A/N: Thank you all for your support of this story! Seriously, you lot have been giving me LYFE.
Holy shitsnacks Batman I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to announce that I have decided to turn 'The Complication' into a much larger series. I think this will be the best way to break up the story as a whole (as I intend to cover TNG up through the films & beyond).
But we've still quite a long way to go before we finish this instalment!
We're going to play a wee bit with the canon, but I'm trying to keep it in line with the general plot of the show. So, you may run across a few scenes where you think to yourself "wait a minute, 'a' happened before 'b' in the show? Right?"
Aye, you're right—it just worked better for this story to make a few tweaks.
I want to express my deep gratitude to Lady_Lore for agreeing to team up with me for this series. Her accompanying story The Complication—Missing Scenes is available now!
Tasha, Data, and Commander Riker were standing in Captain Picard's Ready Room.
The Enterprise had lost subspace communication an hour earlier. Engineering had thus far been unable to restore it. They were running behind schedule to deliver the Antican and Selay delegations to Parliament and the electrical malfunctions had increased in frequency.
"Alright, your theories on this sudden vulnerability in our systems?" Picard asked as he stepped from his desk.
His three officers looked at one another. They had all reached the same conclusion, but Data was the first to speak it aloud.
"If the Enterprise were really this fragile, sir, she never would have left spacedock. Therefore, her system failures are not endemic to the ship, but are the result of the actions of an unknown adversary," Data explained.
"We have a saboteur aboard," Riker summarised.
Data's dark brow furrowed.
"I believe I said that."
Tasha suppressed a grin at the sight of her lover's confused face. She shook the thought from her mind immediately. The Enterprise was under threat, and she could not dismiss that danger.
"The question is who?" Picard asked before adding, "I can't believe it is one of our own people."
Riker concurred.
"Agreed. It must be someone from one of the alien delegations."
"If the Ferengi could have bought or bribed even one of them, that's all they'd need," Tasha said.
Following their initial encounter with the Ferengi, Data had heavily researched the trade-based people and shared his findings with Tasha. She concluded they could most certainly be a threat and had set to studying their tactics and patterns. The Ferengi were also keen to see the conflict between the Anticans and the Selay continue.
Supply arms was a big business—not one the Ferengi would give up without a fight.
"Ferengi contacts have been detected on both Selay and Antica, Captain," Data shared.
Silence descended on the room. Captain Picard and his three officers knew that an allegation against either delegation could have disastrous political consequences.
"Can any of you suggest any other suspects?" Picard asked rhetorically.
Riker grinned broadly.
"You're sounding like a private eye, sir," he said, gently teasing the Captain.
"Inquiry, 'private eye?'" Data questioned.
Picard decided he would field that one.
"A private consulting investigator, Data. One who solves crimes," Picard explained as he strolled behind his desk.
As the Captain sat down, Data accessed his informational banks for additional details. It took him 1.74 seconds to analyse nearly six hundred years of history on the profession.
Data's positronic brain whizzed through everything from the Pinkertons to ancient parabolic microphones. As he did, Data discovered that these 'P.I.s' were also a subject of fascination. Decades of film, literature, and theatre captivated audiences with stories of these characters and their adventures.
"Hmmm," Data said, wiggling his eyebrows. "A most interesting occupation."
Tasha made a mental note of Data's keen interest in the subject. If they made it out of this mission alive, she would have to add some detective stories to their reading list.
"In the world of fact, probably not. But in the world of literature, criminal detection can be a fascinating exercise," Picard said as he sat back in his chair.
The Captain couldn't hide the twinkle in his eye as he introduced his friend to the thrill of detective stories. Picard was no stranger. His perfect evening usually involved the likes of Holmes, Poirot, Maigret, or Inspector Morse.
Jean-Luc loved to lose himself in the paperback adventures of Dixon Hill and the seedy San Francisco underground.
"I believe the immortal Sherlock Holmes would have an interesting view of our mystery," Picard remarked.
"I'm afraid we will have to find our solution without history's greatest consulting detective," Riker replied with a grin.
Their comments sparked something within Data.
He couldn't quite place the sensation, but there was a rush of excitement that flooded his body. It was like the same feeling of eager anticipation he experienced when Tasha would read aloud to him.
An urge to unravel this mystery overtook Data's neural net.
Data's eyes flitted back and forth so quickly they were a blur. He cocked his head to speak but remained silent. His head twitched again before Tasha watched the corner of Data's mouth rise into a small smirk of satisfaction.
"Data?" she prompted.
Data immediately snapped back to the meeting. His daydreaming could wait.
"Forgive me, please continue," Data said.
