as he doesn't have DNA. Some may eliminate you and Doctor Crusher from the pool of suspects. Beverly made clear the sample was human, so that knocks Worf and me off the suspect list. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here talking to me."
Deanna paused as she considered how far to push the conversation.
Based on what was at stake, she determined it was necessary.
"Which leaves Commander Riker, Lieutenant Yar, Lieutenant La Forge, and Chief O'Brien," Deanna finished.
She didn't require her empath abilities to see that she touched a nerve.
"And I promise you, every one of your officers figured that out before we were dismissed," Deanna added darkly.
Damn his crew's ability to think so quickly.
This was one instance in which Picard was not pleased with their capabilities.
Worst of all, he knew Deanna was right.
Captain Picard sat back and rapped his fingers on the armrest of Deanna's sofa.
"Then what must I do?" Jean-Luc asked honestly.
"Clear the air," Deanna advised. "And I would recommend starting with whoever's DNA that is first."
Captain Picard left Deanna's office feeling conflicted.
He knew that she was right, but he didn't even know where to begin.
How could one possibly explain to a friend that they were caught up in something that was, truthfully, unexplainable.
Captain Picard stepped onto the lift and ordered it to return to the Bridge.
He was going to need to think it over.
Jean-Luc was partway between decks five and six when he struck by a memory from their time at Starbase 118.
"You're debating if you should warn her," Guinan had said. "What would you even say?"
Her echoed in the Captain's head.
Jean-Luc had no inkling of what to say.
"Computer, belay my previous request," Picard ordered. "Deck eight."
He knew Guinan wasn't in Ten Forward at this hour.
As soon as the lift stopped, Picard quickly made his way to her quarters.
Right now, Jean-Luc needed advice he couldn't get from the ship's Counsellor.
"Captain?" Guinan asked as she greeted him at the door.
In an instant, she could tell there was something weighing heavily on the man.
She escorted him inside and replicated a cuppa Earl Grey. Whatever the situation was, he was going to need it.
"This isn't a social call," Guinan remarked as she passed him the saucer.
Jean-Luc felt terrible. It had been nearly two months since Guinan had come aboard. Despite their long friendship, the two had gotten few opportunities to spend time with one another.
"I'm sorry," Picard apologised. "I need your help."
"How can I help?" Guinan replied.
Jean-Luc stared down at the saucer in his hands, unsure of how to broach the subject.
He knew Guinan had an unusual connection to space and time.
And he suspected she knew more than she let on.
"I have problem," Picard began. "And I fear that my own actions to mitigate the issue have now made it worse."
Guinan nodded in understanding.
"Sometimes when we try to proactively stop something from happening, we actually escalate the situation," Guinan commented.
She asked him to elaborate.
"I need to break some news to a member of the crew," Picard explained. "Somehow they are involved in a situation that I don't think they know they're a part of. At least, I don't want to believe they could be involved in. And I don't have any answers as to how or why-"
Guinan shot him a look and Jean-Luc stopped.
"You can mambo like nobody I know but dancing around a subject has never been one of your strong suits," Guinan said.
Jean-Luc swirled the tea in his saucer around a few times.
"When we were on Starbase 118 and you sensed something about Lieutenant Yar, did it involve the Romulans?" Picard said, deciding to confront the matter directly.
Guinan didn't immediately respond.
For Jean-Luc, this was a red flag.
"So, it did," he said knowingly.
"No," Guinan answered honestly.
Captain Picard took a small sip of his tea and then set the saucer down on the table. Clasping his hands together, he leaned forward.
"But you felt something," Jean-Luc pressed.
Guinan rocked her head back and forth in a manner than signalled neither confirmation nor denial.
"Please, what did you see?" Picard asked.
Guinan shook her head.
"I don't 'see' things. I don't experience visions. I just get these feelings at times," Guinan replied.
She looked at the Captain apologetically.
"Did Tasha say something about what happened in Ten Forward?" Guinan asked.
Captain Picard looked at her perplexed.
"What happened in Ten Forward?" Picard questioned.
