A/N: Thank you for your patience as I work to catch up on some of my projects. My intention was to try and keep up with Charlie. As you know, I'm a ways behind as my Lore/Sela projects tend to consume my mind….

This is set during the disciplinary hearing on Starbase 118. It's a two-part update. The first is 'steam' free but necessary for the storyline. I also wanted to expand on Drew Walsh's character so there's a new interaction here that didn't occur in Charlie's story.

He makes my skin crawl, and I couldn't resist another stab at him.


"This hearing will stand in recess for one hour," Captain Bradbury said as he banged his gavel.

Prescott Bradbury had a reputation as a hard-line authoritarian.

Jean-Luc Picard had warned Tasha that Bradbury had been one of the magistrates that had overseen his court martial proceedings following the loss of the Stargazer.

Bradbury also happened to be the great-uncle of one Ensign Drew Walsh.

Technically this was just a hearing – but Tasha felt like her whole life was on trial.

Shortly before the hearing had begun, Lieutenant Oliver Adams had caught Tasha. He gave her a head's up that he'd been called – that very morning – as a last-minute witness.

They both understood why.

And while Adams had done his best to be respectful of Tasha, his testimony was certainly damning. Adams had even gone as far as to try and defend Tasha. He attempted to explain that Walsh was creep. He recounted finding her injured in the corridor following Walsh's attempted assault on the lift all those months earlier.

None of it mattered.

Captain Bradbury had repeatedly instructed that Adams keep his testimony limited to the questions at hand.

Worst of all, the Starfleet investigator had somehow gotten his hands on a private personal log recorded by Adams after the incident.

It didn't mention Tasha by name. But it was evident from the context who he'd been talking about.

"So, I met a woman last night. She's cute. Blonde. Mom would say 'just my type.' And...uh," Adams said. "I didn't see it coming."

In the video recording, Adams smiled shyly.

"We had a pretty great night together," Adams paused. "And she's got this smile that...gods I really want to ask her to get a coffee but-"

In the log, Adams trailed off as he sighed.

"She's a senior officer," he said nervously. "And just my luck, she said she doesn't get involved in relationships with other crew members because of the regulations and her job. Pity, because I've kind of got a crush now."

Tasha hated that her moment of weakness had drug him into this situation.

Months earlier between the polywater incident and Tasha finally coming to terms with her feelings for Data, she'd met Lieutenant Adams. He'd proven a nice distraction when she'd needed it most.

It was a foolish, single night of passion. Tasha felt horrible that she'd told him she wasn't looking to get involved only to turn around and jump into a relationship with Data.

Tasha had wanted to cringe.

It was bad enough having her judgement questioned in a public setting.

But the Starfleet investigator was one Admiral Walsh's cronies. And he was doing his best to paint Tasha as some kind of sex-craved predator, stalking the corridors, and exacting retribution against anyone who stood in her way.

Two members of Tasha's Security team (and friends of Ensign Walsh) had testified as much. They were lying through their teeth on the stand.

They had expertly manipulated their statements, recalling events in a way that made Data and Tasha look bad.

It seemed their strategy relied on painting Tasha as a whore and Data as a dangerous machine that was abusing his authority at the whim of his lover.

For Data, the hearing had been an unsettling experience.

He had welcomed the adjournment as it would give him the opportunity to step away and decompress from the events of the morning.

Data and Tasha glanced at one another as soon as the gavel hit.

"See you on board?" Data asked.

Tasha nodded.

They were going to leave separately by design. They didn't want the panel to think they were attached at the hip.

Though as they parted, Data wanted nothing more than to pull her close. He needed to reassure himself that everything would be alright.


On her way out of the chamber, Commander Elliot caught Tasha's arm.

He was a friendly JAG officer that was serving as the defence council for Data and Tasha.

Telling Data that she would catch up, Tasha joined Commander Elliot in the privacy of his office so that he could share a private message he had received during the morning's proceedings.

"It's an offer," Elliot explained.

Starfleet was prepared to drop all charges against Data in exchange for Tasha's cooperation.

'Cooperation' was a generous word for it.

If she were to accept, Tasha would be immediately reassigned to the USS Helios. It was an older Constellation-class science vessel that was due to embark on a three-year mission to the far side of Klingon space.

Adding salt to the wound, Tasha was to be demoted to Ensign.

"You would also need to drop the charges against Ensign Walsh," Elliot informed her.

There it is. Tasha scoffed internally.

That's really what it all boiled down to.

Data and Tasha were there for a disciplinary hearing to determine if they had violated Regulation 1138.

Ensign Walsh was facing his own hearing in a few days stemming from the charges that Tasha had previously filed. It was a rather lengthy list of offences all carefully documented and forwarded with sufficient evidence.

They were the very charges that had led this retaliation against her and Data.

"I'm not accepting this," Tasha said angrily as she pushed the tablet back to Commander Elliot.

She was infuriated. The very idea of such an unjust offer was insulting.

Elliot nodded in understanding.

"You should be aware this came in as well," Elliot said.

He tapped the screen and flipped it over so Tasha could read the contents.

"It's a list of witnesses that have been added for this afternoon," Elliot explained. "I expect you know what these names have in common."

Tasha scanned the list and felt like she'd been punched by a Gorn – Tristan Ickes, Andre Murray, Emily Martell, and more names.

It was anyone and everyone she'd ever had sex with on the Enterprise. The investigator wasn't even trying to hide the fact that he was going to try and shame Tasha into submission.

"I'm still not taking the offer," Tasha advised. "I don't care if they want to parade every person I've ever made a pass at onto the stand, the answer is still no."


By the time she got back to her quarters, Tasha was in a right foul mood.

Data had stopped to pick up lunch for her from a restaurant on the promenade, so Tasha had beaten him back.

When arrived with a boxed lunch in hand, Tasha quickly wiped her eyes.

She had tossed her dress uniform onto the sofa and was pacing in anger. Her face was flushed, and her hands were trembling.

"What has happened?" Data asked.

Tasha stopped pacing to turn and face him. She took a shaky breath.

"Were you offered a deal?" Tasha questioned.

Data cocked his head to the side. He didn't follow.

"A deal," Tasha clarified. "In exchange for dropping the charges?"

Data shook his head.

"I was merely delayed in picking this up," Data advised.

He held out the lunch box for Tasha. She carried it over to the table and flopped down.

"Of course they didn't even offer one to you," Tasha said through a mouthful of food. "It's insulting is what it is. Proves this all just a personal vendetta."

She frowned and stabbed at a piece of tofu.

"They're prepared to drop all the charges against you," she said as she waved her arm wildly.

Data's brow furrowed. He studied her expression carefully.

"Why do I get the impression from your tone that this is disingenuous?" Data inquired.

Tasha sniffled. Shovelling firecracker tofu and beansprouts into her mouth hadn't been the best thing right before a conversation.

She paused and took a long sip of water before answering.

"They'll drop the charges against you if I agree to reassignment. On the Helios. It's a three-year mission to the far end of the Beta Quadrant," Tasha explained.

Data was at a loss for words. Such a thought was unacceptable.

He opened his mouth to protest, but Tasha cut him off.

"And a demotion," she added with a hint of bitterness.

She gripped her fork tightly and scowled at her plate.

"And I would have to agree to drop all of the charges against Ensign Walsh," Tasha huffed.

She snagged another forkful of food and chewed with determination.

"Because it's not enough to upend my life," she ranted between bites. "No, no. I have to humiliate myself in front of everyone by dropping the charges. Might as well stand on a soapbox in the middle of Ten Forward and call myself a liar."

She was so worked up she was on the verge of tears.

"Best not give them any ideas," she sniffled as her anger was suddenly replaced with an overwhelming sense of self-pity.

"You did not accept the offer, correct?" Data demanded.

He couldn't live with knowing she would throw away her career and her dignity for such a terrible bargain.

"No," Tasha replied, appalled at the thought. "I as good as told them to get stuffed."

"That is my girl," Data replied with the hint of a smile.


