In the end, things were alright.

The judge ruled in favor of Justine's sentience, and her autonomy. "I have heard arguments that Justine Riley is perfect and predictable, and I have heard arguments that Justine Riley is fallible and spontaneous," the judge said, addressing the court. "I cannot think of a more human dichotomy. Justine has proven herself as a student and a Starfleet officer, and it is absurd to question her sentience, whatever power Dr. Bouley maintains over her. No one argues that Miranda Bouley did not create Justine," the judge had said. "But much as the law permits a child to be taken from an abusive parent, I liberate Justine Riley from any claims of ownership, and further more prohibit any and all contact between Ensign Riley and Dr. Bouley."

As Miranda was being led away in handcuffs, she managed to lean across the defense table. "Exactly how long do you expect to live without me, Justine?"

Justine met her eyes uneasily.

Miranda smiled. "There are still a few secrets in your programming. Don't you want to know?"

Justine straightened her shoulders and stood a little taller. "No."

Riker clapped Justine on the shoulder in approval. The bailiff dragged Miranda away – forever. Justine swallowed and turned shakily to be led back to sick bay.

Justine had died the previous day – if only for a moment. But that momentary lack of oxygen had been enough to blind her in one eye. She stumbled as Dr. Pulaski helped her back into bed.

"Rest," the doctor ordered, and turned the lights down. Justine rolled over on her side, staring at the panels on the wall. She closed one eye and then the other, testing her eyesight.

Sleep would not come easily. Justine supposed she should feel relief, but all she felt was empty. She had been so worried about losing that she hadn't thought about what it would be like to win. She had won her freedom, but Miranda had won her own battles, too. Justine knew now that every childhood memory was a lie. She knew that she could be brainwashed or killed. She knew that she had lost a family she never really had. She knew that she was alone.

Justine gave up on sleep and sat up, curling her knees up to her chest. For the first time, she felt like an orphan. Who would care for her when she was sick and sad? There were Dr. Pulaski and Counselor Troi, of course. But they were paid to do that. She rested her forehead on her knees.

The door to sickbay slid open. Justine looked up, and Data stepped into the dim light.

"Good evening, Ensign Riley. I have come to return your converter." Data held out the wristband. Justine was silent.

"It is imperative that you wear this," Data said, "As it protects you from subspace Romulan transmissions."

"I know what it does!" Justine snapped.

"Are you angry with me, Ensign Riley?"

"Yes."

"Might I inquire as to the cause of your anger?"

"You lied to me, Data."

"I am incapable of lying. However, I omitted several facts in order to maintain my subsequent credibility as a witness. My testimony may have been valuable in securing your freedom."

"Oh, you saved my life then, did you?"

"Yes."

"And I'm supposed to be grateful?"

"Gratitude is unnecessary. However, you should continue to wear the converter."

"Whatever." Justine thrust her arm out at the android and looked away.

Data stepped forward and clicked the converter into place. "While I was indeed operating under orders from the captain, I maintained complete autonomy over my words and actions. I did not endeavor to deceive you in any way." Data stepped back politely. "I observed parallels between our situations. We have both been accused of being less than human. I hypothesized that assisting you in your humanity would allow me to believe in mine."

Justine turned back to Data. "Did it work?"

"No."

Justine felt wounded, deeply. It was something like heartache and anger and shame and it bubbled up inside of her. "Get out."

Without another word, Data turned and left. Justine put her head back down on her knees and had her first – but not her last – cry over Data.

Author's note: thanks so much for the reviews, please feed me more! We're not done yet so stay tuned…