He was not aware of any incident occurring regarding this situation.
Thinking back to the night, it had been long time since Guinan had felt something so strong. There had been a powerful aura emanating from the young Lieutenant at the mention of the Romulans – a discomforting mix of torment, deep sadness, and an underlying fury.
It had left Guinan spooked.
Guinan sat back in her chair and raised her eyebrows as she looked away.
Picard huffed in agitation.
"Dammit, I need to know what happens or happened to Tasha Yar," Picard growled.
"Happens or happened?" Guinan queried.
The unusual phrasing of his statement caught her off guard.
"Commander Data theorises the possibility of time travel or an alternate universe as an explanation for the baffling nature of the situation at hand," Picard advised.
In a way, the idea of time travel felt like a cop out.
It certainly explained away the situation without providing any real clarification.
Guinan could see the Captain was distressed.
She wanted to offer him some sort of relief. But she barely understood the feelings she had experienced.
"Jean-Luc, I don't know what to say," Guinan admitted.
"Come now, you're never speechless," Picard retorted.
Guinan pursed her lips.
"I'm from a race of listeners," she reminded him.
"What happened in Ten Forward?" Picard inquired, pleading with her for any crumb of information.
Guinan looked down at her lap and folded her hands as she collected herself.
It had been such a strong, unpleasant moment that it felt awful to recall.
She explained that the senior officers had gotten together over drinks. Guinan recalled that she had been at the table serving another round. When Commander Riker had mentioned the Romulan man they had encountered, there was pain.
"It just radiated off of her like this dark, intense ache of bitterness," Guinan described. "It was so cold. The kind of hopelessness I've only felt from the Bajoran refugees that have been liberated after years of captivity."
Captain Picard sat quietly as he listened to Guinan recount the details of the encountered.
She closed her eyes as she went on.
"And there was grief. The kind of unnatural sorrow that a parent who loses a child experiences," Guinan went on.
She opened her eyes and met Captain Picard's gaze.
"Trauma. A wound so deep that it echoed across time and space. Like a shadow or a ghost," Guinan concluded.
The El-Aurian took a shaky breath to steady herself.
The entire experience was over in a matter of seconds. But in that time, Guinan felt a lifetime of pain.
"She could feel it too," Guinan informed the Captain. "And it terrified her."
Jean-Luc exhaled.
Guinan had warned him long ago that 'knowing' and discomfort went hand in hand.
"That wasn't the information you wanted," Guinan remarked.
"Yet, it was what I asked for," Picard quipped.
Jean-Luc allowed his mind to wander as he imagined what could have caused such ripple in time fabric of time.
If the sample was taken from a thirty-four-year-old Tasha Yar, did that mean she would meet her demise in seven years' time?
Had she been captured? Or would she be captured by Romulans in the future?
Jean-Luc could think of no scenario in which Tasha would willingly cooperate with the Romulans.
Most importantly, did he have responsibility to tell her? Or rather, was it better to let her live the remainder of her days in peace?
Or could your intervention be the cause of this? Picard considered with alarm.
"I can't put this on her," Picard said.
Picard explained the details of his conversation with Counsellor Troi – and her suggestion that he inform both Tasha and the crew.
"This crew has been through so much together," Picard explained. "And now I fear this information will destroy their trust in one another."
He sighed heavy.
"I don't want to cause any further harm," Picard confessed.
"Then don't," Guinan replied sincerely. "If you want my advice, say nothing. Bury it. A part of being in Command means there are some burdens you must bear alone."
She paused.
"And usually those are the hardest," Guinan added.
"You wanted to see me, Captain?" Beverly said as she stepped into Jean-Luc's Ready Room.
"Please, take a seat," Picard said.
He motioned the chair in front of his desk.
You'll transfer all of your medical files about the DNA in the virus to my logs," Picard ordered. "And then you will delete them in Sickbay. You will not include them in your final report."
"Captain-" Beverly protested.
"I need you to trust me, Beverly," Picard said.
She blinked a few times as she contemplated his request.
