A/N: Thank you all for your ongoing support.
Data and Tasha's concerns about the regulations may seem frivolous.
But remember—they have their reasons. In particular, Data's precarious status makes him wary of stepping a toe out of line. Data's rights and personhood have not yet been established at this point in the series.
A quick note on the timeline: In this story, there is roughly a year of time between Encounter at Farpoint and The Naked Now. I wanted the crew to be together longer before that fateful episode because, in my own universe, they're acting on feelings that have been building for a long time.
Data stepped off the turbolift and onto the Bridge. Captain Picard was in the command chair. Commander Riker was seated to his right.
Worf took in Data's strange appearance and cocked an eyebrow.
"We were on the holodeck," Data said, anticipating his question.
In his rush to reach the Bridge and assess the situation, Data had not stopped to change into his standard Starfleet duty uniform.
Captain Picard didn't mind. He was relieved to see his Second Officer unharmed.
"Mr Data, please relieve Ensign Trotter."
Data assumed his usual position at Operations and quickly accessed the readings from the incident. As his hands danced over the panel, Data rapidly absorbed sensor readings, scan data, and analysed the energy signature.
Data stopped.
This caught the attention of Captain Picard.
"Data?" Picard prompted.
Data whipped around in his chair to address the rest of the Bridge.
"Sir, the energy readings at the time of the incident have a similar structure to the readings we observed on the planet," Data explained.
Captain Picard tapped his combadge.
"Lieutenant La Forge, please report to the Bridge," Picard said.
"Sir, Lieutenant La Forge was injured on the holodeck when the ship entered freefall. He is currently in Sickbay and incapacitated," Data informed him.
Data had to manually shut down part of his neural net, rerouting his focus from thoughts of Geordi's injuries to his duty to the Bridge.
"Lieutenant Yar and Chief O'Brien were also injured, but their injuries were less severe than those of Lieutenant La Forge," Data said as he went on.
Picard nodded in acknowledgement.
"Do you think you can determine a way for us to study this phenomenon without putting the ship at risk?" Picard asked.
Data took a moment to ponder the question.
"You wish to return to learn more about it, but only if we are able to do so unaffected?" Data surmised aloud. "I will determine the cause of our loss of controls and functionality and see if I can come up with a solution."
"Make it so," Picard ordered. "Ensign Trotter, resume your previous position. Mr Data, get down to Main Engineering."
"Sir, permission to change into uniform?" Data requested as he stood.
"Please," Picard said.
Data changed quickly and joined the crew in Engineering to determine the cause of the accident. Upon arrival, Data learned that there were numerous injured personnel across the ship.
"Where's Lieutenant La Forge?" Assistant Chief Engineer Shimoda asked. "We've been trying to reach him."
"He was injured during the freefall," Data said.
Shimoda gasped.
"Is he alright?"
"Doctor Crusher is tending to him," was all Data could manage to say.
As he took up a position at the main Engineering terminal, Data realised finding a solution was going to be harder than he had imagined. He closed his eyes, turned his head to the left, and tried to stop thoughts of his friends and their injuries from overtaking his processing capacity.
Data told himself he needed to focus on this. The safety of his ship was of paramount importance. Data would have to leave his concern for his friends in the trust of Doctor Crusher and her medical team.
Data worked in silence. He usually preferred to work with music. His positronic brain craved stimulation. But today, he worked in complete silence as he calculated the necessary adjustments needed to strengthen the shields against the energy signature that had disrupted the navigational controls.
Data was drawn out of his work by a ping from his combadge.
"Lieutenant Yar to Commander Data."
"Go ahead," Data replied. A strange sensation overtook his neural net in anticipation of an update on Geordi's condition.
Data pondered if this sensation was what it felt like to have one's metaphorical heart 'skip a beat.'
"Doctor Crusher said the osteogenic stimulator isn't going to be enough to treat Geordi's broken leg on its own," Tasha explained. "He's going to make a full recovery, but she's prepping to take him into surgery. She said it will take about ninety minutes."
Geordi would be alright.
"And you?" Data asked softly.
"I'm fine," Tasha answered.
Thanks to you. She thought but did not speak aloud.
"Thank you," Data replied.
A beat passed.
"That will be sufficient time for me to finish these calculations, make the necessary adjustments to the shields and helm control, and return to Sickbay before Geordi regains consciousness," Data said.
His brain was not processing this news as 'relief.' Tasha and Geordi were both injured—Geordi significantly so. But nor did Data process the thought as 'unease.'
It was a complicated jumble of both.
Data did not think he would truly be able to quash those feelings until he saw both Geordi and Tasha safe again.
Exactly seventy-eight minutes and fifty-four seconds later, Data finished assuring Captain Picard that the changes would be sufficient to safely return and study the energy readings around the M-class planet. But they would only have a safe observation window for a few hours.
The Enterprise set a course to return to the planet at Warp 3. They weren't far out and would arrive in orbit above the planet in eighteen minutes and forty-two seconds.
Picard had granted Data permission to return to Sickbay so that he might check in on Geordi before joining the away team.
As Data left the Bridge, Commander Riker turned to Captain Picard.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say Mr Data seems genuinely worried."
"I find myself in agreement, Number One," Picard replied. "Lieutenant La Forge is his best friend."
Riker's eyebrows flashed up and down in acknowledgement and he leaned back into his seat.
"Ensign, set a course back to the planet, Warp 3," Riker ordered.
It took Data four minutes and eighteen seconds to reach Sickbay.
When he arrived, he saw Geordi was lying sedated on an examination table. Chief O'Brien was sitting in a chair in the corner near him. His shoulder was fitted in with a regeneration sleeve that was working to heal the damage from his latest dislocation.
Tasha was seated next to Geordi.
"Surgery went well," Miles said as Data approached them.
Data nodded. His neural net slowed and began to return to normal.
Is this relief?Data mused.
"Doctor Crusher has him sedated," Tasha explained. "He'll wake up on his own when the sedatives wear off. They'll do a more thorough assessment of his head trauma soon as he's awake."
"Did Doctor Crusher discuss the extent of the head trauma?" Data asked as took a step forward and looked down at Geordi's lifeless body.
Though Geordi was breathing, it was slow and laboured.
Tasha reached for Data's hand. Data glanced down in surprise as her fingers intertwined with his own and she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"It's going to be alright," Tasha murmured.
Tasha moved to pull her hand back, but Data held on, gripping it tightly.
It wasn't too tight to hurt, but it was enough to signal that he did not wish to cease contact. Data had rarely, if ever, been offered that kind of reassurance. He needed the physical reassurance from another person that everything was going to work out.
It made him feel almost human.
"Do we know what happened yet?" Miles asked.
Data explained his findings regarding the unusual energy readings and the plan to return and study the phenomenon.
He informed them they would be arriving at the planet soon and that Captain Picard had scheduled three hours for observation. The Enterprise would then pull back to a safe distance and evaluate the findings before determining if they should remain for further study or carry on to their next assignment.
Data would be part of the away team heading back to the planet.
"I should get down to the transporter room," Miles said, pulling himself up from the bed with a groan of pain.
"That is not necessary. You have been injured. Lieutenant Henderson is on duty and can perform the role sufficiently. You should rest and allow your shoulder to properly heal," Data replied.
"Thank you, sir. But I'll be fine. Wasn't the first time—and I'm sure it won't be the last," Miles said, flashing Data a wry smile.
"You will remain here until Doctor Crusher clears you for duty. That is an order, Chief O'Brien," Data said. "And I would greatly appreciate knowing that Geordi is in good hands."
Miles nodded in acknowledgement and returned to his bed.
"I must accompany the away team, but I will return to check on Geordi as soon as I am able," Data explained.
He cocked his head to the side and placed his left hand on Geordi's shoulder.
"Be well my friend," Data said softly.
Data turned to leave but realised he was still holding Tasha's hand.
He paused. Data pulled their hands up to examine them for a moment. He briefly considered bringing her hand to his lips to press a kiss to the back of it. The timing was right, it felt only natural.
Data hesitated for a moment before deciding against it. He gently released Tasha's hand. Data gave her a short nod and then left to join the away team.
Tasha stared down at her hand and pulled it close. A part of her missed the contact.
"Chief—" Tasha started to say.
This was how rumours got started.
"Don't you worry," Miles reassured her. "I'm just in the corner takin' a nap."
"Thanks," Tasha replied.
When Geordi came to, he first noticed the sound of someone talking. It was surreal, like a dream. He could hear voices, but he couldn't distinguish what was being said.
