A/N: Sorry it's been a hot minute without an update. Things in my personal life got a bit wild for the last 6 weeks.
To top it off, I agreed to co-author a new story (which I'm pleased to do, needed a break).
Anywho, we're back!
C/W: Contains abusive behaviour, smut, and dub con/rape. Will contain Data/Tasha fluff and eventual smut. Lore is a master of manipulation. Lore/Beverly (but it's not what it seems).
This is a fic in which Lore (still his lovably flawed, chaotic self) plays the long con before showing his true colours. Also, Lore and Data have significantly greater capacity to feel than canon suggests.
Lore was roaming the ship free again.
Tasha had faced more than a few awkward stares.
Whenever Data walked into a room, people stopped talking.
But despite all of that, both Data and Tasha were thrilled about the fact they were going to be leaving in two days' time.
They had spoken with Captain Picard who agreed it would be best for them to spend some time away from the ship while things cooled down.
There was just one thing required before Picard would sign off on letting them take a shuttle – he wanted Geordi to complete a full diagnostic on Data.
"I am glad you have recovered," Data said.
"Well, I know you didn't mean for me to get hurt," Geordi assured him.
Against Beverly's wishes, Geordi had been released from Sickbay and was conducting a full examination of Data.
"Data, why did you let him get under your skin like that? I warned you about jealousy," Geordi said.
He sensed a sudden surge in Data's neural net as it registered on the diagnostic machine.
"Geordi, I am not jealous of Lore," Data insisted.
"Well, from where I'm sitting it sure looks like you are," Geordi shared. "And whether you are or not is irrelevant. Perception is reality, Data. Half the ship thinks you've gone mental."
Geordi could tell from his scans that Data was bothered by this.
However, what worried Geordi more was the fact Data was clearly going through something.
"Data, you know you can always come to me, right?" Geordi offered. "No judgement. And I'll keep whatever it is just between us."
Data's expression shifted.
He desperately wanted someone to talk to.
But Data couldn't betray Tasha's trust.
For Geordi, it hurt to feel like Data couldn't trust him. They were best friends. He had no inkling that Data's secret wasn't his own.
"Geordi, you are my best friend," Data assured him.
"But you can't tell me what's really going on, huh?" Geordi said with a hint of sadness.
Data was at a loss for words. He had no idea how he could begin to explain the situation.
"Well, there isn't anything wrong with your servos," Geordi concluded.
Data nodded.
He knew there was nothing wrong with his system.
"Data, I think whatever you're going through is emotional," Geordi added.
"I am incapable of-" Data began to protest.
"Ah! That's not true," Geordi said, cutting him off.
He had never believed Data's claims about being emotionless. Geordi had seen just how excited Data could get over discovering a new hobby or how depressed Data had been when he and Tasha had stopped talking after the polywater incident.
Tasha!
A lightbulb went off in Geordi's head.
"Data, does this have something to do with Tasha?" Geordi asked. "I get the impression there's more going on between the two of you."
Data blinked as he considered what to say.
"Geordi was that assessment based on information you have obtained since your injury?" Data inquired.
He knew it had been an item of hot gossip.
"Or did you come to that conclusion prior to your injury?" Data asked.
Geordi crossed his arms and shot Data a look.
"You've been carrying a torch for ages," Geordi said. "And I sort of wondered after you stopped moping around. At first I thought you had moved on. But there's something about the way you act around each other."
Data frowned.
Had they been so obvious?
"And the fight on the beach was a dead giveaway," Geordi added.
Data looked up at Geordi wearing a look of deepest regret.
"Data, you can't let him get at you like that. I'm sure that whatever he said wasn't worth a fist fight," Geordi said.
Data clenched his fist as he thought back to that night.
Lore had outright threatened Tasha on that very beach.
And he'd gotten away with it.
It made Data's coolant system boil with fury.
"Look, whatever he said, whatever he did, you have to let that go," Geordi urged. "Or it's going to eat away at you."
Data glanced down at the ground.
His chest cavity ached. He longed to talk to Geordi, to share his burden with someone that would understand.
Only Data knew he couldn't.
"Geordi, I cannot let this go. Lore's personality is a façade. You must trust me," Data pleaded.
"I want to buddy. I really do. But you're not giving me much to go on here," Geordi said with a shrug.
From everything he had seen, there was certainly resentment but nothing criminal or devious.
"Just, watch out for yourself, OK?" Geordi said as gave Data's shoulder a squeeze.
After delivering his report to the Captain, Geordi stopped off at the canteen for a mid-morning pickup. The painkillers that Doctor Crusher had him on were making him drowsy – and there was nothing more dangerous than a drowsy engineer.
Geordi grabbed a Raktajino from the replicator and sat down at a table near the view windows.
He took a sip of the warm, nutty liquid. As soon as it hit his lips, Geordi breathed a sigh of relief.
Geordi closed his eyes and savoured a moment of respite from the demands of his job.
"I'm telling you, she did," Ensign Paulson insisted.
"I don't buy it," Ensign Vasquez replied.
They were two of the Operations personnel and they were sitting one table over from Geordi.
"She shouted it from the transporter pad as they were hauling him to the brig," Paulson said.
Geordi's ears perked up.
