Holding Out For A Hero

by mabelreid

Q wants to repay someone for saving his life but can't do it alone. He recruits Tasha Yar to save a life that is dearer to her than anyone. But is Q telling her the whole story, and will she decide to help the omnipotent being?

3. Chapter 3

Disclaimer: see my profile

A/n thank you all for your support of the story. This is the last chapter.

Gentleness and Joy

Data stepped out of the Orchid first, and some of the Enterprise personnel who hadn't heard about his leap to the Scimitar curiously looked at him but then greeted him and went back to work with the Romulans.

Tasha stopped when she noticed the Romulans. For a minute, she was back with Sela as a young girl. General Meldat's guards around them and – Tasha blinked and shook her head. She was aboard the Enterprise and among friends.

The cargo bay was not the clean place she'd known on other federation ships. There were shuttles, both Romulan and Federation, several supply containers lifted from aboard with antigrav units, and damage from the battle.

She noticed three men with sidearms arriving in the cargo bay. They were security officers and joined a few others, keeping an eye on the Romulans. The newcomers didn't make a show of watching her and Commander Data, but she knew they were there for her, and she approved the move. It is what she would've done had she been in the Captain's place.

They don't know you, said a voice in her head. You're not their Lt. Yar.

"Data," she heard a voice call from the bay's entrance.

Commander La Forge hurried toward Data and said, "Don't you ever do that again, or I'll disassemble you myself and leave you scattered in the marshes on Telurus VII."

"That would be a most unpleasant way to end my existence." Data said, and both smiled.

Tasha stared at Geordi in amazement. He'd always been attractive in her book, but his VISOR was gone, and he had the most intense blue eyes she'd ever seen, and they completely changed his face. However, before she had time to wonder about the electric blue hue, he turned to her and said. "Tasha. Is that you? How? It's so good to see you."

He hugged her tight, and she saw his eyes shining with unshed tears when she pulled away. "I missed you," he said. "We all did."

The cargo bay doors opened, and Doctor Crusher walked in with a medical team. "Tasha! The Captain said we had a visitor who might need medical attention but didn't say it was you."

"We did not inform him," Data said. "We felt it was wise to wait until we boarded to inform the crew about Tasha."

"It's wonderful to have you back, Tasha," Dr. Crusher said.

"It is, but as former Security Chief, I advise that you scan me, take a blood sample, and determine that I am Tasha Yar," Tasha said.

Dr. Crusher hugged her and said. "That sounds like the Tasha I knew, but how is this possible."

"I'll explain on the way to Sick Bay,"

"Let me do a quick scan first."

While the doctor did her scan, Geordi said. "How did you two meet? And Data, how did you escape the Scimitar explosion."

"That is an extended tale that will take approximately fifteen point two minutes to relate. The truncated version is - we must thank Q."

Geordi's eyebrows lifted, and he said. "Really."

"Yes," Data said. "I understand if you need to determine that I am me and not one of Q's illusions."

"I'm sorry – " Geordi began.

"Do not worry, my friend. I will submit without complaint."

"Tasha, I can't find contaminants or diseases, although you are underweight and malnourished."

"I'll explain in Sick Bay."

STSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTST

"I'm satisfied that she is Natasha Yar," Dr. Crusher told the Captain. "Her genetic structure is identical to her old Starfleet records. There's no shift in DNA to suggest a clone."

"I am the Tasha Yar from Enterprise D that encountered Enterprise C when it came through a temporal rift."

"Yes," Picard said. "We heard the story from – your daughter, Sela."

"Captain, it was Sela's ship we destroyed," Data said. "She was an ally of Shinzon. Her mission was to finish his plan if he failed."

"I'm getting the impression you've had dealings with her in the past," Tasha said stiffly. "If they went badly, I must apologize for my daughter."

"No apology's needed, Tasha. Your daughter told us about your attempted escape and subsequent death and that she hated her human half." Picard explained.

"I'm sure she told you she cried out that night because I was taking her from her father. No matter what I did, she was always more attached to her father than me. He whispered in her ear terrible tales about humans in general and Turkanans in particular. I couldn't counteract his lies and exaggerations. I failed as a mother."

"First, we'll talk about that later," said the Captain. "Second, you did nothing to betray us. Third, it's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back. Captain, I want everyone to know that Q gave me all her memories – your Tasha. We're not the same people, but we – well – I don't know how to explain it."

"Why don't we see the ship and go to the bridge? I know that Counselor Troi and Commander Riker would love to see you. Worf is working with the Romulans, but he said to tell you he will speak to you later."

