Data walked slowly back to his quarters, reflecting on his conversation with the captain just a few moments ago. Just before his shift ended, he heard the Captain clear his throat and he turned to look at him. Jean-Luc had nodded his head to the side, pointing to his ready room and without saying anything, they both walked there together.

Jean-Luc walked to the replicator and like so many times before, he asked for a steaming hot cup of Earl Grey Tea. He took the cup from the shelf and inhaled the scent of the steamy brew deeply before sitting behind his desk. Data sat in the chair just in front of him and shifted slightly. The Captain looked thoughtfully over his mug at Data, contemplating him for a moment before finally speaking.

"Data, I have had this funny feeling all day that you've wanted to talk about this with me. Now I am all ears." He leaned back and sipped deeply from his cup, never letting his eyes leave his friend.

Data was unsure how to begin. He found it silly to worry about something when the situation itself was solved and they could move on. He didn't understand the human preoccupation with the past, even as he experienced it. "I don't understand…" he began slowly. "…how I can be so…distracted by events that are no longer happening. When Heva was abducted by Lore, I felt as though everything around me was breaking down. I tried to remain confident and tried to perform my duties no matter what happened. I knew she would never want me to fall to pieces in the face of something troubling as I never have before. She always reminds me how strong I am as a person, regardless of how little experience I have with things that help humans grow stronger. When we were in the shuttle bay with Lore, it was even harder to stay…focused. The thought that he could kill her, or both of us…it made me feel almost helpless. But I still knew that we would survive somehow. I was determined to keep him away from her. Then she saved my life…and it was over. Now only a day later I still fear for what could have happened. I am grateful that she is alright and back to her normal self. I am also proud of her for being honored by Star Fleet. But I still notice how tense she is. I am afraid that she is disappointed that I wasn't the one to save her or that I didn't stand up to Lore the way I should have."

"If I remember from her report," Jean-Luc interrupted. "She described your actions as being:" he picked up a pad and read aloud from Heva's report "'Brave and selfless. The perfect example of what a Star Fleet officer should be. Data is a big part of the reason I fought so hard to regain myself along with the memory of my crewmates, my Captain and the life I have.'" he paused for a moment, watching Data think on what he'd just read before continuing. "Data, people don't get over traumatic experiences quickly. There is always some healing that needs to be done. We all have been through something that will take time to move past. You and Heva in particular and everyone understands that Heva especially needs to collect herself. But she is a very strong person, regardless of the things that she's been through she came out alright and she will heal completely in no time. As far as the feelings you have, they are completely normal. You played a big part in helping Heva through this, so don't go thinking for a second that you're not. We all did our part and you need to remember that the things you're feeling will pass. It's completely…human."

Data looked into Jean-Luc's eyes and smiled with gratitude. He nodded at his Captain and stood. "Thank you, Captain. I believe I understand. Now if you will pardon me, I have someone I need to go and see."

Jean-Luc grinned. "Go to her, Data."

Now Data was pacing in his quarters, waiting patiently for Heva to arrive. He contemplated taking her in his arms and relishing every moment he had with her. He felt a sudden new and deep appreciation for her existence, knowing that someday she wouldn't be there. He would cherish every second he had with her as much as he possibly could.

The doorbell sounded and he hurried to the door. It opened and Heva stood there, staring happily up at him. She silently glided through the door and slipped like a glove into his arms. He embraced her gently and kissed her head. For a long time they merely stood wrapped up in one another, thankful that they were together again after what seemed like a thousand years apart. Each second that passed made their love for each other grow deeper and deeper.

Heva lifted her head and spoke. "I'm so sorry, Data. I wish I could have been stronger, sooner…so I could have come back to you earlier." A single tear escaped her eye and Data placed a hand on her cheek, wiping it away with his thumb. "There is no need to apologize. It is all over now, and everything will be alright. Do not dwell on what could have been, Heva. The important thing is we are here now, together."

Heva smiled and lifted up onto her toes so she could softly place her lips against his in a passionate kiss. As they parted, she whispered "I love you." to him and let her lips fall into his again, holding him closer to her. He never seemed to be close enough.

In that second, Heva suddenly felt the same comfort that Data felt after his conversation with the Captain. In spite of this experience, they knew that they'd prevailed against the worst of the odds not only as Star Fleet officers, but together. As the darkness of space flashed by them, they looked out at the billions of stars winking at them trying to search for their next great adventure. Both of them knowing full well that no matter what the universe threw their way, they would get through not only with the crew of the great U.S.S. Enterprise…but together.

Author's Note: I deeply apologize for my 14 month absence. Trust me I feel absolutely terrible for not submitting a chapter for over a year. I know that not even finishing the story really makes up for it but I hope it does something. So there you have it, The Beast Within. Personally, I feel I could have done better. But I'm still a little bit satisfied with the way things played out. I'm not gonna lie, it's gonna take me a while to get part 3 started. BUT I have an interesting request for all of you. I have 3 ideas in the works right now and I'm not sure which one would be best for part three. They're all good ideas...I hope...and I wanted to turn it into a vote.

I'm going to give the titles for each of the ideas I have. The first chapters for each of them have already been written so I can continue on from them. I want you all to vote on which title you like the most and that's the story I will continue on with. The voting will be open until February 10th. Until then I'm going to fill out a couple of requests that I've gotten to hopefully make up for my absence a little bit. OK so the titles are:

Just a Dream

The Queen's Right Hand

and

One For All

Please send me your votes in reviews or in PMs or however you please. Just please try to get them to me before the tenth.

By the way, thank you for the reviews and for being so gracious about the ridiculously long wait. I greatly appreciate it. Again I'm very sorry it's been so long and I hope this makes up for it.

Love,

Smitty