Then he noticed the gentle beep of the medical monitoring devices and realised he was lying on an exam table.
The last thing Geordi could recall was feeling cold.
And falling.
Yes, he'd definitely fallen. Geordi could feel it in his back. He hissed and grimaced as he tried to move.
"Doctor Crusher, he's awake!" Miles called out as Geordi began to stir.
Geordi groaned. He tried to sit up but the pain in his back forced him to lay down again.
"What happened?" Geordi said. He lifted his sore arm stiffly as he ran his hand across his chest.
"Some kind of strange energy pattern threw off our navigation," Miles explained. "And when the Enterprise went into freefall, the ice in the holodeck collapsed along with all of us."
"Are you alright?" Geordi asked as concern rose in his voice. "And Tasha? Data?"
"A few bumps and bruises but we're all fine. You got the worst of it, mate," Miles said.
"How are you feeling, Geordi?" Tasha asked.
She reached for his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. To her relief, Geordi gripped it back.
"I've been better," Geordi confessed.
"Data will be so relieved. He was really worried about you," Tasha said.
Geordi tried to laugh—but everything hurt.
"You should get up to the Bridge," Miles said. "Let Data know he's alright."
"Yeah. I'm sure he's in a right state," Geordi agreed.
Tasha gave Geordi's hand a quick squeeze before making her exit.
Doctor Crusher approached the side of the exam table and began to scan Geordi's body.
"We'll need to run some tests," she explained.
She gave him a hypospray shot to help with his pain and asked if Geordi wanted his VISOR. Geordi shook his head.
"No, thank you."
Geordi's VISOR had a tendency to cause migraines with prolonged usage. His head was already in enough pain. Geordi didn't want to add to that. Beverly understood and started the preliminary scans on his head.
"You took quite a fall, Geordi," Doctor Crusher said as she ran the tricorder around his skull. "Once the hypospray kicks in and your pain level is more tolerable, we'll move you in to take some brain scans."
Doctor Crusher gave Geordi a quick reassuring squeeze of the hand and left to set up the scans. Now that Geordi and Miles were alone, Geordi wanted answers to a pressing question.
"I'm glad you guys are all OK," Geordi replied.
Geordi dropped his voice.
"How were they?"
"Commander Data and Lieutenant Yar?" Miles asked.
"Mmm hmm," Geordi groaned in the affirmative.
A beat passed.
"Miles, can I ask you about something? How did they seem?" Geordi said.
What had happened was a freak accident. But he knew Tasha and Data had been keeping their distance from one another as of late. He was curious if this event had eased some of that tension or driven them further apart.
"Fine. Normal. Professional—" Miles said but Geordi wasn't buying it.
"C'mon man," Geordi replied. "When you say it like that, I know that's not what happened."
"Gave my word," Miles replied seriously.
Miles had served on enough starships to know that whatever was going on between the Lieutenant Commander and the Chief Security Officer was their business and their business alone.
It wasn't for the ship to speculate.
Miles's own opinion on the Starfleet fraternisation regs was that ignorance was the best approach.
To Miles, the heart wanted what it wanted, and he'd quite prefer to serve under officers that were happy at home.
"He was really worried about you. We all were," Miles replied honestly. "I know everyone says he's just an android, but he cares about you, a lot."
"Yeah," Geordi nodded. "Data's been acting kind of weird lately. I don't know if this is some part of his processing that's now been unlocked or what. It's like he feels emotions sometimes but doesn't understand what's happening."
"Aye," Miles nodded.
"So, something did happen!" Geordi said.
He didn't need his VISOR to picture exactly the look Miles was giving him.
"I gave me word, Lieutenant," Miles said coyly. "But I'll say this much, I think they're on good terms with each other now."
"Yea-oow!" Geordi said as he clapped his hands together in excitement then instantly regretted it as pain shot through his arms.
Two hours later, Doctor Crusher had concluded her scans. Geordi was suffering from a concussion but did not appear to have any serious head trauma. After treating the concussion and giving him another hypospray for the pain, Beverly released Geordi from Sickbay so that he could return to his quarters.
Geordi wouldn't be cleared to return to duty for at least another forty-eight hours and he was looking forward to a hot shower and some rest. He was grateful Beverly cleared him to get his leg wet. It wasn't fully healed, but at the very least it was on the mend.
Miles helped Geordi to his quarters with instructions to call if he needed anything.
Although the surgery and osteogenic stimulator were doing their parts, he'd be limping heavily until the healing process was complete.
Geordi turned on the tap and let the steam fill the lavvy in his quarters. When he got up that morning, he'd expected to come back sore from the climb. He never imagined he'd be as sore and stiff as he currently was.
Carefully, Geordi reached up and pulled off his combadge. Even that minor action took considerable effort.
He steadied himself against the built-in shelves. With a grimace, Geordi managed to finagle his left arm out of his uniform sleeve. His right arm was considerably more tender, and he paused before proceeding.
Taking a deep breath, he started on the next arm but stopped when the door chimed.
Geordi shouted for whoever it was to come in.
Data entered and cocked his head to the side quizzically.
"Are you stuck?" Data asked as he took in the sight of Geordi's predicament.
Geordi shot Data a look.
"Would you like assistance?" Data asked as he stepped closer.
"No, Data. I'm fine," Geordi replied as he leaned back against the shelves.
"I am very glad to hear it," Data said before noticing the steam coming from that lavvy.
"Did you intend to leave your shower running?" Data questioned.
"Data, really I'm fine," Geordi replied before he took a small tumble forward.
Data caught him and used his arm to push Geordi upright against the shelves.
"You are not fine," Data stated.
"I think the hypospray pain relief just kicked in," Geordi explained.
Data helped Geordi reach his sofa and sat him down. Before Geordi could say anything, Data pulled Geordi's feet up onto the table. He then went and shut off the tap in the lavvy.
"I will remain until you can safely stand on your own," Data said as he took a seat on Geordi's chair.
"That's very kind of you but I'm fine, really," Geordi insisted. "Doctor Crusher cleared me to be back in my quarters. I just got a little dizzy when the pain relief hit. I wanted to take a hot shower, but I'll wait until tomorrow morning."
"In my study of human behaviour, I have found it is a common practice for humans to use hot water as a means of pain relief," Data said.
Geordi nodded.
"Yeah, when I'm sore there's nothing like a little steam," Geordi replied.
"Would you like me to assist you?" Data offered.
Geordi laughed. He knew Data's offer was genuine and came from the desire to help, but he also knew Data didn't realise this was one of those times when his positronic brain didn't quite grasp the human side of the equation.
"No, Data. That would be weird."
Data paused for a moment as he accessed his internal memory drive.
"Ah! Yes, I see," he replied as he now understood that his offer was strange. "I apologise for making you uncomfortable."
"Data, it's fine! I know you meant well," Geordi said with a grin.
They sat in silence for a moment. Geordi was feeling better, but knew it was probably best if he just got some rest.
"Can I get you anything?" Data asked.
"Yeah, just help me get to bed and I'll stay put until I'm a little more stable," Geordi replied.
Data supported Geordi as he limped over to his bed. It was slow going and every step was a strain. But he'd insisted on limping. He didn't want Data to carry him.
"Thanks," Geordi replied.
He swung his legs up onto the bed and leaned back against his headboard.
"Now really, I'm fine," Geordi said. "I'm sure you've got work to do and I'm going to lay down."
"You are certain?" Data pressed.
"Yes!" Geordi insisted.
Data leaned down and gave Geordi a tight hug. Geordi knew Data wasn't squeezing him at his full strength, but it was more than enough to knock the breath out of him.
"D-Data," Geordi managed to choke out.
Data immediately released him.
"Have I injured you?" Data asked concerned as he stepped back.
"No, I'm just sore."
He thought back to the comment Miles had made earlier—it was as if Data was reacting with emotion. Pure, unbridled emotion.
"Are you feeling alright, Data?" Geordi asked.
"I am unsure. When you were injured, I found a sufficient portion of my neural net became preoccupied in theorising the possible outcomes of the injuries you sustained. It was uncomfortable," Data confessed.
He paused. The thought still frightened Data.
"In addition, I found that my positronic brain tried to access memory engrams of our previous holodeck adventures. I wanted to remember all the fond memories we share," Data explained. "I was afraid of losing you, of experiencing my existence without you. It was hard to focus on my actions as my processing was overwhelmed."
"Just like the other night?" Geordi prompted.
Data nodded.
"Data, I don't think anything is wrong with you," Geordi explained. "I think you're feeling emotion."