"I look forward to it."

The size and sheer beauty of the Enterprise-E astounded Tasha as she and Data, accompanied by Captain Picard, walked the ship's corridors from the cargo bay to the turbo-lift. She resisted the urge to take Data's hand through the knowledge that it wasn't the time. Data glanced over at her and gave her a tiny smile.

Romulans and Starfleet personnel milled around them, some glancing at or outright staring. Most, however, were busy with tasks as they worked to repair the crippled flagship's most vital systems. They'd be able to limp home with the assistance of more starships that would arrive in the Rift.

"Bridge," Data said when they stepped onto the turbo-lift. "It will be alright," he said to Tasha.

"I know, I'm a little overwhelmed, Data."

"I imagine having the memories of two distinct individuals is most disconcerting. Perhaps later, I can assist you in assimilating them. I have much to tell you."

"Thanks, I'd like that, Data."

Tasha stared around like an overwhelmed first-year cadet when they stepped off the turbolift onto the bridge. It was incredible to see the advancement in the ship's design. The layout is functional and elegant. The computer stations were the best in the fleet. The technology there was a lifetime away from her warship Enterprise-D and Enterprise-C.

"Tasha, Data," said a gentle, musical voice from a dark-haired woman standing close to Commander Riker.

"Deanna," Tasha whispered. "I –"

Deanna and Commander Riker threw protocol out the window and ran to hug Tasha and Data. "Data," Deanna wiped away her tears and kissed his cheek. "We thought you were dead."

"I was 1.89 seconds from destruction when Tasha transported me to her ship. I must admit hearing the last ten seconds of your existence counted down by a computer is most intriguing and terrifying."

Riker slapped him on the back and said, "I thought a mere second was two eternities for you, Data."

"It is, but – I would gladly live a hundred billion eternities if it means I can stay functional with my friends and – " he looked at Tasha and took her hand. "Loved ones."

"Mr. Data," said Picard. "You and I will talk about your attempted self-sacrifice at another time. For now, please come with me to the observation lounge. You as well, Tasha. We need to discuss Q."

"I'll go assist Beverly," Deanna said. "We'll talk later," she directed to Tasha and Data.

"Of course," Tasha and Data said together.

Everyone chuckled as Data and Tasha followed the Captain to the observation lounge. Tasha was, again, impressed by the lounge. It had a long serpentine table and multiple computer screens on three walls. The windows and the screens had escaped damage in the fight, so the full effect of seeing two Romulan warbirds standing guard over the flagship of the Federation was surreal in the extreme.

"Tasha," Picard said, and she turned to see him watching her with a quirked eyebrow.

"I'm sorry, Captain. This room is- beautiful, and the Romulans – I'm a bit – well, I'm not sure how to word it."

"I can imagine. Why don't we sit? Now," Picard began after tugging down his uniform jacket. "Tell me about Q."

"Q filled me in regarding both timelines. As I told you in Sick Bay, he gave me her memories, the Tasha you knew. I remember two different lives. I'm unsure whether to applaud Q or hate him for the strangeness in my head."

"Do you feel up to details, or can you give me an overview of what Q told you and why he felt it necessary to bring you into this conflict."

"I'll tell you everything, but for the memories dealing with Data and myself."

"Tasha," Data said. "If it helps the Captain to understand, please do not stay silent about us because you feel it is a betrayal of my promise to the Tasha of our timeline. You do not know that Starfleet forced me to attend a hearing to determine my status as a sentient being. Captain Picard showed the judge a holo-cube portrait of you as part of my defense. He asked why it was the only one I kept. I said, "She was special to me. We were – intimate."

Tasha felt her cheeks burn, but she reached for Data's hand and squeezed it. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, but I'm thrilled with the result."

"It is – fine. I enjoy all the rights of a sentient being. I can choose my destiny."

Tasha watched with amusement when Data gave the Captain a look, and Picard nodded his head in – grudging acceptance.

"Well –"Tasha began. "The story begins with my attempted escape."

STSTSTSTSTSTSTST

Picard sat back in his chair at the head of the lounge table. "So, the heart of the matter is that Q decided to thank Data for saving his life when a vengeful lifeform tried to kill him. Interesting and unbelievable. There's something else behind it."

"I would agree, Captain," Data said. "Our previous encounters with Q have shown he is inherently selfish and self-absorbed. I calculate a ninety-eight point six-seven chance his motives were not altruistic."

