A/N: This is AU. It's smut. If that's no' your cuppa tea, then read something else.

This story is pure, unapologetic smut.

After I discovered the fic 'The Complication' I felt it was missing some of the steamier elements many of us enjoy. I'd encourage you to read that story! Some of the parts of this chapter reflect events in that tale.

This can stand alone. However, some portions (particularly after they escape the sun blowing up) will have a deeper meaning if you are familiar with the flipside of the events from "The Complication."

Thank you to CharlieFenwick for granting me permission to fill in some missing scenes from her story.


Something was nagging at Data. He ran an internal scan and found there was no malfunction. He could not explain the thought, but he felt as if there was something important he was supposed to be doing.

What am I doing? Data asked himself.

Checking his internal chronometer told him he'd been sitting in his current position for fourteen minutes and there was something - or rather someone - in his arms.

He opened his eyes and looked around at the surroundings. He was on the Enterprise and he was clearly in someone's personal quarters. Looking down at the figure asleep against him, his neural net became overrun with replaying the events that had led to his current situation.

"You are fully functional, aren't you?" she had asked.

Data smiled to himself.

She hadn't rejected him. She hadn't asked him to leave. No, she had made it quite clear she had wanted him. Not only that, but she had also questioned why they hadn't done this sooner.

And when he had inquired if she were implying she would like to repeat the activity in the future, she had responded in the affirmative.

Glancing down at her, he felt strangely comfortable. He was aware that humans often engaged in post-coital cuddling but there was something so intimate and reassuring about the fact that Tasha had dozed off with her arms clutched around him.

He couldn't rationalise his desire, but he liked the feeling. He ran his hand softly along the back of her neck and down her back. He closed his eyes and allowed his sensory receptors to take in the feeling of her flesh beneath his fingers, savouring the sensation.

There was a distinct smell of sex - a mix of perspiration and her - that clung to the air that Data had recognised before during his previous sexual encounters.

It wasn't unpleasant.

But for the first time in his existence, he began to understand how humans found the concept of scent to be arousing.

She is warm. He mused to himself.

His eyes suddenly grew wide as his sensory receptors detected her body temperature.

Too warm.

Turning his head to the side he tried to recall what had brought him to Tasha's quarters.

Her body temperature was three degrees higher than normal for a human. It had been almost twenty minutes since they had completed copulation and her body should have returned to a normal temperature.

Watching her chest rise and fall, he realised she was breathing in fast, shallow breaths. Taking hold of her wrist, her pulse was erratic. He needed to get her to sickbay.

"Tasha," he said softly.

She stirred but didn't wake.

"Tasha, I need to get you to Doctor Crusher," he said as he tried to rouse her.

"Mmmph," she replied in a hazy voice.

Data slipped out from underneath her and tried a little more forcefully, but there was still no response.

A strange sensation began to overtake Data's positronic brain. It was unlike a human to be incapable of waking up unless there was a medical or physical incapacitation.

Did I brake her?

Data's hand reached out and stroked along the side of her face.

"Please wake up, Tasha," he said in a slightly louder voice.

"It's too hot," she groaned.

Data's brain functioning began to slow down at the sound of her voice. Realising she wasn't unconscious, he was now able to focus. He had to get her to sickbay.

Data's feet made contact with the floor and he stood up.

There was a loud thump as he fell over. Pulling himself up, he stumbled forward taking a few uneasy steps to find his footing. The room seemed to be spinning and his legs felt as if they weighed twice their normal weight.

"What are you doing?" Tasha asked as she reached out for him.

He took hold of her hand and shushed her.

Looking down at the bed he decided it would be inappropriate to carry her to sickbay in her current condition. He brought his hand to his chest where he felt his bioplast. Looking down he realised he was also unclothed.

Why is my modesty programme not functioning? He thought to himself as he picked up his uniform from the floor.

After two failed attempts to get his foot through the leg hole, he finally managed to steady himself against the wall and get dressed. It felt as if every task was taking much longer than it should.

Picking up the dark blue velveteen top he became confused trying to find how it fastened together. He tossed it to the side. He didn't trust himself to try and dress her. It would take far too long, and he needed to get her to sick bay soon.

Data considered using the blanket but was concerned such a heavy material would further impact her rising body temperature.

Looking around, he noticed a dressing gown resting on the built-in shelving. Grabbing it, he pulled both her arms through and cinched it at the waist.

"I will take you to Doctor Crusher now," he said as he bent down and slid his arms underneath her.