When the hearing resumed that afternoon, Data and Tasha were both expected to be called to testify. Before entering the chambers, Data had quietly pulled Tasha aside.

"Remember, their goal is to elicit a reaction," Data said softly. "We cannot give them that."

"I know," she said as she squeezed his hand.

They slipped back into the chambers and took their seats next to Commander Elliot.

Everyone was on edge. The morning had not gone as planned. It seemed the afternoon was destined for the same fate.

"Panellists, I'd like to submit as evidence the following Letter of Resignation that was submitted by Lieutenant Commander Data on Stardate 41209.4," Commander Cole said. "Did you write this letter?"

Data and Captain Picard exchanged an anxious glance.

41209.4 was the Tsiolkovsky mission.

The polywater incident.

"Yes," Data replied slowly. "But it was submitted in error and rejected by Captain-"

Captain Bradbury tapped his gavel.

"The witness will refrain from answering with extraneous information," Captain Bradbury ordered.

"Your honour," Elliot said as he stood up quickly. "We have not been briefed about this letter. I request this be postponed until I can review this with my clients."

Elliot's request was denied.

"How did they get this letter?" Captain Picard muttered angrily to the table.

Tasha closed her eyes as she braced herself for the next shoe to drop.

Commander Cole requested Data read the letter aloud.

Data didn't need the screen to recite the letter word for word.

"I regret to inform you that I, Lieutenant Commander Data, must immediately resign my commission from Starfleet effective today Stardate 41209.4. During our recent mission, I knowingly chose to violate Starfleet Regulations under Section 17.43 regarding Code of Conduct and Regulation 1138 with a subordinate officer under my command," Data recounted aloud. "I deeply regret my actions and am ready to accept any punishment seen fit. In addition, I feel that due to my behaviour, I am no longer fit to serve as your Second Officer as I am concerned about-"

Data paused briefly and there was mistaking the pained expression on his face.

"I am concerned about my inability to control myself. My neural net has been overwhelmed with an unfamiliar sensation that can only be described as 'emotion' although I know that is not possible," Data went on. "I thank you for the opportunity and leadership you have demonstrated during our service together. It has been an honour to serve under your command, Captain."

Commander Cole grinned smugly.

"So you see, your honours," Cole said. "By his own account, Commander Data admits he violated Regulation 1138 and it caused him concern about his ability to serve. He even goes so far as to state he welcomes whatever disciplinary action Starfleet deems appropriate."

This isn't happening. Tasha told herself.

It had been a misunderstanding.

But in the eyes of the court it appeared to be proof of everything Cole had argued.

It had the desired effect.

Several rows back, Admiral Walsh was absorbed with looking at his PADD device. It seemed as if he wasn't even focusing on the hearing any longer.

Without warning, he got up and slipped out the backdoor of the hearing with two of his staffers in tow.

The hearing resumed undisturbed.

Counsellor T'Pyxis requested that Doctor Crusher be added back to the witness list for the purpose of discussing the polywater intoxication.

Without warning, Captain Picard's combadge pinged.

"Sir, we're receiving a priority coded subspace communication from Starfleet Command," Lieutenant Hawk's voice rang out. "Senior officers have been requested on the Bridge immediately. There's a crisis developing on the edge of the sector."

All of the officers were now on alert.

If they were calling in the Enterprise, it was likely something big.

Suddenly, one of Admiral Walsh's staffers rushed into the room and requested permission to speak with Captain Bradbury.

There was a hushed discussion for a few seconds before Bradbury dismissed him. Then conversed quietly with the other two panellists for a moment before turning to address the group.

"At this time, this hearing will recess until further notice to evaluate the growing Cardassian threat in this sector," Bradbury stated. "While it would be normal procedure to temporarily restrict the officers in question from performing their duties, the panel recognises these are extraordinary circumstances."

A worried murmur went around the room.

"Did he say Cardassians?" Wesley whispered to Geordi.

They were lightyears from the Border Wars – although not out of the realm of possibility of Cardassian attack in their present location.

"At this time, Commander Data is permitted to resume his role as Second Officer," Bradbury explained.

Tasha's throat went tight.

"But the panel herby orders Lieutenant Yar's commission provisionally revoked until at which time this panel may resume and render a final judgement," Bradbury ordered.

Tasha felt gobsmacked.

Picard was already on his feet.

"Not good enough! Dammit!" Picard snapped. "Lieutenant Yar is my Chief Tactical Officer and I need her on my Bridge."

"I'm sorry, Captain," T'Pyxis stated. "But until such time as it is determined that any personal connection between Lieutenant Commander Data and Lieutenant Yar is no danger to the ship and her crew, we cannot permit them to serve together."


They had been forced into a hasty farewell in a small alcove near Commander Elliot's office.

"Tasha, I am uncertain what to say," Data confessed.

She pulled him into an embrace.

For the first time in as long as they had served together, he was headed off to a combat mission without her by his side.

"Be careful," she said warmly.

Tasha clutched the fabric on his shoulders a bit tighter than she normally would have.

"This hearing is not over. It seems that Counsellor-" he began to say but she cut him off.

She placed a chaste kiss on his lips before stepping back. Tasha was afraid that her resolve would fail if he didn't leave soon.

"Go," Tasha pleaded.

"I will be back before you know it. And you will be safe here," Data said.

Tasha closed her eyes and nuzzled against his hand as he caressed her face.

"They need you, go," she said.

There were a great many things that Data wanted to tell her, but he knew they didn't have the time.

They had both agreed duty came first.

More than that, they knew that what they longed to say didn't need to be spoken aloud.


Data stepped off the transporter pad and headed for the Bridge. He knew his body was moving, but it felt like someone else was controlling the motions. Data counted all one thousand forty-eight steps there.

Without even changing out of his dress uniform, he assumed his position at the Operations console. Data entered his authorisation code and quickly scanned through the situation report from Starfleet Command.

Data had been on assignment in the Border Wars before. But during his service on the Enterprise, the flagship had remained absent from that part of the quadrant.

Though they occasionally assisted in resupply or transport related to Starfleet's efforts there, aside from the rare warning of Cardassian activity, the Enterprise was largely removed from the conflict.

Chief O'Brien had extensively served in that region prior to his assignment to Enterprise. But Tasha had more experience than most when it came to Cardassian tactics.

Her absence would be felt on the Bridge.

Prior to leaving orbit, Captain Picard had sent an additional appeal to Captain Bradbury requesting that Tasha be permitted to come aboard the Enterprise as a consultant.

She was his best tactical officer and the whole team was on edge at the thought of having to warp off to a potentially hazardous situation without her presence.

His request had been denied.

"Set a course for the coordinates provided by Starfleet command. Maximum warp," Picard ordered.


The Cardassian had not only entered this sector of space - it had steamrolled past a small Federation contingent on the edge of the Tredsti system and claimed four colonies.

The Enterprise was en route to rendezvous with the fleet in hopes that a strong show of force would stop the Cardassians in their tracks.

They were expected to return in approximately forty-eight hours.

Elliot had recommended Tasha stay close to the legal office in case there were any further developments.

"But take a break, please," Elliot suggested.

At his instance, Tasha had decided to take a walk around the promenade. Elliot suggested the shoppes and such might take her mind off the hearing for a while. He'd also assured her they'd find a place for her to lodge until the ship returned.

Tasha set out wandering aimlessly through the base as she passed by the various vendors that lined the promenade.

Unfortunately, most of the shoppes were closed.

Fear that Cardassians had entered the sector had forced many vendors to take their merchandise and flee. Doors were locked down and sealed and the promenade was largely deserted.

So much for a distraction. Tasha laughed to herself.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of light coming from one of the shoppes.

Curious, and desperate for anything to think about other than her predicament, Tasha decided to take a risk.


From the minute she stepped inside, Tasha felt out of her element. It wasn't exactly the type of shoppe she would normally patronise – at least not without Beverly or Deanna.