"I am android. I cannot experience emotions," Data replied scientifically.
Geordi scratched the back of his head, sucking air in through his teeth.
"You were worried about me. That's normal. You felt it!" Geordi insisted. "Maybe it's some previously unknown part of your programming that's now been unlocked? Or maybe in the grand scheme of the universe you've evolved?"
"Evolution occurs over generations. I am the only sentient android in existence and chronologically—"
Geordi waved his hand to cut Data off.
"You're feeling things, Data. Somehow. Someway. You are feeling emotions," Geordi stated. "And I think you should lean into it."
"Inquiry, 'lean into it?'" Data replied as he accessed his vast databank of human colloquialisms.
Geordi let Data work it out on his own and a short nod meant that Data understood the phrase.
"Don't focus on why or how it's happening. Just let it happen," Geordi instructed.
Data pondered this thought. He was unsure of how to experience this. And a strange sense that he could only describe as 'foreboding' overcame Data's neural net. He was concerned that his lack of experience with human emotion could lead to more frustration, embarrassment, or harm to others.
"I also think whatever's going on between you and Tasha is causing a lot of emotion," Geordi thought aloud. "And since you're experiencing this for the first time, it's made you feel confused and maybe a little scared."
Data leaned against the wall. A puzzled look overtook his features. After a short pause, he found the words to proceed. Data did not wish to betray Tasha's confidence—but he needed a friend to talk to.
"I believe that would be an appropriate description," Data responded without making eye contact.
A thought crossed Geordi's mind. Although his parents' roles in Starfleet meant he had moved many times during his youth, Geordi still had the experience of attending classes with other kids. He'd experienced his teen years with all the traditional awkwardness and self-discovery that most kids had. Geordi enjoyed his time and roommates at Starfleet experiencing life as young men—flirting, snogging, awkward relationships.
Data shared that during his time at Starfleet Academy, he'd struggled to integrate socially with other cadets. He had experienced no formal adolescence. Romantic endeavours always ended in failure or Data being used.
Instead of parents, he had memory engrams and scientists. And to Geordi's horror, he'd learned that some of the scientists viewed Data as nothing more than a machine. They failed to recognise his sentience, his personhood, and his rights as a living being.
"Do you have feelings for Tasha?" Geordi asked bluntly.
"Starfleet regulations prohibit fraternisation with a subordinate within my chain of command," Data replied stiffly.
"But that's not what I asked," Geordi said with a sly grin. "Do you have feelings for Tasha?"
Data paused and looked at Geordi. Data was smiling.
"I would describe being in her presence as a feeling of fondness."
His face lit up. There was a sparkle in his golden eyes.
"The particular shade of blue in her eyes shares the same red, green, and blue colour values as found in the Himalayan Blue Poppy. Her skin has a faint smell of lavender and soap. I experience a fluttering sensation in the abdominal portion of my endoskeleton when she says my name. When I kissed her, she tasted like mint."
Go, Data. Go. Geordi thought.
Now that the door was open, Data couldn't help himself. He could finally gush about the person he adored.
"I love her neck. Her voice. The way she says my name," Data went on. "And while this was certainly not my first sexual experience, I must admit my neural net was nearly overloaded at the sensation of her—"
"Whoa, Data. Down boy," Geordi interjected.
Geordi didn't think Tasha would appreciate that level of detail.
Data collapsed back against the wall. His coolant system was in overdrive. Geordi was sure if an android could blush, then Data was presently doing so. There was no flush or colour added to his cheeks, but the way he was panting, his eyes cast downward, was sure convincing.
"She… she feels the same," Data added softly.
Data glanced back up at Geordi, but this time his eyes held immeasurable sadness.
"But as I stated, Starfleet regulations prohibit any pursuit of those feelings," Data said in dejected voice. "And so, it is… conflicting to have the memory engrams I retain as I can fondly recall the experiences but cannot further engage in them despite our mutual desire to do so."
Data had calculated that there were alternatives to resolving the situation. He could resign as Second Officer, fall back on his exobiology degree, and shift into the role of a science officer. However, he determined the probability of Captain Picard and Starfleet accepting this request as less than 2.47%.
"I don't know what to tell you," Geordi replied honestly. "I wish there was some way I could help."
Data nodded sadly.
"Thank you for talking with me, Geordi."
Data left Geordi's quarters deep in thought. As he reached the door, Data realised his feet had not carried him to his own quarters.
He was standing at Tasha's door.
He pondered for a moment if he should ring. It would be perfectly professional to inquire as to her wellbeing following the injury. She had offered her hand in reassurance in Sickbay. She had not pulled away from his affection following the accident.
Before Data could make up his mind, the door opened.
Tasha said nothing but gave him a small smile. It was evident to Data that he had disturbed her evening. She had shed her uniform in favour of athletic attire.
The same emotional response he experienced while discussing his feelings with Geordi suddenly overtook him. Data immediately cast his eyes down to the floor.
"I apologise, Lieutenant," Data said suddenly. "I should not have bothered you. I merely wanted to inquire as to your wrist, and I will be on my way."
"Why don't you come in?" Tasha offered as she stepped back from the doorframe.
Something in Data warned him that this wasn't a good idea. A sense of trepidation creeped in.
Could this be what Geordi calls a gut?Data thought to himself.
"How's Geordi?" Tasha asked as she sat down on her sofa.
"He is stiff but doing well," Data said.
Data's combadge dinged and Captain Picard's voice came across.
"Mr Data, I've authorised a return trip for a Botany team to take further observations on the planet," Picard stated. "The energy readings we obtained have shown some interesting results in the Arboretum. Apparently, it's caused rapid growth among much of our plant life. We'll be arriving in orbit shortly."
"Understood, would you like me to come to the Bridge?" Data asked as he acknowledged the Captain.
"If you wish," Picard replied.
"Acknowledged," Data said as he tapped his combadge to respond.
Data looked to Tasha and noted a hint of sadness in her eyes. Her breathing slowed.
"Well, I guess you have to go," she said standing up.
"Yes."
Data made no move to go.
For a moment they were silent. Neither party was quite sure what to say. Data knew he should go but found himself unable to leave.
"Geordi believes I am experiencing emotions," Data blurted out.
"I'd say that's an accurate assessment," Tasha replied slowly.
"You did not pull away," Data said.
Tasha knew what he was referencing—their brief, chaste kiss in Sickbay following the accident. Data had been overcome with emotion. It was pleasant and spontaneous.
To Data's surprise, Tasha smiled shyly.
"Also, an accurate assessment," she acknowledged.
Suddenly the power went out. After a beat, the emergency lighting came on.
"Data to Bridge," Data said as he touched his combadge.
There was no response.
Data and Tasha headed for the door. It wouldn't activate. Data placed his hands on the door and tried to manually open it. The door did not budge.
"What's wrong?" Tasha asked.
"I am capable of manually opening these doors unless the environmental safety lock has been activated," Data explained. "The environmental safety lock has been activated meaning—"
"Life support isn't functioning in the corridor," Tasha said, finishing his thought.
He nodded.
They tried their combadges again with no luck.
Tasha grabbed her PADD and tried to see if there was any information she could pull from the computer about their situation. The screen was scrambled. It was impossible to read.
She angrily tossed the PADD into her sofa. Data watched with fascination.
"May I," Data asked as he indicated to the PADD.
Tasha nodded. Data picked up the PADD and tried to analyse the problem. He hypothesised that the energy signature they were there to study was now causing a disturbance in their devices. A reboot failed to produce a change.
"Most interesting," Data stated as he set it down on the sill of the window that looked out into space.
Data stepped over to the com and tried to access information on the situation.
However, the com was of little help. While life support and emergency lighting were functioning, there was no access to communications or the main computer system.
Data spent two minutes and eight seconds attempting to override the system before determining his effort would not be successful.
"The nature of this disruption will require a full system reboot of the computer that can only be instituted from Engineering or the Bridge," Data concluded aloud.
"So, we're stuck," Tasha said as she paced around the room.
"It would appear so," Data replied as met her eyes.
Tasha stopped pacing and looked at Data.
"Data, how long was the disruption last time? How long did it take to restore communications?" Tasha asked.
"I am unsure," he replied.
Confused, Tasha looked at him.
"I am unsure," Data repeated.
"Data, you're the one person that tracks time down the second."
Data felt his pulse speed up. She had referred to him as a 'person.'
"During the last encounter, my processing was overcome with—"
Data trailed off and dropped his gaze to the floor as he struggled to articulate his thoughts.
