The Complication

by CharlieFenwick

Data struggles to reconcile the discrepancies between Tasha's verbal and nonverbal communication during and after the events of Ligon II. "Am I the 'complication?" Data asked. Data begins to develop emotions. Tasha/Data fluff & angst. Data/Geordi friendship. Covers the events of TNG season 1 with missing scenes, original adventures, and some mild AU retelling of events.

97. In the Club

Author's Note: Thank you all for your ongoing support on this series.

This chapter is something I've been working on since the earliest days of The Complication. I don't know if I've shared this before – but when I first got the idea for this story, I knew exactly how I wanted it to start and end all the way from "The Complication - "Happy Ending."

And within that framework there were three pivotal moments that helped lay the foundation for our story – Hero Worship, Measure of a Man, and the Conspiracy/Romulan arc.

This chapter will bring about the conclusion of Hero Worship – at least from Timothy's perspective. I wanted to give Timothy a better ending than the original episode. It always seemed a bit cold the way that story tapered off.

And while Timothy's story is coming to an end, Data Tasha's story is about to heat up. This chapter isn't as heavily focused on action. It's mostly about Data Tasha working with Deanna as they process the aftermath of their experience with Timothy.

The repercussions of this chapter will have a significant impact on Data and Tasha's relationship – carrying throughout this story as well as the sequels The Crucible (S2-S3) and The Course We Set (S3-S4).

---

Chapter-specific C/W:

- There is a brief mention of child services, abuse, and mistreatment.

- This chapter also contains a bit of a steamy ending – more so than I normally write. Thanks to Lady_Lore for her help in this.

---

Deanna took a small sip of her mocha Raktajino and watched the exchange unfolding before her with rapt attention.

The Enterprise was back in Federation space and en route to Starbase 514 with the results of their investigation into the destruction of the Vico.

Deanna had spent most of the day in Tasha's quarters as she conducted a series of interviews.

This was the eighth interview they had performed.

"We've known Timothy since he was three," the man said.

He was Doctor Ian Moran, a neighbour of the late Mr and Mrs Brennan.

"My husband and I first me the Brennans when they moved here. Their son is just a little older than our James," said Lieutenant Andy Moran, Doctor Moran's spouse.

"You see they lived just down the corridor from us and well, two young families with rambunctious little boys – it was nice to have someone sort of going through the same parenting experience," Ian said.

All day, Tasha had been conducting these interviews with people that knew the Brennans on Starbase 514. She wanted to get a sense of just who the Moran's were and what their interest was in Timothy.

Deanna had watched with rapt attention as Tasha combed through her notes, using her best soothing interview voice to draw out information without making it seem like an interrogation.

"You filed a petition of interest in custody of Timothy," Tasha said, referencing her notes.

"Yes," Andy acknowledged.

"At the time of their death, Mr and Mrs Brennan did not leave instructions for Timothy's care," Tasha said.

It was true – there was no custody arrangement in order. Apparently, prior to their divorce, there had been an arrangement on file. Unfortunately, that agreement had been tossed out six months prior.

"You see – Dana and Douglas had plans. But Dana's mother passed suddenly six months ago. With the divorce, they were still trying to figure out how it would all work," Andy explained. "They had very little family."

"If there's someone else Timothy would rather be with, we will gladly withdraw our petition," Ian Moran shared. "We just thought that he might want to come home to Starbase 514. He and our James always got along, and we would be more than happy to have him join our family."

"We know this won't be easy. He's going to need a lot of support. We just-" Andy stopped and took hold of his husband's hand. "We thought it might bring about some semblance of normal, of home to come back to Starbase 514. He has friends here and there's a proper school. We're both permanently stationed here."

"He would have a stable home. No bouncing between starbase and ship," Ian offered. "And I promise you that we would love that little boy – do everything we can to honour Doug and Dana and what they would have wanted for their child."

If there's someone else Timothy would rather be with, we will gladly withdraw our petition.

It was exactly what Tasha had needed to hear.

"Thank you," Tasha said. "As I explained, Counsellor Troi and I have no authority in the decision. The custody will likely be determined by an officer of the JAG division. They've mentioned they'll dispatch a team from the office on Starbase 111."

The team was expected to arrive in two weeks.

"However, Timothy will need somewhere to stay until that decision is reached," Deanna said.

The Enterprise was due to arrive at Starbase 514 in a week and she couldn't stay. Timothy would need a safe place to live that offered him adequate support during the custody hearings.

"We would be honoured to do that for Timothy," Ian said.

"And if it's possible, now that you're in communications range – would we be able to set up a video call with Timothy? I'm sure he'd love to see James and we could get some of his other friends from school," Andy requested.

For the first time all day, Tasha cracked a smile.

"Of course," Tasha answered. "Arrange whatever you need to on your end and I'll be sure to set it up."

The Moran's looked relieved.

"Lieutenant, Counsellor, may we ask?" Ian began. "Is this all… well, is there a reason you're doing all this? Is there someone on the Enterprise that's expressed an interest? We don't want to stand in the way of Timothy's happiness if he's found someone-"

"Standard procedure," Tasha lied, flashing them a broad smile.

"Oh! Of course," Ian replied.

"Thank you, we'll be in touch," Tasha said before disconnecting the channel.

As soon as it clicked off, Tasha tapped her PADD. She was typing furiously as she recorded notes from their interview.

"Liar," Deanna said.

Tasha looked up and feigned surprise.

"I-I didn't-"

"This is not standard procedure. You're a liar," Deanna teased before adding, "but you are a damn good one."

Tasha was caught and she knew it.

"You agreed to help. That makes you an accomplice," Tasha threw back.

"I may have been misleading about my own intentions," Deanna admitted. "While I do care about Timothy's custody, I wasn't so much interested in the interviews as I was in your behaviour."

Tasha scowled.

"What? You think I'm doing something improper?" Tasha demanded.

Deanna's face softened.

"Tasha, I think whether you want to admit it or not, you are emotionally invested in this situation. More so than you normally would be. This has impacted you," Deanna said.

Deanna paused.

"And it's not the first time," Deanna went on.

Deanna could sense she had touched a raw nerve.

Tasha dropped her gaze to her lap and began to pick at her fingernails.

"Look, I just want to make sure that he finds a home," Tasha said.

Deanna didn't respond.

Tasha lifted her chin and made a face.

"Troi," she whined.

"We both know it's more than that," Deanna pointed out.

Tasha sighed and turned her attention out the window.

"I don't want him to wind up in some institution or with a family that sees him as a burden or worse – filling some need they have. And when the fantasy doesn't turn out the way they want, they cast him aside or take it out on Timothy," Tasha paused to breathe.

She took a moment to compose herself.

"He needs love and support. He needs to be in a place where his nightmares aren't treated like a problem. Where he isn't just another mouth to feed or a liability," Tasha went on. "He's a little boy. He's just a little boy."

Tasha was so angry with herself for getting worked up. She quickly wiped away the hot tears that had spilled over.

"I'm sorry this is unprofessional," Tasha apologised.

Deanna cocked her head to the side and quirked an eyebrow. She looked amused as she tried to keep things light-hearted.

"Any less professional than using your rank and position to conduct dubious custody-related interviews?" Deanna asked.

It worked.

Tasha burst out laughing.

"Oh please don't make me laugh," she said through a fit of giggles.

Deanna sat back and smiled.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Deanna asked, suddenly shifting gears.

Tasha mulled over this suggestion. Emotionally, she had come so far in the last few years. Her sessions with Deanna felt comfortable in a way that therapy hadn't before.

Yet there were still some subjects Tasha wasn't ready to broach. Most importantly, she had a job to do when it came to ensuring Timothy's happiness.

Tasha resolved there wasn't time to get into all her past traumas with Federation child services.

"Thank you, but no. Not right now," Tasha answered after some internal deliberation.

"You know I'm here," Deanna said, giving Tasha's hand a reassuring squeeze.

---

Data, we have to do everything we can to make sure he finds a home where he's happy.

Ever since Tasha uttered those words, Data had been unable to push them from his mind. Fears about what could happen to Timothy haunted his thoughts.

Data had made a promise to keep Timothy safe.

It was how Timothy had learned to trust him, to rely on Data. For a time, it was the only place Timothy felt safe. And during their time together, Data had helped Timothy to rebuild his world.

The foundation of that safety and trust was what enabled Timothy to eventually open up a little – allowing himself to put that same faith in Tasha.

And once that crack appeared, the floodgate was open.

Timothy had gone to see Cetacean Ops with Commander Riker. He'd spent an afternoon playing Age of Sail with Geordi, Sonya, and Reg Barclay.

Deanna and Worf had taken Timothy on a proper tour of the ship – showing him all sorts of nooks and crannies to crawl through.

Beverly and Wesley were overseeing plans for Timothy's surprise birthday party with the help of Guinan. It was his 10th birthday and they wanted to mark the occasion with a grand celebration in honour of Timothy.

Deanna hoped the event would give Timothy a happy memory to take from the Enterprise.

Data had offered the team some ideas. Guinan and Beverly had assured Data it would all be taken care of in time.

That was a huge relief.

Because between his own duties and all his additional time with Timothy, Data didn't have a lot of free hours in the day to coordinate a surprise party.

Data was on his way to pick up Timothy from school. In a way, it stung to know this would be that last week that he would have such a task on his agenda.

Data had grown quite accustomed to caring for Timothy and he looked forward to their after school tradition.

---

Data and Timothy were sitting next to one another on stools at the bar inside Ten Forward as Timothy slurped his root beer float.

"This is great," Timothy said. "Androids love root beer."

"I will confess that the complex polysaccharides, in reaction with the carbon dioxide, produces an unusual combination of texture and effervescence," Data said.

Timothy blinked in confusion.

"It is pleasing," Data clarified.

Timothy giggled, grinning around his straw above the rim of his own root beer float.

The door to Ten Forward slid open, catching Data's attention.

Tasha and Worf stepped inside, fresh from a workout on the holodeck and keen to get their paws on a hearty meal.

Between the two of them, they could easily pack away enough to feed six people. The high caloric needs of their extremely active lifestyles combined with their desire to regain the weight and mass lost during the nanocyte incident meant that they often utilised Ten Forward for dinner after a workout.

Data and Tasha shared a small nod before she slipped into a table by the window.

While Data adored his time with Timothy, there was one big piece missing from that routine.

Tasha.

It had been ages since they'd had a proper moment alone that wasn't a stolen kiss in a turbolift or a quick embrace after a counselling session.

Data turned on his stool, his eyes following Tasha as she walked away.