"He did attempt to keep the Enterprise safe once, and he saved a planet from a catastrophic event," Picard played devil's advocate.

"Really," Tasha said, surprised.

"I will as you say – fill you in later." Data said.

Captain Picard smirked over the idiom and how Tasha grinned at his new First Officer. "I agree with those odds, Data."

"However, we must acknowledge the one point three-three chance that Q told the truth. It is only fair."

Tasha and the Captain laughed as Data observed them. "Yes, Data, you're quite right. After all, Starfleet does encourage fairness in all dealings.

"As it stands, we have a ship in our cargo bay that –"

Picard's communicator beeped. "Slater to Picard."

"What is it, Lieutenant?"

"Sorry to bother you, but the ship carrying Commander Data just vanished before our eyes. Should we scan the area?"

"Don't bother, Lt. Slater. I'm sure it's gone back to where it came from. Continue with loading supplies."

"Aye, sir, Slater out."

"Well, that takes care of one problem." Picard ruminated.

"I, for one, am glad it's gone," Tasha said. "It obeyed my thoughts, and when my – Sela threatened the Enterprise, I lost control and chose to annihilate them instead of disabling them. I killed my daughter!"

Picard held up a finger as Tasha fought to maintain control. "You had a weapon of unknown total power, and Sela brought out the worst in most people."

"But – that's not an excuse. We're Starfleet. We're supposed to be better, to walk a higher moral path."

"True, but I have recently found that you can't talk to some people, especially family, Tasha. Please don't criticize yourself for Sela's choices."

"I guess I'm afraid of my mind and its power."

"As we all should be," Picard said. "Our minds are our greatest enemies and our greatest ally. Don't forget that. Also, I have fond memories of Lt Natasha Yar, and she was – an amazing officer who fought for others with a fierce passion. I believe you have the same passion within you, Tasha."

"I hope you're right,"

"I am. Now, could you get some rest? We'll talk again when you've slept and had a meal. Commander Data, I want you to escort Tasha to guest quarters and stay with her until further notice. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir."

STSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTST

Data entered a code on the keypad next to a door leading to guest quarters. They entered, and Tasha watched as Data looked around. "It would appear I was correct. You will be comfortable."

"Yes. It's fine, Data. You know I have had worse accommodations."

They stared at one another until Data said. "Does my presence here cause you discomfort, Tasha?"

"No, it's – I'm hungry and tired. I want to talk to you, but food and water would be nice."

Data went to the replicator. "Water, five degrees and – vegetable carbonara with Androian browned butter."

"That's my favorite. How did you – wait, it was her favorite too. God, I am so confused!"

Data brought her meal and watched her sit at the small glass table and eat as though she hadn't eaten in years. He didn't say a word when she ordered more with a loaf of rosemary bread, butter, and a glass of red wine.

When Tasha finally pushed away her plates, she looked at Data and blushed rosy-red. "I am so sorry that was incredibly rude."

"It was not," Data said. "Soon, I will explain the changes I have experienced, but believe me when I say I am not offended. However, I hope to eat a meal with you soon."

"You eat."

"Later," Data insisted. "For now, I am going to put on some music, and I want you to rest even if you can not sleep."

"Data, wait, it feels like you're reading my mind."

"I am sorry. Have I frightened you?"

"No. I'm just disconcerted, that's all. I love that you're so tender and caring. I have missed that so much, and – damn. I can't stop crying."

"You are grieving. Please do not try to stop your natural responses to the loss of Sela for the crew or me. We understand."

"I know you do."

Data said. "Computer, run music program Data three."

The Etta James version of "At Last" began playing, and Tasha rounded on Data. "This is her favorite song, but it's also one of the first musical pieces from Earth that I heard after my rescue all those years ago. I – Data –"

She went to him, and moments later, Data was on the sofa with Tasha in his lap. Her knees were on either side of his thighs, and she faced him. Tasha sat back and relished the feel of his strong arms encircling her waist and holding her safe. She kissed him, and the remembered sensation of tasting the molded bioplast – so much like human skin – brought her back to tears.

"My beautiful Valkyrie, I have you back at last." Data whispered in her ear as he kissed her neck.

Tasha stroked his cheek with her finger, and his eyes closed. "Data! I remember you used to call her that when you spent time alone. She loved it, and so do I."

"I am glad. I have missed my warrior woman."

"I wish you had my Data's memories. You'd know that I used to call him my gentle one."

"May I show you gentleness, joy, and love?"

