A/N: Thank you all for kind reviews, kudos, and support.
I've had a couple of questions from folks re: the regulations. Starfleet Regulation 1138 is canon to the Trek universe. However (within canon), it has been interpreted as to only apply in circumstances where fraternisation impacts an officer's duty or the chain of command.
The one exception to that interpretation, is the Commanding Officer or Captain. *sighs in Picard/Crusher what-ifs*
Yes, Picard is struggling with this. He's human—and far from perfect. I hope this chapter clears up a little bit of the reasons why Jean-Luc is acting this way. He's worried about his friends (and not quite ready to unpack his own feelings for a certain Chief Medical Officer).
C/W: This chapter includes discussion about an alleged sexual assault surrounding the polywater incident. It's a misunderstanding between two characters and, in this story, no assault took place. There are no details or descriptions.
Data was seated cross legged on the sofa in Tasha's quarters. PADD in hand, he was finishing his log entry on their experience meeting Portal 63. They were out of the Delphi Ardu system and en route to Gamma Tauri IV with the T-9 Energy Converter they had recovered from the Ferengi.
Following their return to the Enterprise, the team had set a course to get them safely away from the Ferengi. Then they had sat through a one hour debrief in the observation lounge. Captain Picard was concerned after their first encounter with the Ferengi. Now that they had a visual and scan of a Ferengi ship, the Captain had tasked Data with reviewing Starfleet records for any other possible previous encounters.
The door slid open, and steam rolled out from Tasha's lavvy. She stepped out into the main part of her quarters wearing her pyjamas and wrapped and towelled off her wet hair.
Before they knew they'd be beaming down to meet with a 600,000-year-old Guardian of the Tkon Empire, Data and Tasha had planned to spend the evening together. No, they had no grand romantic night planned—just a casual evening.
The two had been planning a replicated dinner and then Tasha would read to Data from the latest terror novel she'd been interested in. Data confessed that having someone read to him was extremely beneficial to his understanding of the human equation. It allowed him to pick up on the natural emotion and intonation that his own quick-read analysis and processing did not register automatically.
Tasha was happy to oblige, and Data enjoyed listening to her narrate. There was an undeniable chemistry between them. They were taking things slowly, proceeding with caution. Aside from his sexual history, Data had no experience of intimate relationships outside of that. He'd never had a partner before.
Tasha was not a fan of the term 'girlfriend' and was reluctant to put a word on it. 'Partner' seemed very formal and serious at this stage.
Tasha had always kept her relationships casual. As a Security officer, she knew every day could be a risk. She never wanted to get too attached to anyone for fear of something happening. It was a lesson she had learned first-hand. Her first few years out of the academy found her moving around a lot. Her longest stint was three years on the USS Crazy Horse.
It was on the Crazy Horse that she'd gotten involved with Alfie.
Lieutenant Alfie O'Conner had been a medical officer aboard theCrazy Horse. He was sweet, a little shy, and he enjoyed climbing. Above all, he was patient. They'd struck up a comfortable banter and soon become good friends.
After a year, things got flirty.
And after a particularly rough day, in which a failed rescue and evacuation mission had gone wrong, a hug and tears led to a kiss that became a much-needed intimate evening.
Tasha fell hard.
She threw caution to wind and dove headfirst into a relationship with that tender-hearted medic and his soft brown eyes.
They had a year together before he died on an away mission trying to save a dog.
Tasha still felt a twinge of frustration over that. But it would always quickly subside—because that was Alfie. It didn't matter who or what it was, if it was a lifeform in danger then Alfie was the first to jump into action.
Trubian III was a Federation colony. It had put out a call for help after record flooding swept through the colony. The Crazy Horse had responded. Ensign Grove had told her they'd warned Alfie to leave the dog behind. But the elderly colonist that owned the dog was distraught. They reasoned that Alfie thought it would keep the party moving to the evac point if he went back for the dog.
He trudged through rising flood waters and dangerous debris to catch up to the rest of the party.
Alfie had been less than two metres away from the rest of the team, cradling the large furry dog, when he lost his footing and was swept away by the fast flood current. It only took sixty seconds for an adult human to drown.
They were unable to lock onto Alfie's transporter signal as the current carried him off. Tasha had been furious at the team for failing to go after him. But she knew deep down her expectation was unrealistic.
A few hours later his body had stopped, and they were able to lock on and beam him aboard. Per his request, Alfie had been honoured with a small holodeck service where he had delivered pre-recorded messages for his friends.
"No tears," Alfie said. "Only happy memories."
In the aftermath, Tasha had poured herself into her work. Life had seemed so fragile. She recorded her own holodeck funeral messages for friends on the Crazy Horse and set out to volunteer for every dangerous away mission she could.
As a Security officer with no significant other or family, Tasha felt that she had a responsibility to take on the dangerous assignments.
Because if she died on an away mission, it meant there wasn't someone back onboard waiting for a loved one who would never come home. It was one less relationship, one less family torn apart.
Ironically, it had been this skewed sense of duty and disregard for her own safety that had led her into a dangerous mission to liberate Bajoran workers in a Cardassian forced labour camp and her reunion with Jean-Luc Picard—whom she had met years earlier in a Carnelian minefield.
During their first encounter, Tasha's refusal to leave behind a single colonist had so impressed Jean-Luc Picard that he knew to keep his eye on that young woman.
Years later, their reunion on the mission following Alfie's death had been a turning point.