For Tasha, it was essential that fashion be practical. Her job required her to be ready to jump, run, or beam down into danger at a moment's notice.

There wasn't much room in her wardrobe for the kind of fine things Deanna wore.

More than that, between her childhood and service in Starfleet, Tasha had never really gotten a chance to even explore that kind of femininity.

Nothing on Turkana was soft.

And Tasha had never seen much sense in spending credits on frivolous things like clothing.

Unlike most of her human crewmates, Tasha hadn't grown up in the Federation. She'd been raised on a world where the idea of currency was still a reality for millions of Turkanans.

She could never bring herself to be so wasteful.

"See anything you like, my dear?" a silky voice said from behind her.

"I'm sorry," Tasha said as she realised she'd probably been staring. "I-uh. I'm just looking. Whoever made these is very talented."

"Thank you," he replied. "I am."

The tailor took hold of her bicep and guided her over to a large mirror.

"If I may, this uniform does nothing for your colour," the tailor said coolly. "Now this, on the other hand, is stunning."

Tasha looked at herself in the mirror and laughed softly.

Her eyes landed on the hand of the tailor that was holding the garment up in front of her.

They were grey.

For the first time, Tasha got a look at the shopkeeper that was standing behind her in the mirror.

There was no mistaking the light-grey skin and forehead ridges.

He was a Cardassian.

"Too much?" he asked with a casual shrug.

He read her reaction and surmised she was taken aback to find a Cardassian aboard the Starbase.

The tailor turned away and selected another garment.

He turned back a moment later with something simpler in a vibrant shade of blue.

"Sir, I'm really not here to buy anything," Tasha confessed. "I was just out looking around and, well, you're the only shoppe still open."

"Who said anything about buying?" the Cardassian replied with a wicked grin. "I am the only shoppe left open and I'm bored as hell. And it's certainly not every day I get someone like you in here. Indulge me, please."

Tasha was confused.

"Garak. Plain, simple Garak," the tailor said as he introduced himself. "It's rare I meet any of you Earthlings that don't run out of here the minute they find a Cardassian tailor."

"I'm not from Earth," Tasha replied absentmindedly as she tried to process what the hell was happening.

"Oh!" Garak replied as his eyes went wide. "Where are you from then, my dear?"

"It's not a Federation planet," Tasha replied softly.

It was always a little awkward telling others about Turkana. The colony had a bad reputation – for good reason – and, in a way, Tasha was a tiny bit embarrassed about that.

"Come now, don't be shy," Garak pressed.

"I'm from Turkana IV," Tasha admitted.

Garak's eyes grew wide.

"Turkana IV?" he said. "I haven't heard that planet's name in a long time."

Garak began to fiddle with the length of the skirt, settling for pinning it a few centimetres below her knees.

"You know they say the Security Chief on the USS Enterprise is from Turkana IV," Garak said slickly.

Tasha was taken aback. There was something about this Garak that was unsettling. He was extremely friendly.

Too friendly.

"You'd be amazed what one overhears working as a simple tailor," Garak replied. "Well, that and the fact the whole base has been abuzz about a top-level Starfleet hearing taking place here this week involving the Security Chief and Starfleet's Lieutenant Commander Data. He's an android, you know?"

Tasha felt warm.

She didn't like to be the subject of gossip.

"Oh, I know," Tasha replied a little more coldly than intended.

Garak stopped pinning the hem and looked at her in the mirror.

"Better than any of us, I'm sure," he replied with a knowing smile.

How in the universe? Tasha was at a loss.

She wasn't used to anyone getting the one-up on her.

Garak stepped back and put his hands on his hips as he circled her.

"Um, I think-" Tasha started to say but Garak shushed her.

He disappeared briefly and returned a moment later with another garment.

"Please don't take this the wrong way but-" Tasha started to ask.

She didn't need to finish her question. Garak knew precisely what was on her mind.

"What is a Cardassian tailor doing on a Federation Starbase?" Garak replied, anticipating her question. "Well, I've been working out of Terok Nor for the last two years. But things have gotten quite heated around Bajor. So I've relocated temporarily."

Garak held up the next garment that he wanted to show her.

"Absolutely not," Tasha said as she was ready to take a step back.

"Indulge me, Lieutenant," Garak replied kindly.

He handed her the hanger. Gripping her chin, he gently encouraged her head to turn side to side.

"I don't wear this kind of thing," Tasha replied.

But as she observed herself, she had to admit it would be nice.

Tasha was struck by how closely it resembled the colour of the garment she'd been forced to wear on Ligon II - and how Data had not-so subtly reacted to it.

Garak could see she was mulling it over in her mind.

"Complexity isn't a vice, Lieutenant," Garak said simply.

Tasha considered his words. They hit close – too close – to a recurring theme of her conversations with Deanna.

Your femininity doesn't detract from your role as Chief of Security. Deanna was constantly reminding her whenever they had girl's night.

"Don't go anywhere," Garak said as he disappeared.

Tasha glanced at the timepiece on the wall. She was so lost in her own thoughts that she didn't hear the door chime.

Nor did she see the woman come up next to her.

"Who was he?" a deep voice said next to her.

Tasha didn't register that someone was talking to her.

"Or she?" the voice asked.

"What?" Tasha asked, confused as she turned to the woman next to her.

She was a petite, but there was something about her that radiated a kind of powerful energy.

And for some inexplicable reason, Tasha felt like the weight of the hearing had lifted a tiny bit.

"Well, no offense, but you look as if someone just ripped your heart out," the woman said.

Tasha wasn't sure how to respond.

"I'm sorry, I just have a lot on my mind," Tasha said.

She moved to step away from the mirror, but the woman stopped her.

"Oh no," she said quickly. "I just stopped in to pick up an order. Garak does all of my hats."

She gripped the edge of her wide-brimmed purple hat and smiled.

"He's got a way with a needle," she went on. "With everyone hightailing it off the base, I wanted to be sure and pick it up in case he decided to leave too."

"The street's pretty empty," Tasha commented.

The woman nodded.

"And you feel bad because you want to help," the woman said.

There was something about the way she was looking at her. Tasha felt like she could stare right through to her soul.

"How did you?" Tasha trailed off as she furrowed her brow, confused by this woman's ability to read her internal concerns so accurately.

The woman shrugged.

"My name is Guinan," she said. "I listen and I tend bar."

"Oh," Tasha replied, unsure of what an appropriate response would be.

"And if you want my advice, buy the dress," Guinan said.

As if on cue, Garak returned.

"I was thinking maybe you had gotten out of town," Guinan said to him.

"Even if the Cardassians do come, I have ways of making myself scarce," Garak replied in an oily voice.

He fetched a large hatbox from his counter and turned it over to the mysterious woman.

Guinan thanked Garak and reminded him to be safe.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Tasha," Guinan said before turning to leave.

Tasha cocked her head to the side as she replayed the encounter in her head.

"I didn't tell her my name," Tasha said, utterly perplexed.

Garak grinned to himself as he adjusted the hemline.

"Whoa, OK," Tasha said as she observed it. "I think that's short enough."

Tasha couldn't believe she was even considering purchasing this kind of thing.

It wasn't just short. It was scandalous.

"Like I said, I don't wear this kind of thing," Tasha insisted. "I could never get away with something this short."

Garak pulled a pin from his mouth and secured it in the folded fabric. As high as he'd pinned the hem, a skant would have covered more.

"Certainly not in public," Tasha muttered as tried to keep still.

Garak stopped.

"My dear, this isn't meant to be worn in public," Garak said with a cheeky grin.

Tasha laughed.

"You can't tell me you spend all that time building an arse like that and then not share it," Garak teased.

Tasha's face flushed.

"This type of thing is what takes your nice, quiet kiss and cuddle and turns you into the star of your very own bodice-ripper," Garak guaranteed.

Tasha blinked in confusion.

"You know, those steamy cliché holonovels," Garak smirked before adding. "Not that I have ever partaken in such an activity. But one picks up little bits of gossip."