"Lieutenant Yar and Commander Data are an item," Paulson went on.
He had been present in the transporter room the night that Data and Tasha had beamed back to the ship.
Vasquez rolled her eyes.
"I'm not denying that," Vasquez explained. "But there's a lot more to the story. Why do you think they were fighting? Lieutenant Monroe was down on the beach. He said they were fighting about her."
Vasquez leaned in close.
"Rumour has it that she slept with both of them," Vasquez said with a smirk. "And that one brother's a little more functional, if you know what I mean."
Paulson laughed uncomfortably.
"No way," Paulson said, waving her off.
"C'mon, even you must have noticed Lore's a little more, well, human?" Vasquez prompted.
Geordi frowned as he considered this.
Tasha wasn't the kind to chase after someone else if she was in a committed relationship with Data – and certainly not his brother.
But they were identical. Geordi pondered.
Geordi pushed away the thought as quickly as it had come.
In any case, it wasn't his business.
But Data has been acting strange. Geordi thought.
In fact, 'strange' was an understatement.
Data had been cautious about working with Lore. He didn't trust him in the slightest – and Geordi had been keen to support his best friend.
Geordi titled his head to the left as his mind began to race.
Lore hadn't made a pass at Tasha? Or had he? Geordi wondered.
It would certainly explain Data's order that Lore stay away from her.
And it would also account for Data's anger.
Geordi's brow furrowed as he took another sip of Raktajino.
Tasha was capable of handling herself. She wouldn't have put up with that.
And she was the last person to want anyone else to step in for her.
Something about this whole situation didn't add up.
Tasha was in her bedroom packing a bag when she heard the door slide open. A moment later, Data stepped up behind her.
"Hello," he said, nuzzling her neck.
"Mmm, how'd it go?" Tasha asked as she rolled up a jumper and slipped it into her pack.
There was something so cosy about curling up with thick socks and an oversized jumper as the snow fell outside.
"In less than twenty-four hours, you and I will be sipping hot chocolate in the middle of the Neirian mountains," Data replied.
He wrapped his arms around Tasha and gave her an appreciative squeeze.
"Pack you bag, darling. Captain Picard has granted his approval for us to depart tonight," Data explained.
Tasha grinned.
She turned and looked back at Data.
"Really?" she asked.
Slipping away together in the evening seemed so romantic.
Data nodded.
"Yes," he said with a small smile.
Tasha opened her mouth to speak, but Data had already anticipated her question.
"We will go after your scheduled session with Counsellor Troi," Data assured her.
"Thanks," Tasha replied.
"Pack your bag, Lieutenant. That is an order," Data said fondly.
Data pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before departing to prepare his own supplies for the trip.
Tasha sighed and shook her head.
Data could be so romantic in his own way.
And she was about to get a whole week of it to herself.
Tasha bit back a grin as she tapped the top drawer on her built-in wardrobe.
It slid open and Tasha reached in to grab a supply of knickers for the trip. Her eyes fell on a blue pair in the back. They were the same ones she had worn the first time they'd had sex.
There was plenty of embarrassment surrounding the polywater incident.
But, in time, Data and Tasha had come to terms with it.
They now regarded the incident as a fun, if not somewhat silly memory.
Data's breath had quite literally been taken away at the sight of her in that skimpy blue Orion silk number. Well, his artificial breathing programme had needed a reboot anyways.
Tasha smirked and decided it might be worth packing them for old time's sake.
Her hand froze as they closed around the pair. All sense of fond memories evaporated in light of the sticky substance that she felt upon grabbing the garment.
Tasha swallowed hard.
She wasn't sure she wanted to pull them out.
Tasha retracted her hand and closed the drawer.
She rubbed her thumb across her first two fingers, swirling the familiar substance across her fingers.
Lore. She thought darkly.
He probably got quite a kick sneaking into her quarters to leave this little act of terror.
All of a sudden, Tasha gasped aloud.
Lore had been in the brig for the last several days. He had only been released that morning. Wesley Crusher had been off duty. And he had been studying in her quarters all day. Wesley hadn't left the room once.
There was no way Lore could have gotten in without being seen.
Tasha sat down on the edge of the bed as the weight of this discovery hit.
She glanced down at her hand again and felt a flash of anger.
He couldn't. He wouldn't. Tasha thought.
Tasha lifted her gaze back to the drawer.
Yet the substance she had discovered in her knickers was undoubtedly from a Soong android. It was the same biofluid ejaculate she knew came from Data.
Or Lore.
Only Tasha knew there was no physical way possible that Lore could have been in her quarters.
More than that, of the two brothers only Data knew what that garment had meant to them – and how aroused it had made him.
Tasha bit her lip as she reflected on her argument with Beverly.
Beverly had accused Data of having a history of stealing knickers in order to masturbate into them.
It seemed the proof of it was now sitting in her top drawer.
Tasha sniffled and wiped her eyes with her clean hand.
She had so angrily defended Data against Beverly's accusation. And Tasha had been so quick to dismiss Data as the culprit when they were on Tauphin IV.
But now it had occurred a second time.
She felt so violated.
Tasha couldn't understand why Data didn't simply ask. If he was excited by that kind of thing, surely they had reached the point where they could be honest with one another?