Timothy turned and observed Data for a few seconds, cocking his head to the side as he slurped down his root beer.

Then he followed Data's line of sight across the room.

"Do you think she's pretty or something?" Timothy asked.

"I believe she is the most aesthetically pleasing person to exist in this sector of the galaxy," Data confessed in a faraway voice.

Data's body suddenly tensed. He mentally shook himself for slipping like that. Data turned to his companion.

"I-I, uh," he stammered.

Timothy just shrugged.

"I suppose it's a good thing you're an android like me," Timothy said. "My friend, Liam, well he was older than me. He was in my learning group on the Vico."

On small ships like the Vico, children were often divided into learning groups that encompassed age ranges rather than following rigid class structures.

There just weren't enough students otherwise.

So at nine, Timothy had been lumped in with all the other kids aged nine – twelve.

"And he thought this girl at school was pretty," Timothy shared.

He shuddered.

"Barf," Timothy remarked, revolted.

Data bit back a grin, amused by his response.

"Liam and I used to sit in the canteen and watch the stellar cartography chart track our progress. But when he started spending more time with her, he didn't come around anymore," Timothy lamented.

Data had to admit he could appreciate the logic behind such a concern. Data, Geordi, and Miles all saw less and less of one another since initiating relationships.

Timothy's eyes narrowed.

"You're not gonna like stop being my friend for her, right?" Timothy asked.

"No, Timothy, I will always be your friend," Data answered.

Yet there was something Data needed to make clear and he figured this would be his best opportunity.

"Lieutenant Yar is my friend, too. Just as she is also your friend," Data said.

"Yeah, she's alright I guess," Timothy said.

Suddenly, Timothy gasped. His eyes went wide. He glanced over to where Worf and Tasha were eating and then back to Data.

"She's your friend," Timothy said.

"Yes," Data nodded.

Timothy's shoulders slumped.

"And I guess since we started spending time together you haven't really seen much of each other then, huh?" Timothy said.

He realised he had done the same thing to Tasha as Liam had done to him.

"Cause now you spend all your time with me," Timothy said.

"I suppose it is true that we have not spent as much time together as before," Data acknowledged.

He was treading carefully. Data didn't want Timothy to feel guilty.

"I like to spend my time with you, Timothy. I find our time together to be most enjoyable," Data added.

"But you miss her," Timothy said.

He noticed the way Data's behaviour changed whenever she was around. He could sense that she was never far from Data's thoughts.

"Yes, I do," Data admitted, staring across the room.

---

The next morning, Data strolled off the Observation Lounge. The morning briefing with Captain Picard and the other senior officers had just concluded and Data was due down in the conference room on deck 14 for his own meeting with the heads of department from the Sciences division.

Data had an entire hour blocked for the meeting and he needed to keep it contained to that timeframe.

Because once he was through meeting with the Sciences division, Data had another meeting with heads of department from the Operations division – and he knew it would be a long meeting.

There was still damage from their run in with the gravitational wavefronts.

The Enterprise was operational. Yet a great deal of work remained to get her back up to optimal functioning.

Data didn't like prioritising Operations over his obligation to the scientific exploration discovery charge of their ongoing mission – but the reality was it so often came second to running the ship.

The lift doors were just about to close when Beverly slipped in through the crack.

"Commander, wait!" she said, calling after him.

"Doctor," Data said.

"I wanted to give you an update on the preparations for the you-know-what," Beverly said in a low voice.

Data blinked, perplexed.

"What?" Data whispered.

"The party," Beverly clarified.

"Oh!" Data replied, intrigued. "Please continue, Doctor."

Were it anyone else, Beverly would have thought they were just trying to get a rise from her.

"Guinan's got the root beer floats, fish fingers, chips, and plenty of grog for the adults," Beverly explained with a wink. "Worf's making the cake."

"Excellent," Data said.

Worf was a fine baker. His confectionaries were some of the most wonderful things Data had ever tasted. He did things with scones, cream cakes, and Yorkshires that Commander Riker could only dream of.

After some considerable espionage to learn Timothy's favourite flavour, Data was happy to report that Timothy was a traditionalist.

"Have you deduced his favourite flavour?" Beverly asked.

"Chocolate," Data reported.

"Well in that case, Deanna will be pleased," Beverly said.

She made a mental note to let Worf know.

"There's just one other detail," Beverly said with a wicked twinkle in her eye.

---

It had been a normal day on the Enterprise – much to everyone's relief.

As the afternoon ticked on, Tasha was grateful her duty shift had passed without incident.

She was just about to call it a day when an urgent hail came through.

"Lieutenant Yar? We've got an incoming long-range subspace communication. Labelled priority one," Lieutenant Wu's voice chimed from Tasha's combadge.

"Thank you, please route it to my office. I'll take it there," Tasha instructed.

This was the call Tasha had been waiting for. She could feel it.

"Lieutenant, please. Use my Ready Room," Captain Picard offered.

"Thank you, sir," Tasha replied, unable to hide her nerves.

---

Tasha couldn't bring herself to sit behind Captain Picard's desk, so she opted to turn the computer around.

She clicked the controls and punched in her security clearance. Tasha smoothed her bangs and then tapped to open the video channel.

"Hello?" a man said, stepping onscreen. "I'm Jack Brennan, I was Douglas's cousin."

"Hello Mr Brennan," Tasha said.

Tasha noticed there was a slight tremble in his voice. He cleared his throat and paused to take a quick sip of water.

"Erm, is uh, is Tommy there?" he asked.

The man visibly grimaced.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Timothy," he said, catching himself.

It was evident he was nervous.

"You must think I'm terrible," Jack said.

"It's alright, Mr Brennan. Timothy's not here, he's still in his classes," Tasha explained. "This is just a conversation."

Tasha was hoping to put him at ease.

"I've never done anything like this before," Jack confessed.

---

Right on time, Data was waiting in line with many other parents and guardians to pick up their children at the end of the school day.

Timothy came rushing out with the stampede and stopped in front of Data.

"How was your day?" Data inquired.

"Did you know that bees dance?" Timothy asked, excited after his afternoon biology lesson.

Data smiled.

"That is fascinating," Data said, feigning ignorance on the subject.

"Yeah! And we built a honeycomb during sculpture and got to make origami bees for craft time," Timothy shared.

He presented Data with a rather crumpled bumblebee.

"This is for you," Timothy said.

"Thank you," Data said in earnest.

It may have had one bent antennae and a lumpy bottom, but it was such a dear thing and Data knew Timothy had made it with love.

"I shall treasure it," Data said.

Data spied Timothy had something else in his possession – something made of craft paper that he was clutching tight to his chest.

"What is this?" Data asked.

Timothy squared his shoulders and lifted his determined wee chin.

"I must complete an errand before we partake in our afternoon custom," Timothy said, mimicking Data's formal speech.

"An errand?" Data inquired.

"Indeed," Timothy replied.

---

"Most of our family was on Galen IV," Jack Brennan said. "Douglas's parents. My parents. All of our cousins and grandparents."

The Brennan family had been one of the first families to settle on the Galen VI colony more than a century before.

"The only reason Douglas and I survived is that he was at Starfleet Academy, and I was at university," Jack said.

He paused and shook his head. It had been many years since Jack Brennan had thought about the attack on Galen IV.

The Talarians had wiped out the entire Federation colony.

Tasha waited patiently as he worked through his thoughts.

"Forgive me, there were no survivors and the guilt of living with that, knowing everyone else died," Jack tried to explain. "Well, Douglas joined a support group for Galen IV families and I tried to just put it all behind me. I've never looked back."

Jack had poured himself into his work.

He chuckled.

"You see, I've spent my entire life rebuilding a world where I don't ever have to worry about losing my family again," Jack shared. "I'm not going to pretend to know the first thing about raising a child. I'll be honest, this whole thing has me terrified."

Tasha could see he was distraught.

"I've never met Timothy. Douglas and I weren't particularly close. There was no animosity – life just took us different directions," Jack said. "Would it be possible to talk to him or get a list of things he likes? I could have my assistant put together a package or something."

Jack was fumbling, trying his best to do what was expected of him. But he was woefully out of his league.

"Mr Brennan, it's not my place and I want to reiterate that I have no authority in the custody proceedings," Tasha said. "You lost everyone, everything you knew when Galen IV was attacked. You had to rebuild your whole world."

Tasha knew she was about to cross the line, but she felt it was necessary.

"Timothy's lost his entire family now too. And he's just as alone as you were," Tasha said. "He's going to need a lot of love and support. He needs someone that will be there to show up for him again and again."

Jack Brennan kicked himself.

"You're right. I shouldn't delegate this to my assistant. What was I thinking?" he groaned. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I'll do better."

"No, sir. Forgive me, it wasn't my intention to chastise you. I think you're in a very unique position to help Timothy," Tasha said.

She bit her lip, debating just how far to push the idea. Tasha recalled how alone she had felt when she'd first been placed in Federation Child Services. She tried to remember what she wished someone would have said or done for her had anyone been there to advocate on her behalf.

"In my opinion, your presence in his life would go a long way in helping Timothy. You've shared in that trauma. I think he could learn a lot from you and, if I may, you could probably learn a lot from him too," Tasha said.

Tasha paused to clear her throat.

"But I, well, I don't know if.. that is to say," Tasha said, struggling to find the right words.

She was making a right mess of her pitch and Tasha knew it. Tasha took a deep breath and straightened up. It was best to just come out and say it – quick like bandage.

"What if there was someone else that was interested in taking Timothy?" Tasha asked suddenly.

Her question hung in the air for a moment as neither Tasha nor Mr Brennan spoke.

"Hmm, I hadn't really thought of that. Starfleet said I was his only living relative," Mr Brennan said.

"And you are," Tasha acknowledged. "I just mean, what if there was someone out there? Someone who would love that little boy and care for him. Someone that will raise him as their own and spend every moment of their lives devoted to ensuring he was in a safe, supportive home."

Tasha was doing her best to keep her emotions in check.

"Someone that I know would want you to be a part of Timothy's life," Tasha went on before adding, "A-as much as you're comfortable with."

"Someone else is interested in raising Timothy?" Jack asked.

Tasha nodded.

"And they want him? Their intentions are for the best?" Jack pressed.

His face fell.

"I know so little about Douglas's life. I must confess I do not know who his friends were or who to trust. I'm relying on you," Jack admitted. "Is this someone that I can trust with Timothy? They truly care for the boy?"

Tasha was elated.

"I think you could say he's captured their hearts," Tasha said with a coy grin.