"What changed?" Doctor Crusher inquired.
Captain Picard did not respond.
Rather, he turned to his computer as he swiped through his schedule.
"Jean-Luc?" she pressed.
Beverly didn't like being left in the dark.
"That will be all, Doctor," Picard said. "Thank you."
Beverly stood up and leaned over his desk.
"You can't order me to leave something out of an official report without a better explanation," Beverly said.
"Doctor," Jean Luc said without looking up at her. "You'll delete your files. You'll exclude it from your report. And you will forget that Tasha Yar's DNA was ever involved with this incident."
"You're burying this?" Beverly asked in disbelief.
Captain Picard did not respond to her comment.
"You know if I found this, eventually someone else will too," Beverly cautioned.
"No, they won't," Picard replied simply.
"What in the hell do you-" Beverly snapped.
She stopped when finally looked up.
They locked eyes and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
"Forces greater than either of us," Picard said cryptically. "Beverly, please do as I ask."
His statement wasn't said in the tone of command, but rather a plea.
It would drive a wedge between them, but Picard knew it was right thing to do.
"Yes, sir," Beverly responded before she turned to leave.
At 21:00 hours, Captain Picard requested another meeting with his senior officers.
He'd been hung up on his way to the Observation Lounge by a last-minute request from the Stellar Cartography team and was slightly delayed in getting to the meeting.
For nearly ten minutes, the crew had sat in relative silence.
Contrary to their usual genial banter, no one seemed to know what to say to one another.
It was as if they all suddenly felt like strangers.
"Apologies," Picard said as he stepped through the door.
Jean-Luc could feel the tension in the room.
He took his typical seat at the head of the conference table.
Clearing his throat, he slid his chair forward to address the group.
"I wanted to apologise for what I did to you earlier today," Picard began. "I am afraid that the meeting earlier was a ruse."
Internally, Jean-Luc had prepared himself for this moment.
He knew that with empath in the room, he needed to really believe his own lie in order to sell it.
The Captain told the senior officers that it had been a test to rule out any possibility of Romulan infiltration among the senior officers. He claimed that the DNA story was concocted in order to scare any possible spy.
Picard did his best to feign sincerity.
"It was my theory that if any of you were truly conspiring you may be spooked by the accusation and contact any other conspirators or reveal yourself by attempting a subspace communication," Picard went on.
Reading the room, he could see they weren't entirely sold on his story.
"I regret that it was necessary. And I want to assure you that I trust each and every one of you as officers and as friends," Picard explained. "But I had to be certain. The situation with the Romulans has shaken all of us."
His last statement had been true.
And everyone could feel it.
"We've got less than forty-eight hours until our mission in the Heboyd system and I want everyone prepared," Picard said brightly.
The crew collectively acknowledged his statement.
It wasn't the usual boisterous excitement, but there was a thaw. After all, Picard knew that it would take a few days for everyone to come down from their metaphorical Red Alert.
"Come on, our upcoming mission is the kind of scientific exploration we're all about!" Picard said with an air of enthusiasm.
"It rains diamonds on Heboyd V," Geordi said eagerly.
"And the atmospheric weather patterns produce some of the most stunning cloud patterns observed among ice giants," Data added.
Jean-Luc breathed a sigh of relief.
There was just one thing left to do.
But for the moment, it seemed things were back to normal.
"And whatever was in the mist moved like a shadow," Tasha said as she read aloud from her PADD. "Captain Spruce felt a chill on the back of her neck as she clicked to activate her emergency torch."
Following their late conference, Data and Tasha had decided to call it an early night.
Originally, they had been planning to join Keiko and Miles in Ten Forward.
But the whole situation had left Tasha feeling uneasy.
So, they had decided to reschedule for a later date.
After wrapping up their respective reports for the day, the pair had enjoyed a quiet dinner alone in Tasha's quarters.
After a shower and final schedule check, they had slipped into their sleep clothes, and retired to their favourite activity.
Data and Tasha were snuggled against one another on her sofa as Tasha read aloud from the latest horror novel she had selected.