Jean-Luc was once again amazed at her abilities and Tasha had been ready for a change.
He had requested that she be transferred to his ship the Atreides. He wanted to promote her to Chief Security Officer and requested Tasha help him assemble a crew for their next assignment to the newly commissioned Enterprise-D.
So, she surmised that in some strange way, Alfie had led her to Data.
Data's hand brought Tasha back as she realised that she'd been standing there lost in her own thoughts.
"Tasha?" he asked as he took hold of her hand.
"Sorry," she replied. "Daydreaming."
Data raised his eyebrows with keen curiosity.
"Do you feel more rested after the experience?"
It was a question he had long wanted to ask. Tasha looked at him for a moment confused by the question. Slowly realisation dawned on her.
"No Data," she replied with a smile. "You know how sometimes your brain focuses on one topic but then starts to wander?"
"A brain cannot physically leave the space in which it exists without—" he stopped talking when he saw Tasha shake her head.
"Do you remember earlier on the Bridge when I asked about primary colours, and you began to rattle off the various Earth nations and the colours of their historical flags?"
"Ah! Yes. The Captain became quite agitated. I do tend to babble. However, sometimes my neural net begins to explore related information files or calculate possible outcomes in scenarios of—"
Data stopped. He cocked his head to the side as he pieced together Tasha's statement.
"Are you saying I have experienced daydreaming?"
Tasha bit back a grin, nodding.
"Yeah, Data," she said.
"I have experienced daydreaming," Data said in awe.
His neural net surged. Data stared off at nothing, his eyes full of wonder.
Tasha couldn't help but feel a little satisfied with herself knowing that the simplest of things could still bring awe to the ever-knowledgeable android.
"I have experienced daydreaming," he repeated as the corner of his mouth curled up into a small smile.
Tasha grabbed a cuppa from the replicator and asked Data if she could get him anything. He smiled and declined. He didn't have a biological need to consume, aside from the occasional supplement. However, he greatly appreciated the offer.
It made him feel human.
Settling on Tasha's sofa, Data sat properly at one end and Tasha got cosy on the other. She grabbed her PADD and selected the next chapter of the horror novel.
She cleared her throat and began to read from the PADD.
"As they played the recording recovered from the wreck of the ship, they could hear the panicked screams of the missing crew. Someone or something had attacked the Erebus. The lights flickered and Colonel Bridges could hear the low growl in the distance. Approaching the door—"
Tasha watched Data closely. His eyes were wide, pupils blown as he hung on her every word. As Tasha went on, she noticed his respiratory program operating at an increased pace. Using this to her advantage, she really dove into the final part as she described the fictional protagonist creeping down the hallway.
Tasha could see the anticipation building in Data's face. She knew he had a vivid imagination. His passion for stories, adventure, and discovery could not be overlooked. Anyone that thought Data lacked an imaginative faculty was sorely mistaken.
"Colonel Bridges gripped his phaser tightly. As he waved the door open, the lights flickered again before they went out," Tasha read dramatically.
Data was so engrossed in the story he didn't notice as Tasha slowly slid her foot along the sofa, stopping inches away from his leg.
"Another growl ripped through the darkness, only much closer than before," she said in the scariest voice she could muster. "When BAM!"
She poked Data in the leg with her foot and, much to her delight, he jumped.
Tasha let her head fall back, laughing. Data's hand clutched his chest as the panic left his eyes. He dropped his head and smiled sheepishly up at her.
It melted her heart.
"I believe that I now understand why you enjoy scary stories," Data said. "The thrill is most pleasing."
It had initially been a source of confusion for Data when he had learned Tasha like fictional horror novels. She had tried to explain that sometimes humans enjoyed a little scare knowing they were in no real danger.
She set the PADD down on the sill of the window and crawled toward him.
"You're really cute. Do you know that?" she said with a grin.
"You seem to be of that opinion," Data replied.
"Would you like to continue?" she asked.
He nodded. She pulled the PADD off the sill but didn't move away.
Data wrapped an arm Tasha, and she settled in against the crook of his shoulder.
"Is this acceptable?" Data asked
"It's brilliant," she replied.
Tasha relaxed against Data and continued with the story.
Across the ship Miles and Geordi were enjoying a synthesised pint at Ten Forward. It had been a long day and the two were relieved that it was a slow night at the lounge.
"Chief, did you really beam over a whole box of those finger traps?" Geordi asked Miles.
"Aye," Miles said with a sly grin.
"I can't believe we got Data with it!" Geordi said. "I mean he was really, truly stuck."
"Do you think it's got summat to do with his neural net being preoccupied?" Miles winked.
Geordi smiled.
"He actually called our mission today 'something to write home about.' It was very human," Geordi explained as he recounted Data's offhand comment.
Miles contemplated the statement as he took a sip of his pint.
"We'll I fer one am just glad he's met somebody," Miles said.
"Our little boy's all grown up," Geordi teased.
Suddenly Miles shot Geordi a look.
"Look alive, nine o'clock headed straight for you, mate," Miles said in a low voice.
Geordi glanced over to see Professor Keiko Ishikawa making a beeline toward their table.
"Looks like she's got her eye on you," Miles said with a smile.
Geordi bit back a laugh. Data must have taken the initiative to tell Keiko about Miles following their poker game.
"Hi, are you Chief O'Brien?" Keiko asked as she sat down between Geordi and Miles.
Miles nodded.
