Chapter 7

Data was thinking about what future in the Starfleet he could have after this incident. He thought that he and his family weren't in a safe place any more. If an alien could rape your wife and then he could return to his life as if nothing happened, what could you say? They were officers, indeed. They should obey to many complex protocols. But one thing is to have to save the ship, one thing is to protect your wife.

Data was bored to feel himself as inadequate to protect his family. He wrote a letter of resignation. He wanted to return on the beautiful planet of Cindy and pass with her and his children the rest of his life. He understood finally what Cindy intended at the beginning of their relationship.

-"Could I enter, Captain?"- Data asked. –"Yes, sure, Data."- he answered. –"This is my letter of resignation, Captain. I have offered my best years to Starfleet. Now I have a family. And I have the duty to protect them from aliens and foreigners. I cannot be any more an officer, Captain."- he said coolly. Picard was astonished. –"Data, are you all right? The Ilosians had made a lot of trouble, but we must remain friends as always…"- he said sadly. –"No, Captain. We are no more friends. My wife was raped. Nobody wants to punish this crime in a legal process. I do not trust you anymore. We will return on the home world of Cindy. We will be safe there."- he answered very calmly, but determined.

Picard called the Counselor for help. They decided that Data should think accurately about his decision for at least 48 hours. He replied that it wasn't necessary, because the androids were very fast to decide what to do in a few seconds. They persuaded him to speak about this important decision with his wife. Data promised to do it, but lied.

The day after Alex persuaded the High Council of the Ilosians to sign the treaty. Data persuaded the Captain to let him to visit the planet of the aliens. In a few minutes Data arrived on the surface, in the capital city, IlyssiaHe was an android, therefore the inhabitants couldn't feel his strong emotions. They were artificial, as his entire life was. Data pretended to be a normal tourist. He didn't wear the uniform, but civilian clothes. The aliens were used to see many merchants in search for their dylitium. He found out where was Alex's house and he arrived to it. When he entered into it, there was nobody. He waited for his return.

Alex returned to home only at 11 p. m. because the aliens made a feast for the new alliance with the Federation. –"Ambassador, did you remember of me?"- he asked. –"Yes, Data, obviously I can. Why are you here?"- he asked anxiously. –"I search revenge for the incident to Cindy."- he answered determined. –"But you are an officer, Commander…You have the order to forget it."- he said. –"Yes, but here isn't anybody who knows me. Your people cannot read the artificial emotions or thoughts…"- he replied. –"What would you do, Commander?"- he asked scared. He knew that the android was very strong and very fast. –"Oh, it is very simple, Ambassador. Now you will have an incident … in which you will die. Only the death could revenge the crime you did on the Enterprise."- he said. It was very simple, indeed. Data pushed him against a wall and he lost consciousness. He died in a few seconds. After this, Data returned to his ship. He deleted all the proofs against him accurately. The last thing was to cancel all his memory files. Data was a decorated Starfleet's officer… Nobody could testify to have seen him in Alex's house… It seemed to be a perfect plan.

The body was discovered after a few hours. The Ilosians thought that he had had too many alcoholic drinks in the feast, and that he was tripped over something. It was declared as an incident. But nobody on the Enterprise believed it. Picard thought that it was Data's revenge. He ordered to Beverly to check him. But it was effortless. Data escaped the justice, as Alex did.

Cindy wasn't so happy that Data killed an alien for her, but at least her honor was clarified. The news spread around all the galaxy… Nobody wanted any more to humiliate Cindy because she had an android as husband.

Cindy wanted to remain on the starship. She believed that Data's value was more useful in the open space than in a little planet. Data agreed with her. The enemy was killed. The human beings returned to respect him and his family.

The End