"Alright, it's been fun. But I should probably get back," Tasha said.

Garak gripped her shoulders and forced her to look at herself in the mirror.

"You look radiant," Garak said. "He's going to find you breath-taking."

"He doesn't breathe," Tasha retorted.

Garak didn't look phased in slightest.,

"Fine. Short circuit," Garak replied playfully.


You will be safe here.

It was one of the last things Data had said to Tasha before the Enterprise had left.

So much for that. Tasha grumbled.

As soon as the Federation ships had been gone for twenty-four hours, a Cardassian fleet warped in and surrounded Starbase 118.

Vastly outnumbered, it hadn't taken long for the Cardassians to roll in and overwhelm the base personnel.

Tasha had been in the legal office when the ground troops had started to round up survivors of the initial attack.

With her commission temporarily revoked, there had been little Tasha could do. In spite of that, she hadn't hesitated to step up in guarding the facility.

Tasha had been in the lobby with Commander Elliot, the panellists, and the horrible Commander Cole (Starfleet's investigator) when they'd heard an incessant pounding at the door.

Five and half hours later, Tasha was now sitting in the stiflingly hot Jefferies tube junction with a load of other survivors.

The banging had been none other than Captain Lee Davies, the current Commanding Officer of Starbase 118.

Davies also happened to be Tasha's former CO from her time on the Dunkirk - and a friend.

Against Captain Bradbury's protest, Lee had appointed Tasha as a civilian security advisor and given her access to phaser.

The Cardassians had overtaken the base and were in the process of weeding out survivors.

Lee, Tasha, and his team had managed to rescue a large group of people from the promenade. This included the mysterious bartender Tasha had met earlier.

Guinan.

She'd been quick to help join the defenders with an after-market phaser rifle. Everything about her was a pleasant contradiction.

Relaxed but far from weak.

Enigmatic and yet so open.

Tasha felt instantly calmed by her presence.

And that was a good thing. Because at the moment, she was crammed in with the other holdouts in a suffocatingly small Jefferies tube junction.

Well, part of their group was there.

There were so many of them that they'd had to split up between various hiding points in and around the corridors on this level.

It was off the beaten path and close to one of the docking bays. If the Cardassians stuck to their usual routine, they had likely cleared this area hours ago.

They would send occasional patrons, but they were most safe.

Tasha unlatched the collar of her dress uniform and tossed it aside in favour of her sleeveless undershirt. It wouldn't be long before the Cardassians turned up the heat.


On the other side of the sector, the Enterprise was playing a game of cat and mouse with a handful of Cardassian Galor-class vessels.

Whenever they found themselves face-to-face, the Cardassians seemed to retreat.

Rather than retreating back to their own territory, they only went a short distance. It was as if they were banking on the Enterprise not following them.

It had everyone on edge.

"I grow weary of playing chase," Worf grumbled.

He wanted to send a message to the Cardassians. Preferably in the form of a photon torpedo.

Or six. Worf thought.

"I won't escalate this conflict," Picard replied.

Data turned around in his chair at Operations.

"Perhaps that is what they are counting on, sir," Data theorised aloud. "A strategy designed to draw us into conflict - not with the goal of defeat, but rather, intended to keep us occupied."

Captain Picard and Commander Riker exchanged a glance.

"A distraction?" Picard questioned as he tapped his chin.

"For what purpose?" Riker asked.

"Unknown at this time," Data replied. "One possibility could be to draw us closer to the Cardassian border. Another could be to pull us further from Federation population centres. Cardassian war strategy relies heavily on the capture of prisoners and populated areas."

Captain Picard leaned forward in his chair as he considered Data's hypothesis.

"Cardassians take hostages in the expectation that the Federation will capitulate to their demands to avoid any loss of life," Data explained. "It is a tactic they have employed successfully with Fregnauot II, Tesnia, and various battles along the Delta Sector border."

It was a terrifying prospect but certainly a real possibility.

Cardassian forced labour camps were an essential part of the Cardassian Empire's strategy to rebuild from decades of internal conflict and economic ruin.

They'd subjected generations of Bajorans to life as a slave-labour class.

The Cardassians were up to something. Jean-Luc was certain of it.

"Theorise, Data," Picard ordered.

"Sir, do I have your permission to use the stellar cartography lab?" Data inquired.

"Make it so," Picard ordered.


"Based on their schematics, I have calculated only one possible course back to Cardassian space. Utilising Federation long-range satellite sensors, I've triangulated the sector scanning for tachyon signatures," Data explained.

Captain Picard's lips thinned. He was grateful for Data's extensive and detailed work. However, at times, it was a bit much.

"The Cardassian Galor-class cruisers are headed for Federation population centres where they will take hostages," Data said mechanically, attempting to hide his anxiety. "And where they will violently and swiftly kill any resistance."

"Data, can you predict their trajectory?" Picard questioned.

"Yes, sir," Data responded.

He tapped the stellar cartography map of the sector and zoomed in on several places he had highlighted earlier.

Data launched into a lengthy explanation of his method of deduction. He wanted to provide Captain Picard with an accurate and honest assessment so that he would have all available information before proceeding on a course of action.

Data was also reluctant to name the target because saying it aloud made it real.

"Data!" Picard snapped.

"Starbase 118, sir," Data advised. "It is a strategic position if the Cardassians were looking to expand into this sector and has a population of 184,277 persons."

184,278.The voice in his head reminded him. And Tasha is now one of those people.


It would take the Enterprise at least a day and half to get back to Starbase 118. Even then, most of the fleet had been deployed along the border in an effort to stall any further Cardassian advances.

The Enterprise was flying back at maximum warp along with the USS Shepard.

Before they had lost control of the Operations Centre, the crew of Starbase 118 had advised there were eight Galor-class ships surrounding their position.

Even with the Shepard in tow, the Enterprise was outgunned.

Unbeknownst to the Enterprise, the survivors that were hiding out weren't about to wait around for rescue. They knew it was only a matter of time before the Cardassians would begin to deploy deadly chemical agents in an effort to drive them out of their burrows.

They had to get as many people off the base as possible.

And Tasha had a plan.

They were close to the runabout dock. With a bit of finagling and deception, they would be able to disguise the runabouts as nothing more than debris.

It would come at the cost of sacrificing one of the runabouts. Everyone was in agreement this was an acceptable loss.

Using the autopilot function and some strategically placed Andorian spirits from Guinan, they were counting on the Cardassians destroying what they perceived as a fleeing runabout.

The subsequent explosion would cause enough interference to temporarily jam the sensors allowing two more runabouts just enough time to open a warp bubble and escape.

But first they had to thin the Cardassian blockade.

Captain Bradbury didn't put much stock in Tasha's plan on that front – but Captain Lee had endorsed it.

It was a strategy that Tasha had developed with Worf in the event that the Enterprise ever found herself in a similar situation.

With a series of complex adjustments it was possible to send outgoing communications from a short-range communications array and make them look like incoming transmissions.

They would make it look like Starfleet was aware of the attack and was sending a large fleet of ships to Starbase 118.

In transmitting this false message, they were hoping to scare away some of the Cardassian blockade. At the same time, this transmission would be picked up by any Starfleet vessels in the sector.

Using decommissioned ships would immediately red flag the message for Starfleet and Tasha was confident that Data would be able to decipher her encoded message.

While the work itself wasn't terribly time-consuming, sneaking around to avoid Cardassian patrols ate a good chunk of their time.

Runabouts weren't all that different from the Turkanan bow riders she'd worked on in her youth. The principles of disguising their sensor signatures were nearly identical.

They had just completed work on the second runabout when an announcement came across the base's communication channel.

"Attention Starbase 118," a sharp voice said. "This is Gul Morag, and I am speaking directly to the survivors of this base. There is nothing to be gained by hiding. We will seek you out. We will find you. And there will be consequences for any resistance to our occupation. But any of you that come forward in the next twenty minutes shall be treated fairly. If you wish to comply, present yourself to the main promenade where I assure you no harm shall come to you."