"I wanna stay here with you, Data," Tasha said, barely opening her eyes.

Cradling her, he rose to stand and was pleased he managed to make it upright without tumbling over.

But Data misjudged his first step and swerved into the wall. Turning just in time, he managed to hit his back rather than crushing Tasha. He slumped down along the wall to the floor.

"I am sorry, Lieutenant Yar. This task is proving to be more of a challenge than I initially anticipated," he apologised as he struggled to pull himself up.


When he reached the turbolift, he leaned back against the wall to rest. His simulated breathing system was working harder than normal to regulate his internal temperature.

He made it a few steps off the turbolift before he swerved into another wall. His spatial recognition detectors were having a difficult time with depth perception.

He looked down to check on Tasha and he noticed she had managed to open her eyes.

"Mmm, let's just stay here," Tasha said as she snaked her hand behind his head and pulled him down for a kiss.

Her offer was tempting. Very tempting.

But he knew that it was more important to get her to sickbay.

"Forgive me, but this is more efficient," Data said as he threw her over his shoulder.

She giggled and he continued hobbling along the corridor to sickbay.

Rounding the corridor, Data came face to face with Commander Riker carrying Counsellor Troi.

"Whoa, Data. What happened?" Riker said as he caught sight of the android with the security chief draped over his shoulder.

"Commander Riker," Data replied in a deep, flirty, most unlike-Data fashion.

"Are you alright, Mr Data?" Riker asked with concern as he noted Data's tousled hair.

"I am escorting Lieutenant Yar to sickbay," Data replied as he titled his head to indicate to the officer he was carrying.

"What happened?" Riker asked.

"She requires medical attention," Data replied.

"I can see that Data, but what happened? Is she alright?" Riker asked, concerned.

Data swung around so Tasha could face Commander Riker.

"Tasha, Commander Riker would like to know if you are alright," Data asked.

"I'm more than alright, Commander," Tasha replied with a small giggle as she ran her hand down to slap Data's backside.

Riker dropped his voice low, "Data, did you two…?"

Riker trailed off.

"Did we what, sir?" Data asked innocently as he cocked his head to the side.

"Sorry, Mr Data. It's just a little strange to see the Second Officer of the Enterprise carrying around the Chief Security officer," Riker said.

"Is it any stranger than the First Officer carrying around the ship's counsellor?" Data replied flippantly with a wink.

Riker hadn't been expecting that.

Riker shook his head and stepped into sickbay. After placing Deanna on one of the empty beds, he went off to find Doctor Crusher.

Data set Tasha down on a bed in the corner of the room. Pressing the back of his palm to her forehead, he could feel she was still much warmer than normal. She was sweating profusely, and he was worried she would become dehydrated at this rate.

A moment later, Doctor Crusher emerged from her office with Commander Riker in tow.

Data noted the surprise on her face as she looked back and forth between the nearly unconscious Tasha and disheveled Data. The always pristine Second Officer looked to be in a state of intoxication.

"Not you, too," Beverly said in alarm.

It was proving hard enough to find a solution for the human and Vulcan crew members aboard the Enterprise. She had no idea how she would fix this in Data.

"Mr Data, please get a cold pack from storage. I'm going to examine Counsellor Troi and then I'll be back to take a look at Lieutenant Yar," Beverly ordered.

Data did as he was instructed and retrieved a cold pack from the medical storage cabinet behind him. He activated the pack and gently slipped it under the back of her neck.

"Mmm, 's cold," Tasha shuddered when it made contact with her skin.

Riker cleared his throat to get the Android's attention, but Data did not react.

"Data, please," Tasha said as she took hold of his hand and guided it to her hip. "Again."

Data stopped her.

Commander Riker watched with curiosity as Data tucked an errant strand of hair behind Tasha's ear. He took her hand and whispered something too softly for Riker to decipher.

"Mr Data," Riker said loud enough to jolt his attention.

Data stood up abruptly and weaved a bit before finding his balance.

"Yes, sir. Commander. Commander Riker, sir," Data said.

Riker glanced around to ensure no one else was within earshot. He knew Tasha well enough to know she was a private person and would be none too pleased if she could see herself now.

"The next time you decide to knock boots with someone- be sure you remember your boots," Riker said in a low voice.

"Sir?" Data said confused as he tipped his head to the side.

He followed Commander Riker's eyes down to his socked feet and wiggled his toes.

"Oh," Data said in understanding.

Riker gave him a supportive pat on the shoulder and left for Engineering.

