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

This chapter is set during "The Hunt" (chapter 11) of the "The Complication."

Chapter specific content warning: Semi-public sex.

Thank you to Charlie Fenwick for granting me permission to fill in some of the missing scenes from her story "The Complication" and support on this story. With Charlie's permission, I've used some of her text in this story to help tie in these missing scenes.


"Aye, sir. That's the last of them," Ensign Horton reported.

Data checked his internal chronometer.

It was 05:21 hours.

Just in time! Data thought to himself.

"Thank you, Ensign," Data said. "You are dismissed."

Ensign Horton wiped her brow and thanked Data for allowing them to leave early. It had been a long shift, and everyone was exhausted.

For the last few days, the Enterprise had been in the distant Strnad colony as part of an ongoing colonisation effort.

The ship had transported a new batch of colonists to the planet and were helping with some much-needed repairs. Commander Riker, Counsellor Troi, and Captain Picard had their hands full helping two colonist regions negotiate a treaty.

Many of the senior crew had been responsible for training and efficiency exercises with the new colonists.

And Data had been busy overseeing the distribution of supplies.

It was rare the Federation had a vessel in the area, and so Captain Picard had taken the Enterprise out of orbit to make a short trip to study a nearby protostar.

The ship was due back in forty-nine minutes and Data couldn't wait for her arrival.

He had worked clear through the night in an effort to complete his distribution ahead of schedule. He was hopeful that if he managed to finish his duties, Captain Picard would permit him to join in one of the other missions.

To be specific, Data was eager to join one mission in particular.

The Strnad colony was home to a rare feline creature known as a Byaki. It was an elusive animal and previous exobiology attempts to study it had yielded only minimal information. They were large, apex predators with a reputation for being fiercely territorial.

One of the new development areas for the colony had run into an issue with the Byaki population moving closer toward it.

The likelihood of a dangerous interaction was growing, and the Federation was keen to head off any encounters before they happened.

So Starfleet had issued a joint Security and Science team to capture the Byaki and relocate it back to its natural habitat on the far side of the planet.

Worf had been leading the team – but the creature had proven to be more than a match for him.

It evaded them at every opportunity and a number of crew members had been seriously wounded during the attempt.

A day earlier, Tasha had joined the team in hopes of lending a hand.

It was Data's hope that Captain Picard would permit him to join the hunting party. He wanted to be present to study the rare creature. In addition, Data and Tasha's assignments had kept them apart most of the week.

He was concerned about her being out in the middle of nowhere in the colony's backcountry where creatures like the Byaki stalked the grasslands.

Data felt a surge of excitement in anticipation as he signed off on the final distribution shipment.

Captain Picard would be back in less than an hour and then Data would submit his request.

If all went according to plan, he would be on his way to the hunting party's campsite shortly before sunrise.


Back at the main colony, Data had worked through the night. Working at maximum efficiency, he had managed to complete the remaining distribution before the Enterprise returned at 06:00 hours.

Upon its return, Captain Picard beamed down to meet back up with Commander Riker and Counsellor Troi for another day of negotiations.

Data caught them on their way to breakfast.

"Ah, Mr Data. How is the distribution going?" Picard asked as they walked along toward the colony's canteen.

"The distribution is complete," Data said.

"Excellent work. Would you care to join us in the negotiations?" Picard asked.

"Actually sir, I'd like to request permission to join the exobiology team on the hunt for the Byaki," Data said.

"Of course," Picard replied.

"Sir, I'd also like to request permission to join Mr Data and the team on the hunt," Riker requested.

"I need you in these negotiations, Number One," Picard stated.

"You and Counsellor Troi are far more talented negotiators," Riker countered.

"Number One, as Mr Data's task has been completed-" Picard sighed.

"And it's not fair Data can work through the night," Riker protested.

"Is that not what you were doing last night with the Ambassador?" Deanna said with a hint of innuendo.

Riker grinned.

"We had a deep conversation about the western colony's need for a new aquifer," Riker replied. "In fact, she agreed that they would withdraw their demand for three seats in the charter in exchange for a new aquifer."

"Really?" Picard questioned.

Riker nodded. It wasn't a line.

The western colony's demand for three seats on the new Colony leadership council had been the final piece holding up the passage of the charter.

"Could you delay your departure for an hour Mr Data?" Riker asked.


As they sped along the terrain, Data was glad that he had waited the extra hour. It meant Commander Riker was able to join him on the journey.

The camp they were headed to was in a remote part of the planet. It would take several hours to reach the area and the route involved crossing dangerous terrain.