"Emotion?" Tasha prompted, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Data looked up and nodded.
"I can't imagine what you're going through right now," Tasha said. "But I can tell you that when I first escaped from Turkana IV, I tried to bury all of my emotions. I was afraid that if I allowed them to show, they would overrun me."
Tasha smiled.
"It took time, but I learned to accept that my emotions are a part of who I am. And that it doesn't make me weak or less competent to display them when appropriate. And with the help of counselling, I was able to find ways to process strong emotions using healthy coping mechanisms."
Although her experience was different, Tasha hoped that her words provided some comfort. It was a terrifying thing to suddenly be bombarded with emotions and no tools to help regulate them.
"Humans have to learn too. It takes time, sometimes counselling, and a lot of self-reflection," Tasha said in a soothing voice.
"My emotions have caused me to malfunction at times. They overwhelm my neural net," Data explained honestly. "I am concerned that I am losing my ability to remain impartial and logical. Especially when—"
"Your emotions are not a malfunction," Tasha replied as a hint of anger rose in her voice.
"I have a responsibility to the Enterprise and—"
The look on Tasha's face was enough to silence Data.
"You're a Starfleet officer. And yes, you are stronger and smarter than the rest of us. But everyone experiences emotion—even you, Data. And everyone has instances in which those emotions can be overwhelming. Your best friend was seriously injured in a freak accident!" Tasha snapped.
She crossed her arms in a huff. Needing a moment of emotional regulation herself, Tasha took a deep breath to calm down before proceeding.
"You saved his life, Data. And Chief O'Brien. And mine," she said softly.
Data took a moment to reflect on her assessment.
"Geordi advised I should not focus on the 'how' or 'why' and instead focus on 'letting it happen,'" Data said, recounting Geordi's earlier advice.
"Well, Geordi is a pretty smart cookie." Tasha grinned.
Data cocked his head at the use of 'cookie.'
"It's an expression," Tasha explained.
"Ah." Data nodded.
They both fell silent.
"Data, may I ask you a question?"
"Please proceed," Data replied.
"Earlier you said you were feeling overwhelmed, like you were losing your ability to remain impartial. Especially when…"
Tasha trailed off and bit her lip.
A brief look of fear flashed in Data's eyes. It was as if he had been caught saying something he ought not to have spoken aloud.
Tasha took a step closer and put a hand on Data's.
"Especially when what, Data?" she asked tentatively.
Tasha was nervous—but she had to know. She glanced up, wordlessly pleading with Data for an honest answer.
"Tasha, I—"
Data fumbled for an answer. He felt warm. He needed to break eye contact.
"I…"
Without warning, the emergency lighting went out.
Data surveyed the room. He noticed that the gentle hum of the emergency power system had ceased. Undetectable to humans, Data's audio receptors were always aware of the soft hum of the system that ran throughout the ship.
"Why do I have a sinking feeling that it's getting cold?" Tasha asked.
"You are correct. It appears that the emergency life support functions are now also affected," Data said.
His bioplast registered a three degree drop in temperature. Tasha shivered as her Starfleet training kicked in. A dark thought crept into the back of Tasha's mind.
"You don't require oxygen but—"
"Humans do not 'run out of oxygen.' Carbon dioxide will continue to accumulate, causing respiratory paralysis and then death," Data said finishing her thought.
"Well, that's comforting," Tasha said dryly.
Data felt what he could best describe as panic.
"Lieutenant Commander Data to the Bridge," he said, trying his combadge again in the hope that communication had been restored.
There was no response.
"I'm going to lay down and try to slow my breathing," Tasha explained.
Data nodded in understanding. Part of their Starfleet training had involved preparing for scenarios of life support system failures.
Placing her faith in that training, Tasha moved to her couch and laid back.
She closed her eyes and tried to slow her breathing.
She kept repeating the same phrase over and over in her mind. You're just meditating with Worf.
Data attempted to divert his processing to finding a way to reactivate the life support systems. He considered for a moment that it may be possible for him to interface with the com and override the controls to reactive life support.
Data didn't know the extent of the outage. It was highly likely this outage extended to the other cabins on the same section of this deck. It was also possible the entire ship had been impacted.
It didn't matter.
If his plan worked, Data would only have the ability to reactivate the quarters linked to this specific section of the com—meaning Tasha's quarters and three quarters adjacent to the right.
It was a significant risk.
Interfacing with the com would expose his positronic brain to contact with the energy disruption. There was no way of knowing what impact it would have. It might override Data's neural net, discharge back into the computer and blow the whole network. It could kill Tasha.
But if Data didn't act then she would soon be dead regardless.
Based on the size of the room and the rate of Tasha' breathing, Data calculated the last possible moment when he would need to act—and it was soon.
For some reason, Data felt an immense compulsion to say something to Tasha before proceeding.
He tried his combadge again. Data hoped the Bridge would find a way to right this latest malfunction in time. But on his final attempt, communication remained offline.
Data stepped over to Tasha and sat on the edge of her sofa. For a brief moment, he studied her face. She was nearly catatonic. In another time, another place it might have seemed peaceful. The lighting from the exterior of the ship was akin to moonlight.
Data wanted to kiss her. To press his lips against her forehead and tell her that everything would be alright. But they did not have that kind of relationship—and they never would.
"Tasha, I am going to attempt to reboot the emergency life support," Data said.
"Hmm?"
Tasha squinted, her eyes half-lidded as she struggled to process what Data was saying.
"I am unsure if this will be successful," Data explained.
Tasha blinked. Her eyelids felt so heavy. It was difficult to maintain focus. The chill from the heat seeping into space was making her lethargic. She just wanted to sleep.
"If this is not successful or if the exposure to the entity should cause a malfunction, I feel compelled to tell you that you are special to me," Data confessed softly.
Tasha could barely keep her eyes open.
"Tasha, I have feelings. For you."
Data gave her hand a small squeeze and then made his way over to the com.
In a matter of seconds, he opened the side of his head to access where he could interface. Pulling apart the com panel, he routed a cable into his positronic brain and attempted to isolate and override the emergency life support system. It would require temporarily severing the connection to the main computer, bypassing the control that was subjected to the disruption, and rerouting it to a system that still had power.
Without warning, a flood of energy surged through Data's system. He dropped to the floor.
"Lieutenant Commander Data, this is Riker. I repeat, this is Riker. Come in," Riker's voice boomed from the combadge.
Full life support began to flood back into Tasha's quarters and the temperature in the room began to slowly increase to a safe level.
"Riker to Lieutenant Commander Data, do you read me?" Riker repeated.
Data sat up abruptly, blinking as he observed that the lights were on and the gentle hum of the life support system had returned.
Looking over at the sofa he noted Tasha was breathing. Relief washed over Data as he watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest. He got up from the floor and made his way over to her.
Kneeling next to the sofa, he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Tasha?"
She blinked. She was still freezing. Her eyes felt heavy, and she was nauseous.
"Life support has been restored," Data announced.
As her eyes regained focus, she took in his appearance.
The left side of his head was exposed, the small green and red lights blinking. A cable hung from his positronic brain. His typically well-groomed hair was dishevelled. The distinct smell of burnt polymer lingered in the air.
"What happened to you?" Tasha demanded.
"There was some kind of energy surge," he replied simply.
"How… how long was I out?" she asked, concerned.
"Not long," Data answered.
Tasha propped herself on her elbows. Data felt simultaneously uncomfortable about maintaining eye contact but unwilling to break away.
"I'm glad you were here," Tasha confessed as she reached out and cupped his cheek.
Data inhaled sharply as she caressed his cheek with her thumb.
"I should go."
Data gently took hold of Tasha's hand with the intention of moving it from his face. Only, Data couldn't bring himself to part. They stayed like that, Data holding her hand against his face as he savoured the touch.
"Data, I find myself struggling to reconcile the discrepancy between your words and your actions," she said, flipping Data's own prior statement back at him.
"I should go before I say something that would tread very close to violating Starfleet regulations," Data said in a voice barely above a whisper.
Tasha nodded sadly.
"Right," she said. "It wasn't fair of me to ask you. It's probably easier in the long run if you don't answer my question."
She could pretend that way. In a few months, Data would simply be a memory.
A memory that made her ache.
Before either of them could speak, their combadges activated. Simultaneously.
"Captain Picard for Lieutenant Yar. You're wanted on the Bridge," the Captain's voice ordered.
"Data this is Riker, where are you?" Riker said as his concern grew for the Second Officer.
Both acknowledged the orders and made their way to the nearest turbolift with haste.