Data sat back down next to Tasha and waited patiently for Doctor Crusher to return. She tried to roll over to her side to look at him, but he stopped her.

"Keep the cold pack on your neck," he instructed.

"Why is it so hot?" Tasha asked.

Data could read her temperature had increased another degree. She was sweating profusely and clearly uncomfortable.

She reached down and tried to untie her dressing gown, but Data's android reflexes were faster.

"Ah," Data said as he stood and caught her hand. "That would be most unwise."

She playfully tried to make a second attempt with her other hand, but he caught that one in time as well. She grinned up at him. Her eyes were wide, and it was obvious her earlier arousal had returned.

"Data," she said in a low voice.

She slid her leg up the table. Data let go of her hand and safely, but firmly pushed it back down.

"Please lay still," Data said pleadingly before he leaned in and whispered. "You are wearing little clothing."

"Too much," Tasha responded as she used her free hand to run her thumb across his bottom lip.

Tasha gripped his shoulder and pulled herself up to him.

"Please remain still," he insisted. "I do not wish to detain you."

She swung her legs off the table and wrapped them around him, pulling him close.

"Maybe you'd enjoy it, Commander," she replied invitingly, blue eyes half-lidded.

Staring down at her he was unsure how to respond.

Looking up at him, she bit her lip and then blinked a few times more than was necessary.

Data felt like his simulated breathing program had stopped. He swallowed hard. The unexplained desire he had experienced earlier had crept back into his neural net as he felt his sexual programme begin to activate.

He turned away toward his shoulder and squeezed his eyes shut as he tried to override his arousal.

"Data," she said softly as she snaked her hand down his chest and over the stiffness growing tight under his uniform trousers.

"Tasha, please," he said in a strained voice, still refusing to open his eyes.

"But I want you," she replied.

He felt her hands leave his body and his eyes snapped open.

"Don't you want me?" Tasha asked as she undid her dressing gown.

Data grabbed the sides of her dressing gown before she could remove the garment.

"Not here," he replied honestly.

"Then let's get out of here," she countered.

With Data holding her dressing gown, she used her free hand to reach down and grab him again. She ran her fingers along the length of his cock. Data shuddered and felt himself unable to look away from her blue eyes as she watched his reaction.

He softened his grip on her dressing gown and Tasha used the opportunity to pull it down over her shoulders. Data's positronic brain was overcome with the visual input of the soft swell of her breasts and his desire to feel them again.

"Alright let's see-" Doctor Crusher said, dropping her tricorder as she came around the corner and saw the pair.

Data pulled Tasha against him to cover her.

"I'm sorry," Beverly said as she shielded her eyes with her hand.

It took Data 2.7 seconds to refocus. The feel of her naked against his own body sent his neural net into a spiral. He wanted to run his fingers along the curve of her breast. He wanted to taste her flesh again. He wanted to run his tongue across –

Shaking his head, Data snapped back to the present. He quickly re-tied Tasha's dressing gown and took a step back with his hands in the air.

"Doctor, I am sorry. She is overheating," Data said in an attempt to cover for Tasha.

Tasha reached out her leg and gave him a playful shove with her foot.

Suddenly, Data's combadge pinged.

"Picard to Data, where are you?" Captain Picard said.

He was clearly agitated by the prolonged absence of his Second Officer. Checking his internal chronometer, Data noted he had been gone from the bridge for well over an hour.

"I am in sick bay," Data replied as he tapped his combadge to respond.

He hoped his attempt to sound professional had worked.

"What are you still doing there? Please return to the bridge immediately," Picard ordered.

"On my way," Data acknowledged.

Doctor Crusher had found her tricorder and was conducting an initial scan as she ran the medical tricorder over Tasha.

"I suppose I should go now," Data said to Tasha.

"You'll come back though, right?" Tasha asked, her eyes suddenly full of doubt.

"Of course," Data answered. "As soon as I am able."

"And when you come back, we can pick up where we left off?" Tasha inquired.

Data's eyes grew wide, and the left side of his lips curled gently up into a smirk.

He knew he had to go, but his feet weren't responding. It did not feel right to leave her like this.

"Will she be alright, Doctor?" Data asked as he held Tasha's gaze.

"I'll behave until you get back," Tasha said with a wink.


Leaning on the edge of the turbolift, Data felt good. He was having a hard time comprehending that the events of the last hour had been real. He ran an internal diagnostic and could find no anomaly in his timekeeping or memory functions.

He sighed.

This was right. It felt right – the words she had spoken, the way their bodies fit together, the way she had looked at him with desire.

