A/N: Thank you for ongoing interest and support in this story. I'm grateful to be a part of the series!
This chapter is set during the events of "The Game" and "In the Shadow of the Moon." En route to Starbase 118 for the hearing, the Enterprise is called to assist a mining colony.
Their mission of rescue is interrupted by Q. This all happens on what is supposed to be Data and Tasha's final night together before the hearing on Starbase 118.
A game.
A simple game.
But with Q there was no such thing as simple.
Or subtle.
Data knew they were in danger. But at the moment, he was struggling to think about anything.
Well, that wasn't entirely true.
Data was thinking about many things.
The neural pathways in his positronic brain were firing faster than Data could ever recall. It felt uncomfortable. He could not focus, nor was he capable of slowing his processing.
Data's mind raced with theories about what could happen, unsettling statistics about their odds of survival, and he could not shake the feeling of unease that had gripped him.
After appearing on the Bridge of the Enterprise, Q had whisked away the team to a strange planet – M class, twin moons, and an eerie green sky.
After promising them a game of deadly consequences, Q had taken each member of the team through a mental obstacle course – showing them both their worst memories and unfulfilled desires in a cruel attempt to convince them to accept the power of the Q.
Data did not believe Q's offer to be genuine.
Most of the crew agreed.
Data was overcome with a strange mix of humiliation and pain as he had been forced to experience one of his darkest moments with Bruce Maddox. Q had made no effort to offer privacy, their worst memories had been revealed in the open, on display for any and all to see.
Geordi had been shown the fire that traumatised him as a child. Worf's heartache at K'Ehleyr ending their relationship was now public knowledge. Even Commander Riker's uncomfortable childhood at the hands of cold father had been witnessed by all.
The memories of that time had been enough to convince Riker to accept Q's offer.
The temptation of being able to save his younger self from that abuse was just too irresistible. Riker had always projected strength and self-control. As a child, he had dreamed of standing up to his father. Now Q had finally made that a possibility.
And then there had been Tasha.
Q had taken her right back to the dusty plains of Turkana and the horrors of her childhood.
Tasha had only ever shared her experiences on the planet of her birth from a 10,000-lightyear level. She was guarded about the details. Data had no delusions about Tasha's childhood, but it had been horrifying to witness the brutality of such a place – and to see what kind of choices Tasha had been forced to make as a child.
Data wanted nothing more than to assure Tasha that she was safe.
But he couldn't even do that.
Tasha had lost her temper – reaming Q for the failure of his superior Continuum to stop such violence and suffering. She had called him a lonely old man, cutting deep into Q's fragile ego.
Data had suspected as much. But he would never dare to yell at such a powerful and omnipotent being.
Tasha had brushed off Data's warning.
As punishment, Q had sent her away to an unknown 'penalty box.' Worst of all, Q had advised that should there be any further outbreaks, he would not hesitate to send another crewmember to the penalty box.
According to Q, his penalty box only had room for one person. Unable to fathom such a notion, Geordi had voiced Data's question.
Then what happens to Tasha? Where does she go?
Into nothingness. Q had warned.
The team on Q's mysterious planet had no knowledge that Tasha was safe aboard the Enterprise with Captain Picard. At the moment, they had more pressing matters to deal with.
"Data?" Riker prompted.
It was the third time he had called Data's name. Riker was still waiting for Data's analysis on the strange alien creatures that were moving in their direction.
"The soldiers appear to be dressed in a similar fashion to Q's Napoleonic Era uniform. They appear to be armed with heavy armour muzzle-loaded long guns," Data advised. "Based on their appearance they would be smoothbore firearms lacking the rifling grooves necessary to spin the ammunition for increased accuracy."
"What are you saying Data?" Riker inquired.
"They are slow-loading and inaccurate," Data explained.
"Those soldiers have formed a skirmishing line, I think you'd call it, and they're headed this way," Geordi informed them as he kept his VISOR trained on the advancing troops. "Worf's on his way back."
Commander Riker scratched his head.
"It hardly sounds like Q to give us an advantage like that. Unless-" Commander Riker trailed off as he pulled out his phaser.
Riker turned to the nearest rock formation and fired a test shot at the rock on a low setting. To his satisfaction, the impact of the phaser caused the rock to blow up.
"Drop your weapons!" Worf cried as he came running up the path.
"I'm afraid that was me, Worf!" Riker called back. "Just checking to see if our phasers still operate."
Suddenly, Riker noted the look on Worf's face.
"What is it, Worf?" Riker asked.
"Sir, what they're wearing may be old Earth uniforms, but what's inside of them isn't human at all. More like vicious aliens," Worf explained.
He went on to describe what he had witnessed during his reconnaissance of their camp. They appeared to be powerful creatures – at least as powerful as Klingons, if not more. He'd watched them squaring off against one another at the camp and they clearly possessed great physical strength. Worf hadn't seen their weapons fire, but he suspected they were likely not just muskets.
"Those soldiers are closing fast, sir," Geordi cautioned.
"I'm sensing great anger," Deanna warned. "Like an insatiable rage. They won't stop, Will."
Commander Riker knew they were outnumbered.
If Worf's hypothesis about their weapons was accurate, their phasers would be of no use.
"Data, if you've got a theory about what's happening?" Riker asked.
Data turned around – only it wasn't Data.
It was Q.
"Think fast, Commander Riker," he said. "And move fast."
They were surrounded by large, muscular creatures with ferocious looking faces – sharp teeth, intense eyes, and a stance that suggested they were trained to kill. The creatures closed in on them fast, snarling and grunting as they encircled the team.
An energy bolt shot out of the musket and hit the rocks behind them as it sent dust and debris flying through the air.
"Those aren't muskets," Riker observed.
"You only have one chance to save them now," Q explained. "Send them back to the ship."
Riker looked around desperately.
The troops were just a few metres away. If they were to fire, they could take out the entire team.
"You'll let me beam them?" Riker asked.
"Send them the same way as I do," Q said playfully. "I've given you that power. Do you understand? I have given you the power of the Q. Use it!"
Suddenly, Q vanished.
A moment later, the real Data appeared once again.
Data looked around. It was evident Q must have suspended time for him as events had transpired – the soldiers were closing in on them – yet for Data not even a second had passed.
"Use your power," Q's voice teased as the growling soldiers edged ever closer.
The team was back-to-back as the aliens closed in.
"Commander," Geordi urged.
Deciding to trust Q, Riker raised his hand and beamed the team away.
Back aboard the Enterprise, Tasha was sitting alone on the Bridge.
Captain Picard had been present a moment earlier before mysteriously vanishing.
She was sitting next to the Command Chair when the familiar hum of the ship's systems resumed. The computer seemed to be reactivated.
Tasha knew she had a duty to evaluate their position and try and find the crew. But she was reluctant to try and touch anything.
When she had first been beamed away from the planet, she had quickly discovered that interacting with any of the equipment on the Bridge resulted in a painful shock.
Q's penalty box.
Unconsciously, she rubbed her hand where she'd been shocked earlier from touching the console.
Whatever planet Q had sent them to was either completely created from Q's mind or nowhere close to the location of the Enterprise.
But their rescue and recovery mission took precedence over the situation with Q. After all, it was possible the remaining bridge crew had managed to negotiate for the release of the Enterprise. If so, Tasha wasn't going to let that opportunity go to waste.
Before she could adjust the course for the planet, the door to the Captain's Ready Room slid open and Captain Picard strolled onto the Bridge.