"I'm Keiko. Keiko Ishikawa. It seems we have a mutual friend or two," she said as her and Geordi exchanged a smile.
Realisation had yet to hit Miles as he reached for his pint.
"I was wondering if you'd like to get a drink with me Friday?" Keiko said.
Miles choked on his pint.
The ever-composed Miles suddenly found himself at a loss for words.
A woman, an attractive woman, was trying it on. With him.
"I… erm, aye," Miles managed to choke out.
"Great! How does 21:00 sound?" Keiko asked.
Miles, tongue-tied, nodded and gave her a small nod in response.
"I'll see you then," Keiko said, grinning.
Keiko bid the pair a goodnight as she headed out of Ten Forward. For her part, she had been slightly taken aback when Data had approached her about the matter. Data had gone so far as to tell her a little bit about Chief O'Brien. It seemed they both had a passion for music and Data had 'calculated' an 86.23% chance that their personalities were 'compatible.'
But the more Data shared, the more Keiko thought that Miles O'Brien seemed like a guy worth having a drink with—at the very least she might meet a new friend.
As soon as she was gone, Miles cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head.
"Smooth, real smooth," Geordi teased.
"Jaysus," Miles exclaimed.
He was still staring at the spot where Keiko had just been.
"Radiant," he breathed.
"Radiant?" Geordi repeated back.
"Aye. And feisty, that one. I just sense it coming off her," Miles said with a shiver of anticipation.
Geordi quirked an eyebrow at the Chief.
"And I like it," Miles growled.
"He couldn't be certain, but something told him the creature was still out there," Tasha said as she finished the chapter and set down the PADD on the windowsill.
She glanced up at Data. His eyes were closed, lost in the story as he absorbed the experience.
"Thank you," he said.
From the built-in shelf across the room, Tasha's combadge pinged.
"Captain Picard for Lieutenant Yar," it said as the Captain's voice carried through her quarters.
Tasha got up from the sofa with a sigh at the loss of contact with Data. She had been quite comfortable.
"Yar here," she replied, tapping the combadge.
"Could you please come to my Ready Room?" Picard asked.
"Acknowledged, on my way," she replied, shooting Data an apologetic look.
Data assured her it was quite alright.
Tasha grinned. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before he was on his way.
"I enjoy your presence," he explained. "But I understand it is impractical to expect your company at all times—even if that would be preferable."
"I'll see you tomorrow," she replied as he headed out the door.
Standing in the doorframe watching him leave, Tasha shook her head. She was pleased they were taking things slow. But she couldn't deny that presently her thoughts were fixed on how well Data filled out his uniform.
After quickly changing into her own uniform, Tasha made her way up to the Captain's Ready room. She wasn't sure what the Captain needed to see her about, but she had a suspicion it was regarding Data.
"Come in," Picard called out.
She entered stiffly and Jean-Luc motioned for her to take a seat.
"Thank you for coming, Tasha," he replied.
Tasha?
The use of her name had Tasha on guard from the start.
"I apologise as I had hoped to speak with you sooner, but our most recent mission took priority," the Captain explained.
Tasha nodded in understanding.
"I want you to know that I am aware of your relationship with Mr Data. What you do outside of your shift is none of my concern. I am delighted."
His stiff body language and tone of voice indicated anything but.
"But as your Captain, I need to know that this will not impact your duties as my Tactical Officer and Chief of Security," Picard explained.
"Sir, I can assure you that it has no impact on my duty to Starfleet," Tasha explained confidently. "We're both capable of separating our responsibilities to the Enterprise from our personal feelings."
"Thank you, Tasha," Picard said as he took a sip of Earl Gray.
Setting his saucer down, Captain Picard leaned forward in his chair and met Tasha's gaze.
"If we could remove ourselves from our roles as Captain and Chief Security Officer for a moment, I'd like to ask you a personal question. If I may?" Picard inquired.
Tasha gave a shallow nod as unease crept into the pit of her stomach.
"In the time we've served together, I have come to consider Mr Data a trusted Second Officer and exceptional member of my crew," Picard prefaced. "And I have observed that, as of late, he appears to be exhibiting human emotion."
"Because he is," Tasha replied.
"In the time I've known him, I have come to regard Mr Data as a dear friend," Picard said. "And I think very highly of you, Tasha."
"Thank you, Sir," Tasha replied as she eyed the Captain carefully.
She wasn't sure where he was going with his statement. It hinted at neither a blessing nor a disapproval. Jean-Luc had a crusty exterior. This could very well be the closest thing to an endorsement Data and Tasha might receive.
"And as his friend, I know that while he is certainly more intelligent than any of us could ever hope to aspire to be, he lacks an emotional intelligence that humans develop as they grow and interact," Picard went on.
Jean-Luc couldn't deny he had concerns about their relationship. He was aware of Tasha's adolescence on the violent Turkana IV, her lost love, and the fact she was more like a young Jean-Luc than either of them cared to admit—especially when it came to matters of the heart.
He greatly admired his Chief Security Officer. But Picard also observed she had a tendency to avoid getting too close to anyone on the ship, that she guarded her heart.
He tried to convey to Tasha that, as much as their relationship was none of his business, he was concerned that Data's expectations may not align with her expectations.
"Forgive me, Tasha but I can't dance around this," Picard stated. "I'm aware of the circumstances of the polywater incident. Please let me finish—"
Tasha had opened her mouth to cut him off, but Picard raised his hand gently.