He couldn't explain it, but something told him this was unlike any of his previous sexual encounters.

Something felt different.

When he stepped off the turbolift onto the bridge, it took Data a moment to get his footing. Stumbling down the ramp, he captured the attention of Captain Picard.

"Ah, Data. At least you're functioning," Captain Picard said as he caught sight of his Second Officer.

"Fully, Captain," Data replied as he weaved slightly.

"Data, intoxication is a human condition. Your mind is different, it is not the-" Picard started to say but was cut off by Data raising a finger.

"We are more alike than unlike, my dear Captain. I have pores. Humans have pores," Data explained.

He did, indeed, have pores and although he was not presently sweating, his bioplast could secrete biofluids in an attempt to regulate his temperature functioning.

"I have fingerprints. Humans have fingerprints," Data went on as he flipped his hands back and forth.

And I most certainly know how to use them. Data thought to himself as he recalled how Tasha's skin had felt under his fingertips.

"My chemical nutrients are like your blood. If you prick me, do I not leak?" Data concluded.

He had read that somewhere before. At the moment, he couldn't place it, but something told him the Captain would understand the reference.

Before he could respond, the turbolift opened and Doctor Crusher stepped off it.

"Captain, can I see you in your ready room?" Doctor Crusher asked as she removed her hair clip and shook out her hair.

"It's a private matter. No, actually it's an urgent one," she went on as she headed toward the door to the Captain's ready room.

"But….damn it," Picard said.

The Captain was quite agitated. This polywater situation was getting out of control. The infection was spreading rapidly and there was something in the way Beverly had looked at him that left him feeling slightly uneasy.

Data went to lean over on the edge of the rail that ran the length of the ramp. It took him 0.078 seconds to realise he wasn't on the ramp. Although he would normally be capable of self-correcting to avoid a fall, his current condition left him unable to adjust in time.

Data made contact with the floor with a soft 'thud.'

Rolling over to his back, Data stared up at the ceiling and watched with fascination as it spun. It was a strange, yet unsettling, sensation.

Why do humans enjoy intoxication? He mused to himself.

"Lieutenant Worf?" Data asked curiously as Worf stood above him.

The Klingon grabbed Data and hauled him up off the bridge floor. Worf guided Data over to the chair next to the Captain's chair. He was unsure what else to do with the android.

The door to the Captain's ready room opened and Worf saw the Captain and Doctor Crusher standing in the arch.

"You owe me something. You do realise that, don't you?" Doctor Crusher said as she unzipped the top of her uniform a few inches. "I'm a woman. I haven't had the comfort of a husband. A man in-"

"Not now, Doctor. Please," Captain Picard replied stiffly.

Doctor Crusher walked toward the turbolift and Captain Picard gave her a flirtatious wave goodbye as the doors closed behind her.

"Bridge to Riker. Urgent," Worf said quietly.

"Riker here," came the reply.

"Sir, I regret to inform you that the Captain appears to be infected. And Data," Worf said as he gave the First Officer an update.

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I'm on my way," Riker said, acknowledging the bridge's request.


It didn't take Commander Riker long to reach the main bridge. Upon his arrival, he noted both Data and the Captain were indeed incapacitated. The Captain was doing his best to keep himself under control. Data, on the other hand, was relaxed and sitting slumped back in the chair.

Riker could feel it was getting warmer and he knew he had been exposed. He only hoped that Doctor Crusher would be able to devise a cure in time before the star went critical.

Suddenly, the star began to shrink and there was a loud explosion.

"Onscreen. Main viewer," Riker ordered.

There was a large rock mass drifting from the explosion.

"What we're seeing, sir, is a huge chunk of the star's surface blown away. It is heading for us," Worf explained.

Captain Picard was struggling to vocalise his orders.

"You know what to do, Worf. Erm, take us. Take us, ugh," Picard said as he rubbed his temples.

"Take us out of here," Riker ordered suddenly.

"Controls are still offline, sir!" Worf explained. "And I can't override."

Riker looked back at Data. If Data weren't infected, he was certain the android could find a way to regain control and get some power to the impulse engines.

"Wes, come in please," Riker said, tapping his combadge.

The object was getting closer. They had ten, maybe twelve minutes to get out of its path.

There was no response from Engineering or the Crusher boy.

"Wesley Crusher, this is Riker. Come in," he tried again.

He gave it a moment but there was still no response. Worf continued to attempt an override but there was something wrong.

"Something is wrong, sir. There must be a panel or isolinear chip that is offline preventing any override of the engine controls," Worf said.