Mist Monster at Rubicon Charlie certainly wasn't the kind of high-brow literature Data and the Captain enjoyed.
But she liked these kinds of stories – they made her laugh and often left Data on the edge of his seat.
"Blaster fire sounded in the distance and Captain Spruce could hear the screams of her men," Tasha went on. "Faced with no other choice, she rushed into the mist and was met by-"
The chime for Tasha's door sounded.
It was almost midnight.
Tasha set down her PADD and got up from the soft.
Ensuring the sash on her dressing gown was secure, Tasha activated the door.
"Captain?" she said in astonishment.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you at such a late hour," Picard said.
Tasha shrugged.
"It's no bother, sir," she assured him.
She stepped aside and ushered him into the room.
"Lieutenant, your off-the-record investigation ends now," Picard ordered.
Tasha's brow furrowed in confusion.
She had many questions – had someone found out? Had Picard been ordered to bury the matter?
It only led to further speculation that her theory had been correct.
The conspiracy must have infiltrated Starfleet HQ.
"Sir, if you've been given orders to cover up what happened then we ought to consider going outside the chain of command to-" Tasha proposed.
Captain Picard waved his hands.
"The investigation is over, Lieutenant," Picard repeated.
Tasha couldn't fathom this.
"But sir, our duty-" Tasha tried.
"Investigation over. That's an order," Picard said tersely.
From his position on the sofa, Data watched intently. His head turned back and forth as the Captain and Security Chief discussed the matter. It was as if Captain Picard was completely oblivious to Data's presence.
Tasha took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, sir," Tasha said trying a new approach. "If something's happened, I never meant to put you in this position."
Captain Picard flexed his fingers as he tried to release some of the pressure he felt inside.
"No need to apologise," Picard assured her.
The tone of his voice belied how upset he was underneath.
He tugged on his jumpsuit to pull it back into place as he composed himself.
"May I ask – strictly as Security Chief – was our conversation not secure? Or did you inform someone at Starfleet?" Tasha inquired.
She needed to know.
"No, you may not," Picard replied.
Captain Picard looked to door and then back to his Security Chief.
"Sir?" Tasha asked.
She was shocked by his reaction.
"An order, Lieutenant! What part of that are you incapable of comprehending?" Picard said in frustration.
The typically restrained Captain threw his hands up.
Tasha was speechless.
Picard turned away for a moment and took a step toward the table in her quarters.
"That means no snooping around. No renegade activities with Worf," he said as he rapped his fingers on the table.
After a few seconds he turned back to Tasha.
"And if I find out you've violated that order, so help me God, Tasha - you will find yourself facing a court martial and the full weight of my wrath," Picard shouted as he pointed at her.
It was said so loud and sternly, Tasha didn't feel like the Chief of Security.
She felt like a child being reprimanded for something terrible.
Tasha blinked a few times, fighting back the tears that were threatening to well up in her eyes.
She couldn't put her finger on it, but she assumed that Captain must have had a mighty good reason for giving her such an order.
"I understand, sir," Tasha replied with an uncharacteristic meekness that it was enough to shake Picard from his mood.
As he left, he felt terrible for the way he'd treated her.
But inside, he knew it was for the best.
He told himself it was to keep her safe.
Anything less was simply unacceptable for the Captain.
Two days later, the crew had moved on from the incident.
"Data, how's it going with that probe?" Geordi asked.
"Nearly finished," Data replied from across the room.
They were in Main Engineering completing final preparations for their mission tomorrow. They would taking a shuttle and small crew to a Heboyd V.
It was a purely scientific mission and one that Data and Geordi had been looking forward to for some time.
Heboyd V was a dense, ice-giant planet that was orbited by several moons. Data and Geordi would be leading a team to take observations, study the planet's unique weather system, and to leave several probes for long-term study.
In addition, a previous research team had identified some unusual gravitational readings in the area. Geordi had asked the Captain for permission to join the away team and Captain Picard had been eager to grant his request.
