Small Packages

Part Four of Seven

By GirlX2

0o0o0o0o0o0

Data stared at the Jello, brow furrowed. "I do not want to ingest that substance."

"Why not? It's tasty." Wesley ate a spoonful of red Jello. "See?"

"Its movements are randomized. Its structural capabilities are nonexistent. It exists in a state between solid and liquid."

"So?" Wesley finished his snack. Data had been perfectly compliant when it came to the rest of the food: this body had approximately the same taste capabilities as his former one. Why would he balk at Jello?

"I do not want to eat it."

"Mom said you had to. Just try some."

"I will not eat that substance." Data shoved the small bowl away, frowning.

"Data, Dr. Crusher said—"

"I WILL NOT!" Data picked the bowl up and threw it onto the floor. It shattered, sending glass and jello across the tile in a splat.

Wesley stared, jaw slack. The rest of the room went quiet.

Data's outburst came as Geordi entered the commissary.

"Data, why did you—"

"I WILL NOT EAT THAT! I WILL NOT!" The shrieks cut Wesley's meek inquiry off. The ensign remained in his chair, eyes wide, speechless.

Geordi rushed across the room. Data was standing on his chair now, screaming inarticulately at the top of his little lungs.

"Data—" Wesley looked to Geordi, overwhelmed. "Geordi, he just—"

"I saw." Geordi picked Data up in a fireman's carry and left the commissary. The android beat its little fists on Geordi's back, still screaming. Geordi ignored the crewmembers they passed. Data was having a full-blown temper tantrum. People were going to look.

By the time he got Data to his quarters (they were closer than the android's room), the shouting and hitting stopped. Geordi set him on the bed. Data's eyes were wet. It took Geordi a moment to realize: the android had been crying.

Another thing to add to the growing list of weirdness.

"I will not eat that substance. Please do not force me." His voice was shaky and uneven. He sounded like he was moments away from losing it again.

"I wouldn't dream of it." Geordi sat next to him. "Do you want to tell me what's wrong?"

"I feel uneasy. My stomach is no longer in pain, but now I feel greater distress." Data scrubbed his eyes with one hand. They were bleary.

Ahhhh. That would explain it. "I think you may need a nap."

Data cocked his head slightly. "I do not sleep."

"Your old body didn't. This one might need the rest. Let's just try."

Data lay down on Geordi's bed. "I am sorry that I threw the gelatin."

"Good." Geordi grabbed a tissue and dried his friend's face.

"I am also sorry I shouted at Wesley. He was correct: Dr. Crusher ordered me to eat the substance."

"I'll tell Wesley you said you were sorry." He pulled a blanket from the foot of the bed and began tucking Data in. "Can you tell me why you didn't want to eat it?"

"Its movements are randomized. Its structural capabilities are nonexistent. It exists in a state between solid and liquid."

"And why does that bother you?"

Data though for a moment. "It reminds me of the creature that killed Tasha."

Geordi took a deep breath. "Ah. Why didn't you tell Wesley that?"

"I was having great difficulty articulating my thoughts." Data said. "Is that part of being a child?"

"It is."

"I do not like that part."

"I know." Geordi sat on the bed. "You'll feel better if you can sleep."

"How do I begin?"

"Just close your eyes. If this body can sleep it'll happen soon enough."

Data closed his eyes for a few seconds, but quickly opened them. "Geordi?"

"Yes?"

"You will report this to Riker?"

"Yes Data. It may help to get you back to normal."

Data frowned worriedly. "He will think badly of me."

"Don't worry about it. Just try and sleep."

Data closed his eyes for a few seconds longer. "Geordi?"

"Yes Data."

"Will it go in my Starfleet record?"

"It will go into your medical log." Geordi said, sensing the beginning of a trend. "Close your eyes."

Data did so, but only for a split second. "If I could provide an explanation when I've regained my adult body, will it be expunged?"

"Probably. No more questions. Sleep." Geordi said firmly.

"Yes Geordi." Data shut his eyes and did not open them again. After a few minutes his eyes began to dart back and forth under the closed lids. Geordi stood slowly. Not only was Data sleeping, he was dreaming. He had to report this right away.

He placed a hand on the wall and whispered: "Computer, monitor him. When he wakes up, call me."

"Order affirmed." The computer responded. Geordi left the room, trying not to run.

He wasn't there to see Data's peaceful expression change into fear.

0o0o0o0o0o0

To be continued.