"Captain!" Tasha said as she stood up from the Command Chair.
"At ease," Picard ordered. "Are all systems back online?"
"There's been no interruption to our speed or our course," she stated as she observed their current heading. "Both have remained constant, as though we never stopped."
"We never did," Picard said. "I believe Q suspended time."
In a flash, Worf, Data, Geordi, Beverly, and Deanna appeared on the Bridge.
Data felt a wave of relief as he spotted her at the helm.
For a moment, they locked eyes as a look of understanding passed between them.
Tasha wanted to apologise for not listening to him, for ignoring all his warnings, and to assure him that she would never take his advice for granted again.
Data wanted to pull her close, reassure her how much she meant to him, and let her know how deeply the idea of loss had impacted him.
But they both knew it wasn't the time or the place.
They had an obligation to remain professional while on the Bridge.
He was back aboard the Enterprise, and she was safe from Q's penalty box.
Instead, they conveyed their feelings wordlessly as they gave each other a small nod.
"Where's Commander Riker?" Tasha asked.
"He was just with us," Worf replied.
"He must still be on that planet. We were under attack by these," Geordi paused as he struggled to find the right word. "These alien things."
"Alien things?" Captain Picard asked for clarification.
"Well, maybe Data could explain it better, sir," Geordi said.
"You may find it aesthetically displeasing, sir," Data described. "I could just file a computer report on that."
"Data!" Picard sighed, frustrated.
"Sir, the important thing right now is why is Commander Riker missing?" Tasha insisted.
Their First Officer was gone, seemingly a prisoner of the mysterious Q. They had an obligation to find him – though Tasha had no inkling of where to even begin.
"Understood, Lieutenant," Picard nodded. "But I suspect Commander Riker is probably perfectly safe, at least in a physical sense."
"Sir, Q tried to tempt all of us with the offer of his powers," Deanna explained. "Commander Riker accepted his offer."
Picard sighed.
"Q has an interest in us. All of us," Picard informed them.
"And the reason for that, sir?" Data questioned.
"I wish I knew," Picard confessed. "He first became interested with us at Farpoint. I have no idea what it means."
An unsettling feeling crept into the bridge crew.
It disturbed each of them to think that Q had some interest in their existence.
"We must proceed with our rescue mission," Picard ordered.
Down on the planet, Commander Riker sat down on the sandy soil. He leaned back against the rock and laughed heartily.
"Something amuses you?" Q asked as he appeared next to Riker. "Perhaps you'll share the joke with me?"
In truth, he was fascinated by Riker's response.
The team had been seconds away from death and yet he appeared to be entertained.
"Strange gratitude, from one who has been granted a gift beyond any human dream," Q commented. "How can you not appreciate being able to send your friends back to the safety of your ship? Or sending the soldiers back to the nothingness from which they came?"
He didn't understand humans.
"Certainly, you must understand that at this moment you can send yourself back to the ship or to Earth," Q teased. "You could change your shape to become anything else you've ever wanted to be. Go anywhere. See anything!"
"What do you need, Q?" Riker asked directly.
Q looked scandalised.
"Me want something from you foolish, fragile, non-entities? Oh come, Riker," Q said quickly. "You're beginning to sound like your Captain."
Riker grinned, knowing full well that he'd hit a sensitive spot.
"Now that's a compliment, Q," Riker replied coolly. "But that's not an answer."
Q turned to Riker with an eager gleam in his eye.
"After Farpoint, I returned to where we exist. The Q Continuum," Q began to say
They knew nothing about this shadowy Q Continuum. They had no idea whether it was a civilisation, a planet, a ruling council, or some kind of alternate dimension.
"The limitless dimensions of the galaxy in which we exist," Q replied strangely.
"I don't understand," Riker admitted as he shook his head.
Q sighed in exasperation.
"Of course you don't," Q scoffed. "And you never will until you become one of us."
Commander Riker scratched his chin. He was certain Q had already granted him the power of the Q.
He sat quietly as Q admitted that he had misunderstood humanity during their encounter at Farpoint. Although Q had interacted with humans many times over the centuries, he had always considered them savages by the standards of the Q.
But there was something about Jean-Luc Picard and his crew that had left Q feeling more excited than he had in a long time. Observing them and toying with them had provided him with a new reason to exist.
In truth, the life of a Q had long ago grown monotonous.
Meeting Jean-Luc Picard and his crew had breathed fresh life into his dull existence.
Of course, Q could never directly admit that.
"You are unusual creatures in your own limited ways," Q said. "Ways which, in time, will not be so limited."
It was a backhanded compliment, but Riker understood the meaning.
"That's why we've selected you. We want to know more about this human condition so that we may understand it," Q explained.
Riker considered his words.
"I suppose you mean that as a compliment, Q," Riker replied. "Maybe it's my limited mind."
He grinned and Q rolled his eyes.
Q understood humans found Riker charming. Q found his 'charm' annoying.
"But to become part of you?" Riker asked incredulously. "I don't even like you."
Q leaned in close.
"You're going to miss me," he taunted as he snapped his fingers and vanished.
The bridge crew – in addition to the Captain and Wesley Crusher – suddenly appeared back on the planet.
"Come on!" Geordi shouted in frustration as he looked around. "Not again!"
"Fascinating," Picard said as he observed the planet. "So, this is where he sent you."
"Commander Riker, what's going on?" Wesley asked as he looked at the eerie green sky. "I was sitting in school and-"
"Worf, my phaser's gone," Tasha reported as she clutched her holster. "Are you armed?"
Worf felt for his phaser and found his too was gone.
He shook his head.
"No," he replied.
"What is that?" Tasha asked as she heard the snarling alien soldiers approach.
Geordi and Data exchanged a dark look.
Tasha hadn't been present during their first encounter.
"Alien soldiers," Worf advised.
"Intent to kill," Deanna warned as she sensed the same rage as before.
With no functioning weapons and nothing to use in their defence, the team was at a serious disadvantage against the approaching horde.
"Where is Q?" Picard asked before turning to Commander Riker. "If you have any answers to this, I'm all ears, Commander."
The soldiers were less than four metres away and closing fast.
"Worf?" Tasha prompted. "Straight for the centre? Try for a weapon?"
"Yes," Worf nodded. "I think that is our best bet."
Without phasers, hand-to-hand combat was their only option. Worf and Tasha had significant training in this area, but they were vastly outnumbered.
"Those aren't normal muskets," Data cautioned. "Given my android capabilities, it would be best for me to lead the assault."
"Fine," Tasha replied.
She didn't want Data facing off against these creatures, but she knew he was right. His strength was their only advantage.
"Don't think you're going alone," Geordi added.
"Your orders, sir?" Tasha asked the Captain.
"Q?" Picard shouted.
There was no response.
"Sir?" Data inquired.
All of a sudden, Worf charged forward toward the advancing line of soldiers. He wasn't going to wait for them to grow any closer. They needed to act.
Tasha cast a quick glance at Data.
"I'm sorry," she said as she met his eyes.
She could see the mix of disappointment and understanding in his face.
Tasha felt horrible. She knew it was futile. She felt ashamed for breaking her earlier promise to herself not to ignore his warnings.
But she also knew that she had to protect her friends – both those behind her and Worf that was charging forward alone.
Tasha took off after Worf as she raced toward the advancing skirmish line of growling aliens.
Data was a step behind her and Geordi followed without hesitation.
As Worf suspected, the aliens were extremely powerful.