Data understood just how important autonomy, consent, and privacy were to Tasha. The notion that he would disregard that just for a thrill was enough to make Tasha sick to her stomach.
Tasha grabbed a clean flannel. She opened the drawer again and wrapped them in the flannel before returning them to the back corner.
As much as she wanted to destroy them, there was something inside of her screaming that she needed to confront this with Data.
After washing her hands in the sink, she resumed packing.
Before she could talk to Data, there were questions she needed answered.
"Why do I get the sense that you aren't exactly excited about this trip?" Deanna inquired.
Ever since the start of their counselling session, Tasha had seemed uncomfortable. Deanna could sense a great deal of conflict emanating from her friend.
Tasha was sitting like a pretzel on Deanna's sofa. She dropped her eyes to her lap.
"Deanna, why do men, um," she trailed off. "Well, why do they do things that are-"
Tasha stopped and sighed.
She didn't even know where to begin.
"Tasha?" Deanna prompted. "Whatever it is you need to ask, I'm here."
"Why would someone get off in someone else's knickers?" Tasha asked bluntly. "I mean what possible reason could someone have for violating someone else's personal…things!"
Tasha stopped and took a shaky breath.
"Things?" Deanna inquired.
"Personal items. Knickers," Tasha answered with a grimace.
Deanna realised Tasha was asking this question for a specific reason. She thought back to her conversation with Beverly on the beach.
He used to steal from women in the colony. Their private things. Like knickers and such.
"Tasha, what do you mean by 'get off'? As in stolen?" Deanna asked.
Tasha shifted uncomfortably.
"You know," Tasha shrugged.
She made a gesture with her hand.
"Shoot a load," Tasha said in a voice so soft Deanna almost thought she had imagined her response.
As much as Deanna wanted to ask Tasha what had happened, she understood Tasha needed answers and reassurance more than anything.
The how and why could wait.
Tasha was feeling confused and betrayed. Deanna understood the importance of comfort and a delicate hand.
"There could be any number of reasons. Some men have a preference or kink for doing so," Deanna explained. "In and of itself the act is not necessarily problematic-"
Deanna could feel Tasha's urge to vomit.
"Unless it's done without consent," Deanna added.
"But why? Why would he-" Tasha paused and corrected herself. "Someone do such a thing?"
Deanna took a sip of her tea as she weighed how to respond.
"There could be any number of reasons why a person would do so," Deanna began.
Tasha listened intently as Deanna walked her through the possibilities of it being a kink, an act of intimacy or substitute for it, or even an act intended to humiliate or terrorise someone.
"Whatever someone's motivation for doing so is, what matters is how you feel about it, Tasha," Deanna assured her.
Deanna's comment was meant to reassure her friend. But Tasha's mind was stuck on a sickening loop of her own self-doubt.
"So it could be because I'm not I'm not, well, because he doesn't want me?" Tasha surmised aloud.
It was a fear that Tasha had been living with ever since the incident. Lore was doing everything he could to plant the seed of doubt in the minds of Data and Tasha.
And Data was awfully quick to assure you sex wasn't necessary. Tasha thought bitterly.
A part of Tasha felt like she was losing Data.
"No, Tasha," Deanna said in the best reassuring voice she could muster. "You said he proposed. You're leaving tonight to go spend a whole week together. Data wouldn't do those things if he didn't want to be with you."
"I'm not saying he doesn't want to be together. But I can't imagine this has been easy for him. Maybe even subconsciously. I've just wondered if there's a part of him that's more bothered than he lets on," Tasha confessed.
Deanna leaned forward and reached across the coffee table to grip Tasha's hand.
"Would you like to do some more sessions together?" Deanna offered.
Immediately after their reconciliation, Deanna had worked with both Data and Tasha on a plan to work towards healthy physical intimacy again.
Things had seemed to be going in the right direction – until this latest discovery.
"I don't know if I want to understand," Tasha shrugged.
An hour later, Tasha had returned to her quarters. Wesley was at the table with Commander Riker studying for an upcoming exam.
"Tasha," Riker nodded as she stepped in.
"I hope it was alright that I invited Commander Riker to help me with this diplomacy test?" Wes inquired.
"Of course," Tasha replied with a smile.
The door chimed a moment later.
"Enter," Tasha called out.
Data stepped inside. He was sporting his own over-the-shoulder bag for the trip. Having packed and wrapped up his duties, Data was all set to embark.
"You got my notice that I've been approved for leave, right?" Tasha said, turning to Riker.
Riker nodded.
"So I won't be present at report for the next week," Tasha went on.
"Nine days," Data corrected her. "Captain Picard has granted us permission to leave forty-eight hours earlier than requested and to still return at the pre-designated date."
"Nine days," Tasha repeated.
She had temporarily forgotten about that fact.
Tasha had already been nervous enough about seven days alone together.
When she had woken up that morning, Tasha had been so looking forward to their trip. It was a chance to get away from everything and reconnect.
Now she wasn't sure she could stomach being alone with Data.
"So about report-" Tasha started to say.
She was almost eager for any way possible to delay or shorten their trip.
Riker chuckled.
"Go!" he insisted. "Have fun! Don't break your leg on the slopes!"
Tasha briefly wondered how she might accomplish such a feat without causing more serious harm.