"Lieutenant Yar, do you have any theories about which delegation might be responsible?" Riker inquired.
Tasha shook her head.
"We've had issues with bothof them, sir."
Tasha's Security team was having a hard time keeping pace.
"I've already doubled detail guarding their quarters. We conducted a level two sweep this morning. I hate to say it, but I think we may need to wait for them to make their next move," Tasha said, providing her professional assessment of the situation.
"Make it so," Picard ordered.
Riker returned to the Bridge while Data joined Tasha on the turbolift. She was headed down to the Main Security office to divide up the teams for the sweep. Data was going to his quarters to review the results of the latest ship-wide trace scan on the power fluctuations.
As soon as they were alone, Tasha nudged Data with her elbow.
"So, are you going to tell me what you're up to?"
"My scan to trace the power fluctuations is now complete. I am going to review the results and try to isolate the source," he answered simply.
"C'mon, Data. You know what I mean," Tasha said.
"I do not understand," Data replied truthfully.
"The private eye stuff," Tasha clarified. "I could see your brain was working a lightyear a minute back there!"
Data reached up and felt along the sides of his head. A worried look fell on his features.
"I do not believe my brain is exposed."
He doesn't even realise how adorable he is. Tasha mused.
"It's an expression, Data. It means that I could see you were in deep thought. And it looked like you were enjoying it," she explained.
Data's face lit up.
"Ah! Yes, I find this Sherlock Holmes character most intriguing."
"That's great, baby," Tasha said as she gave his hand a small squeeze.
Data's newfound feelings had allowed him to slowly start exploring his favourite pursuits in a new light—along with plenty of new hobbies Data was keen to try.
It wasn't just Tasha's stories that helped Data explore these newfound sensations. Music could now drive Data to tears. His landscape paintings filled Data with serenity. Even smells could elicit an emotional response.
As the turbolift came to a stop, Tasha glanced back over her shoulder. She was beaming.
"I will be at my workstation reviewing the information should you require my assistance," Data offered.
"Alright then, good luck… Sherlock," Tasha said, winking as she stepped out into the corridor.
Data had only intended to glance at the Sherlock Holmes stories.
He fed the results of his scan into a simulation programme to try and predict where the power fluctuations would occur next. Since it would take about three minutes for the computer to run all possible scenarios, Data decided to use the time to look at this Sherlock Holmes character.
That was a mistake.
As soon as Data started to read through the history of the character, he found himself overwhelmed with joy and intrigue. Something drew him to Holmes. Data identified key parallels between the fictional detective and himself. He felt a sense of familiarity. He could see himself in Holmes.
Data also felt compelled to emulate the great detective.
Never before was Data so fascinated with someone.
Although he would consult literary characters for inspiration in understanding and guidance to learn human behaviour, there was something about Holmes that drew him in.
Data immediately set about replicating a pipe not unlike that of the great Holmes. He knew that humans often relied on stimulants as they believed it helped them concentrate and work harder. Captain Picard had his Earl Grey. Deanna had her chocolate. Commander Riker was fond of snacking on pistachios. Tasha was never far from a Raktajino.
Data wanted to test if the use of this pipe and the synthesised tobacco would have an impact on his functioning.
As he began to puff away at his calabash pipe, Data was pleased with himself. He neither liked nor disliked the flavour. It was aromatic. His tongue tasted notes of molasses and a taste he could best describe as 'woody.'
Before Data could get too comfortable, his combadge pinged.
"Riker to Data."
Data abruptly sat up and pulled the pipe from his mouth.
"Lieutenant Worf was conducting a sweep in Engineering. He just found Lieutenant Singh. He's dead," Riker stated.
Data was hit with another emotional first—grief.
He did not know Lieutenant Singh outside of their professional interactions. However, Data was familiar with Singh's personnel file. Singh had a family. He was always pleasant to work with and Data lamented that he would no longer see his presence in Engineering.
"Lieutenant Yar is going to question the Anticans. I'm heading down to have the same conversation with the Selay. Meet us in the Observation Lounge in an hour."
"Acknowledged," Data replied.
Placing the pipe back into his mouth, Data leaned back into his chair and began to puff away furiously.
"The plot thickens," he said aloud.
Tasha caught up with Commander Riker in the corridor just as he was leaving the Selay delegation. She had just completed questioning the Anticans about their whereabouts during the time of Lieutenant Singh's death. It was clear the Anticans were hiding something—but with no evidence, Tasha knew that making a direct accusation at this point was fruitless.
"Well, the Selay are certainly pointing their fingers at the Anticans," Riker grumbled as the stepped onto the turbolift.
"I am beyond frustrated with both of these delegations," Tasha confessed.