If she could make this scheme work, Tasha knew it would be a success. Mr Brennan seemed like a genuinely good man, albeit not prepared to raise a child.

Tasha recognised it was a wild plan she'd hatched. But it would ensure Mr Brennan wasn't out of his league. Tasha's conscience would be at ease. Data would be thrilled.

Most importantly, Timothy would be safe, supported, and pleased.

"This someone isn't family. And there's no guarantee the law would support their claim – but I think your endorsement of this scheme might go a long way in making that dream a reality," Tasha said.

"Timothy would be happy there?" Jack asked.

"I think he would be," Tasha answered.

---

When Tasha reached her quarters, she was surprised to find a note posted on the door.

Upon opening it, Tasha realised it was handmade and likely crafted by Timothy.

She was 'cordly' invited to Data's quarters for dinner with instructions to bring her pillow and pyjamas.

Tasha grinned.

She had a feeling this would be a most interesting evening.

---

Data frowned as he watched Timothy push the end table across the room. He was rearranging Data's furniture in a most unusual pattern.

Data did not want to discourage the boy's creativity. However, when he moved the table squarely in front of the door, Data realised it was time to intervene.

"Timothy, I applaud the individuality of your interior design skills. Quite… original," Data settled on. "However, this layout is not conducive to movement throughout our space."

"Trust me," Timothy said with confidence.

Data visibly tensed as Timothy struggled to lift an oversize potted plant.

"Allow me," Data said, stepping in. "Where would you like this?"

When they had finished, Data stopped to survey the room.

"Now that we are finished, may I inquire as to the purpose of such an arrangement?" Data asked.

"It's our fort," Timothy declared.

Data cocked his head to the side. His neural net surged, racing through all his available information on childhood play.

"Well, it will be once we get the walls up," Timothy said.

"The walls?" Data inquired.

"You have to use your imagination," Timothy said, spreading a blanket between the sofa and one of the chairs.

Data certainly had no shortage of imagination.

"And what is this fort for?" Data asked.

"Oh all sorts of things," Timothy replied.

He thought he was doing his best to answer Data's inquiry – but this only led to more questions. Data watched in silence as Timothy tossed pillows out of the bedroom into the middle of the fort. That was followed by stripping away the bedding.

Data had to suppress a smile when Timothy emerged under a pile of blankets.

"We need popcorn," Timothy said.

He turned and glanced up at Data.

"What's the biggest bowl you've got?" he asked.

---

"You're in quite a good mood," Riker said as Tasha stepped onto the lift.

"Hot date," she teased in response.

"Looks like it," Riker said, eying her casual leggings and oversized Rangers jersey.

Tasha unfolded the invitation, showing it to Commander Riker.

"I'm a little jealous I wasn't invited," he said with a grin.

"You know I'm really going to miss that kid," Tasha confessed.

She'd been thinking about it all day.

"Any news on that front? How'd the conversation with his family go?" Riker asked.

"I think Mr Brennan just wants what's best for Timothy," Tasha replied cryptically.

"So he's taking the boy in then?" Riker asked.

Riker had inquired previously about the boy's care. Having lost his mother at such a young age and growing up with a largely emotionally absent father, Will knew just how crucial it was to home for Timothy.

Tasha hesitated.

"T?" Riker pressed.

"If everything goes according to plan, Timothy's going to a certain young couple very happy," Tasha said.

---

Data was stunned when he opened the door and found Tasha waiting on the other side.

When Timothy had said he'd taken the liberty of inviting over a friend for a slumber party, Data had presumed it was someone from school.

Tasha was equally shocked to find Data and his pint-sized doppelganger in matching, striped pyjamas.

She hid her amusement for fear of letting Timothy down.

"Am I in the right place?" Tasha asked, feigning ignorance.

Timothy frowned.

He poked his head out the door and looked up and down the corridor.

"Where's your stuff? Your pyjamas?" Timothy asked.

"Oh, um. I'm wearing them," Tasha explained, tugging at the hem of her jersey.

It was typically what Tasha slept in whenever she was cold. She knew her usual shorts and tee weren't appropriate for the occasion, and she'd never bothered with owning proper pyjamas.

As she slipped into the room, Tasha overhead Timothy whisper something about girls being weird.

"Should we be prepared for anyone else?" Data asked.

"No," Timothy replied simply.

His fort was only for the three of them.

"I'm sorry," Timothy said suddenly.

Data and Tasha both sprung into action.

"Oh don't be!" Tasha assured him. "This is perfect."

"I am glad you put this together," Data said.

Timothy lifted his chin, looking from Data to Tasha before turning back to Data.

"I'm sorry because I did to you what my friend Liam did to me," Timothy said. "And because of me, you didn't get to spend time together."

He paused, fidgeting with his hands.

"I just thought since we're all friends we could do something together and then you don't have to stop being friends because of me," Timothy said.

Ever since his conversation with Data in Ten Forward, Timothy had felt guilty for keeping them apart.

A look passed between Data and Tasha. It was hardly the date night they'd been desperately overdue – but they were thrilled to be together.

"So," Tasha said, turning around and rubbing her hands together. "I'm starving. What's for supper?"

---

"And that one's Orion," Timothy said, pointing at the lights on the ceiling.

After consuming a dinner of the finest gummy snacks, popcorn, and dinosaur-shaped nosh bean nuggets, Data and Tasha had settled in for a lightshow courtesy of Timothy and his special torch.

The three were lying on the floor, staring at the ceiling as Timothy swapped out different homemade paper covers to show them various constellations.

It was a project he'd worked on during the crafting hour at school and Timothy had been most eager to share it with his newfound friends.

Because this was no ordinary project.

This was something Timothy used to do with his parents and friends on the Vico. Back before his mum and dad had started fighting, they used to make all sorts of constellation stencils and have spontaneous lightshows before bedtime.

Data had been sceptical about the fort – but it turned out to be the perfect setting for such an evening.

"This is nice," Timothy said suddenly.

"Yes, your tour of the universe was most intriguing," Data said.

"Fantastic," Tasha praised.

Timothy shook his head.

"No, I mean this. The three of us together," Timothy said.

He fumbled with his torch for a moment as he swapped Orion for Lyra. He clicked the light on and another constellation appeared on the ceiling.

"See that bright star? That's Vega," Timothy explained.

It was the fourteenth constellation they had seen so far.

"You made all of these?" Tasha asked.

"Uh huh," Timothy said.

He wanted to do something special for his two new friends.

Timothy frowned. He clicked off his torch and sat up.

"You're bored," he said.

"No!" Tasha insisted, flashing him a broad smile. "I think it's very creative. I'm impressed."

Timothy relaxed.

"This was thoughtful," Data added.

Timothy looked back and forth from Tasha to Data and he worked up the courage to ask a rather important question.

"Then we could do this again?" Timothy asked. "Maybe before bedtime tomorrow?"

His face lit up, barely able to contain his excitement.

"Or, or maybe we could stay here? In the fort? Have a sleepover every night with just the three of us?" Timothy suggested. "All your stuffs here Data and-"

Timothy turned to Tasha. He scrunched up his face as he judged her oversized jersey.

"And I suppose you could get real pyjamas. Matching ones like me and Data," Timothy added. "Then we could be like a proper club."

"Hmm," Data said, considering this proposal. "I have never been in a club."

Timothy gasped.

"Never ever?" Timothy asked.

"Never ever," Data responded.

"Then it's settled. We're a club," Timothy said.

He flopped onto his back and clicked his torch on again, treating them all to another constellation.

"Do you think someday we could go see the stars on a planet? Like in the sky?" Timothy asked.

Timothy shared that he had always wanted to do that. Growing up as a child living between starships and starbase 514, Timothy couldn't recall ever setting foot on a planet before.

"I wonder what it's like," Timothy pondered aloud.

"It's a lot like this," Tasha answered. "When I was a little girl, I used to lay on my back and star up at the stars."

Timothy was blown away. He propped himself up on his little elbow, eager for more information.

"Then you've seen all these for real?" he asked in awe.

"Some of them," Tasha shared. "But the stars, my stars, the ones I grew up with were different."

"My friend Liam was born on Wibmra II. Did you know they have a constellation that looks like a great big flower," Timothy said.

Timothy wanted to visit it someday.

"I want to see your stars too," Timothy said to Tasha.

Tasha sighed.

"Maybe someday," she replied, knowing full well that the odds of ever returning to Turkana were slim – yet she didn't have the heart to lie to Timothy.

I'll probably visit Romulus sooner than Turkana. Tasha mused to herself.

She couldn't show Timothy the stars of her childhood, but Tasha could tell him all about them. As Timothy had such a keen and imaginative mind, Tasha was sure Timothy would enjoy it.

"We have a constellation called The Miner. And he's got a great pickaxe," Tasha shared. "And at the very point of the top are two bright stars – one called Azuranam and the other called Seridianam."

Data referenced his information database on the Turkanan language. From his limited information, he managed to work out that these names translated to Azura's soul and Seridia's soul.

The two sisters. Data realised, recognising the names of the deities.

It was all a part of the broader Turkanan creation myth.

"Seridianam sits in the lamp bracket atop the miner's hat," Tasha went on. "And Azuranam is so bright it's like a diamond in the sky."

They weren't just beautiful – Seridianam and Azuranam were primary directional stars in the Turkanan sky. The centre point between the two was nearly dead on for due East.

"Legend says the miner heard a rumour of a beautiful jewel. So he worked and worked, using his pickaxe to scatter the stars all across the sky," Tasha went on. "And though he found many jewels – none of them were the special jewel he had heard of known as Azuranam."

Timothy listened quietly, imagining a great burly miner in the sky as his pickaxe continued to chip away at the darkness.

"And then one day, he found her," Tasha said.

"Her?" Timothy asked, confused.

"Her," Tasha said with a knowing smile.

At this point, both Timothy and Data were completely absorbed in the legend.

"Azuranam wasn't just a jewel. She was the soul of a beautiful goddess named Azura," Tasha explained.

Azura, the Turkanan lunar deity, was one of the most revered gods in the old Turkanan religion.

"And her light was so beautiful, so brilliant that she hid it away for fear that people would look upon it and forget the real world around them," Tasha said.

Data supposed that there was some logic in this. Even Data had found himself captivated by the moon on worlds he'd visited – great big glowing orbs, eerie white moons in a cold sky, great pink moons when the sunlight conditions were just right, and even the glorious glowing sliver of a crescent moon.

"And when the miner found her, he was so taken with her brilliance that he could not bear to bring his axe down upon it," Tasha continued. "He's forever stuck for thousands of years."