As the turbolift opened, Tasha reached out and ran her hand through Data's tousled hair. His features softened—as if the touch was both welcome and familiar.
The pair was not expecting Commander Riker to be waiting immediately on the opposite side of the door.
He said nothing as he observed the pair for a moment.
A brief, unmistakable look of affection passed between the two.
Riker cleared his throat.
Tasha pulled her hand away quickly and Data turned wide-eyed to his superior officer.
Riker raised an eyebrow at the pair but kept his observation to himself.
They shuffled past him and assumed their places on the Bridge. Riker was headed down to Engineering to check in with the progress on the system reboot.
"Mr Data," Picard said, taking note of his appearance. "What has happened to you?"
Data looked confused for a moment before he reached up and touched the exposed portion of his positronic brain. He realised the cable was still hanging from the connection.
"Ah!"
A dark look flashed across his face as ran his hand along the cable he observed the burnt end where the energy surge had severed the connection to the com.
"I attempted to interface with one of the com panels to reboot the emergency life support. It is fortunate the energy surge caused the cable to sever at this point of the connection. Had it reached my positronic brain at its full capacity, I am unsure of what may have happened."
"Mr Data, are you alright?" Picard asked sincerely.
"I will function sufficiently to perform my duties," Data replied as he turned back to face the main viewer.
Deciding the risk was too great, Picard ordered them on a new heading that would get them a safe distance from the planet's strange energy reading. They weren't giving up on understanding it, but they would need to break away until they could further devise what was causing the navigational and computer system failures.
They would send the information regarding the readings by an informational probe to the nearest Starbase. Starfleet could then analyse the risk and follow up if necessary.
Meanwhile, the Enterprise finally took up their heading in pursuit of a Ferengi vessel that stole an energy converter from an unmanned Federation outpost. They were on an intercept course and would arrive in six days and eighteen hours.
After they were a safe distance from the strange energy signature, Picard retired to his Ready Room to read the briefing from Starfleet on their next assignment. He'd glanced at it shortly before the latest incident, but the power failures had interrupted him.
Now Jean-Luc finally had the time to brief on their upcoming mission.
Suddenly, his door chimed. Picard sighed in frustration at the interruption but set down his PADD and called in the visitor.
Riker entered. Picard motioned for him to take a seat and Riker threw his leg over the nearest chair.
"Engineering has managed to get all of our systems back online and secured," Riker explained. "I noticed that Lieutenant Yar is in the Command Chair?"
"Yes," Picard acknowledged.
After they'd reached a safe distance, he'd ordered Yar to return to the Bridge in uniform to take over. Jean-Luc needed to get caught up and he wanted an officer he could trust while Commander Riker oversaw the repairs to the ship.
Normally, that role would fall to Data.
But Picard was concerned about his Second Officer. He had ordered him to Sickbay and Engineering for a full evaluation. Commander Data was scheduled to serve on the Night Watch, but not until Geordi had cleared him for duty.
"I've ordered Mr Data for a full evaluation following the incident earlier," Picard explained. "He attempted to interface with a com panel to restore life support. He was connected when the reboot energy surge occurred."
Picard paused, stepping out from behind his desk to snag a cup of tea from the replicator.
"I've ordered Lieutenant Yar to cover the first half of Data's shift on Night Watch. Worf will take over for the second part," Picard explained. "And if you could draw up a schedule in case we need to cover Data's shifts going forward—"
"Is Data alright?" Riker asked.
"He said he felt fortunate the connection severed where it did or he may not be here," Picard explained.
Riker's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Based on the specs of the com panel, interfacing to override would have only rebooted the four coms on the same master control switch," Riker surmised aloud. "That seems like an awfully big risk."
"Indeed, Number One," Picard agreed as he took a sip of Earl Grey.
Jean-Luc glanced over at the aquarium in the corner of his Ready Room.
"So, the mystery is what could have compelled our always logical and impartial Second Officer to take such an unusual risk," Picard pondered aloud.
"Maybe he was worried about those around him," Riker offered with a shrug thinking back to his earlier observation at the turbolift.
"Perhaps," Picard nodded. "We did observe he seemed to express genuine concern over Lieutenant La Forge's accident."
Jean-Luc was willing to give Data some leeway. Data's attempt to interface could have caused serious problems. Technically, Data's actions were a violation of Starfleet procedures. Dangerous attempts to save an individual at the risk of the ship were strictly prohibited.
Data got lucky. Incredibly lucky. Jean-Luc wasn't about to chastise him over that fact.
"Geordi is his best friend. I suppose we cannot begrudge Data for trying to save him."
"He wasn't with Lieutenant La Forge," Riker pointed out.
Picard was genuinely surprised.
"No?"
"No," Riker answered.
Picard's brow furrowed.
"Where was Mr Data?" Picard demanded.
The moment he shared that Data had been in Lieutenant Yar's quarters, Riker noticed something in Captain Picard's face. There was a brief flash of irritation, as if this news was both expected and unwelcome.
"Sir?" Riker prompted.
Jean-Luc quickly recovered. There was no reason for the rest of the crew to know the details of Data's misguided attempt to resign. In the weeks that had passed since the polywater incident, Jean-Luc thought they had put that business behind them.
Data promised the Captain that he understood. Picard had no desire to revisit the issue. But Data's actions now drew that assurance into question.
Picard trusted his Second Officer without question. But he was concerned over his behaviour. And Picard had no way of knowing whether it was the strange energy signature they had encountered or something more, something that couldn't be reprogrammed.
"Sir?" Riker pressed.
"I think our resident android may be emotionally compromised," Picard said.
It took a moment for Riker to fully grasp the Captain's meaning.
"Oh. Oh," Riker replied.
Picard whipped around and eyed his First Officer hard.
"Do you know something, Number One?" Picard inquired.
Riker was hesitant to answer. He was one of only a few crew members that knew about Data and Tasha's liaison during the polywater incident. Riker had run into them as Data carried a half-dressed, giggling, rather libidinous Lieutenant Yar into Sickbay.
Riker was also present for Data's dramatic entrance onto the Bridge. While en route to fix the ship's computer, Data had spilled his heart to Riker—only for Data to later ask Riker to forget the whole matter once the polywater infection was cured.
Riker thought that was the end of things.
But there were little hints in the way they looked at one another, the way they avoided contact after their duty shifts. Both Data and Tasha had been absent from poker night. Geordi had found Data sitting alone in the dark listening to breakup songs like a hormonal teenager.
And then a look in a turbolift, one of warmth and longing. A look that spoke volumes about two people who shared a sincere affection for one another.
"Captain, it's not my place to—"
Picard put up a hand.
"Riker. I need to know if my Second Officer has been emotionally compromised," Picard said.
Riker pursed his lips in disapproval. He'd long held the belief that Starfleet regs were too strict when it came to affairs of the heart.
"Sir, isn't it best if we just look the other way? I mean what two people do in the privacy of their own quarters is hardly our business," Riker argued.
"It is when it comes to the safety of this ship," Picard countered.
Riker fell silent.
"I will order you to tell me, Number One," Picard warned.
Riker scratched his chin and sighed.
"Sir, I really don't feel comfortable disclosing this information. They're people, Captain," Riker said.
"You don't think I know that?" Picard asked in response.
He slammed the rest of his tea and returned the saucer to the replicator tray.
"Data is like a boy. He's a gentle heart. What were you like at twelve? At fourteen? I know what I was like."
Picard began to pace back and forth in front of his desk (as he did whenever his nerves were frayed and his temper short).
"And I can tell you I didn't have a clue what love was. I was in no position to have the skills or emotional intelligence to pursue another person," Picard spat.
Jean-Luc wasn't only concerned about Data getting hurt. Captain Picard knew Tasha from their time prior to the Enterprise. They had met when Tasha was only a cadet and Jean-Luc had taken a shine to that scrappy girl from Turkana.
Picard and Tasha continued to cross paths of the years—the Stargazer investigation and subsequent trial as well as several covert operations on the Cardassian front.
Their relationship as mentor and mentee transcended their professional obligation to one another.
Something about her reminded Picard of a young Jean-Luc.
In fact, he saw more of himself in Tasha than he cared to admit. Knowing his heart as he did, Jean-Luc knew Tasha Yar and Data couldn't be further from each other when it came to love.
Jean-Luc threw up his hands in exasperation. He collapsed behind his desk and shook his head.
"What am I going to do? Pinocchio has fallen in love with the first woman to give him a passing glance," Picard said with a heavy sigh.
