Author's Note: Thank you all for your words of affirmation, love, and support as we journey through this story.
This chapter will be the conclusion of The Hunt including some more backstory into Tasha's life on Turkana IV. I'm calling them 'bandit gangs' or 'mercenaries' FYI.
I'd also like to give you a preview of the roadmap for the next few weeks:
- The Edo/Justice (this will include some Data backstory)
- Another holodeck adventure!
- The Traveller
- Q (yes, Q!)
- The Hearing—a disciplinary hearing tests Data & Tasha's budding relationship
Thank you for all your support and your patience as this story unfolds.
Cheers!
Charlie
Stardate 41251.3
It was nearly 14:00 and the heavy rain that the planet was notorious for had returned. By this time, the Enterprise crew had grown accustomed to the weather.
It was humid.
Worf and Tasha had taken Commander Riker and Data on a tour of the area around the camp. As they sloshed along in the mud, even Data struggled to keep his footing in thick, mucky terrain.
"These conditions do not seem ideal for trapping the Byaki," Data said as he took a step.
His foot slipped clean out of his boot. The boot in question was still firmly lodged in the muck. Standing on one foot, Data weaved as he put his arms out for balance. It took a moment for his internal spatial recognition programme to realign itself.
Visibility was poor in the rain. Worf was already predicting another unsuccessful night.
"We will not be able to catch anything in this," he said with a frustrated grunted.
"I think you're right, Mr Worf," Riker commented as he took in the surroundings.
The team headed back for the campsite and decided they would use the rainy afternoon to prepare for the following day.
The observation tower had successfully been constructed. It provided them with a significant tactical advantage. Even though Tasha had assigned two Security officers to stand watch in the tower, she kept up the patrols that Worf had implemented.
The Byaki had proven elusive and cunning. Tasha wasn't about to take any chances with it.
Presently, Riker and the other senior officers were seated around a table under the open-air command tent. It was a downpour outside, and Data watched with fascination as it rolled off the top and pooled at the edges.
"You look like you've never seen a rainstorm before," Riker said to Data.
"It is certainly not my first rainstorm, sir. Nonetheless, I am fascinated by how precipitation impacts human behaviour. I have observed some humans seem to become melancholy and agitated by such weather, while others seem to find comfort in it," Data said.
He met Tasha's eyes briefly knowing that she found comfort in the smell and sound of rain. She lived for a good storm. It was one of the primary things that Tasha missed about living on a planet. There was only so much one could get from a holodeck.
Worf unrolled a paper map on the table. The computers, PADDs, and much of their technology was struggling in the humidity and heat. There was so much moisture in the air that Worf was reluctant to use the holographic mapping computer.
"I've analysed the last few attacks and sightings. I believe we can triangulate that the creature is coming from this direction," Worf said as he ran his fingers across the map.
He stopped at the edge of a small pond and tapped it twice.
"Lieutenant Dhar thinks it is likely the creature sleeps near here," Worf went on.
"Then why don't we get to it?" Riker asked eagerly.
"That pond is twelve kilometres to the east through rough territory, sir. Dense foliage would make it hard to spot any incoming attacks," Worf said.
"And there's more than just the Byaki in that forest," Tasha added.
They had sent a Security team in to scout the area previously and had learned it was a dangerous jaunt. In addition to the Howdacts, there were venomous snakes and insects. A beautiful dragonfly-like creature with iridescent wings was so deadly that it could kill the whole team twice over.
And that was before they dealt with the tangled vines and twisted tree roots. Two members of the Exobiology team had already been treated for twisted ankles after some poor footing.
Any attempt to reach the pond would be an unnecessary risk.
"It's too great a danger, sir. We're better off drawing the creature out to us," Tasha concluded.
"And you think you've got a plan to make that happen, Data?" Riker questioned.
"Yes, sir. Thus far, we have struggled to capture the creature because it seems to be, for lack of a better word, invisible. Our attempts to stun it with phasers have proven ineffective. I suspect this failure is caused by the creature's stealth and speed coupled with the phaser's targeted line of fire," Data explained.