Tasha sat up and pulled her arms up.

"Axe at the ready, aimed to swing – but he can't bring himself to do it," Tasha said.

"Whoa," Timothy said.

It was like one of the great mythology stories Timothy had learned in school. Only this was no boring old Vulcan tale or Greek tragedy.

Data was equally as enthralled.

"You have such wonderful stories," Data remarked.

He tried to encourage Tasha whenever she opened up about Turkana in hopes that she would share more. Tasha had largely kept to herself about Turkana and the traditions of her people for fear of judgement.

"You always tell the best bedtime stories," Data added with a small smile.

Timothy nodded in agreement.

"Tell us another one. Please?" he asked.

He had far too much energy for the late hour.

Probably all those gummy snacks. Tasha thought.

"Alright. Can I see your hand?" Tasha asked.

With Timothy's permission, Tasha turned his hand over so she could study his palm.

"Have you ever tried to hold water in your hands?" Tasha asked.

"Yeah. It doesn't work," Timothy said.

"That's right," Tasha agreed.

"Well my people believe that all of these lines mean something special," Tasha explained, tracing the lines of Timothy's palm.

It was a complicated story and Tasha wasn't ready to dive into the complicated family tree of the Turkanan deities. Instead, she opted for the simplest explanation.

"This line here is so a little bit of water runs off so all the animals can drink. And this one here is so the crops can grow," Tasha said.

"What about this one?" Timothy asked, pointing at one.

"This is for the great endless sea. And these are for the rivers that come down out of the mountains," Tasha continued.

When Tasha was a little girl, her grandmother had traced the lines on her hand in the same way. She claimed all the old gods had claimed them, marking the humans with these lines so their hands could not rob the earth of all her water.

She had a reason for every line – the snow, disease, ale making, blacksmiths.

"And this one is for laughter," Tasha said, citing one other memory from her grandmother.

Timothy's brow furrowed.

"Laughter?" he asked. "I don't-"

Timothy shrieked as Tasha pulled him into a tight embrace, tickling his sides and making him roll in a fit of giggles.

As he watched them, Data wished he could bottle that moment.

---

Two hours later, Timothy was sleeping soundly in the middle of his fort. He was completely tuckered out from an evening of games.

Data and Tasha were both propped up on one elbow, facing each other but separated by a few metres of distance.

It was a good thing Data had long arms. They were just close enough that he could reach across and brush the tips of his fingers against Tasha's hand.

"Everything's arranged for the call tomorrow," Tasha whispered.

The Moran family from Starbase 514 had coordinated a call for Timothy with all sorts of friends and classmates from Starbase 514.

According to Andy Moran, there was such a good response they'd been forced to move the location from their quarters to the Starbase 514 promenade.

"You are very good at this," Data said.

"Whispering?" Tasha teased, feigning innocence.

"Parenting," Data replied in a soft voice.

Tasha froze.

"Oh. That," she said.

Data moved just a smidge closer – close enough so he could hold Tasha's hand.

"I know that is a long way off. I just-"

He paused and glanced down at Timothy.

"I would enjoy doing this with you. Together," Data confessed.

To Data's surprise, Tasha smiled.

"I would too," she replied in a hushed voice. "I mean, I will enjoy doing this with you. Someday."

Timothy shivered and curled up. The floor was chilly. It was all part of the Enterprise's temperature-controlled atmosphere.

Tasha reached for the blanket and pulled it up over Timothy's shoulders, gently tucking it in around him.

"I'm going to miss him," Tasha said.

She frowned.

"You know it is awfully cold down here. Maybe we should move him to the bed?" Tasha suggested.

Data carefully scooped up Timothy from the floor while Tasha cleared a path. Working in tandem, they moved him into Data's bed where he would be more comfortable.

It was nearly midnight and Timothy had yet to experience a nightmare.

Small victories. Data thought.

With Timothy safely tucked into bed, Data and Tasha had their first real chance at privacy. Out in the main room, they retired to the sofa.

"I suppose we'll have to put this all back," Tasha said, scanning the room.

"Not yet," Data said, pulling her close.

Tasha looped her fingers through Data's hands as he rested her forehead against her own.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. They were simply content to be together again, to have a moment truly alone where they could simply relish in being close.

"I missed you, Data," Tasha said.

Data captured her lips with a soft, slow kiss.

It was such a welcome change to be able to take his time. They weren't having to rush between floors on the lift or tucked away in a small alcove sneaking in a quick peck before the next person passed by.

When they broke apart, Data lingered close just because he could.

"I have missed you too," Data said.

He reached up to cup her face and gently stroked his thumb across her cheek.

"I will miss Timothy, but I will be grateful to return to our routine," Data said.

He pulled Tasha's wrist toward his lips and pressed a tender kiss there.

Then his posture stiffened.

"Data?" Tasha asked.

She whipped around, following his line of sight to where a horrified Timothy was standing in the doorframe.

The look of betrayal on his wee face was obvious.

"You weren't here that night because you had a nightmare," Timothy said, recalling the first night he'd come looking for Data.

He rounded on Data.

"And you weren't having a slumber party either!" Timothy roared. "You lied to me! Just like all the other adults!"

"Timothy, we weren't-" Tasha tried to say.

"You lied! You lied and I thought you were my friends!" Timothy shouted.

He paused as a fresh wave of hot tears began to spill out.

"And you can't wait for me to be gone so you can go back to your routine!" Timothy sobbed.

He'd overhead Data's comment.

And it stung.

"Fine! I won't ever bother you again," Timothy declared.

He shut the door to Data's bedroom, locking it behind him.

Data had no desire to override the boy's privacy, but Tasha felt it was necessary to make it known to Timothy that he had their support.

So they sat at the foot of the bed while Timothy sobbed and sobbed – refusing all attempts to soothe his tears – until he had nearly cried himself catatonic.

"Are you w-w-waiting for me to leave?" Timothy asked, wiping his eyes on the sleeve of his pyjamas.

"No," Data said.

Timothy scowled.

"We do not wish for you to be alone," Data said.

Timothy didn't believe a word. His eyes narrowed, studying Data's expression with great suspicion.

"I thought you wanted to be alone. To go back to your life without me," Timothy said, recalling Data's desire to return to their routine.

Data felt horrible for making such a comment – he had never meant to hurt Timothy.

"You'll 'miss' me," Timothy said, rolling his eyes.

Tasha reached for Timothy's hand.

"We did lie to you, Timothy. It was wrong. And we're very sorry," Tasha confessed.

Timothy looked up to meet her eyes. In his experience, adults rarely apologised – and especially not to children.

His face full of betrayal, Timothy turned to Data.

"I thought you were different," Timothy said. "I thought you weren't like the other adults. That's why I wanted to be an android."

Timothy's lip began to quiver.

"But you're just like them. You're just like the rest of them," Timothy said.

It cut right through Data.

"I want to be alone," Timothy said.

"You're not alone ," Tasha assured him.

She tried to brush his hair back, but Timothy ducked out of the way and glared.

"I want to be alone," Timothy said.

---

Data was reluctant to leave Timothy alone. But Tasha had suggested it might be best to give him some space.

"I also suspect he may be more inclined to speak to you if you're alone," Tasha said.

"Please do not leave," Data said, gripping her hand.

Tasha bit her lip and glanced over at the bedroom door.

"I really think it's best if you speak with him one on one first," Tasha said.

She could see the toll this situation had taken on Data. He blamed himself. Tasha held Data's hands within her own.

"This was not your fault. But I think Timothy is feeling let down right now," Tasha said. "When he feels ready to talk again – he's going to need you."

Data's chest felt tight. It was as if his whole system had seized up.

"I cannot do this alone," Data confessed. "You are so much more intuitive with-"

"You know exactly what to do. It's in your nature," Tasha interjected.

Data didn't look too confident.

"Tasha, I can be patient and listen. I can offer words of support to reassure him of my friendship," Data began to say, trailing off.

"And that's what he needs," Tasha said.

---

It was shortly after 06:00 when Timothy emerged from the bedroom. He was dressed in pair of overalls and a turtleneck – all traces of his android persona were gone.

And he was clutching a little suitcase that had the small amount of new personal items he'd obtained during his stay.

"Good morning," Data said from his workstation.

Timothy responded with a stiff nod.

He'd spent nearly twenty minutes practising his farewell in the mirror. He didn't want to appear weak. Yet now that the moment had come, Timothy found himself distracted.

He sniffed at the air, attempting to identify the sweet scent.

Pancakes.

Timothy stood on his tiptoes as he eyed the contents of the table. There were pancakes with bananas and walnuts, warm sugary syrup, fresh berries, sausages, and a hot pot of tea.

Timothy's mouth watered.

"Are you leaving?" Data inquired, eyeing Timothy's suitcase.

Timothy glanced down and paused. Now as his chance to showcase the speech he'd rehearsed. Only now that the moment was upon him, Timothy couldn't bring himself to say it.

"You made breakfast," Timothy said.

"Yes. Would you like to join me?" Data asked.

He could see Timothy mulling over the offer.

"I guess I could eat," Timothy said.

---

By his second plate of pancakes, Timothy was starting to realise just how much he would miss these breakfasts with Data.

"So I'm going to move out," Timothy said.

"Where will you go?" Data asked.

Timothy shrugged. He hadn't quite worked that out.

"Now that I know where the Bridge is, I guess I'll just have to talk to the Captain," Timothy replied before stuffing another forkful of food into his mouth.

Data kept his face neutral. He could not outwardly display any sign of amusement at the notion of Timothy marching into Captain Picard's Ready Room.

"Will I still see you?" Data asked. "I do enjoy our time together."

He'd found his in – he could see it in the way Timothy was eyeing him.

"You mean when you aren't busy with your routine?" Timothy asked.

"I must confess, I would greatly miss your presence. Our breakfasts together. Our root beer floats after school," Data went on.

Timothy dropped his fork and chewed on the inside of his lip. Being alone was a very scary prospect and Data had been so kind to him.

"You mean it?" Timothy asked.

Data nodded.

Suddenly, Timothy's expression darkened.

"What about Tasha?" Timothy asked.

Data wasn't exactly sure how to answer that question, so he decided to go with what Geordi called his 'gut.'

"You and I can be friends and we can both be friends with Tasha too," Data said. "It is nice to have many friends."

Timothy scowled.

"You're not friends," Timothy said.

Data's eyebrows shot up.

"But we are," Data insisted. "We are very good friends."

"I don't kiss my friends like that," Timothy countered, crossing his arms. "You told me you weren't married - but that's just how my parents were too before they started fighting."