It didn't take much for them to overpower him as he landed on his back in the sand. Worf went down – a soldier driving one his bayonets straight into the Klingon's chest.
Wes tried to warn him – rushing forward. Spying the young acting ensign was in danger, Tasha swooped in to assist.
The sound of a warning cry from Beverly caught Tasha's ear and she turned in time to see the soldier coming toward Wesley.
Tasha lunged at it.
They struggled for a moment before she managed to bring it down to the ground.
"Run," she ordered Wesley as she wrestled with the creature.
Wesley began to back away but struggled to gain his footing in the loose, sandy terrain.
Across the way, Data had lost sight of Geordi.
His superhuman strength allowed him to throw the soldiers back with ease. But there were so many of them swarming their location, it was difficult to keep up.
"Geordi?" Data said desperately as he tried to fight his way through the crowd.
Data picked up another alien soldier and tossed it through the air. It landed several metres away in the sand with a 'thud' and did not get back up.
He spotted Geordi just as the Engineer was brought to the ground. The soldiers descended upon him, and Data frantically began to push through the crowd to reach them.
"Do something, Will!" Deanna said as she watched with horror as more soldiers emerged around them.
They were everywhere. The team was completely surrounded on all sides.
Riker stood motionless as he watched the scene unfold.
Data was almost to Geordi when he heard Tasha cry out.
"Wes! No!" she shouted.
Wesley had been backing away from them, unable to tear his eyes from the violence.
Another soldier had emerged behind him.
Wesley cried out as he was impaled from behind by the sharp bayonet.
"NO!" Beverly screamed. "No!"
She struggled against Captain Picard and Deanna as they held her back from running toward him.
"This is Q, Beverly," Deanna reminded her. "Will! Stop it! Stop it like you did before!"
Inside, Deanna didn't know if it was real or not. The feelings were real. She could sense Wesley's life was fading.
Wesley fell to his knees and collapsed face-first into the ground.
"Q! Stop this madness!" Picard shouted angrily in hopes that the omnipotent being was listening.
"We have to get out of here," Data said loudly as he made his way to Tasha.
She turned away from Wesley and toward Data.
Before she could respond, Tasha grunted as she was run through by the end of a bayonet. It only took a matter of seconds, but for Data the scene was like an unending nightmare.
Tasha looked down at the blade sticking out from her diaphragm. It hurt to breathe. There was a searing pain in the middle of her back, and she could taste the blood inside her mouth.
The blade suddenly disappeared, and she inhaled sharply as she felt it pulled back through her body.
She looked up at Data.
He was at her in two steps and caught her as she fell forward into his arms.
Data didn't know what to do.
That wasn't entirely true - Data knew exactly what to do.
But he was overwhelmed.
Simultaneously, he knew he had a duty to protect the Captain, to defend the other crew members.
At the same time, he knew he needed to apply pressure to the wound. Data's sensors could read that Tasha's blood pressure had dropped while her heart rate had increased as it attempted to compensate for the blood loss.
It was vital that he theorise what Q's endgame was in order to get them all out of this situation. Data's computing power was essential to rescuing everyone.
But she was bleeding out in his arms.
And he was helpless to stop it.
They were completely surrounded on an alien planet with no supplies and nowhere to run.
His positronic neural transmitters fired at lightning speed. Data was unable to tear himself away from staring at Tasha – his gaze locked on the spot where tears were beginning to prick at the edges of her eyes, threatening to leak out onto the sandy soil already stained with her blood.
Too much blood. Data realised.
He could feel his neural net race as he tried to prioritise where to start.
Tasha blinked. Data watched helplessly as a single, thick tear escaped and then rolled down her cheek.
Data felt like his artificial breathing system had stopped functioning.
Tasha sputtered and it brought Data back to the present from his mental spiral. It had only been 1.47 seconds, but for Data that was more than enough time for his mind to run wild.
She was trying to speak. Tasha could see he was losing control of his thoughts.
She wanted to apologise, to tell him what he meant, to tell him so many things.
Data was unsure of what to say.
This was the moment he had feared. It was all too much.
Data turned off his audio receptors.
Tasha tried to speak again and choked.
"Shhh," Data said as he brushed Tasha's bangs behind her ear.
At that moment, he didn't know what else to do other than to hold her.
A second later Data felt her slip from his grip as he was pulled back by a crowd of the alien soldiers.
His left arm was violently detached followed by his right. They were quite literally ripping Data apart.
Data fell to the ground hard as he landed on his side.
It took him less than a quarter of a second to spot Tasha about half a metre away on the ground.
She blinked back at him twice and, with considerable effort, shook her head.
The battle was over. It was a lost cause.
Data felt a mixture of emotions - it wasn't supposed to be like this.
"NO!" Riker shouted, finally finding his voice.
He threw up his arm and surrounded Captain Picard, Doctor Crusher, Deanna, and himself with a Q forcefield to prevent the soldiers from getting any closer.
"Riker!" Picard gasped in astonishment. "You did that?"
"And that's not all!" Riker replied.
Riker could feel the power surging inside of him, further activated by the rage of having to watch his friends torn apart in front of his eyes.
Commander Riker snapped his fingers and they all vanished from the surface of the planet.
They were back on the Bridge of the Enterprise.
Everyone glanced around at one another, perplexed by the sudden change in scenery.
Data whipped around in the Command Chair and locked eyes on Tasha. She nodded stiffly, indicating she was alright. It took all of his willpower not to go to her.
Captain Picard didn't need Deanna's input to know they had all experienced a traumatic event. He tapped his combadge and ordered the Beta shift bridge crew to report for duty immediately.
A relief team would be able to handle the Bridge until they reached their destination. It would give everyone a few hours to try and process what had occurred.
Jean-Luc felt this wasn't the last of Q – but it seemed that, at least for the moment, they were safe.
"That grid, their wounds. Only the Q can do that," Picard said darkly as he looked at Commander Riker.
"We have a lot to discuss, sir," Riker replied.
As soon as the second shift had arrived to relieve them, the main bridge crew stepped onto the turbolift.
It was an awkward ride.
Data and Tasha disembarked together without a word.
The moment the door to her quarters closed, Tasha turned to Data.
"Data I-" she started to say.
She stopped as he gripped her shoulders and turned her around.
His fingers found the zipper on her jumpsuit.
A moment later she felt his fingers on her back in the exact spot where she had been stabbed. He traced over where the wound had once been. But now there was nothing indicating it had ever occurred.
Data closed his eyes and relished in the feel of her soft skin. It was completely healed, there was no trace of the wound that had nearly taken her from him.
He took a series of slow, artificial breaths as he attempted to push the sight of her broken, bleeding, and unreachable from his mind.
Data tried to focus on what he could sense – the feel of her skin warm beneath his fingers, the familiar scent of lavender that was always present in Tasha's quarters, the gentle rise and fall of her chest with each breath.
Tasha waited patiently, content to let him take his time. She understood he needed physical confirmation that she was alright.
After a few moments, she turned back to look at him.
"It's alright," she said softly.
Data pulled her tightly against him.
He needed physical reassurance that she was safe.
"I thought I lost you," he said.
"You did," she retorted, attempting to lighten the mood.
When he didn't respond, Tasha felt that perhaps humour was not the best approach.
"I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you. That I never listen when you try to warn me about-" Tasha said as she began to apologise.
Data didn't wait for her to finish. He pressed his lips against hers, desperate to reassure himself that this moment was real.
She is here. In your arms. Data reminded himself.
After some time, she pulled away as she felt that he was shaking.