She nearly jumped when Data tapped the side of her arm.
"I just need to, uh, finish a few things," Tasha said before retreating into her bedroom.
As soon as the door closed, Tasha took an unsteady breath.
She ran her hand back through her hair and then began to pace back and forth at the foot of her bed. She shook out her hands and then her arms in an attempt to work off some energy.
"Tasha?" Data inquired.
She froze.
"Is everything alright?" Data inquired.
His eyes fell on the duffle bag on the top of her bed. She appeared to be completely packed.
Is she nervous? Is it me? Data thought with alarm.
Tasha turned around and smiled nervously.
"Tasha, are you feeling rushed or pressured? We do not have to go. We can acquire separate cabins. Or I will be happy to remain on the shuttle," Data offered.
"No," Tasha said quickly.
A part of her wanted nothing more than to curl up with Data and enjoy this planet that offered a real-life winter wonderland.
But there was a small voice in the back of her head that couldn't shake the discovery in her wardrobe.
"Then are you packed?" Data asked.
"Yeah," Tasha said brightly.
To her surprise, Data stepped forward. Resting one hand on her waist, he caressed her jawline with the other.
"Is there any chance you have packed that blue Orion garment?" Data asked eagerly.
Tasha said nothing.
She visibly reacted. A look of revulsion crossed her face before being quickly displaced by a neutral, almost forced expression.
"Lost it," Tasha lied.
Data surmised this was unlikely. Tasha was notoriously careful and treated the small number of personal possessions she had with great care. The garment was something they had both come to enjoy as part of an exercise Deanna called 'making a new memory.'
However, her reaction indicated it was a sensitive subject. Data theorised it was likely in relation to her assault and did not wish to press the issue.
"In any case, I like you best in nothing," Data said with a smile.
"We should get going," Tasha said, slipping past him to snag her duffle.
Without another word, Data and Tasha headed for the shuttlebay in the aft portion of the ship.
Across the ship, Lore and Beverly were just preparing to head out to Ten Forward.
Suddenly, her computer pinged with an urgent incoming message.
"Sickbay to Doctor Crusher," Doctor Selar's voice rang out.
"Crusher here," Beverly responded, tapping her combadge.
"We're detecting an atmospheric biohazard alarm on decks six through fifteen," she advised.
Beverly and Lore shared a dark glance.
"Biohazard? Can you identify it?" Beverly inquired.
"Dramia II plague," Selar answered.
Lore cocked his head to the side, his eyes flitting back and forth rapidly.
"Ship logs indicate that the pathogen lab on deck eleven does contain samples of Dramia II plague," Lore advised. "A Doctor Hassan has been researching the pathogen."
Beverly didn't hesitate.
Using her authority as Chief Medical Officer she immediately implemented a level one quarantine for those decks – no one in and no one out.
"Captain, we have a developing situation," Beverly advised.
On her way out the door she paused and turned back to Lore.
"I'm going to need you on this," Beverly called back, beckoning him to follow.
Data had just reached the shuttlebay when the quarantine went into effect.
If Data didn't know any better, he would have thought Tasha breathed a sigh of relief at the delay.
"We've been ordered to stand down until the quarantine sweep can be completed," Lieutenant Thomas advised.
Data and Tasha nodded in understanding.
"This is probably going to take some time. Maybe we should head back to my quarters?" Tasha suggested.
While they couldn't leave the ship (or the quarantine area) they were free to move about within it.
"Seventy-nine minutes," Data said.
Tasha's brow furrowed.
"Based on the area impacted and the number of staff involved, the sweep should be completed in seventy-nine minutes," Data clarified.
"You could drop your bags here and wait it out in Ten Forward," Lieutenant Thomas recommended.
He flashed them both a big smile.
Tasha wanted to smack him.
Just when she thought the universe had given her a reprieve – it was like the rug had been snatched out from underneath of her.
"May I?" Data asked, indicating to her bag.
With great reluctance, Tasha pulled the strap off her shoulder and handed it to Data. She couldn't think of any reasonable excuse.
And she wasn't ready to have that conversation.
Data set their luggage down inside the open door of the shuttle before turning toward the shuttlebay door.
"Shall we?" he asked politely.
Dramia II plague was a rare, though not unheard-of, contagion. In the years since the Federation had first encountered the plague, quarantine efforts and treatments had rapidly improved. Vulcans were immune, but most humanoid species were vulnerable.
If caught early, treatment was easy to deliver via hypospray.
However, left untreated the plague could lead to death.
A level quarantine would require an atmospheric flush of the affected areas, a hypospray treatment for any personnel, and quick, manual bioscan to clear any particles.
The atmospheric flush was any process that could be initiated and controlled from the Bridge. It flooded the area with a gas that was harmless and would kill lingering particles that carried the contagion.
Medical personnel had already been dispatched to begin injecting everyone with a hypospray treatment and a second team had fanned out to finish the bioscan.
"Is this in use?" Lore inquired as he pointed to the shuttle with his medical tricorder.
"Yes. Two departing as soon as we're clear," Lieutenant Thomas answered.
Lore glanced around the shuttlebay.
It was abandoned save for Lieutenant Thomas operating the controls.
"They went to Ten Forward," Lieutenant Thomas advised.
