XX.
Data reported to the bridge the next few days with stars in his eyes. He hummed the tune of the tango and would occasionally lift his hands and snap his fingers above his head. Riker and Worf watched him in amusement as he danced into his seat at the helm and spun the chair in a rapid circle before stopping himself quickly and giving a quick nod as he finished the song.
Everyone was staring at him, smiling and whispering at each other. Jean-Luc stared too. He couldn't bring himself to smile, only scowl and glare at his friend; jealous of what was an obviously wonderful night with Heva.
"Commander," he said, standing. Data turned to him, grinning. "I wonder if next time you enter the bridge with a song in your head, you keep it in your head." Data's smile faltered.
"Yes, sir. Understood." He turned back to his station and looked down at his screen.
It had been almost five days since Truih was put into the brig and the Enterprise was entering Federation space for the trial. Only two more days were to pass before this transpired and tensions were high.
Hruj and the remaining Frugians hadn't been seen out of their quarters since the most recent murders. Everyone suspected that they were in a state of mourning, or perhaps even shame. But Picard didn't leave anything to chance. Guards stood outside of the door to their quarters around the clock.
Data and Heva hadn't been able to see much of each other in the days following their latest date. The most they did see was the other passing in the hallway. They would exchange smiles and soft greetings and look over their shoulders as soon as they passed. Considering the peaceful nature aboard the ship with no attacks and feelings of relief that the murderer was captive, the new buzz was Data and his new girlfriend; Commander Brookes.
Jean-Luc had heard most of the tizzy in Ten Forward or in the halls. Most people were saying that Data was planning on proposing to Heva. This was of course, preposterous, and he knew it. Data's past encounters with women were, of course, not nearly this advanced. Though only because he had them without the emotion chip. Save for a couple…
Either way, Jean-Luc knew that Data had learned enough to know that such a commitment this early on wasn't a wise action to take. Another rumor circulating, the more popular one, was that Data was going to prepare something especially intimate for their next date, which was scheduled for that night.
Looking at Data now, the captain felt more than just envy and resentment; he also felt regret. Regret that he hadn't gotten there first.
Though, there was still nothing in his mind; not even their relationship, that Picard felt could stop him. He stood quickly and began to leave the bridge. "Number one, you have the bridge." He said. Will opened his mouth to argue but never got the chance, for the lift doors shut in front of the captain before he could.
"Computer, deck seven." He commanded. He knew that what he was about to do was not wise. In fact, his conscience tried its hardest to get him back to the bridge. But the farther Picard got from his post, the dimmer the voice of his will became.
He left the lift, walked down the hall and entered the science lab. There, Heva stood with an information pad in her hand. She was walking around the lab and jotting down data every few seconds. Once she noticed him, she stopped and stood up straight. "Captain, this is a surprise." She said.
"I hope it is a pleasant one." Jean-Luc began. "I wanted to come down here and talk to you about something…personal."
"Captain, I would be glad to give you advice. What seems to be the trouble?" Heva set down her data pad and sat up against one of the tables near the wall. He approached her slowly, talking as he went.
"Well…Commander…I am falling for a woman on this ship." His eyes widened somewhat, giving himself away immediately to her. She stood and fiddled with her hands nervously.
"Sir…I-" she stuttered, but he went on loudly.
"This woman consumes my thoughts, ruins my concentration and worst of all…has chosen another man over me."
"You never asked." Heva retorted in a growl.
Picard was not at all phased and his rant continued.
"This particular other man…is not even a man at all. He is the machine emulation of a man. What perplexes me is why such a beautiful creature would lean toward artificial intelligence, artificial LOVE…rather than the genuine and real kind that I could offer her."
He stood in front of her now, his head bowed. She could feel his breath on her cheeks and could see nothing past his eyes.
"Captain, please!" she said, putting her hands on his chest to push him. Jean-Luc grabbed her wrists and held them there.
"Do you feel that?" he asked. Heva looked up at him, rage written on her face. "That is the rhythmic beating of my heart. Therein lay my feelings for you. REAL human feelings. Could Data ever give you what I can?"
Heva glowered up at him and replied in a low, bitter voice. "Data has already given me more than you could ever dream to give."
Jean-Luc just continued to stare down at her. His mind was consumed with determination. He wanted her, nothing could stop it.
"I have heard him speaking to Geordi, and the other rumors. I know one thing he hasn't given you yet…" he trailed off and began to lower his head toward hers when the door opened.
Picard's grip on Heva's wrists released and he backed away from her. She leaned back into the table and looked in horror as she watched Data give them a look of disgust and storm out.
"You pig!" Heva spat, running out after him.
Jean-Luc's heart swelled with guilt and he fell into a chair. He put his head in his hands and closed his eyes.
"Good Lord…what have I done?"