Because of the Enterprise's responsibility to the distribution of supplies, travel to and from the camp required the use of an Argo land vehicle. Although Data had made the journey several times, Commander Riker really wanted a crack at driving.

It may have taken a bit longer, but Data was grateful for the company.

"So?" Riker asked.

"So?" Data repeated.

He did not understand the context of the question.

"So what's your gameplan?" Riker inquired.

"Game plan?" Data said slowly.

"You can't tell me you worked all through the night just to get a look at-" Riker started to say.

"Commander! Hard left!" Data said loudly.

Riker had taken his eyes off the terrain for just a split second, but they were clipping along at a good speed.

Data gripped the roll cage as Riker swerved to avoid colliding with a boulder.

Briefly, two of the vehicle's tires lost contact with the ground as it tilted. A second later, it crashed back down with a thud that rattled the passengers inside.

"Sir, I would recommend we slow our speed," Data advised.

Commander Riker obliged – that last boulder had been a close call.

However, as soon as the vehicle slowed, Riker resumed their chat.

"As I was saying, you can't tell me that you worked all through the night just to get a look at a big cat," Riker explained. "So I wanna know what's your plan?"

"But that is precisely why I requested the Captain's permission to join the exobiology team," Data replied.

His duties as the ship's Second Officer, Operations Chief, and Chief Science Office meant that Data rarely got the time to be a part of the actual groundwork on exobiology projects. It was one of his favourite subjects – so much so that it had been one of his two main areas of study at the Academy.

He considered this mission a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"I mean what are you doing for Tasha?" Riker asked.

Data shook his head. He still didn't follow.

"You guys haven't gotten much of chance to spend time together lately because of this mission," Riker said.

"Correct," Data said.

"So, what's the plan?" Riker pressed.

"Commander, to what plan are you referring?" Data inquired.

Riker grinned.

"Data, you're going to surprise your girlfriend after not seeing her for a week – a girlfriend, I might add, that's been roughing it in the middle of nowhere," Riker explained. "So? What's your surprise?"

"Tasha does not like that," Data commented.

"Surprises or the term girlfriend?" Riker asked.

"Both," Data responded as they sped along.

In fact, Tasha had largely eschewed Data's romantic overtures. While she adored spending time with him, she didn't feel the need for the kind of showy gestures that often-characterised the storybook romances Data was familiar with.

And Data could respect that.

In truth, it took a lot of pressure off of their relationship. Data never felt like he had to make an attempt to impress her.

But Will Riker was a romantic at heart and he lived for extravagant acts of affection.

"It's just that sometimes when you haven't seen anyone for a while and it's been a stressful week, it's important to remind them how much they matter," Riker described.

"Always, sir," Data responded.

"Good man," Riker grinned as he slipped on a pair of sunglasses.


Tasha moaned appreciatively. Something felt good. It was a hand on her back, rubbing small circles between her shoulder blades. She was laying on her stomach and it felt warm and cosy.

"Do not get up," Data whispered.

His hands felt wonderful. She was sore from sitting in a tree overnight. Worf and Tasha had kept watch for hours in hopes that they mysterious feline they were tracking would emerge.

"I wish this wasn't a dream," Tasha said, still half asleep.

"I assure you it is not," Data replied as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she saw Data kneeling beside her cot.

"How did you…?" she trailed off as she proper herself up on her elbow.

"I finished the distribution and Captain Picard agreed to allow me to accompany the hunt," Data said with an eager smile.

Tasha sat up properly and wiped the sleep from her eyes.

"What's got you so excited?" Tasha asked.

"The Byaki is a most intriguing creature and I find myself thrilled at the prospect of participating in that research," Data replied.

Tasha grinned at him. She was still drowsy, but it was nice to see him excited about something other than a warp core. She reached out and pulled him close.

"Then I'm happy for you," she said softly.

She closed the distance between them and captured his lips in a kiss.

"Rise and shine!" Commander Riker said with a booming voice as he burst into the tent.

Data and Tasha broke apart.

"I was going to offer you breakfast but it looks like you're already having a snack," Riker said with a grin.

Tasha was unsure how to respond. Data didn't understand the phrase. He tilted his head to the side as he attempted to decipher the colloquialism.

"I'll see myself out," Riker said as he motioned to the tent entrance.

"Was that a euphemism for-" Data stopped talking as Tasha pulled him back in for another kiss.

She had missed him the last week and it felt nice to finally get a real moment alone.

When they broke apart, Data was the first to speak.

"The crew may observe that I have been in your tent longer than is appropriate for maintaining the guise of a working relationship," Data commented.

"We're not on duty yet," Tasha replied coyly as she walked her fingers up his chest. "In fact, we've got another four hours before we start our shifts."