Lore nodded in understanding.
He noticed the shuttle door was open.
"Were they inside?" Lore inquired.
Thomas nodded.
"I'll need to clear it then," Lore advised.
"Be my guest," Thomas offered.
Lore nearly did a double-take as he stepped onto the shuttle.
There on the ground were two bags of luggage.
The gold lettering spelling out Data and N. Yar made his artificial heart skip.
Thank you! Lore said to any deity that was listening.
Once more, the perfect opportunity had landed in his lap. It had to be fate. In his own twisted way, Lore reasoned this was something he deserved, something he had earned given his perceived mistreatment at the hands of his brother.
It was an opportunity to get one final dig in before his greatest revenge of all.
Lore glanced out the back of the shuttle to ensure he wasn't being observed.
Picking up the bag labelled N. Yar, Lore stepped just around the corner of the replicator in the back of the shuttle. He knew he was short on time.
Pity. Lore mused.
It was a shame that such a wonderful opportunity would present itself at a time when he could not savour it. Lore reasoned this was the price he must pay for such a grand thrill.
Opening the luggage, Lore eyed the contents with a greedy rush of artificial adrenaline.
For a brief moment, Lore frowned as he examined what Tasha had chosen to pack for the trip.
Oh, poor Tasha! Lore thought.
Only his brother's little Lieutenant was dull enough to go to Tauphin IV and bring woolly socks and an oversized jumper.
Unzipping his jumpsuit, he gripped his cock.
"It's a pity I'll never get the chance to help you blossom, my little wallflower," Lore whispered.
"Perhaps we should get something for the shuttle ride?" Data suggested.
It would take all night to get to their destination.
Tasha did not respond.
She'd been staring out the window ever since they had arrived, trying in vain to ignore the dozens of pairs of eyes that were fixated on them.
"Would you like me to get some snacks for the trip?" Data asked.
Tasha shook her head.
What she really needed was a drink. But Tasha knew that was a dangerous choice. There was a reason she avoided alcohol with the exception of an occasional glass of Picard's own stock of wine.
Deep down, Tasha understood alcohol wasn't the answer – even if she longed for a bit of liquid courage to deal with this problem.
"Not hungry," she said simply.
Data reached across the table. He did not grab her hand. Instead, he offered his own.
"Tasha, please tell me what is bothering you," Data requested.
For the first time since they had arrived at Ten Forward, Tasha met his eyes. Data looked so concerned. His eyes were full of sympathy, his voice rich with compassion.
This was Data – her sweet, tender-hearted android.
For a moment, Tasha was tempted to raise the issue, to share the burden of what she knew with Data. But when she opened her mouth to speak, her voice failed her.
"Maybe this is a sign we shouldn't go?" Tasha wondered aloud.
"Lore, have you finished?" Beverly's voice rang out from his communicator.
Lore smirked as he spilled himself over the contents of Tasha's luggage.
He tapped his combadge.
"Just finished," Lore responded.
His head twitched twice to the left as he relished in the anticipation of what was to come. His whole neural net surged with excitement at the prospect of dear Tasha finding this upon her arrival.
Goodbye. Lore chuckled to himself.
Data and Tasha walked to the shuttlebay in silence.
In fact, Tasha seemed a world away as they strolled through the corridor.
Following her strange suggestion that they cancel their trip, Data had been stunned. A rather awkward conversation had followed in which Data had adamantly asked for honesty as to her wishes and Tasha had refused to budge – insisting she had no problem going.
On their way to the shuttlebay, they ran into Beverly and Lore.
Beverly and Lore were just heading out to Ten Forward for a drink.
"Come on," Data said, pulling Tasha toward an adjacent corridor.
Tasha stood motionless, staring at Lore.
She was looking for any sign or hint that he had been the one responsible for violating her personal space, for the nasty surprise left in her knickers.
While she thought there was no physical way possible – Tasha was desperate to find proof that Data hadn't been the culprit.
Lore stood there without even flinching.
"Tasha?" Data prompted.
"Goodbye," Lore smirked.
Something in the way Lore had said his farewell made Data pause. Remembering the Captain's orders, Data gently guided Tasha down the adjacent corridor.
For the third time since coming aboard, Tasha checked the navigation controls.
Unlike the usual comfortable silence that accompanied evenings with Data, tonight felt suffocating. Data had tried to make conversation following their departure from the Enterprise.
His attempts at small talk were clumsy.
And Tasha's responses had seemed forced.
So the two had ridden together in a tense, awkward silence since.
Tasha glanced over at the navigational readings again and tried to hide her displeasure with their slow progress. Warp four in a small shuttle alone with Data felt like a painfully sluggish crawl compared to taking a trip on the Enterprise.
All of a sudden, Data reached across the helm to take hold of her hand.
"It is growing late, and we will need to fly all night to reach our destination," Data said.
Neira was at least another eight to nine hours away.
"Perhaps you would be more comfortable if you were to lie down for the journey?" Data suggested as he stroked her hand with his thumb.
As difficult as it was sitting together in silence, Tasha didn't quite feel right leaving him to pilot the shuttle alone. In fact, one of the hallmarks of their relationship had been Tasha's insistence that they accomplish tasks as equals – she had no desire to abuse his android status for her own benefit.