"Yes."

STSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTST

Tasha lay with her head on Data's chest. He was slowly running his fingers along her spine. She shivered with lingering emotion from their vigorous lovemaking. "I do love you, Data, no matter our timeline."

"I feel the same."

"How," Tasha sat up. "I always believed you had emotions in your way, but you always told me I was wrong. Now you admit it freely, and the feelings seem much more ardent."

"An interesting choice of words. My feelings are more nuanced because Dr. Soong created an emotion chip for me."

"You found Noonian Soong," Tasha said.

"Yes. I will explain the details later, but Dr. Soong brought Lore and me to his home. Lore killed him after trying to use the emotion chip, and it further amplified his psychotic behavior."

"Where is Lore now?" Tasha sat up, and her eyes were full of anger.

"He was shut down and disassembled. He no longer poses a threat to anyone."

"I hope you're right this time."

"Tasha, is your intention to continue our post-coital conversation with my brother your preferred topic?"

Tasha laughed. "I'm sorry. I know how much you wanted a brother you could bond with, but your question struck me as funny."

"I am glad because that is what I intended. I long ago realized that Lore and I would never be close. But," Data shifted and pulled Tasha back into his arms. "I have recently found another brother. His name is B4."

Tasha giggled. "I'm sorry – I –"

"Please stop apologizing, my love. As Captain Picard said," Dr. Soong's penchant for whimsical names seems to have no bounds."

Tasha was nearly crying with laughter over Data's perfect impression of Captain Picard's voice. "Oh," Tasha wiped her eyes and collapsed closer to her lover. "Thank you! I needed that, Data."

"I am pleased you are feeling more content."

"Delicious food, warp-core blowing sex, and hilarious jokes from my gentle one, go a long way to lifting my spirits. Still, I can't stop thinking about Sela and Romulus. What shall I do?"

"I have an idea. I have just realized that I have forgotten someone significant."

"You forgot something, Data. How is that possible?"

"I am not sure," Data said, and he appeared puzzled. "Perhaps there is a problem with my neural net."

"Run a quick diagnostic," Tasha suggested.

After a moment, Data said. "I am functioning within normal parameters."

"Well, let's not worry about it now. What about this person you forgot?"

"Spot is a feline, not a human."

"You have a cat! That's amazing. Where is it?"

"She is not here, Tasha. We are not in my quarters, remember."

"Oh yeah, I must be more tired than I thought."

"I believe you should sleep while I attend to making sure Spot is free from harm and I feed her."

Data shifted from her and got up. She watched him dress and had to restrain her hormones. She'd never forgotten the beauty of his perfectly sculpted body. Dr. Soong had blessed his creation with a lean but muscular form. His hips were narrow, and his bottom rounded, filling out any uniform he wore magnificently. She found herself blushing as she took in his other attributes. She knew of an old earth belief that size matters, and apparently, Soong had believed it, or he was compensating because Data was well-endowed in every way.

"Tasha."

"I'm – a voyeur, apparently because I can't stop staring at your body."

"If it pleases you to observe, then look, Tasha. My modesty subroutine is modified to function - differently when I'm in your presence, and we are alone."

"I approve of the modification."

"While I am pleased you approve, might we continue later? I must see to Spot."

"Right. I'm coming with you. I want to meet her."

"Let us finish dressing, and you may walk me to my quarters."

STSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTST

"Oh, Data. I hope –" The room was jumbled when they entered Data's quarters.

Tasha was interrupted by an orange blur racing out from under a chair that lay half over on its side. The cat leaped gracefully at Data with an annoyed yowl.

"Spot, I am so happy you are alive. As this is the second time you've escaped injury, perhaps you are now in your seventh life."

Tasha chuckled. "I like the jokes you keep making, Data."

"Thank you, but Spot was trapped when the Enterprise D was destroyed. I thought I'd never see her alive again and –"

Tasha was astounded to see tears run down Data's cheeks. "Babe, you're crying. Please don't –"

"They are happy tears. Do not worry."

"Alright."

Data stroked the annoyed cat as he hurried to his replicator. "Feline supplement twenty-five."

The console beeped stridently, and nothing appeared at the serving slot. "I fear it is damaged," Data said.

"Why don't we go back to the guest quarters? We can replicate anything Spot needs there."

"Are you certain? Spot is very particular about her environment and the humans that care for her."

"Trust me."

They returned to Tasha's assigned quarters. Data replicated food for his cat and a sandbox. He had thought to ask Tasha to grab Spot's favorite toy.