"Three hours, forty-eight minutes, and seventeen seconds to be precise," Data said.

"Good, I'll have time for a nap," Tasha said with a smile.

"Tasha, why would you sleep if you just woke up?" Data asked.

"We'll only need about twenty minutes," Tasha said as she began to unzip the front of Data's uniform.

His breath hitched and his mouth formed a small 'oh' as he realised the implication of her suggestion.

"Eighteen minutes and thirty-three seconds if you would like me to repeat the same actions as the morning we departed for this mission," Data said as he cupped her face.

Tasha smiled. She always felt small and safe in way she was unaccustomed to whenever he held her face like that. He could be surprisingly flirtatious in his own strange, endearing way. His speech may have seemed mechanical to some, but to Tasha it was like music.

"There is no way to secure the door," Data observed as he glanced in the direction of the tent flaps.

Tasha had her own tent, but there was certainly a possibility that anyone could simply untie the flaps and wander in – as evidenced by Commander Riker's earlier appearance.

Tasha pulled his face back to look at her. She pressed a finger to her lips to indicate they would need to be quiet.

"Oh," Data whispered as his eyebrows shot up.

Tasha slipped off the cot and straddled Data's lap on the floor. Data wasn't precisely sure how she managed to keep her lips locked on his whilst simultaneously slipping his uniform over his shoulders and down his arms, stripping him to the waist.

Her hands were everywhere – kneading the synthetic musculature of his shoulders, scratching gently at his back, and massaging his biceps.

Data gave himself over to the sensation of being so lovingly attacked as she broke from his lips in favour of his neck.

His ears were trained on the noises of the camp outside the tent. He had been listening carefully, intent to identify any sounds of approaching crew. But as she nibbled at the spot below his ear, Data was having a difficult time processing so much sensory input at once.

A significant portion of his processing capacity was overwhelmed by the feel of her. Data could feel her pulse and the increase in her body temperature.

He was also surprised to find the possibility of being caught at any moment was an intriguing thought – similar to the sense of danger he experienced whenever they read one of Tasha's horror novels.

"Data," Tasha murmured in his ear. "Stop thinking."

Tasha grinned and nuzzled against his neck as Data finally relaxed.

She rolled her hips against his lap and softly keened as she felt his sexuality programme activate.

He slipped his hand up underneath the back of the standard issue Starfleet undershirt she slept in. Data pulled it up overhead and tossed it aside.

For a moment he said nothing.

The silence was unnerving for Tasha.

Instinctively, she averted her eyes and started chewing on her lip.

Was he uncomfortable? Tasha wondered.

She was about to ask when Data spoke.

"That is better," Data whispered.

When Tasha looked back at him he was staring at her. It was the same way he'd been looking at her that night on Ligon II.

The way made her feel uncharacteristically bashful.

Data slipped two fingers under her chin, encouraging to meet his gaze.

"You are most becoming when you have just awoken. And I have missed you so," Data remarked. "I would like to take more than eighteen minutes with you, if that is amendable."

Tasha nodded slowly, unsure of what to say in response.

"Excellent," Data said.

He gripped the back of her head and pulled her close. His other hand was tight on the small of her back.

Tasha squeaked as he rocked against her, his stiff erection rubbing against just the right spot – deliciously frustrating as their clothing remained in the way.

Data snaked one hand into her shorts. He pressed his thumb against her and began to rub her clit.

"I want you," Tasha whispered.

Data carefully slipped his uniform just low enough to free his cock.

He pulled Tasha's sleep shorts and knickers aside, but Tasha felt it was no use. She silently shook her head.

She didn't want to break contact, but she knew it was necessary.

Tasha stood up, stepped out of her remaining clothing, and kicked it aside.

Tasha gasped and bit back the urge to keen as planted his face against her cunt. He gripped her backside as he stroked her clit with his tongue.

She glanced at the door to ensure it remained undisturbed.

Tasha was certain that if anyone were to walk in and find the Second Officer on his knees lapping at his subordinate officer's cunt that they would certainly both be in for a reprimand.

Tasha's head fell back as she did her best to stay quiet.

Data grinned against her as Tasha's fingers twisted into his hair.

He chanced looking up at her.

Data lamented that given his current position, he could not see her face. Data could feel her body trembling against him. He could hear the sound of her breathing.

But he couldn't see all of her and he realised that was one disadvantage of such a position.

He made a mental note that it would be worth exploring a method in which he could still provide her with such pleasure whilst simultaneously watching her come undone in ecstasy.

It wasn't long before her legs were shaking, and Data could hear Tasha whimpering.