"I will pilot the shuttle," Data assured her, sensing Tasha's hesitancy. "I want you to get some rest."
Tasha glanced to the back of the shuttle and then out the viewscreen.
"Alright," she said after a few seconds of deliberation. "Goodnight."
To Data's dismay, Tasha scurried off before he could give her a kiss.
To his further surprise, she shut the door to the back of the shuttle. While she did not initiate a security lock on the door, Data got the message.
On the opposite side of the sealed door, Tasha eyed her luggage.
She debated throwing off her jumpsuit in favour of something more comfortable – but the shuttle cot looked so inviting.
Opting to skip pyjamas, Tasha flopped down and relished in the opportunity to dissociate for a few hours. Curling toward the wall, she gave herself over to sleep.
Tasha awoke with a start.
She sat up and clutched her chest, breathing hard as she sensed a sudden change in course and speed.
Tasha surveyed the room and recalled she was in the back of the shuttle.
Scrambling off the cot, she punched open the door to check if there was a problem.
"You are just in time," Data advised.
It was still night-time, but they were just coming into the atmosphere on Neira.
Tasha felt like her breath had been taken away as she viewed the two, large moons in the night's sky. Data expertly brought the shuttle down as they glided above the treetops between the statuesque mountains.
The sky was more clear and black than anything Tasha had ever witnessed.
"It will be another few hours before the sun is up," Data said.
Their shuttle touched down on a level landing plain at the base of one of the mountains.
After setting the necessary security parameters, the pair grabbed their luggage and set off up to the main lodge. They would need to check in there in order to get the access key to their cabin.
Data had spared no expense in booking an exclusive, private cabin for the two of them. According to his research, it boasted some of the best views in the valley. Situated on an east-west axis, it offered spectacular sunrises and stunning sunsets.
At the base of the mountain was a small village that catered to tourists. It featured small shops and amenities. Data figured they could spend a few days exploring the area. There was even a traditional Neirian woodworking shop that Data was keen to check out.
There were also plenty of outdoor sports to keep Tasha occupied for the duration of their trip. Data suspected that she was worried about being alone. He figured that between skiing, curling, snowboarding, ice-climbing, skating, archery, and ice hockey that she would have more than enough to keep herself busy if she didn't want to be stuck in a room with Data.
After checking in at the main lodge, Data and Tasha had climbed the long, lonely steps to their private cabin.
Though upon arrival, Tasha thought 'cabin' was a bit of a misnomer.
It was one of the most beautiful spaces Tasha had ever been in. She was having a hard time wrapping her head around the notion that such a space was designed to accommodate couples.
There was a large stone fireplace and big glass windows that overlooked the valley below. Above, skylights gave an astonishing view of the stars. Tasha figured it was a big, bright space during the day with all the natural light that must spill in from above.
To the left was the bedroom where a massive, comfy-looking bed was full of stuffed pillows and cosy blankets.
Tasha tossed her duffle bag on top of it and stepped through to peek at the lavvy where she was greeted with the thickest, softest towels she had ever imagined. In the corner was a large marble bath – certainly big enough for two.
In fact, large enough that it could probably fit four.
Tasha closed her eyes and sighed, overwhelmed with a conflicting mix of emotions.
She was together with Data in perhaps the most romantic setting one could fathom – and yet she felt trapped.
"Tasha?" Data asked from the doorway.
Tasha startled.
"I am sorry," Data apologised.
"No, no. I just…I wasn't expecting you there," Tasha said quickly as she turned back toward him.
Contrary to his usual demeanour, Data stayed at the door. He had been hyper aware that she seemed uncomfortable in his presence and wanted to give her space.
"I just wanted to let you know that I have relayed our information ahead for all of the equipment necessary should you wish to try any of the activities. There is skating, skiing, and many other choices," Data explained.
Of course he did. He was always so thoughtful. Tasha thought.
"All you need to do is check in the desk and it is set," Data said.
Tasha responded with a small smile. She wasn't quite sure what to say.
"And if you would rather spend the day doing something else, we could go to the village," Data paused as he searched for the right words.
In his mind, it was critical that this trip be an opportunity for her to feel safe.
"I sense that you are uncomfortable being here alone with me and I want you to know that I understand," Data said. "So if you are more comfortable spending our time in the village or doing something on your own, I will not be offended."
Tasha felt a pang of guilt.
Inside, she knew she had no reason to feel that way – but Data was so thoughtful. In fact, he had gone to great lengths to ensure this trip would provide all the solitude, security, and space she needed.
"There is also another bedroom. I did not want to assume. And should you feel more comfortable sleeping alone, I will be happy to stay away or seek rest elsewhere," Data offered.
Now that it was out in the air, Tasha felt more at ease. Data was comforted to see her relax a little as her shoulders loosened.
This was Data.
Her Data.
He could never – would never – hurt her.
"I was also wondering if you would like me to make breakfast? You could unpack or nap and I will prepare it. I was hoping we could watch the sunrise together," Data offered.
"Yeah. I think I'd like that very much," Tasha replied as she stepped forward and took hold of Data's hand with a small, reassuring squeeze.
She gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"Thank you," Tasha said.
Data's eyes lit up.
So far, so good! He thought.