He glanced up and met Riker's eyes. The Captain's face was full of pain.
"He's going to wind up hurt," Picard said.
Riker was suddenly struck by a memory from a year ago. It was from their first few weeks on the Enterprise during one of the early senior officer team outings at Ten Forward. As the night drew to a close, Riker had tried it on with their new Security Chief.
USS Enterprise | Two Weeks After the Farpoint Mission
The night had started to wind down. It was a long day and most of the senior officers had already cleared out to return home. Miles O'Brien and Geordi were off in the corner playing a round of darts.
For the first time all evening, Commander Riker found himself alone with Lieutenant Natasha Yar.
Tasha. He thought, correcting himself.
She didn't like 'Natasha.'
She did like whisky. Cliff jumping. Rock climbing. Rock music. Martial Arts. Running on the holodeck. They had crossed paths at the gym—and she'd whopped his arse on the sparring mat.
Will Riker found her fascinating.
"Your eyes are like stars," Riker said, leaning in.
Tasha Yar simply snorted with laughter. Will Riker slid in close, deciding a different tactical approach was necessary.
"Alright, your thighs are like stars," Riker growled. "And I would love to kiss the stars."
Tasha Yar's face fell in disgust and Will Riker immediately knew that he had crossed a line.
"I'm so sorry. That was inappropriate. Lieutenant, I should never have—"
Riker stopped as Tasha collapsed in laughter.
"The look on your face!" she exclaimed, slapping the table.
Will's face flushed. She'd gotten him good. He was relieved it had all been in jest and that Tasha wasn't offended—Will was also intrigued.
He took hold of Tasha's hand.
"I bet you give as good as you get," he said.
"I'm flattered, Commander. Really. But I don't get involved with colleagues," Tasha said, pulling away.
She reached for her drink and took a long sip.
Will Riker wasn't deterred. Tasha could feel his eyes on her.
"I'm not your type!" Tasha insisted.
"I think you are," Riker threw back playfully.
Tasha just shook her head.
"I don't get involved with colleagues," she repeated.
There was a hint of sadness in her voice that struck a chord with Riker. If he didn't know better, he got the impression Tasha was trying to convince herself. Riker decided to go out on a limb.
"Is it because of what happened on the Crazy Horse? I read in your file that—"
"That was a long time ago," Tasha interjected with a note of finality.
She downed her drink and stood to leave.
"Goodnight, Commander," she said with a polite smile.
Present
Jean-Luc massaged his temples.
"I don't believe Data understands the difference between casual human… engagements," he settled on. "And, well… a commitment. A long-term relationship."
Picard frowned.
"And he doesn't know what he's wading into," Jean-Luc went on.
The whole thing made Jean-Luc's head hurt.
"If he thinks he's in love—"
"Maybe he is," Riker interrupted softly. Riker shrugged. "I mean, who's to say that androids can't fall in love."
Picard made a face.
"Number One, you of all people should be able to appreciate why this is problematic," Picard pointed out as he rose from his chair.
Jean-Luc put his hands on hips and turned to glance out the window.
"Two senior officers. One step away from each other in the chain of command," Picard went on.
It all hit a little too close to home. Jean-Luc wasn't ready to address his own feelings for his Chief Medical Officer. He knew that he could never be Beverly and continue serving as Captain.
"Sir, I could be wrong. But I don't think they've broken the regulations. At least, not aside from the spirit of the rule," Riker said.
As far as he was aware, Data and Tasha had shared a lot of longing looks—and nothing else. At least, nothing else aside from the polywater incident. Captain Picard had already cleared all officers of any charges stemming from the polywater. That meant Data and Tasha were in the clear.
"Number One, I want you to look into this," Picard ordered. "Discreetly."
The next day Geordi and Miles were sitting at Ten Forward over a synthesised pint. O'Brien's shoulder was healed and Geordi's leg had improved. Doctor Crusher said he was expected to make a full recovery. She suspected there would be another two treatments with the osteogenic stimulator and he'd be right as rain.
Geordi could walk with almost no limp and most of his pain was gone. In another few days or so he would be back to moving with ease.
Despite that, Geordi wasn't feeling great. His conversation with Data had stuck in his mind since. It hit him hard seeing Data so affected like that. His best friend had somehow miraculously achieved his dream of experiencing emotion but was currently feeling blue. Knowing that didn't sit right with Geordi.
"Something on your mind?" Miles asked, noting Geordi's foul mood.
"Yeah," Geordi confessed. "I found out why Data's been acting so weird lately."
Miles raised his eyebrows and took a sip of his pint.
"He's got it bad for, well, you know," Geordi said quietly.
Miles nodded in understanding.
"So, what's the hang up?" Miles asked with a shrug. "She prefers blue eyes?"
"I wish it were that simple," Geordi sighed as he shook his head.
Miles cocked his head to the side in anticipation of Geordi's explanation.
"Regulations. I don't think anyone ever envisioned the regulations being a problem for an android Second Officer," Geordi explained. "They're one after the other in the chain of command."
"Ach," Miles scoffed.
He set down his pint, crossed his arms, and leaned into the table.
"Commander Data doesn't understand nuance. And Tasha's by the book. I've got a plan, but I'm going to need your help," Miles explained.
Quietly, Miles filled Geordi in on his plan. In Geordi's opinion, it was good. But Geordi was concerned that Data may not pick up on their message.
"And that's where you'll come in," Miles explained.
"You really think this will work?" Geordi asked.
"Aye, sure why nat?" Miles said with a grin as they toasted their plan.
The next day they set about putting their plan into motion. Geordi had invited Data to a spontaneous poker game that evening. O'Brien's extensive experience aboard several starships had left him with plenty of material to work with and he knew just the man to ask help.
Miles approached Commander Riker in the small canteen near Main Engineering.
"Commander, could I interest you in a poker game later tonight?" Miles asked as he replicated a cup of coffee—double black, double sweet.
Riker's eyes lit up.
"Sure, do you want me to spread the word?" Riker asked.
"This is a special poker game. Gents only if you catch my drift," Miles explained.
He leaned in close and dropped his voice.
"Commander, you served on the Potemkin with Commander Green?" Miles asked.
"Yes," Riker said as he looked questioningly at the Chief Engineer.
"So hypothetically speaking, if I were to ask for your interpretation on Starfleet Regulation 1138 what would your answer be?" Miles said.
Riker knew instantly what regulation Miles was asking about.
"Strictly hypothetical, I would say that Starfleet has a long history of interpreting Regulation 1138 from prohibiting fraternisation when it becomes harmful to the structure of command," Riker replied. "And what my officers do in their spare time is none of my business."
"And if I ask you that same question later tonight, will you answer the same way?" Miles asked in earnest.
Riker smiled, something in his gut told him he knew what this impromptu poker game was all about.
At 19:00, Data joined Miles, Geordi, Commander Riker, and Worf on the holodeck for the impromptu poker night. He was wearing his traditional green visor and was eagerly anticipating an 'evening with the boys' as Geordi had called it.
He took a seat between Commander Riker and Geordi and took up his customary role as the first dealer. Shuffling the cards with pristine efficiency, he let Riker cut the deck and then began to deal.
"Gentleman, the game is Omaha-Hi," Data said as he passed the cards out around the table.
"Have your injuries healed, Lieutenant La Forge?" Worf asked as he glanced at his hand.
"Absolutely!" Geordi said enthusiastically.
Miles took a sip of his pint as they began to bet. He'd let it play out for a bit to ease into the conversation.
After the first round, Miles gave Geordi and Riker a look. It was time.
"How's your shoulder, Chief?" Riker asked as he drew a card.
"It's great," Miles said with a sly grin before adding, "in fact, I wouldn't mind doing it again."
"Inquiry, is this a human euphemism for explaining that you would like to repeat our holodeck climb or that you wish to repeat your injury?" Data asked.
Miles laughed.
"No, Commander," he explained. "I mean I was glad it happened because it led to summat good."
"Oh really?" Geordi prompted.
"Aye. Since I had a few extra hours, I decided to check out the Arboretum," Miles said. "And I saw a real lovely bird."
"I was not aware we had introduced an avian species to the Arboretum. Fascinating," Data said in wonder.
Geordi raised the bet. Miles took a swig before continuing. This may take more explaining that he had anticipated.
"A 'bird' is a woman, Data," Riker said, filling in his Second Officer.
"Ah! Are you referring to Professor Ishikawa?" Data asked.
Geordi's eyebrows shot up. He knew Miles hadn't been in the Arboretum. Miles had told him he would plan to say he had met some lovely lady.