"I was also affected, Tasha. I hold no judgement for your actions. I think you should be aware that he misunderstood your desire to consider the event 'water under the bridge'. In fact, Data was so deeply troubled that he tried to resign," Picard explained.
"I'm aware, Sir," Tasha replied.
Picard's thoughts drifted back to a conversation he had never expected to have with his Second Officer.
Jean-Luc had grown to consider Data a wonderful friend. They shared a mutual love for literature, philosophy, and art. The man was genuinely intriguing.
Furthermore, he found Data's perspective to be refreshingly honest.
Despite this, at times it was painfully obvious that since Data missed 'growing up' as a human would, he lacked certain awareness in social situations.
Stardate 41209.3
It had been forty-eight hours since the polywater incident. Life aboard the ship had begun to return to normal. Data and Captain Picard were in his quarters enjoying their weekly chess game.
"Data, forgive me, but my King has been in check for the last three turns," Picard said.
Picard was curious as to what Data was planning. The topic of conversation had been Voltaire, the wine a synthesised Demaine Leroy Richebourg Grand Cru. Data had just finished Candide and had been eager to discuss it with the Captain.
Although Data's senses did not afford him taste in the same respect as Captain Picard, he had come to appreciate the Captain's vast knowledge on the subject of wine.
Since coming aboard, the two men had started a weekly chess game. It was entirely social, and Picard greatly enjoyed Data's company.
Data looked down, almost sheepishly, before pulling his head up to make eye contact with the Captain.
"Sir, I regret to inform you that I must resign from Starfleet," Data stated.
Jean-Luc was dumbstruck.
"I was hoping to draw the game out for my own benefit. I have greatly enjoyed these evenings during my time here," Data explained. "However, I did not anticipate you would expose your King so easily."
While many would have taken the observation as an insult, Picard did not. He was genuinely worried.
There was something in Data's face, a deep sorrow that belied the turmoil Data felt inside.
"During the events of the Tsiolkovsky mission, I engaged in behaviour that violated Starfleet regulations—" Data began to say.
Picard stopped him.
"The polywater affected all of us, Mr Data. You hold no responsibility for what happened," Picard assured him.
"Respectfully, Sir, I chose to engage in this behaviour prior to my polywater infection," Data stated bluntly. "At the time, I did not realise that my actions were harmful to a fellow member of the crew. However, I now understand what I have done."
Picard was at a loss for words.
There had been some injuries reported following the incident. There were a few fights amongst the crew, two young ensigns had attempted a mediaeval joust on the holodeck (after disabling the safety protocols), and a Lieutenant had attempted to jump off the platform above the warp core in Main Engineering.
But not one of those incidents had reported Data as an involved party.
Picard demanded answers.
"What do you mean, Data? What happened?"
"I cannot say. I gave my word, Sir," Data said simply. "You will find my resignation has been sent to your files."
Picard stood and began to pace back and forth across his Ready Room, muttering to himself in disbelief.
"This is unacceptable, Mr Data," Picard declared.
"I do regret that I permitted my judgement to lapse. It has been an honour to serve under your command," Data said as he began to reset the chess board.
Picard stopped pacing and whipped around.
"Data, I order you to tell me what happened."
Data looked aghast. His tone was pleading.
"Sir, I gave my word that I would never mention it."
Data had never before disregarded a direct order. It was bizarre that he would start now. The polywater incident had left everyone with a sense of embarrassment—but Data could not feel shame.
"That is an order, Mr Data," Picard repeated.
Data shifted uncomfortably. He took a deep breath before proceeding, as if he were struggling for words.
"I violated Starfleet Regulations under section 17.43 regarding the Code of Conduct during the polywater incident," Data said flatly. "I knowingly did so prior to the polywater intoxication influence on my neural net."
Picard eyed Data carefully.
"As I said, my actions have caused harm to a crewmember and based on my—"
Data tried his best to clarify the situation, but Picard was not accepting of this explanation.
"What happened Data?" Picard pressed in a stern voice.
"As I am trying to explain, Sir. I violated the Code of Conduct and—"
"Data!" Picard snapped as his tolerance for Data's babble wore thin.
It took Data 0.014 seconds to calculate that Captain Picard would accept nothing short of a full explanation for his actions.
So, regretfully, Data told him.
"You ordered me to escort Lieutenant Yar to Sickbay. While I technically complied with the order eventually, I did not comply with the, as you would say, 'spirit' of the order, Sir," Data admitted.
Picard waved his hand to indicate he was growing impatient waiting for Data's explanation.
"You see, for some time I have found that I prefer to be in the presence of a specific colleague. Although I am incapable of experiencing emotion, I believe you would call this… desire."
Data cast his eyes downward as if he were ashamed of his own feelings.
"And before Escorting Lieutenant Yar to Sickbay, I agreed to the advances of this crewmember. I took advantage of the situation for my own—"
Data paused and swallowed hard before continuing.
"Pleasure."
His voice was so soft and low that Picard had barely heard it.
Jean-Luc sat down behind his desk as he contemplated Data's confession. Picard convinced himself that it had to be a misunderstanding.
"Data, I could care less if you kissed someone in a turbolift," Picard grumbled.
Of course, he didn't mean that literally—but this was lost on Data.
"Sir, during the incident, I disregarded my duty for seventy-one minutes to engage in what I thought was a mutually consensual act of sexual intercourse. But after the fact, the individual—"
Picard interjected.