Data picked up a phaser rifle from the table and opened the control panel.
"In short, we need to increase the spread," Data said.
"We can adjust the phasers to release a large sound pulse rather than a targeted phaser blast," Tasha said, catching on.
It was the same way she had turned the Howdacts away when they were chased. Inspired by that move, Data had theorised it may give them an advantage over the Byaki.
Without warning, there was a loud crash.
It came from the north corner of the tent. A tray of plant samples collected by the Exobiology team had fallen to the floor.
Everyone frantically scanned the area as officers came running with phasers drawn.
Data put a hand to signal they should all stop.
"Silence," Data ordered.
There it was. The same heavy breathing that Tasha and Worf had heard the night before was now dangerously close—just outside the tent.
"Visual?" Riker asked quietly.
Tasha and Worf shook their heads.
There was nothing. No sign of the creature anywhere.
"Well, it's here somewhere," Riker said in an uneasy voice.
Something caught Data's eye. His visual input receptors were capable of processing both light and colour at a faster rate than the human eye. Just to the left of the tent there was something strange about the way the rain fell where Data had observed it a moment earlier.
It was as if the raindrops were hitting an unseen object. It took Data a total of 1.74 seconds to theorise a reason. He held out his arm and motioned for a phaser rifle.
Worf placed a phaser rifle into Data's outstretched hand.
Data quickly made the adjustment necessary and pulled it into his shoulder to take aim.
"Data what are you doing?" Riker asked.
"Sir, I believe this creature is capable of natural camouflage," Data explained. "And while it appears almost imperceptible to the human eye, I am capable of detecting its presence due to the rate at which the precipitation is coming down."
"Of course!" Tasha exclaimed.
"Wait, Data. Are you saying it's invisible?" Riker questioned.
"Yes, sir. I believe it has a natural active camouflage not unlike those found among octopuses, cuttlefish, or squids. If my hypothesis is correct, the Byaki can blend in with the surrounding so perfectly it is as if it were never here," Data said as he followed the barely visible distortion with the phaser rifle scope.
Data fired the phaser blast, but it was ineffective.
Suddenly, the creature tore through the tent knocking over the tables and research samples as it stumbled around. The creature had been hit—but the setting wasn't enough to subdue it.
It howled in pain and Data struggled to line up a second shot.
The Byaki swerved into a storage shelf. The shelf swayed momentarily before falling, a series of blue storage barrels hitting Worf as they came tumbling down.
The creature next tripped Commander Riker who fell backward into the mud.
"Data, something's got me!" Riker called as he was pulled along the ground.
The creature had hold of the leg of Riker's uniform trouser and was dragging him out into the rain.
Tasha reached for a second phaser rifle. Lieutenant Jeffords rushed to assist Worf as Data and Tasha ran off in pursuit of Riker and the creature.
Tasha attempted to adjust the phaser rifle settings to create the sound blast, but the heavy downpour made it difficult. It was too hard to see in the rain and she couldn't get a firm grasp. Her fingers kept slipping as she tried to reroute the conduit.
The Byaki dragged Riker through the mud to the edge of the camp. Will was grateful the creature only had hold of his uniform and not his ankle. Even still, it was a rough ride. The mud was cold and every rock he went over shot a new wave of pain through his body.
Will was certain that his backside would be black and blue by the time it was all finished.
When the creature reached the edge of camp, Data fired a second shot.
The pause gave Tasha the necessary time to finish the recalibration.
"Ready, sir?" Tasha asked as she took aim.
"What are you waiting for?" Riker hollered.
The creature still had a grip on the cuff of his trousers, but he didn't know how long that would last. At any moment, it could lose interest and pounce.
Data and Tasha fired simultaneously. The creature swayed and dropped to the ground.
The active camouflage began to dissipate. The creature appeared before them. For the first time, the team got a proper look at the rare Byaki. It was a large feline, entirely white in colour. Its eyes were open, but flagging. The creature was breathing hard.