The muscles in her thighs tightened and contracted as her body jerked.

"Ah," Tasha choked out quietly.

Data sat back on his knees and watched the rapid rise and fall of her chest as she caught her breath.

Tasha lowered her gaze to find the corner of Data's mouth curved upward, almost in a smirk. His chin glistened, coated with her slick.

Data offered her his hand and pulled her down to him.

Tasha straddled Data and wasted no time in sinking down the length of him.

"That's better," Tasha said in a hushed voice.

She clenched around him, grateful that they were finally in one another's arms.

"You feel so good," she breathed.

Tasha pushed against his chest, guiding him to lie back against the floor of the tent.

Data followed her lead.

She captured his lips in a heated kiss and could taste herself on his tongue.

After a few moments, she sat back.

Data's breath hitched as she began to slowly pull herself up and down the length of him.

"Tasha-" Data began to say.

She shook her head.

"Shhh," she reminded him as she pressed a finger to her lips.

Tasha flashed him a predatory grin.

With their eyes locked on one another, Tasha began to ride him.

Data watched, completely enthralled as she found a comfortable rhythm. Tasha rested one hand on his chest. The other was outstretched behind her as she kept her balance.

Her lips were parted, panting softly. The air was humid due to the climate, and it clung to everything – the walls of the tent, the inside of their throats, and their skin. Data watched a bead of perspiration formed on her bare chest and then ran down between her breasts.

The planet and recent rain made for a stifling atmosphere. It was breathable, but muggy. But there was more than just the damp, sticky jungle that surrounded them, suffocating them with its presence.

There was a distinct smell of sex that clung to the air.

Anyone that would wander into the tent was sure to recognise it. They would know exactly what had occurred between the Security Chief and Second Officer.

Data wasn't sure if it was the setting, the heat, or the lack of contact they'd had the last week.

This wasn't merely making love – it was an animalistic sexual compulsion, the need to consume one another.

And there was an element of something deep and primal about it that made Data feel almost human.

Tasha threw her head back and increased the pace.

Data ran his hands along the outside of her thighs, stopping to clutch her hips.

He gripped her tightly, meeting her thrust for thrust as they both chased the relief of orgasm.

It felt divine.

Data's mouth fell open and he stuttered as he spilled himself.

Tasha clenched around him brought the tempo down, dropping to a pace of slow, dragging strokes – earning a strangled noise from Data.

She slowed to a stop and ran her hand back through her hair, now damp from the perspiration.

For all the romantic literature he had consumed, nothing could have prepared Data for the reality that there were some things that could only be experienced first-hand.

In his mind, this was one of those moments.

She looked incredible – skin flushed, swollen lips, tousled hair.

"What?" Tasha asked.

"I am making a memory," Data replied.

Tasha laughed softly and made to get up. Data's hand closed around her forearm and stopped her.

"Stay," he requested.

Data sat up and adjusted himself so that he was on his knees.

He snaked his hand between them and planted his thumb against her clit, circling it as he began to gently thrust up into her.

"Data you don't have to-" Tasha assured him.

"Shhh," he whispered, reminding her they needed to be quiet.

It wasn't just android stamina – although there were certain advantages to that – Data wanted to do this. He wanted to bring her pleasure, to help her reach that next level of sexual bliss.

Data's extensive programming and natural curiosity equipped him with a vast knowledge base of ways in which to find carnal delight.

His imagination had resulted in an endless list of ideas that he wanted to try with her.

And his desire to be human left him with a longing for this kind of connection.

Tasha closed her eyes, relishing in the feel of being treated with such tenderness.

"Look at me," Data said in a low voice. "I want to be right there with you when you shake apart in my hands."

Tasha opened her eyes.

"That is it," Data said, encouraging her.

All thoughts of the camp around them and the creature that stalked it were gone. In that moment, there was nothing but the two of them together.

Data had no requirement to blink.

He increased the pressure in the fingers that were pressed against her clit, stroking it quickly with his thumb as he studied her face to judge the reaction.

Tasha inhaled for 0.847 seconds longer as he changed the pressure. Her breathing increased almost imperceptibly. Her eyebrows moved ever so slightly.

They were changes that would likely be completely unnoticeable to the human eye.

Because of how Data was able to perceive time, he was consciously aware of each passing nanosecond.

It was an eternity for an android and yet not nearly enough time to satisfy his desire for her.

Tasha clutched the back of his neck. Her face was inches from Data's, and she couldn't feel his breath on her face.

"Data," she panted. "Breathe."

He had been so consumed in their lovemaking that his artificial breathing programme used for temperature regulation had ceased to function.