"They're going to start locking down the supplies soon," Davies advised as he stepped onto the runabout where Tasha was just reattaching the console panel cover.

"We should make a final supply sweep before they block any access to water, medical supplies, and food," Tasha thought aloud. "Who knows how long we're going to be here."

Typically, Cardassian forces would customarily pull back their forces. It allowed their troops a chance to rest before closing in to hunt down any remaining holdouts.

"Eighteen minutes and I want everyone back at camp," Davies ordered. "Not a minute more."


Captain Davies was starting to get nervous.

Fifteen minutes earlier he had returned to the area they had fondly coined 'base camp.'

All of the crew that had gone out in search of supplies had returned with a haul of water and rations. It wasn't much – and the heat meant they were expending additional water – but it would be enough to help them survive until the next day.

Noticeably absent was Tasha Yar.

"She hasn't returned yet, sir," an Ensign informed him.

"We should consider moving," Captain Bradbury suggested. "She's probably been captured and has already given away our position."

"Tasha Yar would die before giving up our location," Captain Davies replied sharply.

Lee Davies had no doubt of his comrade's strength of character. But with each passing moment he grew increasingly concerned that she had been captured upon her return.

"That's it. Hang on tight," a familiar voice said from inside the Jefferies tube. "Mind your head. We're almost there."

Davies looked overhead to tube sixty-four C where he saw Tasha emerge.

Clutched tightly around her neck were the arms of a small child that she carried on her back.

Oh, Tasha. Davies thought to himself.

The child held on tightly as Tasha crawled down the ladder to the floor of the junction.

When she turned around, Davies noticed she was carrying an additional guest.

Bound tightly, he recognised a Bajoran baby sling.

He stepped over to Tasha and pulled back the wrap.

"She's a wee thing," Tasha said with a smile. "Quiet as lamb."

Lee could see she was exhausted.

"And what's your name?" Lee said as he reached up and pulled down a small boy.

The little boy said nothing in response as he stared wide-eyed at the Captain. He was three, perhaps four and Bajoran.

Tasha dropped a duffle bag on the ground next to her.

"Good work, Yar," Davies said as he smiled at the bag of supplies.

Captain Bradbury stood up abruptly.

His face was red as he stared at the children.

"You brought a baby back here?" he hissed. "You should have left them where you found them."

Tasha raised an eyebrow to the irate Captain.

"Sir, I couldn't-" Tasha tried to say but Bradbury wasn't hearing it.

"They've survived this long on their own," Bradbury spat. "You've endangered all of us!"

"Please, Captain," Davies said. "Lower your voice."

They may have been in a Jefferies tube junction, metres from the closest corridor, but Bradbury's raised voice was sure to draw attention to their position.

"Lower my voice?" he said in a shouting whisper. "The minute that baby starts crying we're done for."

In addition to risking exposure of their position, Bradbury's attitude was starting to frighten the toddler in Captain Davies's arms.

"That's alright," Tasha said calmly. "I'll set the false messages to go out and then take the children down to the lower tubes near the engineering backup."

She smiled at the little boy reassuringly.

"It's gonna be alright," she said as she stroked his hair. "The noise and interference from the generator should keep us safe."

"That's eighteen decks down," Guinan commented.

"Did you get the relay?" Tasha asked, ignoring Guinan's obvious protest.

"Get these children out of here before we're all captured!" Bradbury ordered.

The little boy was reaching for Tasha now.

He could sense Captain Bradbury's anger was directed toward him. Children were strangely perceptive in that way. He was trying to climb back up her leg. Tasha leaned over and scooped him with a reassuring smile.

"Sir, I'll take the children somewhere else as soon as the messages are sent. I promise," Tasha assured the Captain. "But please. You're scaring him."

Tasha rocked the toddler back and forth as the boy cried against her shoulder.

"Shhh, you're alright," Tasha soothed as she rubbed his back.

"That's an order," Bradbury barked.

"I am the Captain of this Starbase," Captain Davies said. "And by your own hand, Tasha Yar's Starfleet Commission has been provisionally revoked. You have no authority to give her an order."

Captain Bradbury looked as if his brain had blown a fuse. The vein in his forehead had popped out as he seethed at Captain Davies.

"Prescott," Counsellor T'Pyxis said in a soothing voice. "Surely we would not abandon these children. Nor would we turn our back on any survivor."

"And part of our mission is to seek out new life," Captain Crozier said fondly.

He wiggled his thumb at the baby before adding in a baby-voice.

"Yes. Yes, it is," he cooed.


The crew of the Enterprise had been awake for nearly thirty-six hours.

Captain Picard had ordered all of the senior officers to take a mandatory rest.

It would be hours before they would reach Starbase 118. More than that, they would need to be rested in order to deal with the Cardassian troops that were waiting for them.

Captain Picard had even specifically ordered Data off the Bridge.

Feeling lost, Data had found himself at Tasha's quarters. He speculated that under the circumstances she would not mind his presence there.

Right away he was struck by the familiar scent of her lavender soap and the candles she used when she meditated. Notes of mahogany, fir, and sage intermingled with the softer scent of the honeysuckle and vanilla moisturiser she used.

Data grabbed the pillow from the end of her sofa and clutched it close to his chest. He laid down on his back and stared out the window at the stars.

It was familiar.

In a way it made Data's metaphorical heart ache as a reminder of her absence.

Just one day earlier, Data's thoughts had been overwhelmed at the prospect of being separated. Reassignment on opposite sides of Federation space was terrifying enough.

Now Tasha was facing the possibility of life as a Cardassian prisoner of war. Data knew the odds of survival – and they weren't good.

He'd give anything for her safe return.

Slowly, Data began to shut down his processes as he allowed himself to take comfort in the memory engrams of the moments he treasured.

It had been on this very sofa that Data had first confessed to Tasha that she was special to him.

Many a night they had sat together in this very spot – sometimes Data stretched out, laying his head in her lap as she read to him. Other times, they'd face the window and Tasha would rest her head on his shoulder while he pointed out each constellation, system, and planet in the vast, inky blackness that surrounded their ever-changing position in the galaxy.

The Enterprise was rarely in the same place for long.

But it was home.

And without Tasha, it felt like something was missing.


"Data!" Geordi said as he knelt down next to his friend. "Data wake up!"

Data's eyes snapped open.

It took him 0.017 seconds to establish he was in Tasha's quarters, and she was at Starbase 118.

Data sat upright and turned to look at Geordi.

"I figured I'd find you here after you weren't in your own quarters," Geordi said sheepishly.

Data's chronometer indicated he had been engaged in his sleep programme for five hours and seventeen minutes.

"Data, we got a subspace communication that you're going to want to see," Geordi explained.

He handed Data his tablet and Data scanned the contents of the message.

"Geordi, many of these ships are not in strategic locations to reach the Delta Sector in time," Data advised. "And several of these vessels have been decommissioned or destroyed."

"I know," Geordi said. "It gets better."

He tapped the screen again and Data blinked several times as he read the rest of the message.

"Geordi, I do not believe this message is real," Data analysed aloud.

"It's not," Geordi said brightly as he slapped Data on the back.

Data cocked his head to the side, bewildered by Geordi's excitement.

"Data! This is Tasha and Worf's programme," Geordi said, barely able to contain his giddiness.

Data's eyes grew wide.

"May I?" Data asked as he reached for the tablet.

Flipping back to the list he scanned for the specific name he was looking for.

There, halfway through the list was the USS Dunkirk.

It was a ship Tasha had served on years prior and had recently been decommissioned.

Data scanned the list of ships again and analysed the pattern.

They weren't listed in order of class, armament capabilities, or alphabetical order.

"Geordi, it's not just a sign," Data said as his breath hitched. "It is a message."

Data tapped the screen to highlight the first letter of each ship.

"See?" he said as he held it up for Geordi.

"Yes survivors. Break blockade," Geordi read.

His eyes lit up as he read the last two ships on the list – the USS Titan and the USS Yeoman.