"You and me both," Riker agreed as they made their way to the Observation Lounge.
At the very least, the ship had managed to regain warp power and was now back on course to Parliament. The sooner, the better in Tasha's opinion. She wanted both groups off the Enterprise and that moment couldn't come soon enough.
Stepping through to the Observation Lounge, Tasha was shocked to see Data sitting at the table puffing on an antique pipe. He seemed lost in thought as he stared at the wall.
Something about the way Data was sitting was very casual—too casual. One arm was slung comfortably over the armrest and the other was propped up holding his pipe. A large cloud of smoke rolled off the end and filled the room with the smell of the burnt tobacco.
Data listened patiently as Riker and Tasha recapped their interviews with the two rival delegations.
"One thing is clear—almost all of the peace delegates answered our questions with lies," Tasha said, summarising the encounter.
Something didn't sit right with her.
"Imprecise Lieutenant," Data said arrogantly without looking at Tasha.
Tasha put her hands on her hips. Her eyebrows shot up in shock at his smug tone. Data whipped his head around dramatically.
"They omitted certain truths which in itself tells us something."
Data's mannerisms were strange. He carried himself with an uncharacteristic air of superiority.
"We can learn something from nondisclosure?" Tasha replied dryly.
Data smirked and then scoffed aloud.
"Indubitably, my good woman," he replied before biting down loudly on the calabash pipe.
A part of Tasha found this charming in an entertaining sort of way. The other half of her wanted to smack that smug look off his face.
Commander Riker watched with amusement as he observed this new, self-assured version of Data cock an eyebrow suggestively at the Chief of Security.
Riker thought to himself that it was probably a good thing the pair were together because otherwise Tasha Yar would have quickly put Data in his place for such a cheeky look.
Riker could sense Tasha was frustrated, but he wasn't about to stop Pinocchio from playing detective.
"Sherlock Holmes," Riker said with a devious grin.
Data went on to explain that over the course of the last hour he had studied every case in detail. He memorised the complete works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, related works, and Holmesian deduction.
Tasha crossed her arms. They really didn't have time to be playing detective.
"As Holmes would have pointed out, during the time in question something was afoot," Data said with dramatic style.
Tasha blinked, praying for patience.
"Afoot?"
Riker bellowed with laughter.
Data went on to explain that the delegations had in fact left their quarters. He tapped the computer screen with his pipe for added effect as he detailed where the sensors picked up on both Antican and Selay delegates bypassing the secure checkpoints.
"Those sneaky bastards!" Tasha huffed.
Tasha was going to have a serious discussion with her security team after this. It was unacceptable that their guests had managed to slip past her team. They were stationed in key locations to ensure that exactly that sort of thing didn't happen.
Data flipped the screen around to show them the breach points before turning it back quickly with an atypical flair. He crossed his legs and leaned back in the chair.
Unfortunately, the sensors could only detect that they had left the secure VIP area. It didn't actually show where the delegations went after passing the checkpoint. As visitors, they weren't equipped with communicators that provided real-time tracking and there were far too many delegates to monitor each life sign individually.
However, Data had a hunch.
"I ran a check to cross reference any supply requisitions made by the delegations during their stay," Data explained.
As he paced about the room blowing smoke everywhere, Data filled Riker and Tasha in. Both the Selay and Anticans had acquired some minor medical supplies upon their return to the secured area. It was obvious there must have been some kind of dust-up between the two groups.
"Which leaves us with only one conclusion?" Riker asked.
He didn't follow where Data was going with this theory but figured it couldn't hurt to play along.
Data stopped pacing. He whipped around, pointing dramatically.
"Exactly!" he exclaimed.
An inspired look flashed across Data's face as proceeded to his big reveal.
"That they were too engaged in their own affairs to have disabled the ship and murdered Lieutenant Singh."
Data dropped his hand and audibly inhaled in anticipation of his denouement.
"Given the choice, they would rather kill each other than any of us," Data concluded.
He wiggled his head in an arrogant fashion much in the same way he'd seen Commander Riker sometimes after a big win at their poker nights.
"It's elementary, my dear Riker," Data added.
He brought the pipe back to his mouth and clamped down on it. Then Data turned away, resting his arm against his back as if he were in deep thought.
Tasha and Riker stood in stunned silence.
Data glanced back over his shoulder.
"Sir," Data added sheepishly.
They were back to square one on the investigation.
With both delegations eliminated as possible suspects, it meant they needed to take a second look at the crew and their families. Tasha and Data were in the Observation Lounge pouring through personnel records looking for any leads. They were quickly able to eliminate the people in Lieutenant Singh's life.