Tasha helped Commander Riker to his feet. He was sore, but otherwise unharmed.
Data approached the creature with keen interest.
"Be careful, Data," Riker warned.
Data knelt down in the mud next to the Byaki and stared in wonder at the animal. He ran his hand through the fur. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before.
The creature had a unique, fine fur that was soft to the touch and seemed to shimmer—even in the rain.
A moment later, Tasha was at his side with her tricorder drawn as she scanned the animal's vitals.
"Stable life signs. It doesn't appear to be harmed. Just stunned," she said.
"Maybe it's a good thing it was invisible. Terrifying eyes," Ensign Gomez said as he approached the animal.
Data's hand stopped and he met eyes with the creature. They were yellow, not unlike his own.
"Most intriguing," Data breathed.
It would be oblivious to anyone else present, but Tasha noted the hint of hurt in Data's voice at Gomez's comment.
"I think they're beautiful," Tasha said.
Data knew Tasha was trying to make him feel better, but he felt a surge of confidence all the same.
The Exobiology team under Lieutenant Dhar moved in to properly sedate the creature. They transferred it to a stretcher and then carried it back to camp to begin their work on analysing and tagging the Byaki. They would measure its size and weight and take samples of the fur, teeth, and from the footpads on its paws.
Tasha and Data were helping Riker limp back to camp. They were cold, coated with mud, and ready for a break.
"I think I've had my fill of adventure for the day," Riker said with a small laugh.
"With your permission, sir, when we reach the camp, I would like to sit in with the Exobiology team as they examine the Byaki," Data requested.
"Yeah! Sure," Riker agreed.
Riker would be satisfied just reading the report over a hot cuppa.
"Nice of you to join us, Mr Worf," Riker teased as Worf approached the trio.
Tasha could see Worf was disappointed. Riker's comment did little to ease the Klingon's frustration. Worf had worked incredibly hard all week to capture the Byaki. It wasn't his fault the creature had dropped a shelf on him.
"Worf, we couldn't have done this without you. All the work you did this week to track the—"
Tasha was cut off as Worf gave her a sharp look.
"I do not require your sympathy," he said through gritted teeth.
"Just be glad it didn't pick you," Riker said in an effort to cheer him up.
"Klingons do not allow themselves to be dragged anywhere," Worf replied stoically.
"Most interesting, Lieutenant. Perhaps it would also be prudent for Klingons to not allow themselves to be bested by barrels?" Data remarked.
Tasha was gobsmacked.
Worf's face briefly flashed with anger before it quickly dissipated. It was so unlike Data to make light of their situation, but Tasha's sarcastic nature had started to rub off.
Worf tried to suppress a smile. Riker froze, unsure how the comment would be perceived. Usually, Tasha was the only one that ever got away teasing Worf.
"Forgive me. My intention was to join in the friendly banter, but it appears I have misjudged the situation," Data apologised.
Unable to contain himself any longer, Worf roared with laughter. Tasha was the next to burst and Commander Riker beamed at Data.
Data looked back and forth between three of them.
"So, it was funny?" Data asked brightly.
"Yeah, Data," Tasha said through a fit of giggles.
Data was immensely proud of himself.
Suddenly, Data's smile faltered. His eyes grew wide as his audio receptors picked up on a familiar breathing sound approximately six metres behind them.
This did not go unnoticed by Worf.
"Commander?" Worf questioned.
"Is your phaser properly attuned for the sound displacement burst?" Data asked.
Tasha and Riker stood motionless. Tasha could feel the hair on the back of her neck start to rise. Her fingers gripped her phaser rifle tightly.
"There are two," she realised aloud.
"It's mate," Data surmised.
Worf nodded carefully and raised his phaser rifle at the three.
"Now," Data commanded.
Riker, Tasha, and Data dropped to the ground and Worf fired a blast behind them.
It only took Data only seconds to adjust his optical input to find the pattern of rainfall that allowed him to see the creature.
Tasha was a moment behind him. Without Commander Riker as a visual point, she had no way to see where the creature was.
