A/N: Thank you for continuing to read! For reference, I've revised the previous chapter slightly.
FrodoSam - So glad you're enjoying! =D
EnzoSprite - It was amicable from his perspective. I just let it go. Not worth it. Thanks for the nice words though - so glad to hear it worked out wonderfully for you, and hey, an award to boot! I'm still holding out for my completementary mad scientist. hehe.
SongOfTheSilverSpiders - I reworked things a little, so "The Naked Now" is up after the next chapter and "Measure" and "Skin" are now after that.

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=/\= The Day Off =/\=

It had been a hectic few weeks, moreso than usual, Commander Riker had assured her. Everyone had been working overtime, and to help, Data had agreed to take a number of extra shifts so that other crewmembers could sleep. Tasha hadn't been off the hook herself, dealing with the transferring of the Bringloidi to Starbase Rhaeoto, being kidnapped by Ligonians and made to fight, and dealing with tactial problems while reliving a not so fond memory whilst thrown into the next major galaxy by the Traveler, among other exhausting situations.

At least she had a bed she could call her own. Shortly after the crew cleaned up after the Bringloidi, which was no small task, she had been assigned her own quarters on deck eight with the rest of the senior officers. It was much bigger than she was used to, coming from an Excelsior-class to a Galaxy-class, and it was definitely bigger than she thought she needed. But she wasn't about to complain to the management, especially considering that the management gave most of the senior staff the day off after a meeting that morning.

"Want to join us for cards tonight, Tasha?", Geordie asked her as they made their way out of the observation lounge and off the bridge.

"You're going to laugh, but I've never played any card games before. I wouldn't have a clue what I was doing."

"The game in question is quite simple on paper.", Data chimed in as they got on the turbolift, trying to be encouraging.

"That sounded okay until you got to the 'on paper' part. What all's involved?"

"There are fifty-two cards. Each player is dealt two cards they keep to themselves, and up to five more cards are seen by every player. There are thus a limited number of possible winning combinations. A player attempts to bluff the others into believing he has a superior hand in order to win the chips that are bet."

Riker agreed with the others. "You should come. You'll have fun."

She didn't want to turn down an invite from her commander, and 'Who knows', she thought, 'maybe I really would enjoy it. Plus, it'll get my mind off work for awhile.' "Alright, I'll be there. Can't promise you won't have all my chips at the end, but I'll give it a shot.", she smiled. "What time?"

Data answered her as they got off the lift while Geordie and Will shared a joke between them: "Good thing Pulaski's going to be on duty tonight - she'd probably end up wiping her out if Data doesn't first!"

=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=

When first asked, she hadn't had any intention to go. In her youth, rather than learn any games, she was too preccupied with herself and her sister staying alive and relatively safe, so the charm of games had been greatly lacking from her childhood. But she decided that getting to know her new coworkers better was yet another reason she should go play cards. 'Time off to spend with my friend and enjoy new company. It could work.'

The chime to her quarters beeped, and as the doors opened, she asked from well across the room: "Is this okay?"

He assumed correctly that she was referring to her casual outfit, a soft, lightweight, navy blue dress down to her knees. It was a dramatic change; he hadn't seen her in civilian clothing since the academy, and even then, only once or twice, so her look was unexpected. Whereas the uniform seemed to demand rigidity of her, the loosely-fitted dress imparted relaxation, and he hadn't seen her relaxed in weeks. He first thought something had physically shifted ever so slightly inside his torso but quickly realized it must have been an emotional response. Whether good or bad, and of what sort, he didn't know, but he would analyze it. Since he found himself continuing to look and she seemed happy, he decided the change in dress was positive. "I think it is a perfect choice."

She flashed him a smile and in turn took note of the tan longsleeved shirt and gray pants he had on. She thought the toned-down colors showed off his eyes nicely. "I'd almost forgot what you look like out of uniform. Were you were thinking the same about me?

"In a sense.", he affirmed.

She looked at herself in the mirror and straightened the dress out to where she thought it was just right. "It's almost like the uniform's a part of my body and I don't know how to identify myself without it anymore."

"Do you mean the latter seriously?"

She thought for a second and frowned, then looked back up at him in the mirror. "Hm. I'm really not sure."