"This is urgent. Engineering, we must have ship's power," Riker said forcefully.

"I can't help you, bridge. Someone here has yanked out all the control chips," officer MacDougal's voice replied.

Riker could hear Wesley Crusher in the background irately explaining it had been an adult officer who was responsible for removing the chips.

"Sir, I estimate fourteen minutes until impact," Worf said as he analysed the impact path.

"No way, sir. I cannot replace these chips in fourteen minutes. Two hours, three maybe," MacDougal explained.

Riker knew she was right. Even the best of the best couldn't reassemble in less than an hour and a half.

"Data could assemble them back faster," Wesley suggested.

The Captain asked for Wesley to expand on his thought.

"They're just simple isolinear chips, sir. Well, to Data they are anyway. He can shuffle them like cards," Wesley explained.

Riker grinned. For a kid, Wesley was exceptionally clever. Commander Riker grabbed Data's shoulders and hauled him to his feet.

"Come on, Data. Hurry!" Riker urged as he guided the Android over to the turbolift.

Once inside, Riker felt like the turbolift was travelling at half speed. It wasn't, but when they were under the gun, everything seemed to move slower.

Glancing over at Data, Riker noted he seemed giddy.

"When we get down to Engineering, I need you to focus, Data," Riker said sternly.

"Have you ever been in love, Commander?" Data asked in a faraway voice.

Riker exhaled. It was a big question. And it was the worst possible time for an android to suddenly find himself enamoured because of some alien intoxication influence one night stand.

Steadying himself, Riker turned to Data to offer a bit of advice.

"Data, I think you need to be careful not to put too much emphasis on whatever happened today, OK? Not all humans associate sexual encounters with feelings of love," Riker explained.

"I know that, Commander," Data replied.

Data reached out and slapped Riker playfully on the arm.

"But this was different. She told me she-" Data tried to explain but Riker cut him off.

"People say a lot of things during sex, Data. It doesn't mean they feel the same way afterwards," Riker said, hoping it would help the android check his expectations.

It was bad enough having an 'intoxicated' Data. Commander Riker did not want to deal with Pinocchio with a broken heart.

"Do you believe she would permit me to paint her?" Data asked as he cocked an eyebrow at Riker. "At the moment of climax she bit her lip in a manner that was most arousing, I find-"

"Right now, I need you to push all of that out of your mind and focus on the control chips," Riker said as she shoved Data off the turbolift.

"I told her she was irresistible, but I failed to tell her that the blue shade of her eyes is enchanting. In your experience, do women find that flattering? Or do they take such platitudes as meaningless overtures? Because the truth is, sir, I do find my neural net overwhelmed with thoughts of her eyes," Data said as they made their way down the corridor to main engineering.

The sound of the red alert klaxons blaring overhead were only adding to Commander Riker's frustration.

"After we're safe from the path of this debris you can ask me anything you want. But until then, I need you to focus, Data!" Riker ordered.

"Nice to see you, Wesley!' Data said brightly as they turned into engineering.

"Hi, Mr Data!" Wesley replied as he shook the android's hand.

"No time for courtesy. Get the damned control chips back in place, in the correct order. Now!" Riker said harshly as he pushed Data in the direction of the control chips.

"It's like a game! How fast can you do it?" Wesley said encouraging Data.

"Ah! A game!" Data said as he picked up the first batch of chips.


Tasha was laying on her back on the exam table. True to her word, she'd kept her promise to behave. A few seconds after Doctor Crusher gave her the hypospray, Tasha's head began to clear.

She was feeling.

A lot.

There was a chill that ran through her as her temperature began to regulate.

She felt sore in places she hadn't in a long time.

Mostly, she was embarrassed.

She pulled her hand up over her eyes as she felt her cheeks flush.

"You are irresistible," he'd said.

He'd been tender and intuitive. His skin had felt warm, and his hands had been – Tasha stopped herself as a new wave of embarrassment washed over her.

Why him? Tasha kicked herself.

Of all the people on the Enterprise to walk into her quarters during a libido-intensifying brain infection, why was it the golden-eyed android? And why, oh why, would his creator give him a pure heart, a brain full of childlike wonder, and that body with its chiselled angles and muscle that had felt so human?

Data was sweet. He was wholesome.

She would never be able to forgive herself for what she'd done to him.

"How are you feeling?" Beverly asked as she came back over to Tasha.

"Aside from total humiliation?" Tasha said as she sat up.

Yes, humour was a good defence, and one Tasha was used to employing when she needed to deflect.