Geordi got up from his workstation and stepped over to the table where Data was adjusting one of the probes. The increased density on Heboyd V meant that their equipment would be under significantly greater gravitational stress.
All of the probes had to be adjusted and outfitted for such strain in order to function properly.
"It feels nice be back to normal," Geordi said as he slapped Data on the back.
"Yes, Geordi. It does," Data replied.
They had been travelling at Warp 4 toward the Heboyd planetary system. The last few weeks had largely been pleasant – no subspace anomalies, alien entities, or surprise Romulan activities.
It had been a few weeks since the incident at the Neutral Zone and life aboard the Enterprise had returned to normal.
Well, as normal as life aboard a starship could get. Data thought.
"Is there anything else, Lieutenant?" Sonya Gomez asked.
She had finished her work on outfitting a set of sensory monitoring equipment for the team that would be leaving tomorrow morning.
"No. Thank you, Ensign," Geordi smiled.
"Alright then, goodnight," Sonya replied.
She turned on her heel and headed for the day.
"Uh…Ensign?" Geordi asked.
Sonya stopped and turned back to Geordi.
Geordi froze.
"Yes?" she prompted.
He wanted to say something – but he didn't know what to say.
"Erm..goodnight, Ensign," Geordi said awkwardly.
"Goodnight," Sonya replied, flashing a broad smile before leaving.
Geordi turned around and startled – Data was standing right behind him.
"Jeez, Data," he exclaimed as he took a step back.
For some time, Data had observed that Geordi's behaviour changed in the presence of Ensign Gomez.
"Geordi, may I ask a question?" Data inquired.
Geordi eyed Data sceptically. He had a suspicion of what Data wanted to ask. And it wasn't something Geordi was ready to discuss.
"What is it?" Geordi replied hesitantly.
"Is your nervousness around Ensign Gomez due to your feelings for her?" Data questioned.
Geordi was taken aback.
"No, of course not!" Geordi replied as he turned back to the probe.
He could feel the metaphorical heat of Data's eyes on him.
"Why?" Geordi asked as he suddenly turned back to Data.
He looked around to ensure they were out of earshot of anyone.
"Is it obvious?" Geordi asked in a worried whisper.
Data leaned in close.
"You behave differently in her presence," Data said. "On fourteen occasions I have observed a rapid change in your behaviour when you are around her as if you are anxious."
Whenever they found themselves working together, Geordi tried to keep his attention focused on work – so much so that it was as if he were ignoring her. At the same time, whenever their task was finished, Geordi would find himself scrambling to think of something to keep them together.
Truth be told, Geordi really liked spending time around Sonya. She was bright and a workaholic. In a way, she reminded Geordi much of himself. There was an endearing quality to her seemingly never-ending conversation.
Whenever they were together, it was like her brain was firing at a million lightyears per minute.
She oozed curiosity and Geordi was drawn to it.
But a part of him felt like it was foolish to try and pursue anything with her. Sonya was about ten years younger – fresh from the Academy in fact – and Geordi didn't want her to feel pressured.
In addition, Geordi had gone through a pretty rough patch lately – striking out on his last four attempts at relationships.
He was feeling a wee bit self-conscious on several fronts.
Geordi shook his head.
"It could never work," Geordi grumbled.
Data cocked his head to the side in confusion.
"I have calculated an eighty-three percent probability that your personalities, work schedules, and long-term goals are compatible," Data advised.
Geordi groaned.
He hated that he knew Data was right.
"Data, do me a favour and don't ever calculate the trajectory of my love life like a math problem again," Geordi requested.
"I apologise, Geordi," Data said in earnest.
He hadn't meant to make his friend uncomfortable.
"It is just that, well, my own happiness came after following your advice to 'lean into it' when I was uncertain about pursuing my feelings for Tasha and I think that if you were to-" Data stopped as Geordi put his hands on his hips.
"No, Data," Geordi replied. "The thing is you're not wrong."
He scratched the back of his head as he tried to find the right words.
"You're not wrong at all," Geordi said sadly. "But it's more complicated than that."