As it turns out, a visual was not necessary.
Tasha was knocked onto her back as the creature lunged. She was overwhelmed by the weight of the animal as it landed on top of her. Its paw sliced Tasha's left forearm. Its breath smelled horrid.
Tasha held her phaser rifle in front of her, using it as a barrier. The creature bit down onto the rifle as Tasha tried to keep the creature at bay. She didn't have the strength to push the creature back. The phaser rifle snapped under the pressure of the Byaki's jaw.
"Twenty-six degrees to the right," Data instructed as he advised Worf of the angle necessary to make contact.
A moment later, the second creature swerved and collapsed next to Tasha on the ground.
Tasha turned her head to the side. Its yellow eyes were staring back at her, close enough that each time the creature exhaled she could feel its breath blow on her face.
Staring into the jaws of death. She mused.
It was less than a half a metre away and Tasha said a silent prayer to whatever deity was listening that it wouldn't get a second wind.
It was an unsettling feeling.
At the same time, Tasha could sense the creature was frightened. If the two Byaki were a pair, it was likely worried about its mate.
Tasha's voice was soft and smooth as she spoke to it.
"We're not going to hurt you."
She hoped that her words would calm the animal down.
After all, it was a lifeform.
And Tasha had a soft spot for cats.
It may not have been a humanoid. And it may not have understood the words she was spoke. But she hated the idea that anything would live in fear of the Federation and Tasha hoped that her words were soothing.
The creature blinked slowly.
"You're not so big and bad after all," Tasha said gently as she watched it lay there.
Lieutenant Dhar knelt down next to the second creature and administered a hypospray sedative.
Tasha put her hand on the creature.
"You're gonna be alright," she said in a low voice.
She maintained eye contact and continued to speak tenderly in a low, even tone as the creature's eyelids grew heavy. It blinked its big yellow eyes at her a few times before the sedative finally took effect.
The Exobiology team lifted the creature onto a second stretcher and hauled it off to the camp.
"Fascinating."
Tasha turned her head to see Data kneeling next to her.
"It really is, isn't it?" Tasha said in a faraway voice.
"I meant you," Data whispered as he made a move to help her up.
Tasha shook her head and gently brushed away Data's hand.
"Just give me a second," Tasha said.
She fell back to the ground and closed her eyes. Tasha knew that she was covered in mud and her arm would need tending to, but the rain on her face felt too good to pass up.
She needed a moment to catch her breath.
It wasn't the first time Tasha had stared death in the face and it certainly wouldn't be the last. Her role as the Chief Security Officer on the Federation's flagship meant staring death in the face more often than not.
That fact aside, it didn't mean she was comfortable with it. Most of those situations came with a healthy distance like space anomalies, Romulan ships, explosions, system failures, or hostile alien vessels.
Rarely did those situations have actual faces—especially ones with big, scary yellow eyes.
Tasha opened her eyes and found Data was directly above her, staring down at her face.
Tasha smiled warmly.
"The only yellow eyes I want to see this close," she commented as Data took her hand and pulled Tasha to her feet.
An hour later, they had successfully sedated both of the Byaki and had them securely and humanely contained in an energy field. Data helped to set up the energy field. After some initial scans, Data was able to identify an appropriate frequency for the field to emit that would keep the creatures visible.
They would remain sedated for the next twenty-four hours while the team completed their work. Once done, they would transport the Byaki to the Enterprise and then release them back into the wild on the other side of the planet.
Commander Riker had been treated by the field medic and was resting in his tent.
Data made his way back to Tasha's tent. The camp lacked the infrastructure for proper shower facilities, so the crew had made do with more primitive methods.
"You know this was a luxury on Turkana," she joked.
On the table, there was a bowl of hot water. Tasha dunked a towel into the water and rung it out. She proceeded to wipe the mud off her face and neck.
She breathed deeply and inhaled the steam coming from the hot towel.
Data watched, enthralled.