He was an upstanding member of the crew. They could find no reason for someone to hurt him. Lieutenant Singh had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Instead, they were looking to alternatives. There were some new personnel as well as crew that had recently travelled to or from the ship for personnel leave and professional obligations.
They were still working on the assumption that this had to be Ferengi sabotage. Data's research pinpointed Ferengi battle tactics. They were known to disable ships through the use of sabotage. The goal was to get the crew to abandon the ship so that the Ferengi may move in and claim it under interstellar salvage rights.
From their research, Datan and Tasha had narrowed down a list of thirty-eight people that had returned to the Enterprise recently. They weren't sure if the Ferengi had gotten to someone and bought them off or if a Ferengi had managed to slip some device or malware onto a device that had travelled back to the Enterprise.
"The Diaz, Thompson, and Wu families were on holiday to planets with no known Ferengi associations," Data said as he removed them from the suspect pool.
"These eight officers took a shuttle to rendezvous with the USS Oakland for a joint training exercise. There's no way they could have made contact with the Ferengi undetected," Tasha said as she removed another six names from the list.
"Ensign Jacobs and his wife returned from Earth. He was at the Academy for a lecture," Data said, knocking another suspect off the chart.
"And the four-man crew that returned the week before had come from Teseritca III. The planet is incapable of supporting human or Ferengi life. They've been in an enclosed observation chamber for six weeks studying an extremophile bacteria that live in the hydrothermal vents at temperatures that exceed—"
Data trailed off. Tasha was giving him a look.
"Which is unimportant at the moment," Data added quickly.
They had whittled their list down to twelve people. Suddenly, a thought occurred to Tasha.
"Why not just shut the ship down immediately? It doesn't make sense to randomly disable our functions like this," Tasha pondered aloud.
Data considered the point.
"I mean if the goal is to get us to abandon the ship, there's a lot more effective ways to do so," Tasha theorised.
She was right. If the end goal of these malfunctions were to get the Federation to abandon the Enterprise, the Ferengi certainly had more efficient and faster methods to do it. According to Data's research, the Ferengi were known to employ toxic gases using airborne delivery methods, simulated warp core breaches, and even kidnappings.
The power fluctuations and timing didn't match the Ferengi modus operandi.
"An astute observation," Data said. "Additionally, I have detected no Ferengi activity within eighteen hours of our location—aside from the Antican and Selay homeworlds. They would need to be close if their goal were to assume control."
The Ferengi were not known to possess cloaking technology. Scans indicated no other ships in the immediate area.
"It's time to rethink our original theory about the Ferengi. This is something else," Tasha said.
"Agreed, my good woman," Data replied.
He clamped down on the pipe in his mouth and wiggled his body.
"Though to Holmes, she is always the woman," Data growled.
"Okay, that's gotta stop," Tasha said half-jokingly.
Data sat upright and pulled the pipe out of his mouth. His demeanour changed in an instant.
"I am sorry, Tasha. Please forgive me. I am attempting to emulate Sherlock Holmes, it was not meant to break our agreement on public acknowledgements of affection," Data said in his normal, polite voice.
"It's fine, Data. Just cool it a bit with the Holmes, eh?" Tasha replied.
Data nodded. He sat back to reflect on his recent behaviour.
"Ah! I see now that the combination of Holmes' neurotic obsessive personality and high intelligence could be construed as showmanship."
Data moved the pipe out of reach and returned to his work.
Tasha watched, observing Data for a moment as he was wholly focused on the investigation once more.
"Data?" she prompted.
He glanced up, concerned he had done something else to irritate her.
"You don't ever have to show off. You're pretty spectacular on your own," Tasha said.
She grinned and turned back to her own work.
Data's neural net surged.
She called me spectacular.
A short while later, Data and Tasha joined the other senior officers in the Captain's Ready Room. Doctor Crusher and Counsellor Troi made a startling discovery after conducting hypnotic therapy sessions with both Worf and Doctor Crusher.
Both Worf and Doctor Crusher had suffered from some sort of possession. Something, an entity of some sort, had invaded their minds.
Tasha was uneasy. She shifted uncomfortably as they described the sensation. For Tasha, that kind of loss of autonomy was a deep-rooted fear.
"I believe something invaded them," Deanna described to the Captain.
"It seems the only possible conclusion," Doctor Crusher added.
Her research found no physical evidence of anything that could have caused the blackout both she and Worf had experienced.
"Data—"
Picard paused as Data placed the pipe in his mouth.
"Let's proceed without the pipe," Picard asked in a firm, but polite tone.
Deanna bit her lip to keep from grinning. Doctor Crusher put her head down to hide her smile. They all got a kick out of Data's antics.
Data followed the Captain's request and placed the pipe down on the desk where he wouldn't be tempted by it.