It may not have been the initial romantic getaway they had planned. But Data didn't mind. He wanted to reconnect and recognised that Tasha needed to feel safe before that could happen. Data had anticipated there would be moments like this.
He was hesitant to label it as a setback because he knew just how much it had taken for Tasha to reach this point. Rather, Data considered this a rest period – a chance for her to reflect and relax.
With a small nod, Data left her to do as she pleased.
Between his own research and the tutelage of Geordi and Commander Riker, Data was fast becoming a culinary expert.
When he made the booking, Data had requested a specific setup in the kitchen – including a number of meals he had planned. Upon their arrival, Data had been pleased to see it was all set.
He snagged an apron off the hook on the wall and set to work laying out all his ingredients.
The sun was due to come up in exactly three hours and forty-nine minutes.
And he had big plans for breakfast.
Feeling a new sense of relief, Tasha stepped back into the bedroom.
She took a big breath as she glanced around, studying the big windows that lined the wall and the cosy wood panelling of the cabin.
This was going to be her room for the next nine days.
A space where she could truly slip away and focus on herself.
Tasha couldn't wait to flop down on the bed. It looked so soft she pondered if that was what it would feel like to melt into a cloud.
The only thing standing her way was her luggage.
First things first. Tasha reminded herself.
She figured she might as well see to it now before dozing off. Then, she wouldn't have to worry about it after breakfast. Most importantly, it would be nice to sleep for a few hours in something more comfortable than her uniform.
There was a large wardrobe in the corner near the lavvy and it had several empty hangers.
Tasha grabbed a few and tossed them onto the bed.
She unzipped her duffle bag and froze.
Tasha wasn't sure exactly how long she stood there staring at it, wishing she could just turn back the clock.
She reasoned that maybe if she had just gone to nap or had offered to help Data with breakfast then she may have had half a day before she found this latest horrifying discovery.
After what felt like an age, Tasha sat down on the floor. Her back was leaning against the door, and she was grateful she had closed it. Data assumed she was asleep and that gave her time to think.
Not that she wanted to think about the contents of her luggage.
Pulling her knees to her chest, Tasha rested her chin on the top of them.
Data was a logical being.
He had to have known that she would find them.
Unless that's why he wanted you to go to sleep? A nasty little voice in her head suggested.
Tasha frowned as she looked at her bag.
It just didn't add up.
But she could fathom no other explanation. Data had to have done it on the shuttle. It would have been easy enough to throw it on autopilot.
Tasha shuddered and she considered this.
It meant he would have gotten off while she was sleeping just a metre away.
No wonder he suggested to go back to sleep. Tasha thought with alarm.
Tasha groaned and let her head fall back against the door. Just outside, she could hear Data was singing as he rattled about the kitchen.
Pulling her thumb to her mouth, she chewed on her nail as she looked around the room. Tasha recognised that she needed to get out of there.
She felt like she couldn't breathe.
Her eyes fell on the glass sliding door that led to the wrap-around balcony.
In a flash, Tasha was back at her bag. She threw on her cold weather suit and an extra thick pair of woolly socks before stuffing her feet back into her boots.
Fortunately, her gloves and knit cap had been spared the spray.
Data was still singing.
After one last glance at the door, Tasha slipped out into the dark.
"Was the surprise not to your liking?" the desk clerk asked.
Tasha blinked and bit back a sharp remark.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry. From the look on your face, things aren't going well in the honeymoon suite. Don't worry, you're not the first," the clerk said with a reassuring smile.
Composing herself, Tasha dismissed the comment.
"We're not…it doesn't matter," Tasha shook her head. "I need to book separate accommodations."
A pained expression crossed the clerk's face.
"We don't have any," she said simply.
Don't panic. Tasha reminded herself.
"I'm sorry, when your, well, companion booked the suite he," she dropped her voice to a low whisper. "He paid triple the price to get it on short notice. We had to downgrade another couple. There's a six-month waiting list."
She glanced side to side to ensure they weren't being heard.
It was 04:38 in the morning and Tasha hadn't seen another soul. Nonetheless she understood they probably didn't want such a policy leaking out to the masses.
"I don't know what happened, but there are two bedrooms," the clerk offered.
"That's alright. Do you know where the next nearest resort or cabin is located or anything that would be available?" Tasha asked.
The clerk turned to her computer terminal and began to type away rapidly.
"I'm just checking our database," she said.
Tasha waited patiently as the clerk continued to type away, subtly watching her reaction with each new screen and growing more concerned by the minute.
"I'm sorry," the clerk said with a nervous smile. "It's a busy time of year."
Tasha nodded, feigning confidence.
"You know I really don't mind what kind of place it is. A shack. A tent. I'm not picky," Tasha assured the clerk.
She was trying to stay cool, but her voice belied just how desperate she really was to get away.
After a few more moments, the clerk turned back to Tasha and shook her head sadly.
"I'm sorry. I can't find anything," the clerk apologised.
Tasha chewed on her lip for a moment. She would have to get creative.
"Do you rent shuttles?" Tasha asked.
If she couldn't find a room somewhere, she figured she could just sleep in the back of a small shuttlecraft. She could always find some abandoned field to park it and wait out the next nine days.
"Not for overnight use," the clerk explained. "Twelve hours max and we're booked out until Tuesday."