Data nodded in understanding. He could empathise with Geordi's situation.
"Would you like to talk about it?" Data offered.
Geordi chuckled.
"Thanks, Data," Geordi replied. "But I think what I'd like to do right now is kick Chief O'Brien's arse at darts."
The two men left Engineering and headed for Ten Forward to join the Chief for the evening.
Several decks up, the Chief Medical Officer, ship's Counsellor, and Chief Security Officer were in Deanna's quarters. It was their first girl's night since before the hearing and three friends had a lot to catch up on.
"I'm still sorry about that," Beverly said as she looked at Tasha.
Beverly had felt horrible that Tasha had spent hours waiting down in the torpedo bay with radiation sickness. While it certainly hadn't been a dangerous amount of exposure, Beverly knew first-hand how uncomfortable it was.
Tasha waved her off.
"Don't be!" she insisted.
"You had your hands more than full," Deanna added. "Speaking of which, congratulations on identifying and curing a Romulan bioweapon in less than forty-eight hours."
"And congratulations on your award," Tasha said as she raised her glass. "Well-deserved."
Beverly blushed.
It truly had been quite an accomplishment.
So much so that Captain Picard had put her up for the Leonard McCoy Medical Merit Award.
The crew had learned earlier that day that Beverly's candidacy had been accepted and she would receive the award in a ceremony at Starfleet Headquarters during an upcoming trip back to Earth.
The three women toasted Beverly's accomplishment.
The Doctor got up and grabbed another bottle of wine. After removing the cork, she refilled their glasses.
"You know the one good thing that came out of that situation was the Captain got a full eight hours of sleep," Beverly said in astonishment. "He's so stubborn, it was kind of nice to see him rest for once."
She grinned wickedly.
"Even if was only because he didn't have a choice," she added.
"Eight hours?" Deanna asked. "That is something."
Beverly gave her knowing glance. All three of them knew how rare it was for the Captain to rest.
"Well I can tell you Will didn't have that problem," Deanna explained. "He slept for fourteen hours - and when he got up, ate an alarming number of eggs."
The three of them laughed.
"That sounds about right," Beverly commented.
She turned to Tasha.
"I suppose it's a good thing Data doesn't need to sleep or eat," Beverly teased.
She had meant the comment to be light-hearted, but Deanna could sense that it touched a nerve.
"But he performs better when he's rested," Tasha replied a little more stiffly than intended. "And he likes to try food."
Beverly could see that her remark had been hurtful.
"I'm sorry, Tasha. I didn't mean anything by it," Beverly apologised. "You're right."
An awkward silence fell upon the three friends.
"How's it going with all the changes?" Beverly asked tentatively, hoping to reframe the topic in a more support light.
Despite being a physician, Beverly wasn't exactly sure how to phrase her question. Over the last few months, they had all observed a change in Data.
She struggled to find the right words.
"You know, now that he's becoming more human? Feeling things?" Beverly asked politely.
Tasha shifted uncomfortably.
Tasha understood Beverly was trying to be supportive. And she knew that Deanna was well-aware of Data's traumatic past. But that was strictly in a counselling setting. It wasn't Tasha's story to tell.
However, Tasha couldn't let the comment go.
"Beverly, he's always felt things," Tasha replied with a hint of sadness.
She looked over to the window and took a breath.
"It's just that sometimes people have a hard time showing those feelings when circumstances teach them not to," Tasha finished.
Beverly reached over and gripped her hand.
"You don't have to say any more," Beverly assured her. "I'm sorry."
Tasha gave her friend's hand a light squeeze.
"No, I'm sorry," Tasha replied in earnest.
She closed her eyes for a moment and steadied herself before proceeding.
"I just-" Tasha growled and opened her eyes. "He's the only Senior Officer that has to have a workstation in his quarters. He feels better when he rests – something he rarely ever did before and, in some cases, wasn't permitted to do at all."
Deanna could sense Tasha's shudder at the thought.
"Data's a lot more perceptive than people give him credit for," Tasha went on.