"I ask that you take it as incontrovertible that it cannot be a family member or one of the crew," Data said.
"Yes, very unlikely," Picard nodded in agreement with that statement.
"Our investigation has turned up no viable suspects," Tasha went on. "In fact, we don't think this has anything to do with the Ferengi at all."
"We've eliminated both the delegations and the ship's regular compliment," Data explained.
Captain Picard didn't like where Data was headed next.
"Data, what are you suggesting?" Picard asked tentatively.
On instinct, Data inched closer to the desk. He began to reach for the pipe but thought better of it after catching Tasha's eyes. Her face said it all.
Now is not the time.
"I am referring to the great detective's credo, sir," Data said, trying his best not to sound arrogant.
There was a sharp intake of breath from the Captain. It was obvious he was doing his best to humour Data— but Jean-Luc's patience was starting to wear thin.
"I quote, 'we must fall back on the old axiom that when other contingencies fail whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth,'" Data concluded stoically.
Tasha flashed Data a warm smile. When he wasn't being cocky, his Holmes impersonation was quite becoming.
"It's a lifeform, sir," Deanna said.
"And it's here on the ship," Beverly added.
Picard was shell-shocked as he turned to Deanna and Doctor Crusher for an explanation.
"Well then," he said, adjusting his shirt. "Let's get to work on finding whatever this lifeform is."
An hour later, Data and Tasha were summoned to Commander Riker's quarters for a meeting with the other senior officers.
Shortly after returning to the Bridge, the Enterprise had experienced a loss of helm control and navigation. After dropping to impulse power as a safety precaution, Captain Picard had mysteriously ordered Geordi to turn the ship around and head back to the strange energy cloud they had previously passed en route to the Selay homeworld.
Having just recently encountered a strange energy reading on the M-class planet, Jean-Luc had ordered the team to leave it be. Instead, the Enterprise had simply launched a probe that returned data a few hours later. The team had not even begun to analyse the readings—now Picard was ordering them back.
And there was more.
Mysteriously, helm control had suddenly returned. Their instruments were functioning again. The strange power fluctuations had ceased. And over the last few hours, Captain Picard continued to exhibit odd behaviour.
Geordi reported that he'd seen the same kind of energy surge touch the Captain that he'd witnessed before Worf's blackout.
Now the senior officers were assembled in Riker's quarters for a disconcerting discussion.
"A mere change of direction hardly justifies mutiny," Data stated.
Something felt off. The team counted on Data to be the voice of reason in situations like this. His emotionlessness was a strength that allowed him to view the situation with a truly neutral perspective.
But at the moment, Data was feeling a mixture of sentiments about the situation. Data was concerned for Captain Picard. The situation between the delegations and the danger from the entity left Data filled with uncertainty, and it seemed to be that his artificial pulse was working more rapidly than normal to cool his system.
Deanna was worried. She had sensed a strange duality coming from the Captain. His orders were nonsensical. Worst of all, Jean-Luc radiated a reckless attitude—like a scientist that felt risks be damned in the pursuit of his latest white whale.
"I sense that he could become dangerous," Deanna said as she tried to explain to the other officers.
At times it was difficult to put words to what she could perceive.
Riker scratched his chin and turned to look out of the window.
"If he's dangerous. If."
"Then he would have to be relieved of command— which you could do, Doctor, but it's boco trouble if you're wrong," Geordi finished for him.
That's why Riker had summoned the team. It would require them all to agree in order to do so. They knew if their suspicions were incorrect, they would all face charges of mutiny.
Data set aside his emotional investment—a difficult task.
He pointed out to the group that, at the moment, their fears were pure speculation. While the Captain's actions were strange, they had done nothing to place the Enterprise or her crew in any danger.
"Yet," Worf growled.
"Well, I would argue that any further delay in delivering the Anticans and Selay to Parliament is a danger," Tasha said, annoyed. She crossed her arms and flopped back against the sofa.
As if on cue, Tasha's combadge pinged.
"This O'Brien to Lieutenant Yar."
Tasha sat bolt upright and tapped her combadge to respond.
"Go ahead, Chief."
"We've got a problem down on the Engineering deck," O'Brien reported. "The Anticans and Selay are demanding to see the Captain. I need security backup outside of—"
Suddenly O'Brien stopped. Tasha tried to page him, but Miles wasn't responding.
Tasha leapt up from the sofa and into action. She hit her communicator, barking orders as she marched for the door.
"Yar to Ulster, send two Security teams to the Engineering deck. You have my authorisation to capture and detain any Antican or Selay delegates you find."
Their guests had officially worn out their welcome. Tasha wasn't about to let them slip behind the shield of diplomatic immunity.