Looking up at him, she realised he was sobbing.
She tried to brush away the yellow tears on his cheeks, but they were falling faster than she could stop them.
"Hey, c'mere," she said as she guided him over to the sofa in her quarters.
She sat on the sofa and pulled Data down next to her.
Tasha knew this had been a rough experience for him emotionally. It was hard enough to go through Q's game. She couldn't imagine how much more difficult it had been for someone that was just learning to navigate their own feelings.
Data rested his head in her lap. He continued to cry as she tenderly stroked his hair, trying to ground him and reassure him that he was alright.
"I-I am uncertain h-how to st-stop," Data stammered as he wept.
"Sometimes we just have to cry until there are no more tears," Tasha told him.
"Theoretically, I could produce tears forever," he replied before he could stop himself.
"Then it's a good thing I'm not going anywhere," Tasha said softly.
Eventually, Data's tears did stop.
It was the most unusual experience for Data. He had never sobbed like that before – even during his days with Maddox. The moisture had overcome his eyes, forcing him to weep as a strange, salty liquid had poured onto Tasha's lap.
She had held him there, stroking his hair, and whispering soft affirmations until his tears had slowed.
Now that they were done, Data felt drained.
It was as if he had just spent days on end exhausting his processing capacity, working on some complex problem without utilising his rest programme.
He had strained the limits of his design before and it had been a rather unpleasant experience.
Data sat up and sniffled, attempting to retain some of the fluid that was threatened to leak out of his nose. Such an act was completely spontaneous and natural – he hadn't even thought about it.
Tasha reached up to cup his face.
"Hey," she said in a soothing voice.
Data turned his head and kissed the inside of her wrist. Then he pulled her back against him in a tight embrace.
His hand came to rest on her back between her shoulder blades in the place where the wound had been.
It was one more assurance that this was, in fact, real.
"We're okay," Tasha whispered. "We're both alright."
As soon as Data released her, Tasha got up and headed for the replicator. She knew Data didn't have a need to eat or drink. But he found sharing a hot cup of tea with Tasha was a relaxing activity.
"Do you want mint? Or that ginger one you tried last week?" Tasha offered.
She was hoping to take his mind off their recent experience with something that felt familiar and domestic.
But Data had other plans in mind.
When he didn't answer her, Tasha turned around to repeat the question. She startled as Data was right behind her.
He looked almost bashful, as if he were embarrassed to ask a question.
"Data?" Tasha prompted.
Data hesitated.
"What do you need?" Tasha asked.
"Would it be appropriate for me to ask that we, well," Data trailed off.
"Yes?" Tasha pressed.
"Cuddle," Data said quietly.
Tasha smiled. She took hold of his hand and led him into the bedroom.
"Come here," she said as they laid down on the bed.
Tasha wrapped her arms around Data and nuzzled against his chest.
For Data, he felt like a weight had been lifted. He wanted to slip away into a hazy state enveloped in Tasha's arms.
The bed was soft and cool beneath him, and Tasha had kept the lights off.
Data's request hadn't been sexual in nature. He wasn't much feeling like sex at the moment. But he did need physical intimacy.
Given all they had experienced, he was struggling to communicate verbally. The weight of their upcoming hearing only added to the tension.
There was so much to be said, so many things to discuss and explain. Tasha knew some of what Data had experienced at the hands of Bruce Maddox.
But they had barely scratched the surface.
The emotional, physical, and verbal abuse that Data had been subjected to by Maddox had shaped who Data was. The scars of that experience had stunted Data's emotional development.
And it was only in Tasha's arms that he truly felt safe to explore such emotions without the fear of reprisal or being misunderstood.
"I am sorry if my emotions have caused you inconvenience," Data said.
Tasha squeezed him tight.
"Do you know what I love about you?" Tasha asked.
Data frowned, confused by the vague nature of the question. He was about to request that Tasha limit the parameters when Tasha cut him off.
"You are the most beautiful soul I've ever known," Tasha confessed.
Soul.
Whether intentional or not, Tasha had a way of selecting language in a way that reassured Data.
"You have such a capacity to feel and love and care," Tasha went on. "So much more than we can. And I think that's wonderful."
Data squeezed his eyes shut.
He was crying again.
Only this time, it felt different.
"I am sorry. I seem to be malfunctioning," Data said.
"Don't ever apologise for being so tender," Tasha assured him as she brushed the top of his head with a soft kiss.
As much as Data and Tasha had wanted to stay in bed together, they still had a rescue mission to complete. The disaster had been worse than reported. There had been a series of subsequent tremors following the initial explosion resulting in further stress on the infrastructure.
Doctor Crusher and the medical teams had been ready to receive hundreds of survivors.
Instead, they found only a small contingent of people.
"Where are the others?" Riker asked as he looked around.
"Gone," a woman said emotionlessly. "It's just us."
Geordi was using his VISOR to scan the area for anything that looked like a lifeform.
"Commander!" Geordi called out to Data. "There's someone under here."
Data rushed over and began to toss the large slabs of rock as if they were balloons. After throwing off another large rock, Data spotted the wee frame of a young child.
He scanned her body for life signs but detected none.
Carefully, he lifted her delicate body out from the rock pile.
Doctor Crusher stepped over and scanned her with a medical tricorder.
They had the technology to save people after clinical death depending on the type, extent, and timing of the trauma.
"It's too late," Beverly said bitterly. "She's dead. If only we'd gotten here a little sooner."
Data felt awful.
It took all of his willpower to fight against the tears that had begun to well up in his eyes.
He couldn't accept the loss of such a small child. The injustice of this senseless death left Data feeling simultaneously enraged and confused.
And he recalled Tasha's appreciation for his own tenderness – and her anger at the Q for failing to use their powers for good.
Data turned to Commander Riker.
"Sir, if indeed you have the power of the Q," Data pleaded as he cradled her in his arms.
As he stared at the tiny child, Commander Riker understood fully what Captain Picard meant about Q testing his resolve.
"I can't," Riker replied stiffly. "I'm prevented from that by a promise."
"But, sir," Data said suddenly.
He wasn't going to take no for an answer.
A part of him understood why Commander Riker couldn't. Riker's decision to accept Q's offer had been rash. After returning to the Enterprise and talking with the Captain, Will Riker now fully understood how foolish he had been.
He couldn't heal this child – despite how much it hurt not to.
But Data refused to accept that.
"This is wrong," Data argued.
Tasha's heart ached as she watched him.
She knew death was a difficult subject for Data.
Data opened his mouth to protest, but Tasha stepped between him and Commander Riker.
"Data, give me the girl," Tasha instructed.
"She is too young," Data said, shaking his head. "We can save her with the power of the Q."
Tasha stepped forward and slipped her arms under the child.
Data let Tasha carry her away.
"Tasha-" he started to say.
"I know, Data," she replied gently. "Come on."
There were so many lives lost on the colony – with many of the bodies buried under layers of debris too deep to penetrate – that there would be no way to properly see to all the dead.
But Tasha knew that they could see to this one.
They rode in silence to the surface.
When they reached the surface, Tasha led Data outside.
On their way out of the building she instructed him to grab one of the Federation flags that hung on a pole near the entrance. Wordlessly, Data removed the flag and trekked after her.
It was dark out. The sun wouldn't rise on this planet for another six hours.
They walked past the ruins of the colony. It had largely collapsed as the mine underneath had exploded but Data could still make out where buildings had once stood– a canteen, homes, even a community shopping centre.