"Data, the polywater only lowered the inhibitions of those infected."
This time, it was Data who cut off the Captain.
"And yet other members of the crew made better choices than I," Data argued. "In any case, it is irrelevant, sir. The crew member in question has made clear that she is uncomfortable in my presence."
Data felt awful for putting Tasha in such a position.
"I told her that I understood should she wish to press charges against me. She declined, but I advised that, should she speak with Counsellor Troi and change her mind, I will readily confess my guilt and accept whatever punishment Starfleet issues."
Picard could see how deeply troubled his Second Officer was by these events.
"Did this member of the crew request you leave the Enterprise?" Picard asked as he tried to assess the situation.
If a member of the crew had been harmed, Jean-Luc had a responsibility to ensure their safety and pursue any legal charges they felt were warranted.
"No," Data answered.
"Did this crew member make any request of you? To avoid their presence? To transfer to a different department or shift? Did this crew member state that they felt you committed a crime?" Picard questioned.
"No," Data explained. "They denied the event ever occurred."
Data was still confused about that. It seemed a most inefficient way of addressing embarrassment.
"I later approached them for an additional explanation and offered both my apologies and my willingness to follow any requests or consequences they felt were appropriate," Data added.
Picard pondered this as he leaned back in his chair, scratching his chin.
"She reiterated that the event did not occur and asked that I promise to not speak of it to anyone," Data said.
Data went on to explain to the Captain that he considered the possibility the polywater had impacted his memory engrams. However, after conducting several diagnostic tests, he had confirmed this was not the case. His memory of the event was intact without error.
Data's next step had been to examine human behaviour, sexual consent, and Tasha's personnel file. Data's research led him to the conclusion that Tasha was managing the trauma by pretending the incident had never happened. In his mind, Data concluded that Tasha was coping by acting as if the assault had never taken place.
"I have observed this individual's behaviour has changed significantly since the interaction. They have detached from their usual routine. I believe they are coping by ignoring the trauma. I fear this is not healthy. The safest choice is for me to resign, and I only ask that I be permitted to ask Counsellor Troi, privately, to ensure the future wellbeing of the person I have harmed," Data said.
Picard tried as gently as he could to explain that sometimes humans felt embarrassment or regret following sexual encounters. However, he informed Data he would be looking into the incident and would keep his resignation on 'hold' for the time being.
"Data, did you force yourself on her? Did she tell you no? Ask you to stop?" Picard questioned.
"No. She invited me to her bed."
Data frowned.
"But consent may be withdrawn at any time," Data added. "Sir, I believe that this was grave error on my part, and I have harmed her in a way that—"
Data trailed off, overcome by guilt.
He knew about Turkana IV. He knew Tasha had been survived a childhood plagued by violence, famine, and sexual assault.
"Who is the crew member?" Picard asked.
"Sir, they requested that I never speak of the incident to anyone," Data repeated.
"Data, I have to investigate this," Picard explained. "The name?"
"I would like it noted that I do so under protest," Data objected.
He looked down to the floor for a moment as if he were collecting his thoughts.
"Sir—"
"Data!" Picard barked.
"Tasha."
Data was unable to meet the Captain's eye.
"Lieutenant Yar?" Picard asked in disbelief.
"For some time, I have observed signs that I interpreted as interest. I thought we shared a mutual attraction. Therefore, when she—"
Data paused momentarily as he reflected on the memory. It stung.
"Given my lack of social awareness, it would appear my conclusion was inaccurate," Data concluded sadly.
Data looked as if he were describing a painful memory. It was so human.
Picard ordered Data to go and wait in Picard's own private quarters and then sealed the door. He instructed Data to remain there until he came to collect him.
Picard immediately ordered Counsellor Troi to his Ready Room. She arrived several minutes later. Jean-Luc instructed Deanna that he wanted her to sit in on his meeting with Tasha.
Jean-Luc had been vague with Counsellor Troi, and she had picked up on it immediately. Picard explained that he was concerned something had occurred during the polywater incident and it was possible Lieutenant Yar had withheld information to protect a crewmate.
"I want to be clear that I do not believe Tasha has committed any violation of Starfleet protocol. But it is possible she omitted certain events. If so, I need to be aware of her motivation for doing so," Picard said.
Deanna nodded in understanding. Once that was settled, he summoned Lieutenant Yar to his Ready Room. She arrived several moments later and took a seat next to Deanna.
With pleasantries out of the way, Picard dove into the heart of the matter.
"Lieutenant, I wanted to ask you about our recent mission involving the Tsiolkovsky," Picard said as he yanked down his uniform shirt.
"Yes, Sir. I want to apologise for my behaviour," Tasha stated.
She had a sinking feeling that her lewd actions that day would come back to bite her in the backside.
"You have nothing to apologise for, Lieutenant," Picard assured her. "I was affected as well. I read through your report."
Tasha had submitted her report as Chief Security Officer earlier that day. Although she had documented the fights the Security teams had broken up, several instances of break-ins into secured areas, and one instance in which a crew member had to be detained following destruction of a panel, there was no mention of her own incident aside from her noted absence from duty due to the infection.
"Are you alright?" Picard asked genuinely.
"Yes, Sir," Tasha said firmly. "Just embarrassed as I am sure many of us are."
"Naturally," Picard replied. "But you did nothing wrong, Lieutenant."
"The polywater lowered our inhibitions and I regret that I chose to make some poor choices during the incident. The next time we encounter a possible infection, I will follow quarantine protocols. I won't make that mistake again," she said as she tried to instil an air of confidence in her voice.