"And he makes you happy," Deanna said.
Tasha grinned.
"Yeah," she replied. "He really does."
At 23:00, Tasha made her way to Data's quarters. She glanced around and noticed he wasn't in the main room nor was he at his workstation.
When she opened the door to his bedroom, she smiled.
He was in bed.
Rest programme activated.
Tasha padded across the carpet, threw her uniform into the garment reprocessor, and slipped in behind him. She snuggled up against his back, grateful to see he was resting.
Data had found he functioned better after initiating his rest programme and he wanted to be prepared for their mission in the morning.
Sensing her presence, he awoke.
"Your evening has concluded?" Data inquired.
"Mmm hmm," she replied as she closed her eyes.
"My suspicion about Geordi's feelings for Ensign Gomez has been confirmed," Data whispered.
"Oh?" Tasha replied.
For the last ten days it had been all Data could talk about when they were alone. Data was eager for Geordi to ask Sonya on a date. However, Tasha was hesitant.
She reminded Data that Geordi had suffered a series of heartbreaks recently and may need time.
"Just don't push it, eh?" Tasha asked.
Data rolled over and looked at her.
"Is it not true that our relationship would not have been initiated had it not been for Geordi's intervention?" Data inquired.
It was true – thanks to Geordi and Miles (with help from Commander Riker), Data had come to understand the common interpretation of Regulation 1138.
"I believe Geordi requires a metaphorical push," Data went on.
"Do me a favour and don't mention it unless Geordi brings it up, OK?" Tasha suggested.
Data considered her recommendation and decided it was likely sound advice.
"If that is your wish," he replied.
Data rolled onto his back so Tasha could lay her head on his chest.
"And promise me one thing?" Tasha asked. "Have fun tomorrow."
She meant it.
Tasha knew how excited he was for this mission.
"On Heboyd V it rains diamonds," Data said.
Tasha smiled against him.
"I apologise as that is the eighth time I have mentioned that fact in the last thirty-six hours," Data confessed. "But I find my anticipation has compelled me to fixate on the subject."
It was late, and Data needed to rest.
But Tasha wasn't going to deny him the opportunity to share something that he was so fascinated with.
He was excited.
And she wanted him to enjoy himself.
"Set a timer on your chronometer," Tasha instructed. "And then tell me all about it."
They both knew if he didn't set a timer, he would be liable to talk all through the night.
Data accessed his internal chronometer and set an alarm to go off in exactly one hour.
"The unique conditions of the Heboyd V's weather system mean that when it rains, the methane in the atmosphere causes it to harden into graphite and then crystalised carbon as it falls," Data explained.
"All stop," Captain Picard ordered as the Enterprise dropped out of Warp 4.
They had reached the Heboyd system. While the shuttle took off to study the planets in the area for a few days, the Enterprise was going to pay a visit to a nebula in the area where the astronomy team would conduct a series of studies on the possible formation of a new star.
The ship slowed but did not immediately stop.
"All stop, Mr Crusher," Captain Picard repeated.
Wesley wasn't entirely sure what had happened.
"I'm sorry, sir," Wesley said as quickly made the necessary adjustment. "We're under an increased gravitational strain."
Wesley adjusted the output necessary to maintain their position and the ship stopped drifting.
"That's alright, Mr Crusher," Picard replied. "The last team to study this area noted there were some unique gravitational readings."
"Aye, sir," Wesley said. "I'm reading a significantly greater gravitational stress on the ship."
It was another reason they would be sending in a specially reinforced shuttle rather than keeping the entire Enterprise in the area for the mission. The energy output necessary to protect Enterprise for too long under the stress was far greater than they were capable of producing. Whereas Geordi and Data could equip a shuttlecraft with adequate protection with fewer resources.
They would rendezvous with the team in thirty-six hours. However, they would maintain radio contact during that time.
"Away team, you have a go," Picard ordered.
Data nodded to the Captain and got up from the Operations console.
"And good luck," Picard added.
Wesley, Worf, Data, and Commander Riker headed for the nearest turbolift.