He'd never expected Miles to say the Arboretum. Geordi knew Keiko and Data were friends and they might be opening a metaphorical can of worms.
"I'm not sure," Miles recovered. "I'd like to go back and chat her up. I'll…uh… ask for her name then."
"If it is, in fact, Professor Keiko Ishikawa, she is a wonderful friend," Data said genuinely. "And an excellent botanist."
"Her… right," Geordi jumped in. "Too bad that fraternisation regulations prohibit that."
Data didn't miss a beat.
"That is incorrect," Data stated as he drew a card. "Professor Ishikawa and Chief O'Brien do not report to the same chain of command."
"Oh!" Geordi said awkwardly.
Their plan was falling apart before their eyes.
"Good to know," Miles said coolly. "But what about Lieutenant Quinn? If this Professor wasn't interested in a date then I was thinking about asking the Lieutenant."
As he watched Miles's flawless recovery, Riker had to admit it—Miles O'Brien was probably the only smoother man in this quadrant than himself.
"Yeah, they're both in the same chain of command," Geordi played along as he said a silent prayer to whoever was listening for Miles's brilliant recovery.
"If only there were some way," Miles sighed as he trailed off.
The awkwardness of their conversation was largely lost on Data. But Worf had taken note of what was happening and had a suspicion this was about Tasha.
Although she had never spoken openly of her affection for the Second Officer, it hadn't missed Worf's keen sense. He'd seen the way she looked at him. He'd also observed how unhappy she had been over the last few weeks. Worf had been on the Bridge when Data had returned from her quarters during the polywater incident, and he'd pieced two and two together.
"Klingons have found such regulations to be unnecessary. There is honour in being happy at home," Worf said wisely.
Miles raised his pint to the Klingon.
"Now I'm curious. I've been around enough starships to know that there are plenty of relationships behind closed doors between folks in the same department," Miles said. "And they're good people. They wouldn't break Starfleet regulations."
"Did regulations change?" Geordi asked with faux curiosity.
Worf gave Geordi a stern look—don't quit your day job.
"Commander, hypothetically speaking, if I wanted to pursue a relationship with the Lieutenant would I be violating the regulations?" Miles asked.
"If this situation were to arise, I would say that Starfleet has a long history of interpreting Regulation 1138 from prohibiting fraternisation when it becomes harmful to the structure of command. Otherwise, what my officers do in their spare time is none of my business," Commander Riker said as he delivered his line with a straight face.
Data's positronic brain was firing on all cylinders.
"Commander, may I ask you a personal question?" Data said as he stared intently at nothing.
Geordi could hear him thinking. Miles suppressed a grin. Data had taken the bait.
"Of course, Mr Data," Riker replied as he eyed the android.
"Have you ever engaged in a romantic relationship with a subordinate?" Data asked bluntly.
Data had to know—there were only four officers on the Enterprise under which everyone was technically within their chain of command: The Captain, First Officer, Data, and the Chief Medical Officer.
"Of course," Riker replied.
"And you know that your duty to the Enterprise comes first," Geordi said to explain it in terms he hoped Data would understand. "You balance your personal and professional life so that there is no conflict of interest."
"Exactly," Riker went on.
He turned to face Data eye-to-to and hoped he was conveying his message clearly.
"And I think you'll find, Chief O'Brien," he said as he maintained eye contact with Data, "that should you pursue the relationship, the rewards of a healthy, loving connection can do wonders for a person."
Data turned back to the table. He blinked twice. He laid down his hand and folded his cards.
"Chief, please let me know if you would like me to introduce you to Professor Ishikawa," Data said.
"Uh, sure," Miles said.
"Excuse me," Data said as he stood abruptly.
The gentlemen at the table exchanged looks. No one said anything, they didn't want to stop him.
Riker was unable to suppress his smile. Miles and Worf exchanged a knowing glance. Geordi bit his tongue to keep from cheering.
"I must attend to something," Data announced before he made his way to the arch and exited the holodeck with haste.
"Wooo-eee!" Geordi hollered as soon as Data had left the holodeck.
The four men raised their glasses in a toast.
"Well done, Chief," Geordi commented with a grin.
Four minutes and twelve seconds later Data was outside Tasha's door.
He chimed, but there was no response. Data then realised it was one of the evenings Tasha spent time with Counsellor Troi and Doctor Crusher.
"Computer, please locate Lieutenant Yar," Data instructed.
"Lieutenant Yar is on Deck 9 in room 0910," the computer stated.
His positronic brain counted every step between Tasha's quarters and Deanna's door.
He pinged the door, and after a moment Deanna called for whomever it was to enter.
Data stepped into the doorframe and observed the three women were seated around the table playing a dice game.
"Hello, Data," Doctor Crusher said.
"Has something happened?" Tasha asked.
Counsellor Troi's face registered shock as she could sense a mixture of strong emotions coming from Data.
"Data, are you alright?" Deanna inquired.
Her empathic skills picked up on a strange mix of excitement, relief, and a hint of desire.
"Lieutenant Yar, may I speak with you?" Data asked.
Tasha got up from the table and made her way over to the doorframe.
"Alone," Data added quietly.
"I'll be back," Tasha told Beverly and Deanna.
The door closed and Beverly looked at Deanna for an explanation.
"No, she won't be," Deanna said with a knowing smile.
Once they were alone outside the Counsellor's quarters, Data took Tasha's hand and whisked her along the corridor.
"Data, what's going on?" Tasha questioned as they stepped on the turbolift.
"I need to speak with you. In private," he added quickly.
She couldn't put her finger on it, but if she had to describe his behaviour, she would call it 'eagerness.'
A moment later they were outside Tasha's quarters.
She opened the door and Data waited for her to step inside before following after her.
Tasha turned and looked at Data, studying his strange expression for a moment.
"What's this all about?" she asked.
Data didn't answer.
"Data?" Tasha pressed.
He didn't respond verbally. Instead, Data stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Tasha, pulling her close to his chest.
Tasha closed her eyes and leaned into it. Breathing deeply, she let herself melt into the embrace.
The part of her brain that was screaming about regulations was battling the part of her brain that wanted to savour the feel of Data's long arms and tight embrace.
They stayed like that for a moment in a comfortable silence.
Tasha felt safe.
And warm.
Desirable.
Data smiled as he felt her arms snake around his lean frame to return the embrace. Tasha gently clutched the back of his uniform.
As much as she wanted to stay like that, the Starfleet officer portion of Tasha's brain was gnawing away at her. She moved to pull away and Data released her immediately.
"Commander," Tasha said.
She took a step backward and addressed Data by his rank in an effort to put some distance between them.
"The more we do this the harder it becomes for me to pretend," she said. "The more I touch you, the closer we are, the more difficult it becomes to stop thinking about your hands."
"My hands?" Data inquired.
Tasha pursed her lips in frustration.
"I can't go on like this, Data. Not with you dropping in here with your head tilts and your damn hands!"
"Head tilts?" Data inquired as characteristically cocked his head to the left and glanced down at his hands.
Had it been anyone else, Tasha would have suspected they were doing it to annoy her.
"You really don't know how cute you can be," she said, shaking her head.
Cute?
Data was taken aback as his processing was overwhelmed with an unknown sense. She had called him 'cute.' Why did that make him feel warm? Data could detect no issue with his internal coolant regulation.
Is this vanity?Data pondered.
"I don't want to pretend anymore. Data, I can't go on like this," Tasha confessed.
Data stepped forward and gently cupped Tasha's face.
"Then do not."
Data leaned down and pressed a slow, lingering kiss on her lips.
After a moment, he pulled back to study Tasha's reaction.
To her confusion, Data was staring at her—lips parted, wonder in his eyes, and the corner of his mouth curved upward like he'd just discovered the meaning of a human idiom.
"Starfleet regulations do not prohibit us from pursuing a relationship," he announced brightly.
It was clear from Tasha's expression that his explanation had been insufficient.
"Starfleet regulations only prohibit fraternisation when it becomes harmful to the structure of command," Data explained. "Even Commander Riker has engaged in romantic relationships with subordinates."
Tasha took a minute to absorb his words.
She knew that Riker had been involved with a number of different crew members—all of whom fell under his chain of command. However, there was a world of difference between two officers in different departments (albeit the same general chain of command) and a relationship between two senior officers.
Tasha reported directly to Data. He was her immediate supervisor.