When they reached the garden, Tasha knelt down and asked Data for the Federation flag.
With skilled hands, Tasha set to work.
She had done this before on Turkana.
Too many times. She thought to herself darkly.
Carefully, she wrapped the child in the fabric– tidying her shirt and brushing her hair back.
Tasha licked her thumb and wiped away the dirt on the wee girl's nose.
"I'm sorry you deserved better," Tasha said aloud.
Data watched with fascination as she stroked the small girl's face and spoke in a language that was undetectable by the universal translator.
"Alius iam mortuo in faern ni caen tua rionnag, Azura. Tuin vive tenbras tuae morietur caenspectau tuo ni et cin luna gwaethren. Eorum vitam, sed non finem," Tasha said quietly. "Mare autem gaer eri-ni semper oriri cin thul ni occursum adventus tui, et erit carrai ni vesta tergum. Ut dirigat viam lunam et rionnag in nimbum Azura luca galad."
After a brief moment, Tasha got up and took Data's hands.
"Tasha, what was-" he started to ask but she cut him off.
"Shhh," she said as she pressed her forehead against his. "A moment of silence for her."
Data understood.
They stayed quiet like that for a moment, foreheads pressed together under the moonlight in the ruined garden.
"Sometimes humans bury the dead," Data said after some time. "Do you believe we should bury her?"
"No, Data," Tasha replied. "She needs to be under the stars."
Data wanted to question this, but instead chose to let it go as they walked back to join the others.
Back aboard the Enterprise, there was a collective sense of dissatisfaction. In the end, the crew had only managed to save a handful of survivors. As tremors continued to rock the planet, any chance of rescue became increasingly unsafe.
It was too unstable, and the trapped colonists below were unreachable.
The Enterprise was back en route to Starbase 118, and everyone was feeling glum.
Commander Riker was furious with himself for accepting Q's offer and promising Captain Picard not to use such power.
It was a cruel realisation knowing that he could have saved them and didn't.
Worst of all, Commander Riker had chosen to take his anger out on Captain Picard.
If on cue, Q had shown up at just the right moment. It had been obvious to everyone else that this reinforced the theory this had all been some grand test by Q.
Obvious, that is, to everyone but Commander Riker.
"Now, just because I've been given unusual powers, I am not suddenly a monster," Riker said with a smile. "Except for these abilities – and I don't yet know how far they go – I am the same William T. Riker that you've always known."
Riker looked to the group expectantly.
No one moved.
With his newfound powers, he could tell they were still nervous around him.
"Well?" Riker prompted in hopes that someone would speak. "Everyone still looks uncomfortable."
Deanna looked miserable. Worf was avoiding his eyes. And Tasha was openly staring at him with disappointment.
"Perhaps because they all remember the old saying," Picard said slowly. "Power corrupts."
"None of you are capable of understanding this incredible gift," Riker said in a tired manner. "Your minds are too small to comprehend what I am capable of achieving."
"Don't you see? He's nothing but a flim-flam man. He's been that way ever since we first met him at Farpoint," Picard said as he tried to convince Riker of Q's manipulation.
Worf looked over at Tasha and mouthed the word 'flim-flam?'
She shrugged in response.
Neither of them were familiar with the term but could tell from the context it wasn't something good.
Q pushed past the Captain and came to stand next to Riker.
"You love each of your people. Why not demonstrate it. Show them the good your powers can achieve," Q said as he tempted him. "You have the power to leave each of them with a powerful gift proving your affection and displaying your humanity."
Commander Riker turned to Captain Picard to ask for permission.
"There would be no harm," Riker promised. "I would give them all something I know they would like."
Q clasped his hands together eagerly.
"How touching," Q said as he pouted, feigning that he was moved by the gesture. "A plea to his former Captain. May I please give some happiness to my friends, sir? Please, sir? May they please have a crumb of joy?"
Captain Picard was not amused.
However, knowing how his crew had responded earlier to Q's efforts to draw them into accepting his offer, Picard was confident they would make the right choice.
"In fact, I authorise and support your idea," Picard said brightly. "Please feel free to cooperate with him if you wish."
"Are you certain, sir?" Data inquired as he turned to the Captain.
It was dangerous.
He himself had begged Commander Riker to save the young child on the planet.
Data understood how tempting the offer of Riker's gifts could be.
Captain Picard assured Data that it was alright.
"By all means, Riker," Picard encouraged. "Demonstrate your gifts of affection."
"Don't be frightened, my friends," Riker told the room. "There is no way I could harm any of you. Shall I grant you your dreams?"
Dreams indeed.
To Beverly's horror, Riker had turned Wesley into an adult. He had restored Geordi's vision. And he'd offered Worf the opportunity to reunite with K'Ehleyr.
To Riker's surprise, every one of them had rejected their 'gifts.'
Riker couldn't bring himself to look at Deanna.
As he could read her thoughts, he knew that in that moment her greatest desire was for him to give up the power of the Q.
Her empath abilities allowed her to understand that he knew this.
She tried hard to keep him focused on it – to project her thoughts onto him as much as possible in the hope that it would convince him to turn away from Q's offer.
Commander Riker turned at Data.
"Data," he said with a smile.
"No. No, sir," Data said pleadingly as he leaned back in his chair attempting to put some distance between himself and the First Officer.
Riker leaned in close, towering over the android with a wicked gleam in his blue eyes.
"Now this is interesting," Riker commented as he looked from Data to Tasha.
Riker looked back to Q as if he were seeking guidance.
This was not lost on Captain Picard.
"Is something wrong?" Picard questioned. "Something the all-powerful Q Riker cannot figure out."
Commander Riker couldn't explain it.
It was as if there was some kind of inner turmoil in both Data and Tasha.
There was conflict and Riker could sense it.
With the snap of his fingers, Data was suddenly transformed into a human.
It was a strange sensation for the android.
His mind felt incredibly clear as if he could only focus on a limited number of things. He knew his brain functioning was decreased. It was a thought that both disturbed and intrigued him. He was overcome at feeling everything from the air temperature to his emotions all at once.
Data reached out and touched the console, experiencing the familiar tactile sensation in a whole new manner.
He looked back at Tasha.
Data wanted to touch her too – to trace the bow of her lip with his fingers, to experience the sensation of kissing her without simultaneously processing the chemical makeup of her saliva, the amount of pressure necessary to safely apply, and the chronometer that tracked every millisecond of his existence.
Her breath hitched as she looked at him – so familiar and yet so foreign all at once.
Data had the same features, the same dark hair. He retained the same stiff posture and mannerisms.
Yet, his complexion was human.
And his eyes.
Tasha cleared her throat and shifted her weight from her left foot to her right. Tasha was certain that she could get lost in those eyes.
A part of her felt guilty over the fact that she desperately wanted to see what those eyes would look like an inch from her face, half-lidden, and full of lust.
Riker could read that Data was unhappy and it confused him.
"But it's what you've always wanted," Riker said aloud as he read Data's thoughts.
Data was unsure how to respond.
It was something he'd always wanted.
And in that moment, he was desperate to experience life in his new form.
But as he held Tasha's gaze, he knew this was wrong.
"You don't know what to do," Deanna said aloud as she picked up on the same feelings that Riker had identified.
Deanna grinned as she looked to Data.
"You have always wanted to be human. It is your strongest desire," Deanna explained. "But more than anything, you want her to be happy."
Deanna nodded to Tasha.
"Yes, Counsellor," Data admitted.
Deanna turned back to Commander Riker.