"Is there anything else you wish to report?" Picard inquired.
"No, sir."
Tasha was too bloody good at compartmentalising. Jean-Luc knew he would have to draw an answer out of her.
"I was anonymously informed there may have been a sexual assault during the incident," Picard stated. "If that is the case, I have a duty to investigate."
Tasha was stunned.
"Sir, I will open an investigation into this immediately," Tasha announced.
Her shock was sincere and not merely for show.
"What can you tell me about this assault? Do we know if the victim is willing to speak with me? I will keep the matter confidential," Tasha assured them.
Picard could hear Deanna's voice inside his head as Deanna telepathically communicated an urgent message to the Captain.
She is genuinely surprised. I do not believe she was aware of this. She is not hiding any information on this matter.
"Nothing has been reported to the Security Office?" Picard asked.
"No, sir. What can you tell me about the incident?" Tasha queried, repeating her ask for more details.
She was concerned. If only she hadn't allowed herself to give into such a basic desire that day, she might have been on duty to prevent it.
"You feel guilty," Deanna said aloud.
"I should have been on duty that day. I feel horrible for enjoying—"
Tasha stopped and cleared her throat.
"I put my own amusement above my responsibility to the Enterprise and now someone's been harmed."
Tasha was all go, ready to dive into the issue and bring the perpetrator to justice.
"We don't know that for sure," Picard said quickly. "This anonymous tip came from someone that was concerned for a fellow member of the crew. Before I went any further, I wanted to know if anything had been officially reported."
"No, sir," Tasha insisted.
"I don't want to dodge the issue here," Picard continued. "In your opinion as Chief Security Officer, do you think there would be legal standing for an assault charge with the polywater?"
"Absolutely," Tasha said fiercely. "I can only speak to my own experience with the polywater. And while I certainly felt like my inhibitions were lowered, I was still in complete control of my actions. I don't see any way someone could claim polywater intoxication as an excuse for rape."
Tasha paused.
"From my own experience with the infection, I made some poor choices—but they were my own choices."
"If I may," Deanna said, stepping into the conversation in her official capacity. "It is really up to the crew member in question to decide whether the interaction was consensual or not."
"Counsellor Troi is right," Tasha said in agreement. "Do you know who the crewmember is? Perhaps Counsellor Troi would be the best person to make first contact?"
"That is a good idea," Picard concurred. "If anything comes of this, we will let you know, Lieutenant."
He dismissed Tasha, but requested Deanna remain behind to give her assessment of the conversation.
Deanna advised that she sensed Tasha was genuinely surprised to learn there had been possible assault during the polywater incident. Furthermore, her feelings of guilt were specific to a sense of failing her duty during the incident and not that she was withholding anything.
"And how do you read her feelings regarding the incident itself?" Picard asked the Counsellor.
"Enjoyment. Pleasure. Satisfaction. And a sense of guilt as if she is ashamed of her behaviour," Deanna said.
Slowly, Deanna began to piece together what was happening.
"It's Tasha."
Picard did not answer.
He didn't have to. Deanna could read it in his body language.
"You think Tasha is the victim," Deanna repeated. "I don't sense that from her. I get the impression she feels a little foolish, but not victimised."
"I wanted to assess…well it is unimportant now," Picard said.
Picard thanked Deanna and sent her on her way. Before leaving, she advised she would keep her eye on Tasha to ensure she was alright. Deanna also gave the Captain a stern warning that any information stated during a counselling session was confidential.
After collecting his thoughts, Picard summoned Data back into his Ready Room.
"Data, I think it is time we have a conversation that my father had with me when I was a young man," Picard said stiffly as he invited Data to take a seat.
Picard proceeded to awkwardly explain the concept of casual sexual encounters to Data and the desire, by some, to never acknowledge the act again.
Data had tried—in vain—to clarify that he understood the difference and that this was not the same.
Picard instructed Data it would be best to respect Tasha's wishes and act as if the event had never happened. He also advised it may be best to give Lieutenant Yar some space.
Jean-Luc felt for his android friend. A first heartbreak was never easy. The situation would be sweet had it not led to this. Although Picard knew Data couldn't feel emotion, he suspected that Data would experience it in his own way.
Present
Picard couldn't help but remember how deeply the situation had impacted Data in the first forty-eight hours following the polywater incident.
"It was a simple misunderstanding of a human idiom. You intended to assure him there was no concern but, in some ways, Data is quite naïve," Picard went on.
Tasha didn't like where the conversation was headed. She knew the Captain had the best of intentions, but she also knew that he was underestimating Data.
"I'm dancing around this. Forgive me, Tasha."
Picard sighed.
"You're an independent person. I get why you have a desire to remain… aloof. To focus on your career. But I don't want to see a friend have his heart broken because he falls in love with the first woman that shows him attention," Picard said.
Tasha saw red.
"Well, I'm farfrom the first person to show him that kind of attention," she said more defensively than intended. "Even if I happen to be one of the only people on this ship that treats him like the person he is, rather than treating him like a child."
Tasha shook out her hands to release some tension.
"Captain, I told Data that it never happened because I was afraid of how much—
Her voice broke.
"I keep my relationships casual because I can't handle the thought of losing someone again. And frankly, it's none of your damn business what Data and I do in the privacy of our quarters."