"Tasha and I are not married. We are friends. And we do love each other very much," Data tried to explain. "But not all adults fight. Sometimes they do and that is okay. But it does not mean everyone will."

Timothy looked unconvinced as he pushed a piece of sausage back and forth across his plate.

"Adults always fight," Timothy said.

"Your parents did not get along with each other – but they still loved you very much," Data said.

It was a message Data, Deanna, and Tasha had sought to reinforce at every available opportunity.

"So she's your girlfriend or something?" Timothy asked.

Given the complexity of explaining their relationship and Timothy's aversion to marriage, Data decided it would be best to simply go along with that label.

"Yes," Data replied.

Timothy was none too pleased.

"Well, I hope you'll be very happy together," Timothy grumbled.

The last time one of his friends had a girlfriend, Timothy had found himself on the outside. Their time together began to dwindle, and Timothy had quickly found himself the third wheel.

"I am still your friend. Just as Tasha is still my friend and your friend," Data said.

"I didn't think androids could have girlfriends," Timothy confessed.

Data's entire demeanour changed. His face lit up as he began to gush about Tasha.

"I find that the time we spend together, her friendship, has been such an important part of my own development," Data shared.

He paused to smile.

"I am no longer alone," Data said.

As Timothy listened to Data's reasoning, he couldn't help but share in that feeling. Tasha did make him feel safe. When they spent time together, he also felt like he was loved.

She made him smile.

"But isn't it easier not to feel anything at all?" Timothy asked.

Data shook his head.

"Love is a good thing. It comes in many forms. And androids need love too," Data said. "And I would gladly risk feeling bad at times if it also meant that I could enjoy laughter and happiness."

Timothy appeared to be deep in thought.

"And you're still my friend?" Timothy asked.

"Of course," Data assured him.

"And Tasha? I mean, she can be your girlfriend and my friend too right? We can share?" Timothy pressed.

"I believe she would like that," Data answered.

---

When he stepped onto the Bridge for his shift, Data quietly indicated to Tasha that all was right in the world. His conversation with Timothy had gone well and the boy had agreed to stay.

At least, he would be staying with Data for the time being.

The question of Timothy's custody remained an unsettled matter – something that was eating away at Tasha.

At 9:45, Data and Tasha got a chance to sneak away to the canteen for a quick Raktajino where they could talk at greater length.

"The call is set up for this evening," Tasha explained.

"Beverly and Guinan have seen to everything for the party," Data said.

To mark the boy's tenth birthday, there were grand plans for a surprise party on the holodeck. Everyone had stepped up to help.

"And I do believe he has come to terms with us," Data said, reaching for Tasha's hand.

"Us?" Tasha asked.

Data nodded.

"He believes you are my girlfriend," Data said.

Tasha chuckled.

She had always loathed that term.

"I know that you dislike-"

"It's fine," Tasha assured him. "If it makes him feel more comfortable to think that, I'm happy to play along."

Data was relieved.

"So we may be able to spend some more time with each other?" Tasha asked.

Even though their time together the night before had been spent entertaining Timothy, Tasha had enjoyed it, nonetheless.

There was something relaxing and domestic about it.

"I had fun last night," Tasha confessed.

"I too enjoyed the evening," Data said.

He debated how far to press the issue.

"I could… get used to doing that with you," Data added. "In fact, I believe I would greatly enjoy spending the rest of my days with evenings like that."

Tasha choked back a laugh, her face flushing.

"Someday," Tasha said.

Data panicked.

"You do still want children?" Data asked.

It was such an important part of Data's plan for himself.

"Someday," Tasha repeated. "I want to. In the future. But not yet."

She sighed and turned to look out the window.

"It's just, well, children are a huge commitment and I'm not ready to close the door on this chapter of my life yet," Tasha explained. "I don't want to give up my training just yet or have to worry about what happens with the Romulans while we're chasing after a child."

"Tasha, it is unlikely that the Romulan threat will ever truly disappear within your lifetime," Data said. "If we were to wait to have children until-"

Tasha put up her hand to stop him.

"I know, I know," she assured Data. "I just, for once I'd like to do things in order."

"You are referring to marriage," Data said.

Tasha nodded.

It wasn't that she had any moral hangups about children and marriage. Hell, six months earlier Tasha Yar didn't even believe in the concept of marriage.

But the idea of spending time together as a young couple, enjoying their careers and their hobbies without any obligations (save for to one another) was a tempting idea.

"I just want to spend some time as us," Tasha said. "A few years with you and me. Alone."

She squeezed Data's hands, driving home her point.

Suddenly, her face fell.

"Tasha?" Data prompted.

"I'm just thinking about Timothy," Tasha said. "And what's going to happen to him."

"Has there been any word?" Data inquired.

Tasha shook her head.

"Not yet. Child services has dispatched a representative and a delegation from the JAG office to Starbase 514," Tasha said. "It could be months before it's all sorted."

Data's heart sank.

"He's going to have to stay somewhere. There's a family on Starbase 514 that's offered to take him in – they'd like to keep him," Tasha went on. "But I just feel awful. He's made a cosy little home here."

She flashed Data a smile.

"He really loves you, you know?" Tasha said.

She sighed and flopped back against her chair.

"It just breaks my heart. I just wish there was more we could do," Tasha said in a faraway voice.

---

That afternoon, Tasha was working in her office. She had stayed late to review some additional reports coming in from the Iadara sector. It seemed the Tholian Assembly and Sheliak Corporate had recently experienced a falling out.

There were concerns these tensions could lead to open fighting – threatening both trade and travel through that corridor of space.

Tasha was about halfway through when the door opened.

Only Tasha didn't see anyone come in.

Strange. She thought.

Tasha glanced up from her tablet and found herself staring face to face with young Harry Bernard, a boy from Data's art class.

"Hello, Mr Bernard," Tasha said, sitting upright.

He looked nervous and Tasha surmised being in the Security Office was a terrifying prospect for a child.

"Can I help you?" Tasha prompted.

Harry shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

"I'm supposed to give you this," Harry said, producing a crumpled letter from his backpack.

"Oh, thank you," Tasha said, eying the note.

"I made it. But it's from a very special gentleman," Harry said with a knowing wink.

"Oh!" Tasha nodded.

Harry was Data's star art pupil.

"Well thank you very much for delivering it," Tasha said.

As a proud Harry scurried off, Tasha carefully opened the delicate note.

Inside was a paper rose with an invitation to Ten Forward.

For my girl.

That was all it said.

---

"It's okay, I guess," Timothy said.

"Well I think your project is coming along nicely," Deanna said.

Immediately after school, Data had dropped Timothy off for his counselling session. Deanna had to admit it was remarkable how much Timothy's progress had advanced since the death of his parents.

He was starting to come into his own. He could talk about them and his grief without shutting down.

Best of all, he was beginning to break out of his 'android' persona and really come into his own.

While the boy still idolised Data, his fixation had transferred into a healthy bit of childhood hero worship rather than a coping mechanism.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing your presentation at the fair," Deanna said.

"You're coming?" Timothy asked.

"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world," Deanna replied with a warm smile.

"You know I really like school here. And my teacher," Timothy said. "We're learning all about the sea next week."

Between the uncertainty with his custody situation and the Enterprise having to limp back to Starbase 514, there was no telling exactly how long Timothy would be with them.

Data and Deanna were taking it one day at a time.

"And my friend Harry is going to ask his dad if I can sleepover," Timothy said.

"That's wonderful," Deanna said. "Timothy, can I ask you about your other friends?"

Deanna was trying to find subtle ways to gather more information about his time on Starbase 514.

"Like Mr Data? Or Mr Riker?" Timothy asked.

"Actually, I was wondering if you could tell me about your friend James?" Deanna prompted.

The Moran family that had put in a custody request had a young boy around Timothy's age. Deanna was trying to ascertain Timothy's thoughts on that family.

"Or maybe James's dads? Mr Ian and Mr Andy?" Deanna asked.

"Oh! Yeah. They lived by us on Starbase 514. They like to go to the waterpark. Sometimes my parents would let me go too," Timothy explained.

"What can you tell me about them?" Deanna asked.

Timothy shrugged.

"I dunno. They're nice. Andy plays baseball. He coached my team when we were there. They have a dog too. His name is Parker and he's so big," Timothy went on. "They let all the kids play with Parker."

So far this information all seemed to coincide with Tasha's investigation.

"Oh and Ian is one of the Junior Explorers dads. We got to go camping on the holodeck once. My dad came too," Timothy continued. "I got to roast a marshmallow and learn all about bugs and swing from a rope into a lake."

"So do you like Ian and Andy?" Deanna inquired.

Timothy nodded enthusiastically.

"Oh yes! They're a lot more fun than my mum and dad," Timothy said. "Sometimes when mum and dad were fighting, they sent me to stay at their quarters instead. They always tried to make me feel better, but I know it was because my parents were angry."

Timothy dropped his gaze to his lap and began to fidget with his hands.

"They were really nice though," Timothy said. "They even got bunk beds and an extra shelf, so I always had a place of my own."

He sniffled.

"And they told me that I could come over any time I wanted and that I would always be safe at their house," Timothy added, his voice starting to choke up.

---

When his session was complete, Deanna had offered to walk Timothy to his usual afternoon ritual of a root beer float at Ten Forward.

Data was coming from a meeting and had planned to meet them there.

As they rode on the lift, Timothy continued to babble excitedly.

"But I'm not sad anymore," Timothy insisted. "I've got friends here too. I've even got a girlfriend."

Deanna smiled.

"Oh?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," Timothy said, beaming with pride.

"A girlfriend, huh?" Deanna pressed.

Timothy put his hands on his hips.

"You don't believe me," Timothy said.

"Of course I do," Deanna said.

"Well she's real," Timothy asserted. "And she likes me. She told me so."

Timothy still felt there was something in Deanna's voice that indicated she didn't quite buy into his claim about a girlfriend.

"She holds my hand sometimes. And we walk together. We play games," Timothy said.

"That sounds wonderful," Deanna said.

"You'll see," Timothy said.

---

Tasha arrived at Ten Forward and realised she must have been early – Data wasn't there yet. Glancing around, she spied an open table and slipped into a seat in the middle of the room.

Normally she would have preferred the privacy of a seat in the corner, but Ten Forward was starting to fill up as the dinner crowd filtered in.

Tasha had barely taken a seat when Guinan approached the table.

"Hot date?" Guinan teased, referencing the paper flower tucked behind her ear.

Tasha blushed.

"Let's just say an overdue date," Tasha replied.