"Well, I can save you a little of that," Beverly said as she handed Tasha a medical uniform. "It's a spare I keep in the office."

Tasha thanked her and stepped behind a curtain to change. Once in uniform, she rushed back to her own quarters to change into a proper operations uniform.


As she stepped into her bedroom, her eyes first fell on the bed sheets that were in disarray. Dropping her gaze down to the floor, her gaze followed the length of the blue velveteen top until she noticed a pair of boots.

He left his boots. She thought to herself as she grabbed them up.

Something fell out of the boots and Tasha leaned down to pick it up.

And his shorts. Tasha noted as she picked up the pair of black standard-issue uniform shorts.

"Lieutenant Yar," Captain Picard's voice rang out from the combadge sitting on the counter.

She quickly picked it up to respond that she would be on her way to the bridge momentarily.

Without a second thought, she dropped Data's boots and shorts and changed into her own uniform. Taking a quick peak in the mirror, she brushed her hair and pinched her cheeks to add some colour back to her face. It wouldn't do any good to show up on duty looking as afraid as she felt.

No, she knew that she had to appear as calm and collected as she always was.


Steeling herself, she stepped off the turbolift and onto the bridge. As soon as she saw Data standing behind the Captain at the science panel, she realised it would be better to say her piece and get it over and done with.

Quick and clean. That was her way.

She assumed it was Data's superior hearing that had made him aware of her presence. He turned around to greet her before she was ready.

Tasha stopped.

There was something in his eyes that made her falter.

The look was professional, but it was desirable. It was the way one looked at another with the familiarity of a lover. For a brief second, she reconsidered.

Afterall, she had invited him back and he'd accepted the invitation. But did he really feel that way? Was it just the polywater?

You took advantage of him. A little voice said inside her head.

And the voice was right. She needed to clarify before she hurt him any further.

"Data, I'm only going to tell you this once. It never happened," she said firmly.

There was a distinct shift in his features.

She turned away quickly and assumed her position at the tactical panel, unable to stand the look of hurt that was reflected in his eyes.

Data stood still and watched as she turned away from him. He cocked his head to the side as he tried to make sense of her statement.

"People say a lot of things during sex, Data. It doesn't mean they feel the same way afterwards," Commander Riker had warned him.

Data turned back to the science station. He was supposed to be sorting the information that had been uploaded from the Tsiolkovsky, but he was unable to think clearly. His neural net was racing as replayed what had occurred before and after their sexual encounter in an attempt to understand Tasha's words.

He considered the possibility that her desire had been only because of the polywater. Perhaps he was mistaken in thinking that their prior interactions had been anything more than a working relationship.

A dark thought entered his mind.

When their liaison began, he had not yet been infected by the polywater. He'd engaged in a sexual encounter with a partner that had been unable to consent.

Furthermore, knowing what he knew of Tasha's upbringing on the violent and turbulent Turkana IV, his actions may have very well retraumatised her. He theorised that could explain her behaviour.

Data deeply regretted his actions. Without hesitation, he decided on a course of action.

He would seek her out after their shift and apologise. He would also make abundantly clear that should she choose to pursue charges against him, he would readily accept the consequences of his actions.

Afterall, she was under his direct chain of command. Captain Picard had always valued Data's ability to remain uninfluenced by emotion and human fallibility. He was a Starfleet officer and had a duty to uphold the regulations and a responsibility to the duty of his position as Second Officer.

And now, Data had failed that.


As she left her shift, she stepped onto the turbolift with Data, Commander Riker, and Worf. Commander Riker got off a few decks down. Worf got off on the next level as he was headed to a holodeck workout.

They passed the level where Data would have normally exited, but he remained next to her on the lift.

Tasha had a sinking feeling he was planning to get off on her level.

As she stepped off the lift and into the corridor that led to her quarters, she could hear Data's footfalls behind her.

"Out with it," she said sharply as she turned around.

"I would please like to speak with you," Data said.

Tasha waved him along and opened the door to her quarters. Data stepped in behind her but moved no further than just past the door. She walked into her bedroom and grabbed his boots and shorts.

Upon returning to her main room, she noticed he was still standing stiffly by the door.

"Here," she said as she unceremoniously thrust his belongings back at him.

"Lieutenant, I am sorry if my actions have hurt you. I took advantage of the situation for my own..." Data paused.

He looked down to the floor and then back up at Tasha.

"Pleasure," he said uncomfortably.

"It never happened," Tasha replied simply.