His brow creased without his authority, he realizing it occurred only immediately after the fact. Both what she had said and what he had done made him pause. That he hadn't replied in a second worried her, which is what he had wanted to avoid in the first place. "Are you okay?", she asked, concerned, walking over to him.

"Yes, Tasha. I was thinking, and you simply found me at a loss for words." It was, after all, the truth. "It can happen.", he nodded once in a mock-serious tone to alleviate her concern, even though it didn't alleviate his.

That brought a smile back to her face. If she hadn't believed him, she hadn't shown it. "Let's get to the game before we're late."

=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=

They arrived at the open door of the small crew lounge on saucer deck fourteen. "Please.", Data courteously motioned ahead of him, and she went in.

Will was at the replicator about to order two martinis when he saw them at the door. "Come on in.", he greeted them warmly, eyeing her in particular. "What can I get the new player?"

"I'm good for now, but thanks.", Tasha politely smiled back, seeing that he came on a little strong.

"Data? You?", he asked. Data declined too, as was expected.

"Glad you could make it.", welcomed Deanna, patting the open chair next to her.

"Me too." Tasha took the offered seat. "Does Captain Picard ever come to this?"

"Standing invitation. Never taken us up on it.", Will replied, sitting the martinis in front of Deanna and himself.

Data took the seat next to Tasha. Geordie, who had just walked in, took the seat between him and Will. "Hello Natasha."

"Hello, Commander. But pease, Tasha's fine."

"In that case, Geordie.", he reciprocated with a grin and cut the cards Data put in front of him. "So I hear from Data that belated congratulations are in order the security teams you trained for the Fleet Championships won for a third year in a row. That's impressive."

"Well thank you. I was privileged to work with a very talented group of officers again this year.", she modestly explained.

Data started to deal, not showing that he noticed Geordie's undivided attention was on Tasha.

"Don't sell yourself short.", Geordie complimented her.

Data added, "I would agree. From what I know of Commanders Anqot, Jyzhanler, and Saalen, they are extremely technically proficient and have more formal tactical and command experience than you, so your three Fleet Champtionship wins are 'no small feat'." Will and Deanna nodded approval in her direction as well.

"Thanks, guys. We worked hard, kicked ass, and had a good time doing it.", she admitted, picking up her first card. Everyone found that amusing - even Data. When she saw Deanna pick up her cards, a thought occurred to her. "Doesn't being half Betazoid give you an unfair advantage?"

"It would," Deanna turned and fished in her small purse by her feet, taking out a hypospray, "except I take an inhibitor before the game.", she showed her and dropped it back in.

"Aha.", Tasha replied, just as Will interrupted to give Deanna a hard time.

"She just uses that as an excuse. The truth is," he tried to look convincing, "she's such a terrible poker player that her telepathy doesn't help her in the least.", at which everyone but Data laughed.

Tasha picked up the second card that had been dealt her. "You still beat these boys anyway, right?"

"Into the ground, sister.", Deanna asserted with a full smile.

"Normal game play tonight, folks.", Will announced the rules as he began to take a look at his own cards. "No seven-twos, no Federation Day..."

Tasha was already more lost than she thought would be possible, but she assumed that was part of his aim.

When he finished, Data leaned toward her and quietly mentioned he would assist her.

"Sounds like I'll need it."

"It certainly does." He eyed her, the corners of his mouth upturned, before looking back at his cards and informing Geordie it was his bid. His expression hadn't been as unnatural- or forced-looking as he used to try to do them, and this wasn't lost on her.

Almost in a laugh, she met his eyes with a similar but surprised look. She had seen him get better at humor perception over the years, but she thought he had definitely been getting there lately with the expressiveness. If anyone had told her years ago he didn't have emotions, she would have denied it from the start. He had always denied it himself. But she was glad to see he was now capable of sharing them more easily, even if he didn't realize he had them.

They played for three hours before calling it a night. By the end, Deanna and Tasha had hit it off and Geordie had backed off. Will was, well, his same charming self. They genially turbolift-pooled up to deck eight where they went their separate ways after saying their good-nights. Tasha thought it had turned out to be a very good, enjoyable start to her social life onboard her new posting.

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A/N: Please review and let me know how it's workin' out for ya. Thankee. =)