She knew Timothy had his sessions with Deanna so Tasha assumed this was an attempt to squeeze in a quick drink together before Data had to pick up Timothy.

"What's this?" Tasha asked as Guinan handed her a real rose.

"I was asked to give this to you by a very special someone," Guinan said in a serious voice.

"Oh," Tasha said, completely oblivious.

"Right now there's a certain gentleman on his way here and he's asked you to close your eyes," Guinan explained.

Tasha chuckled.

It all seemed so ridiculous. She'd never much gone in for grand romantic gestures, but that didn't stop Data from trying.

"Alright – but just this once," Tasha said.

Tasha felt a bit like a fool sitting with her eyes closed in the middle of Ten Forward as the minutes ticked by.

It wasn't too long after that the door slid open, and Timothy stepped inside with Deanna.

After sending Deanna off to the counter to procure three root beer floats, Timothy approached the table.

Tasha grinned as she felt a peck on the cheek.

She opened her eyes and blanched.

"Hi," Timothy said.

Deanna arrived a second later with three root beer floats for the table.

"Counsellor, I would like you to meet my girlfriend," Timothy said.

Deanna bit back a smirk as the colour drained from Tasha's face. One table over, Miles and Geordi were snickering into their pint glasses.

Tasha didn't know what to say as Timothy took hold of her hand.

"I believe she is the most aesthetically pleasing being in the galaxy," Timothy said, doing his best to imitate Data.

"Girlfriend, eh?" Deanna asked.

"Androids can fall in love," Timothy argued.

Tasha's face burned.

Of all the bloody nights to be in the middle of Ten Forward. She grumbled internally.

At this point, all of the tables around them were struggling to contain their amusement. The combined laughter did little to help poor Timothy's self-worth.

Tasha silenced the surrounding tables with a glare.

"You think I'm stupid, don't you?" Timothy asked.

He turned to go, but Tasha caught his arm.

"No. I think you are an incredibly sweet, thoughtful, and brave young man," Tasha said. "You did all of this to make me feel happy and that was so kind."

Timothy's cheeks went red.

"Well, Data said that we could share you," Timothy said, bashful. "So I just thought that you could be my girlfriend too. And then when Data's busy, you can be with me. And when we're all together, you can be with both of us."

Tasha took hold of his hands and pulled him close.

"Timothy, I think we need to clear up that I cannot be your girlfriend," Tasha said.

Timothy was crushed. He took this rejection hard.

"But I can be your friend," Tasha said.

---

Later that night, Timothy and Data were painting together in Data's quarters.

Timothy sighed dramatically before applying some paint. He hadn't worked for more than a few seconds before he sighed once more, his little shoulders slumping.

"Timothy? Is there something wrong?" Data asked.

Timothy sighed for a third time.

"Timothy?" Data urged.

"I had a very long day," Timothy said.

"I am sorry to hear that," Data replied. "Would you care to discuss it?"

"No," Timothy replied, resuming painting.

Data paused and turned to Timothy.

"I believe my feelings can best be expressed through art," Timothy said, repeating a line he'd heard from Data before.

"Timothy, do you wish to share your thoughts? Sometimes it can help," Data offered.

"I do not want to go," Timothy confessed. "I want to stay here. With you and Tasha and all my new friends."

Data wasn't what to say. It was no secret the matter remained unresolved.

"That's why I was hoping Lieutenant Yar would be my girlfriend. Then I could stay here," Timothy said.

Data still felt guilty over unknowingly putting Tasha in that position.

"I ran out of red ochre," Timothy said.

"You may use mine," Data said, offering his palette to the boy.

Data was now cautious about using the word 'share' too freely.

"Thank you," Timothy said.

It was followed by a large yawn.

"Perhaps we should turn in for the night? Hmm? We could resume tomorrow," Data suggested.

"I am fine. The servo mechanisms in my mouth are designed to approximate human movements," Timothy said.

"Well, they are very impressive," Data said.

Timothy yawned again, this time nearly dropping his paint on the floor.

"Androids are also required to rest," Data said.

"What if I am worried I will dream about my first heartbreak?" Timothy asked.

In truth, Timothy wasn't upset about Tasha turning him down. Rather, he missed the three of them being together.

Timothy missed his mum and Tasha's presence had supplemented that need.

"I was kind of hoping we could have another slumber party," Timothy said.

---

Twenty minutes later when Timothy emerged from his bath, he was thrilled to find Data had invited Tasha to join them for his bedtime routine.

They read several books before Timothy had dozed off on the sofa.

Just as the night before, Data and Tasha tag-teamed getting Timothy tucked into bed.

As soon as they were finished, they made to leave. But Timothy's hand shot out and caught Tasha's wrist.

"Mum," he whimpered, stopping Tasha dead in her tracks.

Timothy stirred and blinked, quickly becoming aware of his surroundings.

"Sorry, I m-meant," Timothy began to stammer. "I mean, I didn't-"

He was so embarrassed.

Tasha sat down on the edge of the bed.

"It's alright," she assured him.

"I miss my mum," Timothy sobbed.

The floodgates opened as Timothy buried his head in Tasha's lap. Neither Data nor Tasha quite knew what to say.

So they remained silent, simply holding a loving place for Timothy to work through his grief while Tasha rubbed soothing circles on his back.

In time, the tears slowed and exhaustion began to take hold. Timothy's eyes grew heavy, but he was fighting sleep something fierce.

"Obh obh, ahàidh deòir roanjiasch," Tasha began to sing in a soft, low voice.

Data had heard this song once before when wee Jack Olivet had been temporarily in their care after his mother's death.

Data recognised the language was Turkanan, but the lullaby was of no known origin to Terran-based songs.

Data surmised it was perhaps best that she sang in Turkanan as the universal translator could not pick up the language – for while the melody was hauntingly beautiful, the lyrics were perhaps a bit terrifying for a child.

The recurring line of the song was that a child could safely slumber in their mother's arms.

According to the song, the moon would watch over them and the stars would kiss their eyelashes. It encouraged the child to fear no darkness, nor wolves, nor jaguars that stalked the Turkanan swamps.

It was a beautiful, but dark lullaby.

Yet Timothy didn't seem to mind in the slightest.

Data observed as his breathing changed and his heart rate slowed.

It wasn't long before Data gave Tasha a nod, indicating Timothy was asleep.

---

Data and Tasha slipped out into the main room of his quarters.

"I can stay," Tasha whispered.

She had come prepared to sleep on the sofa. She didn't mean much and wanted to be on hand in case Timothy had a nightmare.

"You would do that?" Data asked.

Tasha shot him a look.

"Data," she replied.

She wasn't about to leave Timothy – not after he'd broken down like that. Bedtime was hard for any child, but especially for one missing mum and dad and still grieving their loss.

Tasha could sense there was something wrong.

"Data?" she pressed.

His brow furrowed.

"That is the third time I have failed him," Data said in a low voice.

"No, no!" she insisted.

"The first was when I abandoned him on the Bridge during the gravitational wavefront crisis, then again by lying to him, and now this," Data said.

He felt terrible.

Worst of all, it was eating away at Data and making him question a fundamental part of himself.

"Perhaps I am not equipped to be a parent," Data said, the words stinging as soon as they left his mouth.

Tasha took hold of Data's hand.

"Data, when you were on the Bridge, you were doing your job. You had to do it in order to save all of us – including that little boy," Tasha said, pointing at the door.

She knew Data didn't want to leave Timothy – but it was necessary.

Tasha took a shaky breath.

"Data, that's going to happen. It could happen to us too – we made that promise to never put our relationship above our duty. And if we have children, we will probably have to make that choice time and again," Tasha pointed out.

"Just as Timothy's parents did," Data said.

He dropped his head.

Their investigation had concluded it was highly likely Timothy's mother knew that she would never see her son again. She had marched him to the Bridge in direct defiance of her own standing orders in an effort to save him.

She had been the Chief Engineer and knew better than anyone the Vico wasn't equipped to handle such extreme pressure tearing at the small ship.

"Tasha, I do not know if I can make that choice," Data confessed.

Tasha nodded slowly.

"You know a very wise man once said that he would gladly risk feeling bad sometimes if it meant experiencing joy and laughter," Tasha said, echoing his earlier words.

Data's head shot up, shocked and confused.

"Timothy used that line when I explained I couldn't be his girlfriend. I knew it sounded like you," Tasha explained.

A small smile spread across Data's face.

"You're right, Data. And I think the decision to start a family is going to mean coming to grips with that," Tasha explained. "It's going to be messy and chaotic. We can plan and predict and do everything we can – but it's still going to catch us off guard."

She was terrified.

But that didn't make her any less keen.

"And we're just going to have to roll with it. I think it's going to be the hardest, most challenging thing we've ever done," Tasha said.

She paused and grinned.

"But that's why we joined Starfleet right? We're up for that?" she asked.

"With you? Always," Data replied.

---

While Tasha slumbered on the sofa, Data worked at his workstation straight through the night. He would activate his rest programme shortly before 05:00 for a brief reprieve before Timothy arose in the morning.

But as he watched his slumbering fiancé, Data couldn't help but think on her words from the last few days.

Data, we have to do everything we can to make sure he finds a home where he's happy.

Timothy had practically pleaded with Data to remain aboard the Enterprise.

He had built a new life for himself there. Even Deanna was concerned about another relocation. She had explained it would be a process for Timothy to readjust – one that would require constant support.

Timothy's nightmares had lessened – both in frequency and severity in recent days. He was starting to make friends.

And Data had felt so right sharing the responsibility of tucking him in with Tasha.

He'd grown accustomed to their after school routine. Data enjoyed their activities. He found a sense of accomplishment in helping Timothy with his schoolwork.

And no small bit of pride whenever Timothy burst out the following day after earning satisfactory marks.

While Tasha was upbeat and pleasant in Timothy's presence, Data knew the entire custody situation was eating away at her.

And he was resolved to do something about it.

---

"What if he did not have to leave the Enterprise?" Data said.

"What?"

Deanna, Tasha, and Beverly had spoken together.

"I said what if he did not have to leave the Enterprise," Data repeated. "What if he could stay here?"

The three women shared a look of confusion before turning their attention back to Data.

Data blinked.

He thought he had made himself quite clear.

"Data, I don't quite follow," Deanna confessed.

"Instead of departing the Enterprise for Starbase 514, Timothy would remain aboard," Data said.

Deanna frowned.

"Ah! Elaboration," Data realised.

He cleared his throat and turned to the three women sitting across from him. They had met for coffee to finalise the plans for Timothy's birthday party.

Only the conversation had taken a dramatic turn courtesy of Data.