"Should you wish to charge me with sexual assault I will readily admit my responsibility in the crime," Data said in earnest.

"That is not necessary, Data," Tasha said.

She was growing uneasy. In his eyes, had it been assault?

"Although I was able to consent-" Data began to say but stopped when he saw Tasha shudder at the use of his word 'consent.'

"Data, this is important. I did not experience any incapacitation to my ability to consent but if you did then-" Tasha started to reply but Data cut her off.

"If you are implying, I am incapable of consent please know that is inaccurate. Although I am not always capable of grasping the nuances of the human equation, I can assure you that I have an extensive understanding of human sexual behaviour," Data explained.

It did little to reassure Tasha.

In her mind, she thought he may have a theoretical understanding of the practice, but she had long suspected Data did experience emotion and feeling beyond what he could comprehend.

She also believed people should have the opportunity to experience the joy of a first sexual experience free from the awkwardness that this workplace and alien intoxication had provided him.

For Data's part, he considered the possibility that she, like most humans, assumed his existence as an android meant he had no practical experience with sexuality.

He wanted to clarify that fact with her but she spoke too quickly.

"So, we can agree it never happened? And I have your word that you will never speak of this to anyone?" Tasha asked as she eyed him carefully.

"If that is your wish, Lieutenant," Data replied with a nod.

"Thank you, Commander," Tasha said as she bit her lip nervously.

Data paused momentarily before turning to leave and his eyes widened almost imperceptibly. Her action had drawn his attention to her lips, and it was an action he found most aesthetically pleasing.

Tasha noticed there was a flash of yearning as his eyes fell onto her.

Was it possible he did really want her? Or was she just seeing things she hoped were there?

"Goodnight, Commander," Tasha said.

She needed him to leave.

Quickly.

Before she said anything that she may regret.

With a short nod, Data thanked her for speaking with him and exited her quarters.

"Computer, security lock level 2," Tasha said as she turned her back to the door and slid down to the floor with her head in her hands.

After a moment she collected herself and decided to step into the shower.


Data stepped onto the turbolift and found himself alone with Commander Riker. Riker noted the boots in his hands and decided now was as good a time as any to discuss what had happened earlier.

"Computer, halt," Riker ordered.

The turbolift slowed and came to a halt.

"About earlier, I'd be more than happy to discuss your questions now, Data," Riker said with a genuine smile.

He felt bad for shutting down Data's eager questions during their escape from the explosion.

Data didn't quite understand what Commander Riker was referring to.

"About Lieutenant Yar?" Riker prompted. "I would be delighted to help you if you're pursuing a relationship."

"That is a kind offer, sir," Data replied.

"So, was this the first time or have you two been seeing each other for a while?" Riker asked.

"About earlier, sir, it never happened," Data said echoing Tasha's comment. "May I ask that you not share any of what you observed or heard from me with anyone?"

Riker's heart sank.

He wasn't surprised, but it still left him feeling dejected. Will Riker was a true romantic at heart. He believed that healthy relationships (for those that wanted them) were the key to a good life. He had also hoped this would be a great step for Data in becoming more human.

But he knew Tasha was a true individual. She valued her independence, and he knew that she liked to keep her sexual relationships casual. He couldn't blame her for it either, not after what she'd been through.

"I understand. You have my word, Data. But for what it's worth, I'm sorry it didn't work out," Riker said as he patted Data on the shoulder before stepping off the turbolift.


Thirty minutes later, Tasha had stepped out of the shower and didn't feel any better. She stripped her bedding and threw it into the garment reprocessor. She picked up the blue garment she had worn earlier and sighed.

What the hell was I thinking?

A part of her wanted to grab her phaser and blast the piece into oblivion.

Another part of her was unable to bring herself to do so.

Get a grip. She told herself.

She would never be able to wear it again. At least not without thinking of the way his hands had felt on her thighs as he had drug the skirt down and off of her.

His hands. His beautiful, nimble hands.

Shaking her head, she grabbed her phaser and changed the setting to destroy the garment.

Holding it out in front of her she took aim.

And nothing happened.

She set the phaser back on her shelf and stuffed the blue garment into one of her drawers.

Tasha let herself fall back onto her bed and exhaled slowly. It was stupid. There was no purpose in being sentimental about it. Data had made her feel so wonderful, so desired. But she had also hurt him.

She needed to sleep; things would look better in the morning.


Tasha opened her eyes. She lay in her bed on her back with her left arm tucked behind her head. She wasn't sure how long she had been laying there.

Had it been an hour? Two?