Tasha regretted her words as soon as she said them. Her eyes went with fear and having mouthed off to the man she considered a mentor.
Captain Picard's face was full of remorse. He knew Tasha had lost someone dear only a few years earlier.
"I owe you an apology Tasha," Picard said. "I have underestimated both you and Mr Data."
"A lot of people underestimate him, Sir," Tasha said in a much smaller voice. "There is so much more to him than people realise."
A smile began to form on Jean-Luc's face.
"He picks up on so much more that we know," Tasha went on. "I thought he was naïve too, but he's far from it. He feels things. And he's capable of having those feelings hurt even if he doesn't show it."
The last thing Tasha wanted to do was be the reason Data was hurting.
"Sir, I didn't ask Data to my bed because he's a safe bet or for a casual tumble," Tasha said.
Her eyes started to water. Her voice was shaky.
"I care about him," she confessed. "I'm terrified. Truly terrified. But I care about Data enough that I want to try again."
Jean-Luc felt awful. He had completely misread the situation.
"You have my sincere apology, Tasha," Picard said softly. "And I will apologise to Mr Data in the morning."
"I'm sure he'll appreciate that, sir."
She couldn't put her finger on it, but it felt good to have stood up for Data—and for finally confessing her own feelings aloud.
As Tasha headed back to her quarters, she couldn't push the thought from her mind—she had strong feelings for Data. Stronger, perhaps, than she had previously been ready to acknowledge.
Captain Picard's little meeting had been just the right push that Tasha needed.
Tasha stopped. Instead of hopping on the turbolift, she turned left and made her way to Data's quarters.
"Enter," Data called.
Tasha came in and found him seated at his workstation. He paused his music and set down his PADD.
"Tasha?" he said, surprised by her spontaneous arrival.
Tasha's smile dropped. She bit her lip.
"Is everything alright? Did your meeting with Captain go well? Has something happened?" Data asked as he noted the change in her expression.
"Would you like to meet me tomorrow in Ten Forward for… for a drink?" she asked.
"I believe I would find that enjoyable," Data agreed.
"Great," Tasha said, flashing Data one of her million-watt smiles.
The next evening at 20:00, Data met Tasha in Ten Forward as planned. He had arrived early and chosen a table in the corner. Tasha arrived a few moments later. She grinned when she caught sight of him.
The other day Tasha had mentioned, offhand, that Data looked good with his hair a little tousled.
Much to her delight, his usually impeccable hair was slightly tousled. It made him look a little softer, a little more casual. He gave Tasha a small wave and he was pleasantly surprised when Tasha sat down. Rather than sitting across from Data, she plopped down right next to him.
Across the lounge, Geordi and Miles were sitting in the opposite corner.
"Well, would you look at that," Geordi said in a low voice as they observed the pair.
Miles smirked as he and Geordi raised their glasses in a small toast.
Geordi felt a small burst of pride as he watched his friends.
Unbeknownst to them, Geordi and Miles weren't the only spectators.
Sitting at the bar, Deanna had noticed Data enter earlier with his hair looking different than usual.
He styled his hair?Deanna thought to herself with amusement.
She had never known Data to change his appearance before aside from holodeck adventures. When Deanna spied Tasha enter a few moments later, it was evident that Data had done so for her benefit.
Deanna could sense great joy emanating from Tasha.
She watched them for a time and noted the subtle intimacy that likely went unnoticed by the rest of the lounge's patrons—Tasha smiling and gently touching Data's arm as he was speaking, Data's gaze as he watched her laugh, their subtle body language.
Eventually, Deanna noticed Data's hand slipped under the table and rested atop Tasha's knee. Deanna smiled as she saw Tasha's hand come down to sit right on top of his.
It was getting late and Deanna was looking forward to finishing the last few chapters of her latest Western novel, so she decided it was probably best to call it an evening.
Before she left Ten Forward, Deanna decided to stop by their table and bid them a good evening.
"Counsellor," Data said as she approached their table.
"I don't mean to intrude," Deanna said.
It was a lie and Deanna felt slightly guilty about it, but her curiosity had gotten the better of her.
"You two look like you're having a good time," Deanna said knowingly.
"Yes, Counsellor," Data replied. "We are discussing our recent encounter with the Ferengi."
It struck Deanna that she wasn't just picking up on feelings from Tasha. There was a strong emotional output coming from Data.
He was content and amused. But there was also a hint of lust.
Deanna smiled to herself.
"I just came to see if the two of you would be attending poker night tomorrow?" she asked, feigning an excuse to interrupt their evening.
"I intend to," Data replied.
"I'll be there," Tasha said as she gave Deanna a look.
Taking the cue, Deanna bid them a goodnight and made her exit.
"I wonder if we are anticipating lower than normal attendance?" Data thought aloud. "If Counsellor Troi is concerned about attendance at the game, then perhaps we should ensure the rest of our regular crew will be there?"
Tasha snorted.
Data cocked his head to the right and looked at her quizzically.
"Data, she was just using that as a ruse," Tasha said.
She reached out and her fingers brushed Data's against Data's forearm.
Data said nothing. He glanced down at his arm and then back up at Tasha.
"She was curious about us," Tasha explained. "She wanted to know how our night was going."
"And do you believe this evening was successful?" Data asked in earnest.
"What makes you think it's over?" Tasha said coyly as she increased her grip on Data's hand above her knee.
Data felt warm as his positronic brain began dedicating additional space to process the sensory input of Tasha's hand atop his own.