"Tasha, you mentioned his only living relative is concerned about his ability to raise Timothy," Data said. "And Counsellor, you have expressed concern about the impact of another relocation."

Tasha blinked slowly. Data was talking. She could hear him speaking, but she was having a difficult time processing the words that were coming out of his mouth.

"You said that we must do everything we can to ensure Timothy is placed in a home where he will be happy and supported," Data went on.

He reached for Tasha's hand.

"And I know this has been weighing on your mind," Data said. "I believe we could solve all of these issues if you were to petition for custody."

Tasha's mouth went dry.

"Of course, we would do this together," Data assured her as if he were talking about changing a faulty console sensor. "But I believe it would be best for you to submit the application. Given that my status as a Federation citizen is so new, I fear that combined with my android nature will present a problem."

Tasha was silent as she tried to wrap her mind around Data's idea.

"I realise we both had intended to wait, but you cannot deny this would make Timothy happy," Data continued. "I feel a sense of duty and I think you do too."

"Data? Did you talk to Timothy about this?" Tasha asked without making eye contact.

"No, I thought it best to-"

"Excuse me," Tasha said.

Her hands were trembling as she rose from her seat.

Without another word, she walked out of the room.

"Tasha?" Beverly asked, concerned.

Data moved to go after her, but Deanna caught his arm.

"I'll go," Deanna said.

For a few seconds, Beverly and Data sat across from one another in silence.

"So about the party-"

"Doctor, were you aware today marks the seven-hundredth anniversary of the Bolian Art Symposiums-"

They had started speaking at the same time.

Beverly's curiosity got the better of her.

"Data, are you sure you want to go through with this?" Beverly asked.

---

After trying the door twice, Deanna slipped into Tasha's quarters. The room was dark and Tasha was sitting on the floor, fumbling with a small object.

It was clear her mind was focused on one thing – thinking about anything but the topic of Timothy.

"It's okay to feel angry," Deanna assured her.

Data had quite literally sprung this on Tasha with no warning.

"I'm not angry," Tasha said.

It was pointless to try and lie to an empath.

"I'm not angry with Data or Timothy," Tasha clarified.

Out of nowhere, Tasha struck the coffee table with such force that it cracked the leg.

"Oh gods," Tasha said.

She was humiliated by her own lack of control. Tasha always strived to be unflappable, composed. It was a necessity for her role.

And here she was allowing emotion to overwhelm her.

Deanna sat down next to Tasha, her curiosity peaked by the object Tasha was fiddling with. She could sense it was of great importance to the Security Chief.

But beyond that, there was a feeling of anger that radiated off Tasha as if she had been wholly consumed by it.

Tasha knew the question was coming – so she decided to head it off.

"It's me," Tasha said.

She took a slow, shaky breath.

"I'm angry with myself," Tasha confessed.

Tasha couldn't shake it. The feeling had been building for some time and Data's request regarding Timothy was enough to reopen an old emotional wound.

"I rant and rail about Starfleet, the Federation, the way they fail children time and again. Now I've got the chance to put up or shut up and all I can think about is how to avoid that responsibility," Tasha confessed.

She sighed, resigned.

"I did what I always do when things get tough – I run away," Tasha said.

Tasha had lived with that guilt since her earliest days on Turkana. It was so deeply embedded into Tasha that it was as much a part of her personality as her love for adventure or her affinity for cheesy paperback horror novels.

Deanna and Tasha had broached some of that in her therapy sessions. But Deanna knew they had barely scratched the surface.

"Tasha, I've never known you to run away from anything," Deanna said.

"I just walked out of the canteen. Didn't even say a word to Data. I-I couldn't," Tasha said. "I just froze."

Tasha was wracked with guilt.

"Tasha, it doesn't make you a bad person to feel overwhelmed by this. It's so sudden. And it is not your responsibility to save everyone," Deanna reminded her.

"I know, but-"

Tasha paused and trailed off.

She frowned and glanced down at the object in her hands. It was a bone whistle – one of the only things that wasn't a scar Tasha still had from her time on Turkana.

It may have been nothing more than a simple whistle carved from bone and strung on a piece of twine. But it was so dear that Tasha had hidden it from everyone – except Data.

The whistle had been a gift from a man named Silas.

Aside from her father, Silas had been the first man to ever show Tasha any kindness.

Real kindness.

Kindness that didn't come with strings attached or expectations of behaviour. Kindness that wasn't subject to trade in the form of abuse.

Kindness that was free of ulterior motivations.

Most importantly, Silas didn't have to.

He found two young, starving girls and felt a wholly unnatural (for Turkana) obligation to help. Silas had nothing more than a humble farm, too many mouths to feed, and a dying woman to care for.

Yet he had taken in Tasha and her sister, Ishara. He protected them, fed them, and did his best to give them a safe home.

Silas shared what little he had and welcomed Tasha and Ishara in, caring for them as if they were his own.

The memory only left Tasha further disgusted with herself.

"I mean I can't think of any legitimate reason why I couldn't file for custody of Timothy," Tasha said. "I don't want to because it's-"

She paused and grumbled.

"Because it's an inconvenience," Tasha acknowledged.

She shook her head. The very thought left a bitter taste in Tasha's mouth.

"One little boy's happiness and I'm worried about an inconvenience to my training schedule," Tasha scoffed.

"Tasha, I think these feelings are what we call toxic guilt and false responsibility," Deanna said. "I'd like to set up some time to talk about this at your next session."

Tasha jumped up and quickly moved to return the whistle to its hiding place in the bottom of a drawer.

"You're right, I need to get back to the Bridge soon anyways," Tasha said, thumbing away her tears.

Deanna pulled herself. She was concerned that Tasha was in no condition to return to the Bridge. It wasn't healthy to compartmentalise so much trauma.

"Tasha, I'd like to talk to Captain Picard so we can sit down and talk about this," Deanna said. "You've been holding on to this guilt for too many years."

Deanna rested her hand on Tasha's arm.

"I think you've wanted to tell somebody about this for a long time," Deanna said.

Deanna could sense Tasha mulling it over, contemplating the relief that would come from easing the burden of her conscience – a burden she had carried alone since childhood.

"My people believe nothing good comes without a terrible cost," Tasha shared.

It wasn't the first time Tasha had referenced this Turkanan parable.

"And that cost is a piece of your soul," Tasha went on.

The logical side of Tasha realised this was probably her ancestor's way of rationalising the abject poverty and of their subsistence lifestyle on a planet where everything was designed with an extra dose of 'made to kill.'

A look of sorrow crossed Tasha's face.

"I still owe a great penance for surviving, escaping, coming here," Tasha said.

She shrugged and chuckled.

"I suppose in the grand scheme of things, adopting a sweet little boy is hardly a punishment," Tasha said. "He's a good kid and he makes Data happy."

Deanna frowned.

"Tasha, with all due respect, Timothy's custody is about him. What's best for him – not some way for you to ease your conscience," Deanna said.

Deanna gripped Tasha's hands.

"I know that you and Data would be phenomenal guardians for Timothy and that you would provide him with a loving, supportive environment," Deanna said.

She had no doubts about their ability to raise the boy. Rather, she was concerned about Tasha's motivations.

"You have said many times you are not ready to start a family yet," Deanna said.

Tasha nodded.

"Because I'm not ready to give up my training. And Data's absolutely right, there's a lot of danger with both of us on the Bridge. I don't know how I would balance my role as Chief of Security and motherhood," Tasha confessed.

She stopped and bit her lip.

"But I also know I couldn't live with myself if I didn't even consider it," Tasha shared.

She closed her eyes and took a breath to steady her nerves.

"I know first-hand how awful Federation Child Services can be," Tasha said.

Deanna's own experience with the system was limited to referrals.

"In some ways, I had better treatment at G'kantal," Tasha said, half-joking. "I just don't want him to wind up somewhere on his own. Or worse."

Deanna's brow furrowed.

"Tasha, what happened?" Deanna asked.

Tasha turned and leaned back against the wall, staring out at the window.

"I was fifteen when I was rescued by the USS Renegade," Tasha said. "And after a few weeks I was sent to a housing institution run by Federation Child Protective Services. Deanna – in some ways it was like being a captive again."

Tasha shuddered as she recalled her time there.

"You know I wasn't always a captive on Turkana. For a time I had my own job as a courier. I lived on my own. I took care of myself," Tasha explained. "And then suddenly I had to undress in front of fifteen other kids and a social worker, subjected to bed checks, nightly inspections and pat downs for fear we were harbouring contraband."

Deanna had heard stories about some of the housing institutions.

"And then I was so lucky to be taken in by a foster family on Nantes colony," Tasha went on, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Nantes colony had a reputation for being full of religious zealots seeking freedom to practise what they considered a 'simpler' life free of rapidly changing Earth.

They were primarily new age cultists that worshipped a solar deity named Anka that had cropped up in the wake of the Third World War.

Most of the colonists eschewed modern technology and rejected the widely accepted values of the Federation including diversity and inclusion. They were xenophobes that did not like Vulcan, Andorian, or any other outside influence on humans.

It was hard work for all, and antiquated gender norms were enforced via a strict dress code.

"It wasn't a foster family. It was a fucking child-labour exploitation operation," Tasha spat. "The family that took me in had more than two dozen kids. We weren't children – we were free labour and breeding stock for their bloody cult."

Tasha still had nightmares about her foster 'mother' inspecting her teeth and expressing disappointment that it would be another year or two before she was 'ready' to be coupled off.

"I caught one of the older kids watching some of the younger girls in the shower. Perverted little voyeur," Tasha recalled. "It had been going on for a while. None of the adults could be bothered with it. All they cared about was meeting our crop quotas."

Tasha rolled her eyes.

The colony elders had punished Tasha for raising the issue. They felt it was only natural. They didn't care that one of their own was molesting the younger children.

They blamed the younger girls – mere children – for enticing him.

They called it 'curiosity' and thought moving up the timeline for his arranged marriage would solve the issue.

"I did what I wished someone would have done for me when I was that age and had no one," Tasha said, picking at her fingernails.

It wasn't one of her proudest moments.

"Tasha?" Deanna prompted.

"I beat him within an inch of his life," Tasha confessed. "And then I stole their little gold collection plate and traded it for passage on a transport freighter out of there."

Tasha didn't move, momentarily lost in a memory.

"You know they told me what I suffered on Turkana – the hunger, the fear, the abuse – that it was all part of their god's plan. That he was punishing me for being born a sinful little girl fated to tempt men," Tasha said, her voice full of disdain.