She couldn't sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she couldn't push the thoughts of Data from her mind. She was fighting against a familiar sensation. Tasha didn't want to admit she was aroused.

She turned to her side and growled in frustration.

Go to sleep. Please go to sleep. She told herself.

She tried to focus on the soft sound of the atmospheric regulator circulating air through her quarters.

"Computer, lower ambient temperature five degrees," she instructed.

Tasha rolled onto her back and kicked off her blankets as cooler air began to filter into the room. She welcomed the chill.

Breathing deeply, she again attempted to lull herself into sleep with thoughts of things that soothed her – the sound of rain, the smell of salt water, the way the mint tea she loved warmed her soul.

The minutes ticked on and she found herself no closer to sleep.

She had tried thinking of the usual things that helped her suppress desire – the smell of motor oil from the land vehicles on Turkana, Starfleet survival protocol checklists, and the way Lieutenant Baker, the Astromycologist, could prattle on about alien fungi for hours and how unfortunate it was to find yourself trapped by him Ten Forward.

It was pointless to try and fight it.

She ran her hands across her chest and cupped her breasts. Her nipples were erect. She allowed herself to think back to how Data's warm breath had felt before he'd taken them in his mouth. His tongue had been surprisingly human – wet, pliable – even pink like a human tongue.

She trailed her left hand down across her stomach and slipped it below the waistband of her uniform sleep shorts. There was a warm tingling in her clit that needed to be touched.

Parting her labia with her index and ring finger, she ran her middle finger along the slick wetness before coming to rest just to the left of her clitoris. She began to rub at a force and pace designed to quickly finish.

She wanted to get this over with and fall asleep.

This wasn't romantic.

It was clinical.

She just needed the release and then she would be able to sleep.

Under normal circumstances, when she felt this way, she could typically relieve herself in about ten minutes. She breathed and tried to relax into the sensation.

After several minutes, she felt more frustrated than when she had begun. It wasn't enough. She needed more. The same thrill she had experienced earlier had returned. She had an aching need to be filled.

Rolling over to her stomach, she pushed herself up on her knees and grabbed a toy from the nightstand next to her bed. With her right hand, she slipped it inside herself and squeezed around it.

She leaned forward into her pillow and resumed rubbing next to her clit with her left hand.

This was usually how she had sex – face down, straight to business. When she wanted it, she could find someone willing to provide. She liked it this way, it kept things from getting too 'close.'

Her thoughts drifted back to earlier, and she found herself thinking about what it would feel like if Data had been the one to bend her over and take her from behind.

She imagined what it would feel like with his hands clutching her hips as he drove into her, reaching around with his long arms to pull her back to him.

The thought of his breath hot on her neck made her shiver.

She wanted him to run his hands up from her hips, along her stomach and cup her breasts. She imagined him tweaking her nipples as she leaned back into his chest.

Tasha squeezed herself around her toy and wished it were him. He had felt so right, and she missed his girth.

She allowed her thoughts to drift further.

"So wet for me," he had told her.

And she was. She could feel it running over her hand as she furiously massaged the spot just to the left of her clitoris.

She dreamed he would reach around her with his long arms. He had beautiful hands, with long nimble fingers. He had played her like his violin, and she wanted it again.

She wanted all of him again, every part, from his lean frame and lithe arms, to the supple flesh of his sculpted thighs.

She wanted him to look at her with the same desire he had shown in his eyes earlier and whisper dirty things to her in the dark.

She could feel her orgasm was growing close.

"Tasha, please," she recalled his words to her earlier in sickbay.

But there, in the lonely dark of her quarters, she imagined they were said under different circumstances. It wasn't a plea to stop, it was a plea for release.

Rocking her hips against her hand, she thought of him behind her driving into her with long, heavy thrusts.

She shuddered and let out a small moan as she felt the relief of her climax hit. She squeezed around the toy inside her a few times, feeling satisfyingly filled as she felt the wetness of desire trickle down along her thighs.

Tasha collapsed onto her bed, breathing deeply as she came down from her orgasm.

After a moment, she rolled off her bed and went to her lavvy to clean up.

Once she was done, she caught sight of herself in the mirror and stopped as guilt and doubt began to creep into her mind.

This is wrong, Tasha. A little voice inside her said.

She returned to her bed and pulled the covers up over herself. Closing her eyes, she snuggled into her pillow.

How could it be wrong when it had felt so right?

Tasha drifted off to sleep feeling totally relaxed, with thoughts of an amber-eyed android and his surprisingly adorable smile.