"Which is where the conflict you're feeling comes from," Deanna went on.
The Counsellor shifted in her chair and looked up to Tasha at the Tactical position.
"You feel guilty because you want him to be happy. To fulfil his dream of becoming human," Deanna said. "But equally strong is the desire for him to be himself. You loved him just the way he was, and you want him to love himself for who he is."
Tasha looked at Data and bit her lip.
Deanna was right. She did feel guilty, ashamed that her own desire would be in conflict with Data's dream of being human.
"Data, human. Android. I don't care," Tasha confessed. "But you don't need to change. Because, for what it's worth, I think you're pretty spectacular just the way you are."
"Data, this is your only chance to become human," Riker said.
It was a tempting offer for many reasons – most of all, it meant that he could share a lifetime with the one he loved rather than just the blink of an eye.
Data knew Tasha's natural life would end someday. And it would prove to be an infinitesimal amount of time in the grand scheme of his existence.
But if he were human, and limited to a human lifespan, that would eliminate that concern.
Tasha looked at him pleadingly and it was enough to make up Data's mind.
"Yes, sir. That is true," Data said sadly. "But I've never wanted to compound one illusion with another. It might be real to Q. Perhaps, even to you, sir. But it would not be so to me."
Data looked back to Tasha.
"Was it not one of the Captain's favourite authors who wrote, 'this above all, to thine own self be true?' Sorry, Commander," Data said sadly. "I must decline."
As soon as their shift was finished, the crew headed off the Bridge.
Data had planned a detailed evening to spend with Tasha. Despite everything that had occurred, there was still the possibility that this would be their last night together on the Enterprise.
Their hearing was slated to begin in the morning at 09:00 hours and there would be no way of knowing what might transpire.
Data hadn't told Tasha about his plan. He'd been eager to keep it a surprise.
He'd prepared a meal for them – including some of her favourite foods – to take along to the Arboretum. With Keiko's help, Data had secured a secluded spot where they were sure to be left alone. It was near one of the viewer windows so they could look at the stars.
However, much to his disappointment, Tasha was clearly in a mood and had announced she was going for a run.
"I need to blow off some steam," she had admitted.
Ninety minutes later, they were still on the holodeck as Data attempted to convince Tasha to stop running.
"Tasha, you've just completed 15 kilometres," Data advised. "I do believe it would be wise to stop."
Tasha knew he was right - but she didn't want to stop.
She'd reached the high she had been craving and the release of endorphins was enough to temporarily push away the thoughts of everything else that had clouded her mind – the hearing, dying and being brought back to life by Riker, Q, the penalty box, and the thought of losing Data.
"Tasha, please," Data cautioned.
Remembering that she had cursed herself earlier in the day for not listening to Data's requests, Tasha slowed her pace to a slow jog and eventually to walking.
"Thank you," Data told her honestly as she pulled her leg back to stretch her hamstrings.
"I never wanted you to see that," Tasha confessed out of the blue.
She didn't have to say it.
Data knew she was referring to the memory the Q had forced her to relive.
"Likewise," Data replied.
"He's wrong about you," Tasha insisted, referencing Bruce Maddox. "You do feel emotion. I think you always have."
Data felt like his metaphorical heart grew in response to her words.
Tasha reached up and caressed her thumb over his cheek as she gazed into his eyes.
"They were blue, you know," Tasha told him.
It was a question he'd wanted to ask all day.
She smiled softly.
"The most beautiful shade of blue," she went on, fondly recalling the brief moment in which she had seen Data as a human.
Despite his momentary human existence at the hands of Commander Riker, Data hadn't gotten the chance to see himself that way.
He'd longed to know what colour his eyes had been.
"But I like these best," Tasha assured him.
She placed a chaste kiss on his lips.
"My golden eyed man," she said with a warm smile.
She had called him a man.
Not an android.
And not just a man – her man.
It was the little things like this that made Data realise just what an impact she had on his life.
All of a sudden, Tasha hissed and began to rub her left leg furiously.
Data looked down at her with concern.
Tasha waved him off.
"It's nothing," she assured him. "Just a cramp."
Data reached down and massaged her leg.
"Thanks," she said as the pain began to recede.
"Better?" he inquired.
Tasha nodded.
"I'm starving," Tasha said.
"About that-" Data said as he looked at her anxiously.
She could read his look.
"You had a whole thing planned, didn't you?" Tasha asked, feeling sheepish. "And I threw it all off when I said I was coming here?"
"There is still time," Data said. "We have the space at the Arboretum until 23:00."
Tasha cocked her eyebrow at Data.
"Just what did you think was going to happen at the Arboretum?" she teased.
It was only 19:00.
Data looked at her innocently as his head twitched twice.
"I've prepared a meal, and we are passing through the Qualos III system which is known for its fantastic light shows," Data replied simply.
Tasha gave him a look to indicate that she wasn't buying it.
"It would give me great pleasure if I could take you to dinner," Data said.
"Alright," Tasha replied. "But only because you're cute. I don't do this kind of thing with just anyone you know."
"I think it would be wise if you were to change into more appropriate attire," Data advised as he picked her up.
He looked down at her and sniffed.
"And perhaps bathe," he said, teasing her.
"I'm pretty sore," Tasha said.
"Then I shall endeavour to fix that," Data promised.
They never made it to the Arboretum.
Two and a half hours later they still hadn't left Data's bathtub.
Data had only stepped out once when his door had chimed shortly after 20:00.
"Keiko?" Data had asked as he answered the door in his dressing gown.
Keiko Ishikawa was standing in the corridor with a basket of food in hand.
"Had a feeling you weren't going to make it," she said with a knowing grin.
Data cocked his head to the side, initially confused by her statement.
He nodded slowly as realisation dawned on him.
"We went for a run on the holodeck," Data explained. "We were not-"
"It's fine, Data," Keiko assured him. "None of my business anyways but I figured whatever you're up to, you still need to eat."
Her eyes grew wide.
"Well, Tasha does at least," Keiko added awkwardly.
"I am unsure what to say," Data confessed. "This is incredibly thoughtful."
Keiko smiled.
"You don't have to say anything," Keiko assured him. "Just, well, good luck tomorrow."
She gave Data's arm a squeeze.
"We're all rooting for you," she said brightly as she handed over the basket.
"Thank you," Data said as he bid her goodnight.
After Keiko was gone, Data returned to his lavvy where Tasha was waiting.
"Oh no!" she said as she spied the basket in his hands. "I'm sorry."
Data set the basket down next to the tub.
"It is quite alright," Data assured her.
Tasha rested her chin on the edge as she reached into the basket.
Data observed her as her hands found a Vulcan plum and she bit it into it.
"What?" she asked as she looked up at him.
"I will miss this," Data said honestly.
Tasha wiped the juice from her chin with her wrist.
"If it comes to it, I have about thirty days of shore leave. I can't even imagine how much you have built up," Tasha said. "We could meet on Casperia Prime if I get reassigned to that sector."
They both had seen the reports. Although the Border Wars were going in the Federation's favour, Starfleet was still shipping lots of officers out that direction.
"Or if I get assigned along the Neutral Zone, Starbase 215 is quite central," Tasha went on.
Data was uncomfortable with the conversation.
He understood they needed to have it. But it still hurt.
Tasha casually took another bite of the plum in her hand.
She was still hanging over the edge of the tub, waiting for him to join her again.
"Data, it's a little strange that you're out there when you could be in here," Tasha told him.
A moment later he slipped in behind her.