On his way off the Bridge, Data caught Tasha's eye and she flashed him a grin.
They had already bid one another farewell that morning before coming on duty. Data had barely been able to contain his enthusiasm for the trip.
Stepping off the lift, the team met up with Geordi and Chief O'Brien in the Shuttlebay. Geordi was running a last-minute check over their shuttlecraft as Miles and Wesley loaded the gear.
Commander Riker and Worf would pilot the shuttle and navigate for their initial trip in so that the other officers could prepare their research probes for deployment.
"Well, I think that's everything," Geordi said as he ran through his mental checklist.
He'd confirmed their supplies, run a secondary scan over the protective hull, and checked their energy output sensors three times.
Geordi felt good about this trip.
Without warning, the shuttlebay doors opened and Ensign Sonya Gomez came running in.
"Wait!" she cried out as she raced for the team.
She stopped in front Geordi and held out his away bag.
"This was-uh-in Engineering," Sonya panted.
Geordi was speechless.
He couldn't believe he had nearly left on this mission without his away bag. Although the shuttle was stocked with many of the supplies they would need, Geordi still needed things like his toothbrush, fresh clothes, and the hypospray he took for his migraines.
"I don't know what to say," Geordi replied with an uneasy smile.
"I'm always forgetting things," Sonya shrugged.
"Thank you, sincerely," Geordi said.
He was incredibly grateful she had noticed his inconspicuous bag sitting on the ground and managed to put two and two together.
Geordi noticed there were some packages of snacks on the side.
"I threw in some of those pistachios and those crisps you like," Sonya said as she pointed to the side of the bag.
"Uh, thanks," he replied in astonishment.
Geordi was touched.
For a moment, neither of them said anything.
"I, um, I'll see you when I get back," Geordi said.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'll be here," Sonya replied.
"Right, and I'll be uh," Geordi trailed off and pointed to the shuttle.
From two metres away, the rest of the away team watched the pair.
"I can't wait to hear about it," Sonya confessed. "The absorption of red light by the atmospheric methane gives the planet it's blue colour. I think it's breath-taking."
"We're going to look at the cloud formations in the troposphere," Geordi explained.
"Where the dark spots occur from the anticyclonic storms?" Sonya asked as her face lit up.
"Yeah," Geordi grinned.
Worf cleared his throat.
"I guess I should uh…you know," Geordi started.
"Yeah," Sonya replied with a small wave.
Geordi picked up his bags and stepped onto the shuttle to join the rest of the group.
As soon as they were all seated, Commander Riker fired up the shuttle engine and they drifted out of the Enterprise into space.
"Why do you not ask her on a date?" Worf said bluntly.
Silence fell on the group.
Everyone – except Commander Riker – turned to look at Geordi.
"Me?" Geordi asked, doing his best to pretend to be shocked by the question.
Worf gave him a look that indicated no one was buying it.
Geordi sighed heavily.
"She's too young," Geordi said. "It could never work."
"She's only a year younger than Christy Henshaw," Wesley offered.
"And that didn't work out!" Geordi replied hotly.
Data considered Geordi's statement. He debated whether or not to comment, given Tasha's warning to let Geordi have some space.
However, since the group seemed to be fixated on the topic, Data decided it would be appropriate to weigh in.
"Geordi, you previously stated that your relationship with Christie failed because she said she did not share your feelings," Data said. "However, it would appear Ensign Gomez does 'share your feelings'."
Commander Riker's face broke out in a wide grin.
"You both share a mutual interest in antimatter research and seem to enjoy one another's company," Data went on.
"You should listen to him," Miles said as he nodded to Data.
After all, it had been Data that had arranged for Miles and Keiko to get together – something Miles was eternally grateful for.
"Are we there yet?" Geordi asked sarcastically.
Commander Riker advised they were about an hour out from their first probe deployment.
"So, we have plenty of time," Riker said wickedly.
Geordi did not want to have this conversation.
"New topic," Geordi demanded as he sat back and crossed his arms.