"During the 1,435 steps between the holodeck and your quarters I accessed and analysed over thirty years of Starfleet disciplinary hearings regarding Regulation 1138. It is exceedingly rare for Starfleet to pursue disciplinary action against officers. In fact, I could only find two cases during that time frame, both of which involved situations in which the crewmembers' actions led to a harmful command structure," Data explained.
Tasha knew what he was getting at. She knew that there were officers out there that technically bent the regs. However, Tasha had never considered the possibility that a technicality in the interpretation of that regulation was used for such widespread justification.
Most people simply didn't ask—or avoided the matter altogether through a transfer or reassignment.
"Do you think you can sufficiently separate your duty as Chief Security Officer from your personal feelings, from a relationship?" Data asked.
Tasha didn't respond immediately. She chewed on her lip for a moment, gazing up at Data's face. It was hard to ignore his pleading look.
Tasha knew that if she said 'no,' Data would leave it at that. He would respect her answer and they could go back to living their miserable lives pretending they didn't want to be together. Life was safer that way.
But Tasha Yar had never been one to run from adventure.
She took Data's hands in her own and placed a gentle kiss on them. Then she glanced up and held Data's gaze, wordlessly awaiting his answer in kind.
Data's lips crashed against her own as his hands found the small of Tasha's back. His mouth was everywhere—her lips, her jawline, the spot below her ear.
"I have thought of this often," Data confessed. "Of what it would be like to hold you again."
Tasha clutched Data's shoulders, wordlessly urging him on. She dropped her voice.
"We can do mushy later."
Data left Tasha's quarters at 22:35. He felt more at ease than he had in the last three weeks. They had developed a set of parameters to 'test the waters' in pursuing a relationship. They would maintain a strictly professional distance outside of their quarters.
Data had inquired if Tasha would be interested in attending an upcoming performance of The Cherry Orcharddirected by Doctor Crusher. Tasha had declined.
She explained that it wasn't that she felt uncomfortable being with him in public. She felt no shame about this newfound relationship. Tasha was a private person in general. In time, they would be able to slowly introduce their relationship more publicly.
But first they had to establish their relationship wasn't going to be a problem.
Data asked for Tasha's thoughts on informing the Captain. Tasha said she understood his reasoning. Data offered that he would speak with Captain Picard tomorrow and inform him of the situation.
Data was halfway back to his own quarters when his combadge chimed.
"Captain Picard to Lieutenant Commander Data."
"Acknowledged," Data said as he stopped walking.
"May I see you in my Ready Room?" Picard asked.
"On my way," Data replied, tapping his combadge and turning into the nearest turbolift.
Data found Captain Picard behind his desk with a steaming cup of Earl Grey.
"Please have a seat," Picard instructed.
"How can I be of assistance?" Data asked as he sat down, his perfect posture maintained at all hours.
A heavy sigh escaped from the Captain's throat.
"I am unsure of how to put this, Mr Data," Picard began. "Are you alright? As of late, I have observed some unusual behaviour."
"I am functioning within normal parameters," Data replied.
"Mr Data, may I ask why you attempted to interface with the com to override the life support shutdown? That was quite a risk."
Data fell silent. Jean-Luc took the opportunity to give Data a clear picture of what he knew.
"If your plan had succeeded, you may have been able to restart the life support in four rooms. And if it had failed…"
Picard trailed off. "
"Well, I don't care to think about the other possible outcomes," Jean-Luc concluded.
"At the time of the outage, I was trapped in a room with a crewmember and concerned for their safety," Data explained. "I calculated when the carbon dioxide production would reach a critical level and waited as long as possible before I made the decision to proceed."
It was technically an answer—but hardly an explanation.
"And may I ask if you would have made the same call for any other crewmember on this ship?" Picard questioned knowingly.
"I am unsure," Data replied in earnest.
"If it had been Commander Riker?" Picard inquired.
"Yes, I believe I would have made the same decision under those circumstances," Data answered without hesitation.
Jean-Luc's eyes narrowed as he studied Data's behaviour. Data looked nervous, like an Ensign awaiting a reprimand.
"Why?"
"Commander Riker is essential to the Enterprise command structure. As Second Officer, it is my duty to protect him," Data stated.
"What if this had been Lieutenant La Forge?" Picard inquired.
Data nodded. There was no question. Data would do anything to keep Geordi safe.
"And what about Lieutenant Dean?" Picard pressed.
"The anthropologist?" Data asked in response.
Picard nodded in the affirmative.
Dean was not a close friend. He was a competent officer, but hardly an essential crew member. Jean-Luc was hoping to elicit an emotional wakeup call within Data, to help him realise the grave nature of his risky choice.
"Perhaps, sir," Data said. "I had concerns about what may happen. Specifically, I was concerned that the exposure could lead to malfunctions or pose a danger to my programming and memories."
"And had it been Lieutenant Dean?"
Data cocked his head to the side as he weighed the hypothetical.
"I am uncertain. Perhaps. Though, I will confess that I do not… feel the same need, the same desire to sacrifice myself for Lieutenant Dean as I do for other officers," Data said.
"As you did earlier today?" Picard inquired.
Data nodded.
"I was compelled to act, Captain. A member of the crew was at risk," Data said.
"The ship was at risk," Picard countered.
Picard took a sip from the saucer and set it back down on his desk. He sighed as he studied Data's sheepish face.
"Yet you proceeded because you wanted to save Lieutenant Yar?" Picard said.
There was no sense in dancing around it. Picard had finally reached the point of his questions—a fact that was not lost on Data. Data ran through dozens of possible explanations. After a moment, he found there was only one thing that would suffice.
"Yes, sir," he replied in a small voice.
Jean-Luc leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his lap.
"Why?"
"Because I care about her a lot more than I am supposed to."
Captain Picard closed his eyes and visibly grimaced. He pinched the bridge of his nose, obviously irritated by Data's answer.
"There are 1,748 people onboard this starship, Data!" Picard bellowed. "Why did you have to develop feelings for another senior officer? For her?"
Data was taken aback by the Captain's burst of anger.
"I am unable to explain my feelings other than to say that when I am not around her, I find that I miss her presence."
Picard's heart sank as he watched Data's face light up.
"I experience a fluttering sensation in the abdominal portion of my endoskeleton when our lips make contact," Data went on. "I have also observed that at the moment of orgasm she bites her lower lip in a manner that I find most aesthetically pleasing. Her soap has a soft scent of—"
Jean-Luc slammed his teacup down harder than intended. Data stopped babbling. Calming himself, Picard decided to respond with compassion rather than frustration—in spite of feeling conflicted.
On the one hand, he was pleased that Data was experiencing a relationship with a remarkable woman.
Yet on the other hand, he was concerned by Data's sudden development of feelings.
And Tasha knows better. Picard thought.
Furthermore, Picard felt his thoughts drift briefly to his Chief Medical Officer and his inability to act upon his own feelings due to Starfleet regulation.
"It was our intention to inform you of our relationship tomorrow," Data explained.
"I appreciate that notion," Picard replied tersely.
Jean-Luc raked his eyes over Data. First impressions be damned, Data had endeared himself to Jean-Luc. Between his outstanding leadership and cool head, Data had shown he was far more than the sum of his parts. Jean-Luc considered Data a friend—a true friend—just like the friendship he'd shared with Jack Crusher.
"Data, isn't this all a bit sudden?" Picard asked hesitantly.
He didn't want to know the details. But he also couldn't sit by and watch while Data rushed headfirst into a broken heart.
"Captain, are you opposed to our relationship?" Data asked plainly.
Damn. Thought Jean-Luc.
Data was far too perceptive.
"Lieutenant Yar is a remarkable woman," Picard began.
"But?" Data prompted.
A pained look crossed Jean-Luc's face. It wasn't his place to tell another officer—let alone another person—who he could or could not pursue.
Some things a man must learn for himself. Picard reasoned.
"The less I know the better, Data. I only wanted to ascertain that this will not impact your role as Second Officer nor Tasha's responsibility as Chief Security Officer."
"We assure you that this will not impact our duty to the Enterprise," Data said confidently.
"See that it does not," Picard responded sternly.
"Sir, you are one smart cookie," Data said fondly before exiting.
Data returned to his quarters and carefully watered his Himalayan Blue Poppy. He sat down at his workstation and pulled out his PADD. Ships stores should make it possible to fulfil his requisition request tomorrow.
"Computer, play music program Data 472," he instructed.
The sound of the upbeat music filled his quarters as he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Data slowed his processing focused solely on the feeling of warmth that had overtaken his body.
Blue days, all of them gone. Nothing but blue skies from now on.