She discarded the remains of the plum next to the basket and let herself relax back against his chest.
"I suppose I am quite pruney," she commented as she looked at the tips of her fingers.
Data caught one of her hands and traced along the wrinkled skin.
"It is fascinating," he said. "An evolutionary trait designed to help humans grip wet objects."
He looked down at his own fingers, turning his hand back and forth as he examined his bioplast.
"I will never experience pruney fingers," Data stated. "My bioplast is not impacted by wetness."
It was a reminder of one more thing that separated him from being truly human.
"You know human skin isn't meant to be submerged in water this long," Data advised.
Tasha grumbled.
It felt wonderful. She had a small tub in her own quarters, but it had nothing on the space Data was afforded in his quarters.
"I might be assigned to a lonely outpost on the edge of the universe tomorrow," Tasha teased. "If I'm going to be punished for sleeping with my Commanding Officer, please let me enjoy the benefits of it tonight."
Data kissed her shoulder.
"And what might that be?" he inquired.
Tasha turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"He's wickedly handsome," she told him.
Data felt warm.
"And whenever I overdo it on the holodeck, he's so good at taking care of me," Tasha went on as she nuzzled her nose against his. "Quite good at rubbing down sore muscles."
Data began to shut down his redundant processes so that he could focus more attention on her.
"I'll tell you a secret," Tasha said playfully.
Data looked at her expectantly.
"Maybe I overdo it a wee bit because I know it means I'll get his hands on me," Tasha whispered against his ear.
She sat back and grinned like a predator that had cornered her prey.
He was staring at her – lips slightly parted, eyes eager with anticipation, his systematic Fourier series pattern that regulated his blinking seemingly paused.
Tasha blushed, feeling both slightly embarrassed and simultaneously proud of herself that she could cause such a reaction with the way he was looking at her.
Data's comment to Keiko had been the truth.
They hadn't had sex.
He hadn't much been in the mood given all that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. Between Q, the failed rescue, and the upcoming hearing, Data was struggling to find the motivation to activate his sexuality programming.
He had still longed for physical intimacy, but there hadn't been sex. Instead, they had enjoyed snuggling in the tub, washing one another's hair, and a long, sensual massage.
But Tasha's confession had a way to tapping into his neural net.
Data wasn't sure if was the sentiment or the tenor of her voice – it made his artificial breath hitch.
She had slid back, holding his gaze and grinning at him.
Data theorised she would never fully comprehend what that grin did to him.
Without a word, Tasha got up on her knees and leaned over the edge of the tub, as if she were about to climb out.
"I'm quite pruney. I suppose I should get out and-" Tasha began to say.
"No you do not," Data said quickly.
He was behind her in a flash, one hand sneaking around her waist to hold her back as the other caressed her bicep. He kissed her shoulder as his cock brushed against her backside.
"Data?" Tasha asked in a low voice.
"May I?" Data asked in response as he nuzzled against her neck.
Tasha closed her eyes and rested her hand over his.
"Mmm, please," she answered.
Data captured her neck with his lips. His kisses grew more fervent the lower he went on her shoulder – mindful not to mark anything that might be visible in her dress uniform.
It was slow at first as he slipped inside.
Tasha reached over the edge of the tub and braced her hands on the cool tile of the floor.
It was an unusual angle, but it helped that Data had such a large tub in his personal quarters.
Data paused and reached for the plug, He drained a few centimetres of water before replacing it before resuming.
Tasha keened as they found a steady pace. The cool side of the tub felt nice against her stiff nipples. Data rested his head against her back as he continued to drive into her.
The water was beginning to slosh outside of the tub but neither of them cared.
Without warning, Data shifted positions. He planted his foot on the edge of the tub next to Tasha. Gripping her waist, he plunged himself into her.
Data's system surged with a newfound sense of confidence as noises of pleasure slipped from Tasha's throat.
She had called him spectacular.
He was her golden-eyed man.
Tasha had said he was the most beautiful soul she had ever known.
Data pulled Tasha back onto his lap as he readjusted, moving toward the back of the tub. He slipped his hands under her knees and pulled her legs back up toward her chest.
With deft toes, Data managed to get hold of the plug so the water in the tub could drain.
"Computer, activate shower function. Warm water. Centre stream jet. Left top," Data ordered.
The typical rainfall function they showered in was replaced with just the top left jet.
"Ohhh," Tasha moaned softly.
At the angle Data was holding her, she was perfectly positioned for the stream of warm water to stimulate her clitoris.
It felt divine.
"Mmmm, if we get separated and meet at Casperia Prime, we'll have to book a room with a tub like this," Tasha managed to choke out.
Data did not acknowledge her comment. He didn't want to think about being reassinged.
"We could meet on Yestrad VII. They have these, uhhh," Tasha paused as Data gave her a particuarly hard bounce. "These little cabanas with-"
"Tasha?" Data asked.
"Mmmm?" she responded as his lips ghosted across her neck.
"Shut up and let me fuck you," Data requested in a soft voice.
Tasha melted back into Data's arms as he began to slowly pull her along the length of his cock. Holding the underside of her knees, Data kept her completely at his mercy.
"You, my dear, are the most beautiful soul I have ever known," Data purred.
He kissed the nape of her neck before picking up the pace.
"Does this bring you joy?" Data asked.
"Uh huh," Tasha panted.
"It is a good thing only one of us is an android," Data teased.
"Huh?" Tasha squeaked.
She didn't follow.
"Or I would keep you like this," Data growled.
He nipped the pulse point of her neck and Tasha yelped with delight.
"Give your beautiful body all the love and attention it deserves," Data went on. "Watch those big, blue eyes light up for me."
All too soon, Tasha's body jerked as she came.
"That is it," Data cooed, holding her place.
Tasha whimpered as her body twisted from overstimulation.
"Computer, deactivate shower," Data ordered.
Data stilled.
Tasha caught her breath as the shower stopped.
"You should rest before tomorrow," Data advised.
"Ohhhh, not yet," Tasha groaned as she wiggled out of his arms.
To Data's delight, she straddled him. Leaning forward, she braced her arms on the top of his thighs.
Data gasped softly as she began to ride him.
He reached up to caress the length of her spine, relishing in the warm, wet feel of her skin.
Data let his hands come to rest on the curve of her backside. He sat, utterly captivated as he watched it bounce in his lap.
As an android and the only known one of his kind, Data had no idea if his people or creators had ever had a religion.
But there was something hypnotic about making love that left Data wondering if his creator's religion had fixated on the female form.
Data felt slightly guilty as he denoted the moment to memory.
This wasn't the first time Data had watched Tasha's little Starfleet symbol tattoo on the lowest left side of her back bounce as she rode him.
But this particular moment felt too marvellous to go without saving.
If they were to be reassigned, Data was certain this would be a moment he would replay in his mind whenever his bed felt lonely.
Data hissed as Tasha clenched around him, coaxing him along toward his own impending orgasm.
Tasha leaned forward further, resting her head against his legs as she poured herself into it.
Data wasn't sure what compelled him to do such a thing, but he brought his left hand down on her arse with a resounding smack.
Data froze. He had been overwhelmed. He felt terrible for doing such a thing without asking first.
But to his surprise, Tasha simply keened.
He reached up and rested his hand on her cheek, tracing his thumb over the red spot his hand had left.
Tentatively, Data repeated the action. He was curious to test a theory.
Tasha sat up, arched her back, and began to ride him harder.
Data's eyes went wide with wonder.
He'd smacked her arse before. Lightly. Playfully. But never when they were having sex.