"Inquiry, is your comment in regard to the method, the temperature, or the access to fresh water? It is my understanding that Turkana IV is a planet with vast freshwater resources," Data asked.
"Well, most of it is a swamp," Tasha answered.
Data cocked his head at her as he processed this answer. Data didn't follow.
"Infrastructure, Data. Most people just bathe in the swamp water," Tasha explained before adding ominously. "Which has its own risks."
Data nodded in understanding. He took a step forward and traced his finger along the fresh scar on her arm. Tasha flinched.
The Byaki's claw and left quite a slice. The regenerator had healed the open wound, but the field medic had told her it was likely going to leave a permanent mark.
"We suspect there is a substance secreted by the creature's claw that helps to open the flesh," Data noted.
"Lucky me," Tasha quipped.
Data cocked an eyebrow at her and reached for the towel.
"May I?"
She rang it out and handed it over to him. Tasha closed her eyes and let herself relax as Data wiped the mud away.
She was perfectly content to sit there in silence with the rain falling hard on the tent and Data tending to her soaked and sore form.
"May I ask a question?" Data inquired.
"Mmmm hmmm," she replied lazily without opening her eyes.
"I am curious. Why did you speak to the creature?" Data asked.
"You could hear that?" Tasha asked, surprised.
"I am an android," Data retorted.
"Ooooh, that's right!" Tasha said as she slapped her knee sarcastically. "You know,/ I keep forgetting that."
She didn't need to open her eyes to know that Data was smiling.
"What was the goal of your communication? It is unlikely the creature understood you," Data asked.
"It was frightened. I was just trying to calm it down, so it didn't eat my face off. It may be twenty-eight stone with sharp teeth and invisibility, but it's really just a big kitty cat," Tasha said.
"Kitty cat?" Data inquired.
Data's head began to drift to the left as he accessed his information database on human colloquialisms.
"Ah! I see. Felis Catus. A domesticated species of small mammal. An endothermic quadruped that is carnivorous by nature. They are agile creatures and hunters often kept as pets," Data said as he quickly processed the animal.
"Yeah, and they like to scratch," Tasha added as she pointed to her newest scar.
"Are you fond of cats?" Data asked. "Is this why you attempted to communicate with the Byaki."
Tasha paused for a moment. She wasn't really sure how to explain her experience to Data.
"I had a cat once," Tasha said cryptically.
"Tell me about it," Data asked.
Truthfully, it was more than just a cat.
"Please," Data pressed.
On Turkana, cat was one of the most common food sources. There were folks that raised them on cat farms and the numerous feral cats that dotted the landscape were fair game for anyone.
Tasha loathed this. She had hated it ever since she was small enough to understand the cats they kept in their home were food and not friends.
After their parents were killed, Tasha and her siblings had been taken in by another family. Tasha had been tasked with feeding the cats. As a lonely little girl in a harsh world, the cats were more than just loveable furballs. For Tasha, they were family.
When her guardians disappeared a few weeks later, Tasha was grateful for the cats. They were her companions. They helped to entertain her young siblings. And in her mind, they were guardians watching over the children alone in the world.
Most of Tasha's childhood was spent bouncing from one unstable situation to the next. She was often homeless, moving from place to place in the harsh Turkanan environment. At thirteen, Tasha found herself working as a courier and living near the edge of the Renrokur forest with her younger sister, Ishara.
They were two young girls alone in the world. It wasn't much, but it was isolated and safe.
For nearly a week, Tasha had grown increasingly frustrated. Each time she would hang up her daily catch of fish to dry, something got into it. It was hard work scavenging enough food to keep the two sisters alive. Tasha had hoped that if she could catch and dry enough fish, she might be able to accumulate enough to trade for some much-needed supplies.
Thinking back, Tasha was amazed at her own ingenuity at such a young age. At thirteen, Tasha rigged a trap and baited it. She stayed up all night and managed to trap the creature.
It was none other than a skinny, feral cat.
In the beginning, that orange tabby with a white patch on its paw had been sceptical of the Yar sisters. It hissed and scratched. Attempts to brush its fur resulted in more than a few deep scratches.