Tasha nodded slowly.
Her great escape was beginning to fall apart before her eyes.
"Do you sell sleeping rolls?" Tasha laughed bitterly.
"We do have a winter camping programme," the clerk said brightly.
All of sudden, her face fell.
"But it's not advised for first-time visitors. And we really aren't supposed to let anyone go alone," the clerk explained.
"I'm a Starfleet Security Officer. I'm sure I'm trained to handle this," Tasha said with a large smile.
And I spent the first fifteen years of my life camping in the wilds of Turkana. Tasha thought.
She was hoping it would be enough to sell the clerk on her abilities.
The clerk grabbed a tablet from the cabinet behind her and began to explain the details.
It would be cold.
Dangerously cold.
And the clerk warned Tasha that she would be entirely alone. It was almost ten kilometres on foot to the area. They currently didn't have anyone else staying up there.
There was a ranger station about four kilometres from the camping area – but it was only staffed from 9:00 to 16:00 hours. Essentially, only during the daylight hours.
The sun rose late and set early on this planet.
"And there have been some issues with wildlife. Most bears are in hibernation this time of year, but you'll need to be prepared for wolves, lynx, and wolverines," the clerk said with a hint of concern.
"Thanks, I'll be fine," Tasha said.
After all, she had more than enough experience dodging the dangerous Turkanan wild cats and roving nomadic mercenaries.
While she had no desire to downplay the seriousness of setting off alone, Tasha also had confidence in her own abilities.
And she was planning to stop off at the shuttle on her way out to snag a few extra supplies.
"You know our ranger is going to be in her office in a few hours if you want to talk to her first. Might be a good idea to get the lay of the land," the clerk suggested. "You'd be welcome to hang out in our lounge until then."
"Where do I sign?" Tasha asked.
She didn't want to waste another second.
Each moment that she hung around increased the risk of discovery. Tasha knew in order to successfully slip away, she had to put as much distance between her and Data as possible before he realised she had fled.
Reluctantly, the clerk turned over the tablet for Tasha to sign.
"Don't tell anyone where I went," Tasha pleaded as she signed away her Federation credits.
She tapped the screen and handed it back across the counter.
"Especially, do not tell the man I checked in with," Tasha ordered.
After a brief stop at the shuttle to secure a phaser and some ration packs, Tasha found herself standing at the base of the mountain.
To the left was a small interactive, digital information board that gave weather updates, trail information, and a warning about the recent wildlife activity.
Tasha rubbed her hands together as she stared up at the peak.
She wasn't going quite that high.
But her home for the next nine days was somewhere up there in the vast open expense of tall silver pines and balsam firs that lined the trail.
The wind whipped around, swirling the snow as it breezed past.
Tasha shuddered.
It was going to be a long, cold nine days.
Before she could stop herself, her eyes began to water.
Just the cold. Tasha said to herself.
It was a lie.
She knew it. The wind knew it.
In fact, it felt like the whole bloody universe knew it.
Resolved to be alone, Tasha set off into the wilderness alone.
"Just in time. I found you just in time. For love came just in time," Data sang as he turned back to the range.
He gripped the back of the cast iron pan and flipped the asparagus with a flick of the wrist. Catching it in the pan, he returned it to the heat.
Data moved back to the counter and finished slicing the strawberries.
With the precision and speed of his android nature, Data spread the perfectly thin slices of strawberry, fanning them across the French toast slices he had prepared.
As he had the time, Data had made the bread from scratch – though he cheated when it came to proofing it with a little help from a small temperature and moisture-controlled field he had generated after a few simple modifications to the kitchen controls.
"You found me just in time and changed my lonely life," Data continued to sing.
He dusted the top of the dish with confectioner's sugar before carefully sliding the eggs and asparagus on with great care.
Data nodded with satisfaction as he studied the tray.
He knew Tasha would adore it – right down to the fresh-squeezed juice and flower in the corner.
The sun would be up in about an hour, and he figured it would take at least twenty minutes to rouse Tasha from bed.
With the tray balanced carefully on one hand, Data crept into the dark bedroom.
His optical receptors adjusted quickly to the darkness.
Data was surprised to find Tasha was not curled up in bed. However, upon spying the open bag, he surmised she might have opted for a bath.
But there was no sound coming from the lavvy.
In fact, the door was wide open.
"Good morning," Data said as he approached the door.
There was no response.
To his alarm, the room was empty.
Data's artificial breathing programme kicked up as he tried to remain calm.
He would have heard the door open had she gone out into the main room of their cabin. Data rushed to the sliding door that led outside.
His brow furrowed as he realised she was not on the balcony.
Data returned to the bedroom.
She is likely nearby. Data assured himself.
He reasoned Tasha may have taken a stroll around the cabin or snuck off to get some Raktajino. She could have wandered off to check out the schedule for the activities or gone down to the main lodge.
Only he could not understand why she had failed to mention this or leave some kind of note.
Data's gaze fell on the duffle bag sitting open on the bed.
He dropped the tray.
The plate shattered. The glass broke up on contact with the wooden floor, sending juice in all directions. A crystal bowl of fresh fruit spun before coming to rest.
The meal lay abandoned as Data rushed out of the cabin.