"T. Y.," Geordi said as he inhaled sharply.

Data and Geordi exchanged a glance.

"She's alive, Data," Geordi said as he gripped his best friend's shoulder.


They were part of the way through loading the final group of survivors when Tasha's team ran into trouble.

The docking bay was a largely exposed area. Because of their large glass windows open to several docks, it presented their greatest risk of exposure.

As a result, whenever a group reached the area, they would temporarily stage in an Engineering subcommand panel access. It would be tight given the size of the group, but it was necessary.

It was an approximate fifty metre dash from the access panel to the runabouts and it offered zero cover.

They had managed to get almost everyone loaded save for about fifteen people that were still crammed into the access area in the wall.

Tasha was grateful that despite the heat and cramped quarters, tempers had seemed to remain in check as they worked to get everyone loaded.

It had taken nearly an hour just to get twelve of the survivors onto the runabouts.

Tasha was about to send the irritable Captain Bradbury when the communicator went off.

"Hold," the lookout advised as another patrol rounded the corner in the corridor that overlooked the docking bay. "Two patrols incoming. You're going to need to sit tight."

All of a sudden, a voice in the docking bay caught Tasha's ear.

"Hurry up, they're coming," a familiar voice said.

"Let's go, let's go," another said.

"This is a brilliant plan," a third voice said aloud.

Tasha opened the access panel and bit back the urge to scream.

"Get in here, now!" Tasha called out in a hushed whisper.

The three men froze.

They were the last three people Tasha wanted to encounter during an emergency situation – Ensign Walsh had stepped onto the docking bay with Lieutenant Harris and Ensign Gomez in tow.

"We're taking a runabout and getting out of here," Lieutenant Harris said.

"You don't understand, you need to get in here now," Tasha replied urgently.

This was no time for arguing – not when there were two Cardassian patrols closing in on their location.

"You may have been able to order us around before, but you've been stripped of your rank. Isn't that right, Natasha?" Ensign Walsh hissed. "And your tin can can't help you now."

The three men didn't want to hear anything about the Cardassian patrol that was rapidly closing in on their position.

Walsh scoffed.

"Ensign, please," Tasha repeated. "We'll get you out of here. But you need to hide."

"Oh? Can you guys believe this? Now she wants to get in a Jefferies tube with me?" Walsh said sarcastically.

"With all of us," Harris chuckled.

Instinctively, Tasha took a step back toward the wall.

Did they really not understand the gravity of the situation?

"What are you willing to do, Tasha? How far are you willing to go to beg me to spare your sentient toaster?" Walsh laughed as he strolled over to the access panel.

"You don't understand," Tasha said pleadingly. "You're going to expose the entire plan if the Cardassians see you. Please."

"Maybe we should listen to her," Gomez suggested.

He made a move toward the panel, but Walsh put out a hand to stop him.

"You can't order us around anymore. And since you're no longer my Commanding Officer I can finally say this," Walsh snarled. "You're a plucky little cunt and I'm sick of your icy attitude toward me. I warned you what would happen. But you just didn't want to cooperate. No one refuses Drew Walsh."

"They're almost to your position," the lookout's voice said over the communicator.

"Now, we're going to get on one of those runabouts and get out of here," Walsh said firmly. "And if you ever want to see your boyfriend again, you'll get on that runabout, spread your legs, and ask me nicely to have my Grandfather drop the charges against you."

Tasha was dumbstruck.

Time and again, she had feared these three were not cut out for service in Starfleet. And time after time, they had proven her instincts correct.

Now, their reckless attitude was going to result in blowing the entire plan to save the survivors.

"Get in here. Now," Captain Bradbury ordered sharply as he emerged next to Tasha.

"U-u-uncle Prescott," Walsh stammered.

"That's an order," Bradbury replied coldly.

The three men scrambled into the access panel and joined Tasha, Captain Bradbury, and a handful of remaining survivors that were yet to be loaded onto the runabout.

It was not a moment too soon.

"We've got a problem," the lookout informed them. "It looks like they've stationed one of the patrols in the docking bay now."

With great care, Tasha delicately unwrapped the baby sling and handed the Bajoran child over to Guinan.

Somehow, the young boy seemed to sense Tasha was leaving. He threw his arms around her leg and hugged her fiercely.

Tasha felt torn. She knew she had a responsibility to other survivors.

However, her heart went out to this little boy. She knew, intimately, how painful it was to experience this kind of violent takeover and just how hard it was when adults left and didn't come back.

He was feeling alone – even if he were too little to fully comprehend what was happening.

"Come back," he said tearfully.

"Be a good boy for me, alright?" Tasha whispered and she knelt down and pulled him into an embrace. "Can you do that?"

He nodded shyly and Tasha flashed him a broad smile.

Tasha wanted to promise she'd return, but she knew she couldn't make that guarantee.

And even though she had only known this little boy for a short time, she wasn't prepared to hurt him like that.

"We aren't leaving anyone behind," Commander Elliot said through the communicator.

He was piloting the runabout and was prepared to wait as long as necessary to ensure everyone's safety.

"We can't let perfect be the enemy of good," Tasha argued as she stood up.

It wasn't a great plan, but everyone understood it was their best option – everyone except Ensign Walsh and Lieutenant Harris.

"You're gonna leave us here," Harris said desperately. "We're going to die!"

Tasha could recognise the signs of panic in his body language.

And she could empathise.

She knew Harris had seen action in the Border Wars and Tasha understood he suffered lasting trauma from the experience.

Despite his betrayal, she grasped just how terrified he was.

"We're going to keep you safe," Tasha said reassuringly as she gripped his hand. "But there's a lot of people on those ships. And this is our best chance to save them."

Tasha stood up and looked to Captain Bradbury.

"Follow this passage until you reach section nineteen Y," Tasha advised.

It was going to be a long climb for the group, especially with the children in tow. However, it would lead them to the safety of a security storage locker where they could exit the tubes.

"It will kick you out into a relatively safe location," Tasha explained. "Captain Davies will meet you there. Once it's safe, we'll move everyone back to the junction."

"Lieutenant," Captain Bradbury said as he gripped Tasha's forearm. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry."


"Sir, we're picking up two ships approaching at Warp 6," Wesley Crusher said from the helm.

"Lieutenant Worf?" Picard asked.

Worf adjusted the sensors to amplify their signal as he analysed the reading.

"Two runabouts, sir," Worf informed them. "The Thames and the Tyne. Both vessels are from Starbase 118, Captain."

"Open hailing frequencies," Picard ordered.

"Ships are approximately twenty minutes out, sir," Data advised.

As his fingers danced across the Operations console, Data was practically giddy.

If two runabouts had managed to escape, it was likely Tasha's plan to send the fake messages had been part of the effort.

"Sir, request to join them in the shuttle bay?" Data asked as he turned around in his chair.

"Of course, Mr Data," Picard said. "We'll both go. Number One, you have the Bridge."


Data and Captain Picard joined a security team in shuttle bay two.

Deanna and Beverly were also on hand to provide any medical or mental healthcare needed as they began to beam to survivors off the runabouts.

As the ships landed, it was evident they had escaped under fire. The scars of disruptor blasts marked the hulls of both vessels.

Once the hatch doors opened, people began to pour out of both ships.

Beverly's medical team saw to physical injuries while Deanna began to get a feel for what they had experienced.

As the survivors stepped out into the shuttle bay, Deanna was overcome with the emotions pouring out from the group. Relief, comfort, and safety were all mixed with guilt and fear.

Last to emerge from the vessels was Commander Elliot.

Data greeted him pleasantly and then looked over his shoulder expectantly.

Commander Elliot and Captain Picard exchanged a knowing glance.

Picard closed his eyes.

"Commander Elliot, where is Lieutenant Yar?" Data asked.

Data felt like his throat had grown tight.

Across the room, Deanna turned toward Data as she felt a sudden, strong growing panic radiating out from her android friend.

"Commander?" Data questioned.