Data joined Tasha on the small sofa. He pulled her into his arms. "You should go back to bed and get some sleep, my love."

"I will. I want to talk to you for a moment. You mentioned another brother, B4."

"Yes. B4 is a much less advanced model that Shinzon found and used to draw the Enterprise to the Neutral Zone. I am saddened to say Geordi and I discovered Shinzon used him to observe us covertly and to obtain the locations of all Federation ships in the sector. He's shut down and in storage. I can not allow another brother to cause harm to those I care for, Tasha."

Data's communicator chirped. "Picard to Data."

"Yes, sir."

"Are you with Tasha?"

"Yes sir," Data said as Tasha watched Spot eat like it might be her last meal.

Poor kitty!

"We are detecting Federation ships entering the Rift. It looks like we have plenty of assistance on the way. I am beginning to evacuate all personnel living in damaged or destroyed areas. I want you to stay with Tasha until the evacuation is complete and we get underway to Star Base for repairs."

"Are you certain I am not needed?"

"Between the Romulans and fifteen ships headed our way, I believe we have it under control. Stay with Tasha. That's an order, Commander."

"Aye, sir."

"Part of me wants to sleep, the other wants to put on something more comfortable and help out, and the other part wants to sit here with you in your arms and play with Spot."

"I would also like to help, but the Captain is correct. I will stay here and watch over my two favorite females."

"Data, is there something I should know about Spot and you?"

Data's eyes blinked rapidly, and he said, "Ah, I also enjoy your jokes, my Valkyrie."

Tasha laughed and then jumped in surprise with Data's beautiful orange cat leaped into her lap and began to knead a spot upon which to cuddle. "Hello, Spot. I'm so glad to meet you."

"I am surprised she appears to accept you. As I said, she usually ignores or injures those who attempt friendship."

"Perhaps she realizes that my quarters are more livable than yours and wants comfort. Anyway, I like Spot. I feel that we'll be great friends."

"I hope so."

"Now, back to B4. What are you going to do now that Shinzon is dead? Will you and Geordi attempt to reprogram him?"

"I hope that we will succeed in assisting him in reaching sentience one day, but we must perform full diagnostics and purge his memory of all that Shinzon programmed him to be," Data said, and she heard the profound sadness and hope in Data's voice.

"I hope so, too. I want to meet B4."

"I would like that very much."

After a long minute of petting Spot and listening to her purr, Tasha said. "Data, what are we going to do?"

"Tasha. Commander Riker has accepted his first command. Captain Picard has asked me to become his first officer."

"That's wonderful. Congratulations!"

"Thank you."

"Do you think the captain will allow me to remain onboard as your – partner?"

"Is that what you want for us," Data asked after kissing her forehead.

"Yes. I need a place to heal from the last five years of hell. I need you, Data."

"And Spot," Data asked hopefully, but a light in his eyes made Tasha smirk.

"And Spot." She said and yawned.

"Go to bed, my beautiful one," Data ordered in a low tone after another kiss.

"Yes, sir, Number One."

STSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTST

The mother of Q's child appeared at his side as he watched Data and Tasha sleep. "What are you doing here, Q? I've been searching half the universe for you."

"Merely watching, Q. There's no reason for the continuum to worry."

"I don't understand your fascination with these humans. You have a child. Go wander the galaxy with him."

"Q, I know you're bored, but must you be so overdramatic."

"Q!"

"Alright, I will come along like a good little God. Just give me a moment to reward Mr. Data for his attempted self-sacrifice."

"If you interfere again, the council will end your existence." The female Q said, "Despite your arrogance, selfishness and irritability, I like having you around."

"You're just saying that Q. No, I'm not interfering, at least not in a way that truly matters in the universe's grand scheme."

"Get on with it!"

"Stop interrupting me, and I will. I'm giving Mr. Data what he always wanted, an expiration date."

"I thought the mechanical man wanted to be human."

"No, he doesn't realize it, but his greatest desire is to have a long life with Natasha and then die."

The female Q appeared to think for a moment. "Alright, I'll grant that you're right about interference. How long will you give them?"

"I think one hundred years is a nice round number."

"Well, get on with it, and let's go home. It's your turn to deal with Q for a few centuries. I need time off to recharge."

"As you wish, my love." Q teased.

He snapped his fingers, and as he and Q vanished, a soft golden glow enveloped Data and Tasha as they slept.

"Sleep well, my android friend."

THE END