"Yar to Adams. I need a Medical team to Main Engineering. Be advised the Antican and Selay delegations may be armed and hostile," Tasha ordered.
"I should go," Beverly said, rising to leave.
Riker put out a hand to stop her.
"Your team can handle this. I need you here," Riker insisted.
Beverly knew the Captain better than any of them.
"Get this under control, Lieutenant," Riker said with a nod as Tasha excused herself to join the Security team that was preparing to intercept their guests.
She caught Data's eye on the way as if to give him a look that read, 'I'm fine. This is my job.'
Data had no doubt about her abilities, but that didn't exempt him from feeling concern every time she walked into danger.
Another newfound emotion. Data mused. Anxiety.
Upon further discussion, the team agreed they would proceed with caution around the Captain.
Doctor Crusher recommended that they conduct a series of tests on the Captain. It was a weak ruse and Jean-Luc saw right through it.
Riker and Crusher tried to convince that Captain that they were simply worried.
I'm sure it's just stress, sir. Riker lied.
Their concern was met with resistance from Captain Picard. When they explained it was for the best (and that the crew was in agreement), Picard blew— and Riker and Crusher had faced the worst of it.
In the hours remaining to return to the energy cloud, Picard ordered Doctor Crusher to conduct complete examinations on all the senior officers.
Beverly was forced to call all the senior officers in one by one for a full exam. She had just completed her scans of Counsellor Troi and Commander Riker. As Beverly suspected, they were in perfect health.
Now she was on to Data.
"I will undergo the test, but I fail to see the relevance," Data said to the Doctor.
"I know, Data. But it's the Captain's orders," Doctor Crusher said.
She shared his assessment that a medical exam of his android body was pointless. Data went to Geordi and Engineering whenever he needed care. Beverly was neither equipped nor trained for such repairs.
Doctor Crusher started to scan Data with her tricorder and attached sensor pads to his forehead, chest, and arm.
"I will say though, I still find it fascinating that your positronic brain and functioning can be monitored using our equipment," Beverly said as she began to gather readings on his synthesised pulse and brain activity.
Data smiled nervously. There was something very human in knowing he could be 'read' by human diagnostic technology.
Something in the corner caught Data's eye. He studied a second screen on the diagnostic computer with great curiosity.
"Doctor, what is the second screen? That did not register when we have previously conducted these examinations."
Doctor Crusher had conducted these exams before. The machines were capable of detecting Data's synthesised pulse, positronic brain activity, internal temperature, and scan for traces of any disease or foreign element in his biofluids and on his bioplast.
Data had never before registered on the neural analyser.
It was a device that combined EEG, EKG, the pulmonary scanner, and brain activity to read emotion. It represented basic emotional reactions on separate pulsating graphs. Red represented anger, yellow was joy or amusement, anxiety and fear were black, disgust was green, blue showed sadness, desire was represented by pink, and purple indicated confusion.
Doctor Crusher glanced back and forth between Data and the screen.
"It's reading your emotions," Doctor Crusher said in disbelief.
She shook her head. Beverly stopped scanning Data and started scanning the connections on the equipment in search of a faulty channel.
"I know, I know," she said, anticipating Data's line of thinking. "That's impossible because you don't feel emotion. Something must be wrong with the equipment."
"I believe your equipment is functioning within normal parameters," Data said.
Doctor Crusher stopped scanning and looked at him strangely.
"What are you saying, Data?" she asked.
Data was unsure how to proceed. Aside from Tasha and Geordi, he had not disclosed his newfound emotions to the rest of the crew.
Part of what held Data back was a fear of not understanding how these new sensations were possible. He did not want them to be invalidated or dismissed.
Data was equally concerned that this discovery could lead to reassignment back to Starfleet for research and development.
Data had never told anyone what he had experienced in his first few years of life. Many in Starfleet treated Data as a piece of equipment rather than a person. The worst of them had no regard for him, his modesty, personhood, dignity, or wellbeing.
Data didn't enjoy being poked, prodded, or tested on. He had never been able to describe it before. It simply left him feeling violated in a way that was hard to explain—especially as he had no memory of his life prior to his discovery and activation on Omicron Theta.
Now that he understood the concept, Data would call it an invasion of his privacy and bodily autonomy.
The neural analyser read spiked activity in its black and green readings.
Doctor Crusher placed a gentle hand on Data's shoulder.
"Data?"
"I have recently begun to experience emotional responses… for some time. They have grown in intensity and frequency," Data confessed in a low voice.
Doctor Crusher blinked, wide-eyed at the android. Data anticipated her fear.