"Data, perhaps we should step into my ready room and Commander Elliot can fill us in on the situation," Picard advised.

"Commander Elliot, where is Lieutenant Yar?" Data repeated louder, now unable to disguise the alarm in his voice.

Commander Elliot was reluctant to answer the question. Data theorised there was only one reason for this behaviour.

Data knew humans avoided difficult conversations, particularly surrounding the subject of death.

"Has Lieutenant Yar been killed?" Data asked bluntly.

"I don't know," Commander Elliot confessed.


"The last time I saw her we were taking fire on the docking bay," Elliot explained. "She stayed behind to release the docking clamps so we could launch. The Cardassians managed to break through the overhead door. They were flooding the area with patrols."

Data felt like his neural net temporarily ceased to function.

It was as if the entire universe had stopped moving. He blinked slowly several times as he tried to focus.

In a way, it was as if he were simultaneously overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the shuttle bay while also feeling completely empty.

Because of his ability to process every millisecond of time, Data felt as if this moment was an unending agony.

Beverly's hand on his forearm brought him back to the present.

Data looked down at the hand clutched around his arm and followed it up to the Doctor's blue eyes – staring at him with deep concern.

Beverly had been there.

She knew intimately what it was like to receive this kind of news.

"Commander," Captain Picard said. "What happened?"


"The question then is, do we wait for the Shepard or not? Are we sure the survivors have that kind of time?" Picard mused aloud.

"Based on our understanding of Cardassian military tactics, it is likely that any remaining survivors in hiding have already been captured or killed by the use of airborne toxins," Data said mechanically. "For any remaining survivors, it would be critical to ensure we have a sufficiently large enough presence to drive the Cardassians away quickly, so they do not feel safe enough to beam aboard hostages."

Deanna reached over and took hold of Data's hand.

She knew he was falling back on logic and reasoning to try and suppress the feelings that were threatening to bubble over.

"I'll get with Worf and see what we can do," Geordi offered.

"And I'll prepare the schematics for the ships," Riker added.

"Make it so," Picard said.

One by one, each of the crew got up to leave.

"Mr Data, I'd like to speak with you," Picard said.

Once the room was cleared, Captain Picard leaned forward in his chair.

"I don't know what's going to happen when we arrive," Picard said seriously. "Data, I need to know if you've been emotionally compromised," Picard said honestly.

"I am incapable of feeling emotions, Captain," Data replied as if he were functioning on autopilot.

Captain Picard sighed and leaned forward. He folded his hands and rested his face against them.

For a moment he watched his android second officer – a man whom he had come to know as being more complex than he could have ever imagined upon their first meeting.

"Data, it's perfectly normal and human to feel emotionally overwhelmed during a situation like this," Captain Picard said gently.

"As an android, I am incapable of-" Data started again but Captain Picard cut him off.

"Data, please," Captain Picard said as he stood up. "You cannot expect me to believe that you are truly capable of turning off any emotional response to this crisis. I saw how disappointed you were when Tasha didn't step off that runabout."

Data remained silent.

"We all share your worry for her safety," Captain Picard went on.

"Sir, may I ask you a personal question?" Data said stiffly.

Captain Picard sat down on the edge of the table.

"Of course, Data," he replied sincerely.

Data looked out the window into space.

"As a human, how do you control your emotional output during a crisis?" Data asked.

Data's artificial breathing began to increase.

"It hurts, sir. It hurts here," Data said as he touched his chest. "I do not understand."

Data looked at the Captain, concern etched in his features.

"It feels as if my emotions are controlling me," Data confessed. "It is a failure of-"

Captain Picard put out his hand to stop Data.

"Emotion is not a failure, Data," Picard said sympathetically. "Emotions are a natural part of life. Your ability to experience emotion is a significant step forward in your development."

Data squeezed his eyes shut as he tried to shut down the biofluid ducts that lined the lacrimal sac along the duranium maxilla that constituted the skeletal structure of his face.

In short, he tried to fight back the tears that were threatening to leak from his eyes.

For the second time in less than three days, Data was struck by the idea of being both enraged and devastated by what he felt was the injustice of time.

He knew that he would likely outlive all of his friends.

He understood that in the grand scheme of the universe, the lives of his human friends would be but a blink of an eye compared to his own existence.

But could this really be it?

There were so many things he had wanted to say.

Things left undone.

Their final moment wasn't even a happy memory – Tasha being stripped of her rank in a summary judgement followed by a brief goodbye snuck in a hidden corridor of the JAG office on Starbase 118.

Picard could see Data's eyes begin to glaze over as the android was clearly lost in thought.

"What do you love about her?" Picard prompted, attempting to redirect Data's thoughts.

Data cocked his head to the side.

"Would you prefer me to order my response alphabetically or in priority order?" Data inquired genuinely.

Captain Picard gave Data a rare, small smile.

"Sir, I have perfect memory and am capable of recalling every moment I ever spent in the presence of someone," Data explained. "Furthermore, my sensory receptors are capable of picking up far more-"

Data could see he did not fully grasp the Captain's request.

"The list could be considered extensive, sir," Data replied in summary.

Extensive and not entirely one Data was prepared to share with Captain Picard.


Over at Starbase 118, the survivors were crammed into a cold storage locker near the shuttle bay. They had sought refuge in the space after their Cardassian occupiers had released a toxic Saark gas in an effort to drive out the remaining holdouts.

The storage locker operated on a separate air filtration system. While it would keep them safe for the moment, Tasha was worried it would also be their tomb.

With so many survivors, there wasn't much oxygen.

They had sealed the door – welding it shut with a sonic multitool for good measure.

One advantage of their new hideaway was that it offered supplies that had been lacking at their last 'base camp' including medical pads to sleep on, fresh water, and much to Tasha's relief – baby formula and additional nappies.

"That's my girl," Tasha encouraged as the baby took the bottle with aplomb.

"You know I was supposed to grab dinner with an old friend before all this started," Guinan told her as she watched the baby feed.

They sat down on the floor in the corner.

Tasha leaned back against the wall.

"I was really looking forward to it," Guinan confessed as she unscrewed the cap from one of the canteens and took a long, welcome swig of water.

"I'm sorry, was your friend on the base?" Tasha inquired. "Perhaps they are with one of the other groups of survivors."

Guinan shook her head.

"No, they were on the Enterprise," Guinan explained. "I've never been aboard, but I hear she's a great ship."

Tasha smiled.

"She is," Tasha said. "She really is."

They continued talking for a time as Tasha fed and burped the baby.

After a while, the wee lass began to fuss.

"I think someone's ready for one of those fresh nappies," Tasha said as she reached for the supplies they'd gathered.

Tasha grabbed a flannel.

"Here," Captain Davies said as he took it from her hands. "Allow me. It's been about twenty years, but I think I still remember the basics," Davies said with a grin.

"Lee, Gwen and the kids-" Tasha started but Lee waved her off.

"They're at home on Earth. Safe and sound," he replied, anticipating her question.

Tasha felt a wave of relief at the news.

"There we go," Davies said as he refastened the legs on the baby's onesie.

He picked the baby up and began to rock her back and forth in his arms in an effort to try and calm the child.

"I can't blame her," Lee said. "She's been an angel since you found her. Probably has a lot she wants to say now.

Regardless of his efforts, she was inconsolable.

"Here," Tasha said as she offered to take the baby back.

After a few moments, she began to calm down as Tasha rocked her to sleep.

Davies shook his head.

"I'm telling you, you've got a way with kids," Guinan said.

"I've had a lot of practice," Tasha replied dryly.

Guinan studied the blonde security chief.

She didn't need her powers to understand where Tasha's head was at in that moment.

Guinan could tell Tasha was anxious – deeply concerned that the children they had rescued were all alone in the world.

And Guinan wasn't the only one to notice this.

"T?" Davies asked.

He knew Tasha well enough to know subjects like family touched deeply. He knew Tasha had grown up an orphan and the idea of finding two possibly orphaned children had likely ripped the emotional scab off a wound that had festered for too long.

