Chapter Eight: Request for Transfer

The weeks of avoiding Data took their toll on me. I couldn't withstand the strain any longer, so I submitted a transfer request to Commander Riker. I was surprised to receive such a quick response since I knew he had a full schedule that week. He requested that I meet him in the observation lounge to discuss the matter. Upon crossing the bridge to get to the lounge, I passed Data at the Science station. He gave me a serious and prying look. I nearly tripped over my own feet, it was very unsettling. When I entered the observation lounge, Riker briefly rose from his seat and indicated I sit in the chair across from him. The impatient look on his face unnerved me.

"Kadalynn, are you familiar with the chain of command?" Cmdr. Riker asked.

"Yes, sir." I stuttered.

"Then what's the meaning of this?" he indicated the PADD which contained my request, "All transfer requests must be sent to the commanding officer of the requestor. Last I checked, your commanding officer is Data, not me."

"Sir, I'm really sorry for the inconvenience but…" my voice trailed off when I couldn't think of what to say next.

"But what? Kadalynn, is there some kind of problem you're experiencing with Mr. Data? Is that the reason for your request?"

"No, not at all sir! I just would like to… explore my options. I believe transferring to another ship will allow me to do that. The reason why I didn't send the request directly to Cmdr. Data, is that I was afraid he'd take it personally." I lied as I hung my head.

"Be that as it may, I think you should know that Cmdr. Data is capable of handling such requests with the utmost professionalism. So in the future, I'd appreciate it if you'd stick to protocol and submit all similar requests to your commanding officer, do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir." I replied, trying my best not to cry, "I'll forward my request to Cmdr. Data."

The truth was, I had no intention of doing such a thing since I feared it would aggravate an already tense situation between Data and me.

"There's no need, I've already done it. He'll meet with you to discuss it now." Cmdr. Riker replied before leaving the room.

I immediately felt faint. There was no way I could run or hide. I had no choice but to face Data head-on. A few moments went by before Data entered the room and took a seat across from me.

"Ms. Graham, I see that you wish to transfer from the Enterprise. Your reason for this request is sufficiently outlined. However, it is standard procedure to investigate if there are any other reasons for the request. Are there any other grounds for your decision of which I should be aware?" Data said calmly while reading the PADD.

"Data, I…"

"You are to address me as Cmdr. Data." he replied stolidly.

"I apologize, sir… Commander."

"Are there any reasons, other than what is stated here, why you wish to be transferred?"

"Um… no, sir. But…" I replied, but we both knew the real reason for my request. However, he knew I wouldn't dare say out of fear it would go on record.

"Very well. I hereby deny your request." Data answered simply.

"On what grounds?"

"On the grounds that your services are needed on the Enterprise. You would do the greatest amount of good to Starfleet if you remain aboard this ship."

"This is bull! I'm not even an official member of Starfleet for crying out loud! You're just doing this to punish me!" I angrily exclaimed.

"If you refuse to maintain your composure, I will be forced to cite you for insubordination."

That was easier said than done. I was so angry, I wanted to throw things. Instead, I sat there with my mouth agape, wondering if he was enjoying this.

"Sir, with all due respect, I suspect that you have rejected my request based on personal feelings." I replied in as calm a voice as I could muster.

"Kadalynn, I suspect you have filed the request based on personal feelings."

'Argh!!! There's just no winning! I give up!' I thought.

"Commander, I see there's no way around this decision. So I wish to resign and return to Earth."

"Request denied." Data quickly responded almost before I could finish my sentence.

"You can't deny that! You can't force me to continue working here if I don't want to! Last I checked, this was a starship not a slave ship!" I cried.

"That is correct. You can not be forced to work. However, I can delay your departure if I feel your decision has been made hastily. Perhaps you should visit counselor Troi in order to help process your feelings."

"I don't believe you! Why are you doing this?! What do you want from me?!"

"Honesty. I want you to admit what it is you truly desire."

"I want to leave this ship! That's my desire!"

"Somehow, I doubt the sincerity behind that statement." Data calmly replied as he rose from his seat. "This meeting is concluded."

Data walked towards the exit.

"I wish I never met you!" I sobbed quietly. Data stopped in his tracks and stared at me for a moment.

"I am sorry you feel that way." Data replied somberly before he left the room. Leaving me with my tears and feeling worse than ever.