"This has occurred entirely separate from our encounter with the entity that invaded you and Lieutenant Worf," Data explained. "Although I have been unable to pinpoint the source of this change, I can assure you that it had no relation to our current situation, Doctor."
Beverly continued to monitor the screen.
"Is this examination making you uncomfortable?"
"Yes," Data answered honestly. "I do not enjoy being examined as it elicits certain memories that I find displeasing."
Doctor Crusher set down her tricorder and apologised.
"I had no idea Data, I'm sorry," she said as she moved to disconnect the equipment.
Data grabbed Beverly's hand to stop her.
"This is alright," he said pointing at the readings coming from the neural analyser. "I would like to experiment with this."
"Of course."
Beverly gave Data's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Data closed his eyes. Doctor Crusher watched as the black and green that represented fear and disgust began to return to base levels. At the same time, the yellow started to register at a higher level.
"What are you thinking about now, Mr Data?" Beverly asked.
"My friends," he replied softly.
Doctor Crusher grinned.
Suddenly the doors to Sickbay flew. Tasha and Ensign Jeffords burst in carrying Miles O'Brien. He'd been through quite a ringer. Chief had a large gash along the side of his face. He was cradling a twisted arm.
"Get him on the table over here," Doctor Crusher said as she pointed to the table next to Data.
"What happened?" Data asked.
"There was a fight between the Anticans and the Selay. Based on the wound, it looks like an Antican weapon—but of course they blame the Selay," Tasha explained as they helped lift Miles onto the exam table.
Data's coolant system beat faster. He was worried about Miles. He also couldn't shake the thought that it could have been Tasha. Data couldn't turn around to watch because of the equipment.
After Miles was on the table, Tasha moved out of the way so Doctor Crusher could get to work. She joined Data over at his exam table.
"I'm fine," she said in a low voice near his ear.
Data breathed a sigh of relief.
Doctor Crusher managed to seal the wound on Chief O'Brien's face—but it would take a second treatment with the skin regenerator before it would be fully healed. She sedated Miles and assured Data that he'd be back and fit for duty the next day.
"Hang in there, Chief," Tasha whispered.
"Since you're already here, would it be alright to conduct your examination, Tasha?" Doctor Crusher asked.
Tasha replied with a stiff nod.
"Sure."
Beverly instructed Tasha to sit down on the exam table across from Data and began to hook up a second set of monitoring machines that were connected to the neural analyser on a different screen.
Doctor Crusher ran her tricorder over Tasha to gather some additional preliminary scans and launched into the standard Starfleet medical questionnaire.
"Your heart rate and blood pressure look good," Doctor Crusher said, marking those questions off.
"Good, I thought the Anticans and Selay might drive me to a heart attack," Tasha replied sarcastically.
"In the past thirty days have you experienced any changes to your vision or hearing?" the Doctor went on.
"No."
"And have you experienced any recent injuries or illnesses?" Doctor Crusher continued.
Tasha shook her head.
"Any unexplained pain?" the Doctor said, moving on to the next question.
"Nope," Tasha said.
"Have you consumed any food or drink in the last twenty-four hours? And, if so, when?" Crusher asked her.
"Yeah, I had some fruit for breakfast. A sandwich about six hours ago for lunch. Oh, and some tea about an hour ago," Tasha answered.
"And have you engaged in sexual activity in the last twenty-four hours? And, if so, when?" Doctor Crusher asked.
Tasha froze.
It was a routine question as part of the survey and one that she'd answered a million times before for the Doctor. But Tasha couldn't help making eye contact with Data. Slowly, a smile began to spread across her face.
Tasha cleared her throat and was relieved Doctor Crusher couldn't see Data's expression behind her.
"Yes. About sixteen hours ago," Tasha replied slowly. "And um… again this morning."
Tasha's face was beet red under Beverly's gaze. The doctor lifted an eyebrow.
"Well, then," Beverly remarked with a sly grin.
"In that case, I'd like to schedule a follow up exam with you. You're coming up on a year since your last physical," Doctor Crusher said as she input the information into Tasha's chart.
Tasha risked a glance at Data's screen and could see the pink tracker had increased in frequency. He followed her gaze and smiled brightly at the screen as he recalled their earlier encounter in his new bedroom.
Tasha pursed her lips, and Data got the hint to settle down.
"Are these questions typically part of a routine medical examination?" Data asked the Doctor.
"Yes, Data," Beverly responded.
She explained that the questionnaire was standard operating procedure for any physical exam.
"Then why did you not ask me to complete the questionnaire?" Data inquired.
"I thought, given your earlier discomfort and the fact that you're well—" Beverly trailed off with a shrug.
Data felt more than a little dejected—and it showed on the neural analyser.