Davies looked around to ensure their conversation was private.

"Once we retake the base, I'll do everything I can do to find their parents," Davies said softly.

Tasha took a deep breath.

"Can I ask you a question, Lee?" Tasha asked.

"What's on your mind?" Davies replied.

"Do you think it's worth it?" Tasha asked without looking up from the baby. "Knowing all the danger. The risk. Do you still think it's worth it? I've only spent two days with these kids, and I would do anything if it meant keeping them safe," Tasha confessed.

The toddler shifted and snuggled against her.

Tasha brushed his hair back out of his face.

"Tasha, my family is the best thing that's ever happened to me. There were times that were, and are, terrifying. But I wouldn't change it for anything," Lee shared.

Tasha smiled to herself.

Lee Davies suddenly realised that perhaps Tasha's comment had been deeper than just her own orphaned experience.

He knew about the hearing – it was a hot item of gossip all over the base.

Starfleet had only ever pursued charges against a handful of people for violating Regulation 118. So the news that two officers aboard the Federation Flagship were facing a disciplinary hearing for that reason had sent panic through the hearts and minds of many of Starfleet's personnel.

Davies didn't know all the details of the situation, but he knew Tasha well enough to know she wouldn't break the regulations for just any old reason.

And as he observed his former Second Officer watch over these kids, he reasoned her mind was mulling over some serious internal conflict of her own.

"You must be pretty serious about this guy," Davies commented.

"Yeah," Tasha replied absentmindedly as she let the baby grip her tiny hands around her finger. "He really is."


Shortly after midnight, most of the people in the storage locker had gone to sleep. Tasha was awake, resting back against the wall as she listened for any sign of the Cardassians.

Their oxygen supply was starting to get low which meant headaches and nausea were common.

Carefully so as not to wake the baby, Tasha leaned over and reached for her canteen. Her fingers grasped at nothing.

"Here," a voice said.

"Thanks," Tasha replied automatically.

She looked up to see Ensign Walsh was standing over her.

Tasha froze.

"No, no. Don't get up," Walsh said as he sat down next to her.

Tasha was trapped. She couldn't even get up to move to another corner of the room.

"You know I was about that age when my Grandfather won victory over the Breen at Grushan II," Walsh said as he eyed the baby. "These Cardassians don't stand a chance."

Tasha pulled the wee girl tighter against her, angling her body to keep the child away from Walsh.

"He's coming. And when my grandfather finds out that you intentionally prevented me from escaping to safety," Walsh trailed off and chuckled. "Whoo boy, I sure don't want to be in that room."

Tasha felt a cold chill creep into her core.

"He won't reassign you," Walsh whispered.

He leaned in close.

"He'll make sure you wind up in prison," Walsh threatened, his breath hot and unwelcome against Tasha's ear.

Tasha wanted to push back, the move away, to be anywhere other than where she was. But there was nowhere to go, and she couldn't very well start shouting.

"You shouldn't be talking to me," Tasha said.

She was doing her best to keep her composure and to maintain a calm, even voice.

"I could probably work out a deal for you," Walsh offered.

Tasha flinched as he reached up to tuck her bangs behind her ear.

"Drop the charges against me and I'll have you reassigned to work under my grandfather on the Shepard," Walsh went on. "It will keep you out of prison and then we would still get to see an awful lot of one another."

"Go back to the other side of the room or whatever rock you crawled out from under," Tasha replied.

"That wasn't very nice," Walsh remarked.

Tasha knew she shouldn't have lost her temper. It was probably a good thing that she had a baby in arms or she would have done something a lot worse.

"I hope it was worth it," Walsh said in a menacing voice. "Because you're going to regret that."

"Drew!" Captain Bradbury snapped.

"Just helping with the baby," Walsh lied coolly.

Captain Bradbury eyed them carefully. He'd overheard more than enough. Family or not, Drew was out of line.

"You know better than to talk to the Lieutenant while the hearing is pending," Bradbury reminded him. "Get back over here."


Captain's log Stardate 41594.1. We are racing across the Delta Quadrant to assist in the liberation and rescue of Starbase 118. We expect to encounter eight Galor-class Cardassian warships. We are joined by the USS Shepard and the USS Lakota. Although outnumbered, we are going to attempt a diversionary tactic to make our fleet appear larger. It is a plan that was devised originally by Lieutenant's Worf and Yar – the latter of whom was left at Starbase 118 when we joined the initial fight against the Cardassians.

We picked up two runabouts full of survivors of the attack on Starbase 118 including several officers from the Starbase JAG office. Commander Cameron Elliot led one of the runabouts and informed us that – at least at the time of departure – Lieutenant Yar and Captain Lee Davies, Commander of Starbase 118, were still alive. It is my hope that they, and the other survivors, have managed to last the night.


As the hours ticked by, the survivors were fighting to remain conscious. Their air supply was dangerously low. It seemed the Cardassians had deactivated their ability to independently recycle the air. And since they had welded the door shut, they had found themselves trapped.

Tasha was resting her head against the wall. She was feeling both light-headed and nauseous from the lack of sufficient air.

A loud banging startled her.

She jolted and the little boy that had been asleep on her lap began to cry.

"Shhh," Tasha said in a hazy voice. "C'mon."

She struggled to her feet and looked around for Captain Davies.

He was already up and herding the remaining semi-alert survivors to the back of the room.

For those that were already unconscious, Guinan and one of the Ensigns were struggling to drag them to the back wall behind one of the metal storage containers for protection.

"They're likely to come in disruptors ablaze," Davies warned.

Tasha checked her phaser charge and let out a frustrated grunt.

"Oh give us a break!" Tasha whispered in irritation as she looked at the depleted power cell.

"The heat and humidity have drained the power cells," Davies said as he realised what she was looking at.

Tasha glanced around for something – anything – she could use.

Spying an access box, Tasha opened the panel and ripped out two of the tubing pipes. As the Cardassians had already disabled their access, the pipes weren't doing them much good anyways.

Tasha tossed one to Captain Davies and they both took up a defensive position.

"Let's hope your luck holds," Tasha whispered to the baby that was still firmly strapped across her chest.

Several seconds later, the door was ripped off by the hinges.

The bright light of the corridor flooded into the dark storage locker, temporarily blinding the survivors inside.

Tasha and Lee raced forward and swung violently at the bodies flooding into the room in hopes that they could catch the Cardassians off guard.

"Argh!" Tasha cried as she brought down the pipe.

A large form caught it with one hand and Tasha found herself straining against an inhuman force.

Her eyes adjusted to the light.

Data and Tasha stared at each for a moment – Data wide-eyed as he attempted to process the scene before him.

Tasha was dishevelled, squinting against the sudden change in brightness, and completely out of breath.

Suddenly, the toddler ran out and clutched onto Tasha's leg.

She reached down and gripped the back of his head.

"It's alright," she breathed. "We're going to be alright."

Data cocked his head to the side in confusion.

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

"Long story," she wheezed.

The Cardassians had fallen for their ruse and the team of the Enterprise had secured the base. As soon as they were free from the rest of the group, Data leaned in to give Tasha a kiss.

He wanted nothing more than to hold her, to assure himself that she was real.

And safe.

With the baby in a sling across her chest and a toddler on her hip, their romantic reunion would have to wait.

So Data resigned himself to settle for a kiss instead.

His attempt was thwarted when the young Bajoran boy threw his arms around Tasha's neck and scowled at Data.

The child was not in the mood to share his newfound protector with anyone.

He shot Data a sharp look.

"Hello," Data said.

The boy buried his face against Tasha's shoulder. His façade of courage vanishing as Data tried to demonstrate that he was no threat.

"I was so worried about you," Tasha confessed. "You have no idea."

"I have some sense," Data replied.

With the Cardassian invasion, the hearing was temporarily on hold.

It meant that, at least for the moment, Data and Tasha were safe together.

"Tonight," Tasha promised.

"Tonight," Data agreed.