"Come for me," Data instructed.

Tasha snivelled as she rocked against his hand.

"Trying," she muttered. "I'm sorry."

"Do not be," he assured her.

She was so close it was painful.

Data's thumb was moving fast enough that it was vibrating.

Tasha grimaced, her head twitching as Data worked one of his long fingers in next to his cock.

"Are you in pain?" Data asked, concerned.

Tasha shook her head.

It wasn't pain – the stretch felt wonderful.

Tasha clenched her jaw as she tried not to make a noise as she felt a second finger slide in next to the first.

Data kissed her breastbone.

"Please look at me," he requested. "I want to see those big, blue eyes."

Tasha turned back in shock.

It was like he could flip a switch and become the most erotic voice she had ever heard.

"There she is," Data said in a low voice. "My sweet girl."

Tasha blinked slowly in disbelief.

Data took no small amount of pleasure as he observed her surprise. It sent a surge to his neural net knowing that he could turn her on like that.

With a few more soft words of encouragement and one perfectly positioned thumb, Data noted to memory the look in her eyes as she found her release on his cock and fingers.

When they were done, Tasha rested her head on his shoulder.

With his free hand, Data stroked the length of her spine as she came down.

"I need to bathe," Tasha said lazily after a few minutes.

But she made no move to leave. It was too cosy being in Data's lap, sitting on his cock.

As a temporary camp, it lacked the infrastructure for proper shower facilities. Even without modern showers, there were other options. Handheld personal sonic hygiene devices were one such option available to the crew.

But there was functioning hot water and Tasha had always preferred real bathing to the sonic options. Hot water had been a luxury on Turkana and to this day, Tasha had always found it to be something that made her feel luxurious – even if it was as simple as washing her hair.

"I suppose," she said.

She sat back and stroked Data's hair.

They shared in a slow, tender kiss before Tasha climbed off him.

She stood up and stretched before throwing on her previously discarded t-shirt. She stepped over to the table and grabbed a large container that she had been using to fetch water.

Data stood as well. He came up behind her and snaked his arms around her.

He rested his chin on her shoulder.

"Allow me," Data said as he took hold of the bowl.

"Data-" Tasha started to protest.

"Perhaps it is my intention to spoil you," Data said. "Or perhaps I am poorly masking my own desire to get my hands on your soapy body."

He pressed his body against hers, trapping her against the table.

"What the hell has gotten into you?" Tasha asked.

She wasn't upset – but she was slightly confused by how playful he was being.

"Does it bother you?" Data asked seriously, his mood shifting at once.

"No," Tasha assured him. "It's just surprising. Kinda sexy."

"Good," Data replied.

Data brought his hand down and smacked her backside.

Tasha froze.

Data had felt her stiffen and was immediately concerned that he had crossed a line.

"I am sorry. Are you alright?" Data asked.

Tasha turned around. Her hand was covering her mouth.

"Just…unexpected," Tasha admitted before she giggled.

Data visibly relaxed.

"I will return," Data assured her as he backed toward the door.

"Data, um," Tasha cleared her throat and gestured vaguely at his body.

Data dropped his eyes and realised his uniform was still around his waist with his now unaroused cock hanging out the front.

"Oh," Data said simply.

He stuffed himself back into his shorts and pulled his uniform back up over his arms.

"I will be back," Data repeated. "Bye."

He gave her a small, nervous wave.

"Bye," Tasha grinned.

He slipped out of the tent and surveyed the area for the water distribution.

Data stopped and turned his head back to the left.

Commander Riker was sitting on a portable chair outside. His feet were thrown on top of a packing crate. There was a discarded plate of food next to him on the ground.

Riker was wearing his sunglasses and drumming on his stomach as he sang softly to himself.

"Commander?" Data inquired.

Data panicked as he considered it was possible Commander Riker had been hanging around outside the whole time.

Had he heard them?

"Commander?" Data asked again.

There was no answer.

"Commander?" Data repeated in a much louder voice.

Commander Riker startled and sat up. He pulled a pair of wireless audio transmitters from his ears.

Data breathed a sigh of relief.

Riker turned toward Data and grinned.

"Morning," he said brightly.

"Sir, do you know where I might locate the water distribution?" Data inquired.

Riker pointed down toward the north end of the camp.

"Thank you, sir," Data nodded.

"It was no trouble at all," Riker assured him as he sat back and settled into his lawn chair. "In any case, Worf's got the next shift."

Data cocked his head to the side.

"The next shift?" Data asked.

"You don't think we'd let anything happen to you? Everybody needs a doorman once and while," Riker smirked.