"I see," Data said softly.
His earlier trepidation based on his early days in Starfleet had vanished. Tasha was sitting across from Data undergoing the same examination. She was alright.
Doctor Crusher was a friend.
Data knew he could trust her. He was safe in this place.
"I am sorry for my earlier response, Doctor. You are a professional and I trust in your capabilities," Data said.
Doctor Crusher glanced at the screen and noticed that Data's emotions had returned to a neutral base level.
Seeing he was sufficiently comfortable, she decided to humour him.
"Alright, Mr Data, have you experienced any recent injuries, illnesses, or pain?" Doctor Crusher asked.
"No, Doctor," Data replied.
"Any changes to your vision or hearing?"
"No."
Data was relieved. It felt incredibly good to be treated the same as the other members of the crew.
"In the last twenty-four hours have you consumed any food or drink? If so, what did you consume and when?" Crusher asked her.
"I have consumed two glasses consisting of four ounces of synthesised whisky. That was seventeen hours and eight minutes ago. I also consumed an oatmeal based cereal dish at 13:00 and nine white grapes at 13:17."
"Data, why are you, um… eating?" Doctor Crusher asked as she began to run several additional scans around his mouth and abdomen.
"I am not just experiencing new emotions, Doctor. There are many new sensations that I have discovered—including the ability to taste as you do."
Data paused, feeling overwhelmed to finally share the news beyond just Geordi and Tasha.
"I have come to find that the experience is invigorating."
Beverly was elated.
"That's wonderful, Data. Truly," she said, laughing with delight.
"Yes!" Data agreed.
He was overcome by uncontrollable laughter. Data couldn't turn it off—it felt too good.
Beverly just shook her head and continued on with the questionnaire.
"And have you engaged in sexual activity in the last twenty-four hours? And, if so, when?" Doctor Crusher asked as she continued through the questionnaire.
"Yes!" Data replied, still laughing. "Approximately sixteen hours ago. And again at 05:48 this morning."
Doctor Crusher glanced up from her tablet. Any human would have missed the subtle, nearly imperceptible widening of her eyes in shock.
But Data's android optical receptors had caught the look of surprise in the Doctor's face.
The laughter immediately ceased.
Data's face fell as he realised what he had just done. His chest heaved. His breathing grew rapid. Data's hands trembled.
Beverly wasn't judging him—but the sexual health of each crewmember was her responsibility. She had never conducted a sexual health exam on Data because she had presumed that he was either incapable or uninterested in the activity.
Internally, Doctor Crusher chastised herself for making such an assumption.
Data was an anatomically correct android so complete in his assembly he had a synthesised pulse. He was also on a desperate quest to be human.
Of course he would engage in sexual activity.
Ever the consummate professional and keen to treat Data equally, Beverly simply made a note in the chart and flashed Data a polite smile.
"Then I would also like to schedule a follow up exam with you as well," she said before assuring Data that such an appointment was routine for any sexually active member of the crew.
Data nodded in understanding.
"Thank you, Mr Data. That completes your exam questionnaire."
Data had made eye contact with Tasha over Doctor Crusher's shoulder and couldn't tell if she was bothered by the turn of events or not. Based on the readings from Tasha's neural analyser, there was a slight increase in her anxiety.
And joy. Data noted.
Tasha sat back on the table, propping herself up on her arms. Her legs swung off the edge. She met Data's gaze and smiled.
"Well then, I think I have what I need from the two of you," Doctor Crusher said while she unhooked the scanners.
Tasha jumped off the table.
"Shall we, Commander?" she asked.
"After you," Data said.
Once they were in the turbolift, Data ordered it to halt. He turned to Tasha, his dark brow was furrowed with worry.
"I am sorry."
"It's alright," Tasha replied.
"But I believe Doctor Crusher has deduced that—"
"Enough, Sherlock!" Tasha said, cutting him off.
She giggled and playfully swatted at Data's shoulder.
Data cocked his head to the side as he processed her response. Tasha's playful banter and body language did not align with his expectations.
Is this frustration? Or mock frustration?
"Come here," Tasha said, pulling Data in close for a quick peck on the lips.
Ah! Mock frustration!
The moment they pulled apart, Data opened his mouth to speak. Tasha put a finger to his lips to stop him.
"Beverly won't tell anyone," she assured him.
"But I have broken your trust," Data protested.
Tasha stepped back. She took hold of Data's hand.
"No. You could never do that," she said.
"But I—"
"You were living in the moment, Data. The unexpected, well, it's very human," Tasha said.
Data gasped softly. Tasha smirked and turned back to the lift door.
"Computer, resume. Bridge," she ordered.