Tasha on the other hand had done so quite a number of times to Data. In fact, she had a habit of pinching his backside whenever they climbed into the shower.
Data had never expected such an act to feel so sensual. But tonight, wet and full of lust, it struck just the right chord.
Tasha threw her head back and groaned as Data slapped her right cheek.
Data sat up properly and gripped her hips.
He was so frustratingly close. Meeting her thrust for thrust, Data let himself go.
Data reached around to cup her breasts, holding her firmly against him as he came.
He spilled himself deep inside her warm cunt. One of Data's hands dropped, coming to rest just below her navel. He thrust a few times, slow dragging thrusts, as he drained himself.
When he was finished, he didn't pull out.
Tasha fell back against him. They stayed snuggled in the empty tub for a while until Tasha began to shiver.
"Whatever happens tomorrow, I love you," Data assured her.
In spite of Tasha's protestations that she did not want to sleep, she found that it was difficult to stay awake. The last few days had been so exhausting.
Data's bed was so cosy.
His caress so tender.
And his voice so soothing as he talked about all the things they were going to do together – regardless of whether they were reassigned.
Not long after midnight, Tasha had drifted off feeling safe and secure in Data's arms.
Shortly around 04:00, Tasha began to shake her head in her sleep. She was mumbling something, but Data couldn't quite decipher what it was.
He ran his fingers up and down the length of her bicep in an attempt to soothe whatever nightmare she was working through.
It wasn't unusual for her to have nightmares from time to time.
After several moments, the mumbling grew louder, and she began to jerk violently.
She was perspiring.
Data held her against him in hopes that it would calm her down.
Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect.
She trashed fiercely against him as if trying to break free from his grip and began to scream.
Data gripped her tighter as he was concerned about Tasha hurting herself in her sleep.
"Tasha," he said firmly. "Tasha, stop."
She squirmed as she tried to break loose, and Data momentarily considered it was a good thing he had refused Commander Riker's offer to make him human as this was an instance where his android strength proved useful.
Data figured she would either tire herself out or wake up.
"Tasha," he said as he attempted to wake her for a second time.
She stopped struggling and Data realised she was crying.
"Noooo," she sobbed.
"Tasha, wake up," he tried again.
She sniffled.
"Eorum vitam, sed non finem," she said softly.
Data identified it as part of what she had said over the body of the wee child on the mining planet.
He still had no inkling of what it meant.
Whatever it was, it wasn't something recognised by the universal translator.
However, his perfect memory allowed him to identify it was the same phrase he had overheard earlier.
Data couldn't be sure what was going on in her mind.
The human brain's capacity to imagine and dream was far beyond Data's wildest theories.
He kissed the top of her head.
"You are safe," he assured her. "I have got you."
Her breathing began to regulate.
Tasha blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted to the dark.
She flinched as she realised someone was holding her.
"It is me," Data said, suspecting she had started to wake up.
He felt the tension in her posture melt as she grasped that she was in Data's quarters.
"I believe you were having what could be considered night terrors," Data informed her.
"Just a bad dream," Tasha replied as she tried to slow her breathing.
While he had little familiarity with the concept of dreaming, he possessed a theoretical knowledge of the subject and knew enough the understand that nightmares and night terrors were two radically different experiences.
"You began to exhibit physical signs of night terrors approximately eight minutes ago," Data explained.
Tasha turned to face him.
She ran her fingers back through his hair.
"Why haven't you gone to bed?" she asked with a yawn. "You feel better when you rest."
Data knew she was right.
They had a big day tomorrow and he did perform better when he had time to put his programming into a state of rest.
But Data couldn't bring himself to do it.
She had fallen asleep next to him, and Data couldn't bear the thought of missing a moment of that sensation – especially if it was to be their last night together on the ship.
"Tasha, may I ask you a question?" Data inquired.
"Mmmm?" she replied sleepily.
"What did you say to that child?" Data asked in earnest.
"I'm exhausted," Tasha replied as she rested the top of her head against his chest. "Let's go to bed."
Data knew she was knackered – emotionally and physically – but he wasn't ready to let this go.
He suspected the death of the child had been just as hard on her as it had been on him.
And he wanted, no needed, to know.
"Tasha, please," Data said as he slipped his fingers under her chin and forced her to meet his eyes.
She blinked a few times. Her eyes were heavy. And she wanted to forget.
Earlier that day, Tasha had been at a loss for how to help Data.
So she fell back on what she knew.
Tasha knew it was strange in comparison to most of the humans and their Earth traditions.
But things were different on Turkana.
"It's a prayer I guess you could call it," she confessed. "It's just what we do on Turkana when a child dies."
"What is the purpose?" Data asked.
"For some people on Turkana it's religious. Other people say it's to comfort people," Tasha said dismissively.
She really didn't want to talk about it.
Tasha had learned shortly after joining Starfleet just how backwards Turkana had been. She'd never learned many of the societal norms shared by most human colonies until she was nearly an adult.
In some ways, it was embarrassing for her.
"What does it mean?" Data asked sincerely.
Tasha looked away from him briefly.
She understood his curiosity was genuine and that he would never judge or belittle her for the circumstances of her upbringing.
But she'd been cautious about displaying most of her Turkanan customs in front of anyone.
By Federation standards, Turkana was an antiquated backwater.
The people were savage, untamed.
Their customs were strange and misguided.
And for Tasha it was a constant reminder that she was on the lower end of the learning curve in comparison to her fellow bridge officers.
"Tasha?" Data prompted.
"Another wee one dead under your stars, Azura. Those who die in the presence of your darkness live on in your moonshadow. Their lives change, but do not end," she said as she translated the traditional Turkanan to English. "May the sea rise to meet you and the wind always be at your back. May the moonlight guide your path and the storm clouds carry you into the stars of Azura's light."
Data was captivated. He knew it wasn't the time, but he had many questions.
"Some people on Turkana still worship the old gods. They think that the god Azura takes the souls of children and keeps them safe in the shadow of the moon," Tasha said in a faraway voice. "You won't find much on it in Starfleet records because the factions largely stamped it out."
The Alliance and the Coalition had attempted to systematically wipe all traces of Turkanan religion from the planet. They had raided the temples for valuables and many of the clan warlords had overtaken them for their own palaces.
In a world like Turkana, the two main militia groups did not want the people to seek hope in anything other than the power of the rival factions.
"I buried a lot of children on Turkana, Data," Tasha confessed. "And I suppose a part of me wanted to believe it was true. I had to."
Data cocked his head to the side.
"That 'what' was true?" Data inquired.
Tasha wrung her hands as she looked down at them.
"That when people die too soon that they're not really gone," she said quietly. "I think that's part of why I used to stare at the sky as a wee girl, hoping that one day I'd escape into the stars."
Tasha shook her head.
"Sorry, I know it's just folklore," Tasha said quickly.
"In the grand scheme of the universe, I think our time in Starfleet has shown us that anything is possible," Data replied.
"I think that's why I hate Q," Tasha admitted bitterly. "They could stop it. All of it. The famine. The war. The abject poverty and violence that has plagued Turkana for over a century. And they don't intervene."
Data didn't have an answer for her.
"You should get some more rest before tomorrow," Data said as he encouraged her to go back to sleep.
Tasha hesitated.
She was still on edge from earlier.
Data lay on his back and Tasha snuggled up next to him, resting her head on his chest.
"I have got you," Data assured her as he pulled her close. "And I will hold you as long as I can."