The tone of her voice made his breath hitch. If he had to pinpoint the emotion, he would classify it as 'desire.' And Data suspected Tasha was feeling the same thing. The squeeze on his hand seemed to reinforce that assessment. His sensors also registered a slight increase in her body temperature.
"What are you suggesting?" Data asked as his neural net skipped a beat.
"C'mon. Let's get out of here," Tasha said as she squeezed his hand.
Data met Tasha's eyes and his artificial pulse began to race. She was inviting Data to join her back in her quarters, but somewhere a nagging insecurity cautioned Data that he should proceed carefully.
He leaned in close to Tasha.
"Is this an invitation to return to your quarters for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity?" Data whispered.
Tasha looked back at him. With a small grin, she nodded.
Data raised his eyebrows slowly and cocked his head to the left. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly.
"I see."
It took six minutes and nine seconds for them to reach Tasha's door. Data first realised his neural net was processing more rapidly than normal when they stepped on to the turbolift. His typical ability to process numerous thoughts simultaneously was instead overwhelmed with memories of the last time he'd seen Tasha in this state.
Deciding to take the advice of his best friend Geordi, Data decided to 'lean into it.'
He shut down all unnecessary systems and focused his processing on a series of more basic commands.
Breathe to maintain temperature.
They stepped off the turbolift.
Focus.
There were thirty-nine steps between turbolift eight and Tasha's quarters.
Walk forward. Left then right. One foot in front of the other.
They were at her door.
As it slid aside, Tasha stepped inside first. She left the lights off. She glanced back over her shoulder at Data who stood frozen in the doorway.
For a moment, Data's neural net overloaded with an unfamiliar sensation.
Before that moment, Data called his preference for certain activities or behaviours a 'want' or a 'like.'
But he had never felt such a strong urge to touch and taste and feel.
"Are you just gonna stand in the doorway?" Tasha asked, bold as brass, as she turned to face him.
Data's head twitched as if he were 'rebooting' his thoughts. He stepped into Tasha's quarters and the door closed behind him.
"May I kiss you?" he asked.
There was trepidation in his voice but desire in his eyes.
"I was hoping you would," Tasha replied.
He was at her in two paces.
Data took Tasha's face in his hands as he planted an ardent, yet chaste kiss on her lips.
Feel.
Data savoured the sensation, the thought of being alone together and all that was yet to come.
Data deepened the kiss. His left hand moved back through Tasha's hair. He clasped the back of her neck. His right hand slipped down and settled in the small of her back to pull her closer.
Tasha relished in the feeling as she ran her hands up Data's chest and onto his shoulders. She found his long arms attractive, especially when they were holding her tight.
Data broke the kiss but didn't let go of holding her against him.
Tasha could feel he was breathing heavier than normal.
"You are beautiful," Data said as he removed his hand from the nape of her neck and stroked her flushed cheek softly with his thumb.
Tasha took his hand between her own and brought it to her lips. She placed a small kiss on each of his digits and then the inside of his wrist.
It was an intentional move and one that she hoped would elicit a specific memory of when Data had done the same to her the first time they'd been intimate. She observed Data's reaction as she went along, noting the look of wonder on his face as he recalled the memory.
"I'd like you to stay the night," Tasha said as she pulled Data down into another kiss.
"If that is your wish."
Data rested his hands on her hips, caressing Tasha's thighs and up along the sides of her torso. Tasha traced Data's jaw with her finger. He closed his eyes and soaked in the sensation of her hands along his body.
Then Tasha snaked her arms around Data's lithe frame and gently scratched his back.
Data did not have a biological need to itch as his bioplast did not experience this sensation. It meant that Data had never felt the compulsion to experience scratching.
But the tender sensation of her nails gently running along his spine and over his shoulder blades felt both pleasurable and intimate.
"This feels… ahhh."
Data struggled to formulate words. Instead, a low, guttural shudder of pleasure fell from his lips.
Tasha stopped scratching and pulled Data flush against her.
"C'mon," she said, placing a kiss on the tip of his nose.
They had made love slowly.
Tasha was content to oblige as Data explored the sensations that accompanied his newfound feelings—and her body.
And although Data had catalogued to memory the way Tasha bit her lip at the peak of climax, Data had never felt the way he did in observing it before that night.
Later, they were in bed, awake, in a tangle of limbs. Data rested his back against the headboard and Tasha had snuggled back against him. Data had one arm wrapped across her chest as the other was intertwined with her own hand.
With her back against his torso, Tasha could feel the rise and fall of Data's chest with each breath. Even though she knew that he needed to maintain atmospheric intake in order to sustain his temperature regulation, it was so human that she marvelled at his creation.
"I think it would be wise if you were to get some rest," Data advised as he kissed the top of her head.
"Will you stay?" Tasha asked.
She was warm and enjoying their post-coital glow.
"I am quite content," Data replied.
Snuggling down into the covers, Tasha planted her head on her pillow. Data curled up behind her and she felt a wave of relief.
This felt right.
"Humans say 'sweet dreams' or 'sleep tight.' Betazoids say 'I will hold you through the night.' And the people of Riveetu III say 'may the stars keep you in their light,'" Data whispered.
Tasha's eyes grew heavy as she listened to Data explain the various ways different cultures bid goodnight.
"Have you ever watched a moonbeam as it slid across a windowpane? Or struggled with a bit of rain?" Data went on softly as Tasha drifted off to dreamland.