Ishara wanted to eat it.
Tasha wanted to save it.
Kind words, soft scratches, and occasional dried fishy treats had proved to be a long yet rewarding process.
In the end, Speckle had become a true and valued friend. Tasha had won over the scrappy little tabby and, in some ways, saw a lot of herself in her newfound companion.
"She liked to chase this feather I made for her," Tasha recalled fondly.
"Did you bring her with you off the planet?" Data asked.
Tasha shook her head solemnly. She didn't cry often, but she felt suddenly overcome by sadness. Tears pricked at the corner of her eyes. Her shoulders slumped.
"What happened to Speckle?" Data inquired.
"I don't know," Tasha admitted.
She hadn't thought about Speckle in a long time.
One summer, Tasha and Ishara had been holed up in the caves outside of the Kessler colony. It had been a particularly bad wet season and they had been forced to seek shelter nearer to other humans.
For three days the two had managed to elude one of the wandering bandit gangs. At the time, Tasha didn't know which faction they were affiliated with, nor did she care. Being captured could mean death—or worse. Forced servitude, black market organ harvesting, and assault were all possible outcomes.
On the third day, they took a wrong turn in the caves and found themselves stuck between two closing groups.
Tasha managed to get Ishara to a safe hiding place, but the two search parties had closed in on them fast.
She shuddered involuntarily as she thought back to that day. She could still hear the sound of their footfalls growing closer and see the soft glow of their torches as their shadows danced off the cave walls.
Speckle was terrified.
In retrospect, anyone would have simply let the cat scurry away.
But something inside Tasha compelled her to shield her pet from harm. She knew they would likely eat Speckle if they caught her.
At her core, Tasha felt an unexplainable duty to protect others—human and feline alike. She wasn't about to allow these bandits to harm her friend.
Tasha held Speckle tight and tried to shush her.
A few seconds later, it became obvious there would not be time to hide. The bandits had spotted her.
With deep regret, Tasha had released Speckle and ordered her to run.
"She took off into the dark and that was the last time I ever saw her," Tasha said sadly.
Data suspected there was more to the story that Tasha did not feel comfortable disclosing. He watched a tear run down her face.
Data's voice was soft as he reached for Tasha's hand.
"Tasha, if this has brought forward traumatic memories—"
"I like to think she went back to the jungle. Maybe lived a happy life getting fat on the river fish," Tasha said.
Data calculated the odds were unlikely that her cat could have survived. However, he understood enough about human behaviour to realise Tasha was 'hoping for the best.'
"I know. She probably wound up as a meal for someone or something," Tasha said as she noted the look on his face.
"From what you have told me, Speckle was a keen hunter and agile creature. It is entirely possible that her hunting skills, enhanced senses, and instincts enabled her to indeed survive," Data said in a manner that he hoped brought Tasha some comfort.
Tasha chuckled.
"Thanks, Data," she said.
She wiped the tears from her face.
"You know I've never told anyone about her before," Tasha admitted.
It was true. She had never told another person about Speckle—not even Alfie.
It was too painful, too private.
Data watched as her eyes grew wide and her head tilted slightly to the right. Her mouth fell ajar. She was staring off at nothing.
A sudden understanding about Alfie's compulsion to save the dog that killed him struck Tasha harder than she expected.
As he read her face, Data gathered there was something Tasha wanted to say. As he thought back to the information Commander Riker had shared with him, Data's metaphorical heart skipped a beat.
He had hoped Tasha would feel comfortable opening up about that part of herself with him.
"Tasha, is there something you would like to discuss?" Data asked.
Tasha shook the feeling and cleared her throat.
"No, Data," she said.
Their relationship was still very new. Tasha didn't want to bring down the mood by gushing about her broken heart and the loss of Alfie. She trusted that Data would understand, but she wasn't ready to unpack that yet.
"If you change your mind I will always be here to listen," Data said as he tenderly towelled her wet hair.
Someday. Tasha thought to herself. But not today.