Deanna opened her mouth, but Tasha put her finger up.

"Ah! I know, I know. That's not the case and I shouldn't be ashamed of my body. My existence and wardrobe aren't consent," Tasha said.

She took a moment to pause, releasing a heavy sigh.

"It's just, well, it's a lot to think about sometimes," Tasha admitted.

She straightened her posture.

"That's a large part of why I'm so concerned about Timothy," Tasha said. "I don't want him to go through that."

"But that doesn't mean you have to personally take on the responsibility of-"

"Here me out?" Tasha requested.

---

Desperate to resolve the situation, Data and Tasha had both blurted out their apologies together.

"You go," Tasha said.

"After you," Data replied.

Tasha shook her head in the negative.

"I should have spoken to you first-" Data began.

"I should not have walked away," Tasha said at the same time.

Tasha laughed. She reached for Data's hands and pulled them close to her chest.

"It was too great an ask to spring this on you. We are not ready to become parents," Data started to explain. "I realise now you were speaking of the neighbours on Starbase 514 and not-"

"I think we should do it," Tasha interjected.

They both fell silent.

Data blinked slowly. He replayed his memory engram, checking to ensure that Tasha really had expressed endorsement for the idea and that this was not merely wishful thinking.

"I think we should do it," Tasha repeated.

"Do what?" Data asked to clarify.

"File a petition for custody," Tasha said.

So it was not a figment of my imagination. Data realised.

"I know we're not ready. I don't think anybody ever is," Tasha said. "But I think we should – if Timothy wants us to."

Tasha had thought long and hard about that part.

"I think we should sit down and go through the options available. Make clear there's no guarantee. I don't want to get his hopes up," Tasha explained. "But this should be his decision in as much as Federation law will allow."

Tasha vowed that she would do everything in her power to fight to honour Timothy's decision in the matter – even if it meant he wished to be placed with a different home.

Data was taken aback.

Thrilled – but still caught off guard by Tasha's response.

The corner of his mouth began to curve upward.

"I will be a father," Data said in awe.

"Maybe," Tasha said.

She didn't want to deflate his balloon, but Tasha knew it was important to check expectations. There were a lot of factors that would need to line up in order to make that happen – namely approval from Child Services and Timothy's input on the matter.

"The Moran's seem like lovely people, and I don't want them to feel I've misled them or misrepresented my own intentions in this matter," Tasha said. "And whatever we do, I think it's important to include them here. They're very concerned about Timothy."

"Of course," Data acknowledged.

"And his father's cousin, Mr Brennan," Tasha added.

He had been on board with the idea of the Moran family taking custody provided he was included in Timothy's upbringing.

Mr Brennan seemed to be a reasonable man but Tasha felt it was important to be open and honest with him regarding this new plan.

"And we need to speak with Timothy," Tasha said.

"Tonight. After school," Data suggested.

---

When they finally returned to duty, Data was sporting a distinct pep in step as he strolled onto the Bridge and took his seat.

It was difficult to ignore this change in his usually stoic attitude.

"Everything alright, Mr Data?" Riker asked, noting his upbeat demeanour.

Data spun around in his seat and exchanged a brief smile with Tasha before turning to the First Officer.

"Quite, sir," Data responded.

Riker looked back and forth between the two, sensing there was something they weren't sharing with the rest of the class.

Data was about to turn back when he suddenly stopped.

"Oh, sir?" he asked.

"Yes, Data?" Riker inquired.

"Would you have time later to discuss a personnel matter?" Data asked.

Riker frowned.

Personnel matter?

"I need to submit a request for family quarters," Data said.

A broad smile broke out on Riker's face.

"Data," Riker said.

Family quarters were a hot commodity and often harder to come by than Tholian silk. With such limited space (even on a ship like the Enterprise), requests were often difficult to accommodate.

Riker knew it would be a challenge, but he would do his best to try and make things work for Data.

"How about my office at 16:30?" Riker suggested.

Data hesitated.

He would likely still be speaking with Timothy at that time.

Hopefully celebrating. Data thought.

"Would it be possible to meet tomorrow?" Data requested.

"Of course," Riker replied.

---

Data and Tasha didn't hang around after the end of their shifts.

When they stepped onto the lift, there was a shared sense of giddy anxiety in anticipation of picking Timothy up from school.

"We have the call arranged with his friends on Starbase 514 tonight," Tasha reminded him.

"Then Timothy can share the news," Data finished for her.

"Mmm hmm," Tasha replied, biting back an adorable grin.

Data gripped Tasha's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Thank you," he said.

Tasha's face flushed.

"I'm sorry about earlier," she said again.

"Do not be," Data assured her.

"Don't tell Timothy? Please?" Tasha requested.

She was already feeling horrible about leaving Data hanging. She didn't want Timothy to get the wrong impression about her intentions.

Tasha understood how easy it was for a child to misinterpret.

"I don't want him to think he's not wanted," Tasha confessed.

"I very much doubt that will be the case," Data replied.

"Computer halt," Tasha ordered.

The lift ground to a stop. Tasha turned to Data and took hold of his hands. She flashed him a nervous smile.

"We're really doing this," she said.

"Are you having second thoughts?" Data asked.

Tasha was at a loss for words, somewhere between a chuckle and a shrug.

"I-I-don't – no," she confirmed as she struggled to find the right words. "I mean, no. I'm just-"

Tasha clutched Data's hand close to her chest.

They were taking a huge step together – one that would change everything about their relationship, their lives.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified," Tasha confessed. "But there is no one I'd rather do this with than you, Data."

---

Inside Data's quarters was a flurry of activity as Data and Tasha raced to make preparations. Timothy would be out of school in less than fifteen minutes.

And they wanted everything to be perfect.

"We're within communications range of Starbase 514," Tasha said.

It meant instantaneous communication would not be a problem. After talking to Timothy to gauge his opinion on the matter, Tasha could see to having a rather difficult conversation with the Moran family.

They were lovely people and Tasha had every confidence in their ability to raise Timothy.

If that's what he wants. She thought.

After all the warning she'd given Data, Tasha found she had to remind herself not to put the cart before the horse.

Even if it is thrilling.

Data was at the replicator, his hands working fast to punch in the precise components necessary. Data thought it best if they had the conversation in private at his quarters rather than a more public setting.

That meant skipping their usual after-school Ten Forward root beer float routine.

"Oh, and popcorn. He likes popcorn," Tasha said.

"Right," Data agreed, adding popcorn to the list.

"He's going to be home soon, and he'll probably want a sandwich or something too," Tasha added.

Timothy had a voracious appetite – especially after school.

Data stopped and turned back over his shoulder as he and Tasha exchanged a knowing grin.

Home.

Suddenly, her combadge pinged.

"Lieutenant Yar, there's an urgent incoming message for you from Starbase 514," the Bridge advised.

"Can you patch it through to Commander Data's workstation? I'll take it here," Tasha advised.

While she waited for the message to reroute, Tasha chewed on her fingernails.

"I just hope nothing's gone wrong," Tasha said, worrying aloud.

They were due to have the call with Starbase 514 and Timothy's friends later that night.

The screen came on – it was a standard subspace communique. Data watched as Tasha's eyes flitted back and forth rapidly, scanning the message, and then reading it again.

Data needed to go get Timothy from school. He pointed to the door, indicating he was on his way out.

"Hello!" Doctor Moran said brightly as he came on a second later.

Tasha visibly shook her head, pulling herself back to the present.

"Sorry – we weren't sure about getting the video through, so I included a written message as well. There was a minor plasma storm, but it's expected to clear up before the call tonight," Doctor Moran said.

Tasha nodded politely, unable to formulate words.

"We wanted to thank you personally, Lieutenant, for all your work to help Timothy with this custody situation. Thanks to you putting us in contact with Mr Brennan, Child Services has agreed to expedite the custody proceedings," Doctor Moran explained.

Tasha let her mind go blank as Doctor Moran filled her in on the details.

Mr Brennan, Timothy's last living relative, was wholly onboard with Tasha's plan for the Moran family to adopt Timothy. He would remain in contact with them and slowly work to establish a relationship with his distant cousin.

Most importantly, Mr Brennan had used his considerable influence to petition Starfleet's legal arm Child Services to speed up the process. He would file no claim against the Moran's own claim - and it was all expected to be settled in the next forty-eight hours.

"We couldn't have done it without you," Moran said.

Tasha's persistence had likely saved them months of internal wrangling and uncertainty.

"So thank you!" Mr Moran said. "From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank you enough for helping us to adopt Timothy."

Tasha nodded. She blinked back tears as she smiled.

"I'm very happy for you," Tasha managed to say.

A part of her was.

But another part of Tasha felt like someone had punctured her hull.

She was consciously aware that she was on screen and doing her best to mask the strange mix of emotions that were coursing through her mind.

Falling back on her usual distraction of work, Tasha became solely focused on business.

"And we are still on for the call later?" Tasha asked.

"You bet. My husband's just preparing a new banner in light of this news," Doctor Moran said.

With pleasantries out of the way, Tasha disconnected the call. She sat down at Data's workstation and stared at the surface.

---

When Data returned with Timothy, he found Tasha still in that spot with a blank look on her face.

Timothy rushed in and dropped his schoolbag near the door.

"Whoa! We get root beer floats in here today? Cool!" he said, slipping into a seat at the table.

He wasted no time in going for the peanut butter sandwich Data had meticulously de-crusted in his honour.

"Oh good. I'm starved," Timothy said.

Tasha said nothing and Data was immediately on guard.

"Data said there's a surprise?" Timothy asked thickly through a mouth of peanut butter.

Data panicked – in light of Tasha's behaviour he was concerned there was now bad news on some front. He couldn't be sure how or what precisely, but her demeanour indicated there was a problem.

Data's first thought was for Timothy.

Had Child Services been delayed?

Or worse, had they decided Timothy would go to an institutional housing facility?

Tasha got up from her seat at the workstation and approached Timothy. She knelt down next to him and flashed him one of her signature million-watt smiles.

"I have great news for you," she said.

"We get to have another sleepover?" Timothy asked.

Tasha laughed. Inside, she was crying.

"Do you remember your friends? Mr Moran and Doctor Moran?" Tasha asked.

Timothy nodded.

"Well they remember you too. In fact, they are very fond of you," Tasha said.

There was an mistakable look of sorrow in Tasha's expression as she reached up to tuck Timothy's bangs back.

Data was already steps ahead of Tasha as she prepared herself to drop the news.

"They would like you to be a part of their family," Tasha went on. "How would you feel about that?"

Timothy slowed chewing on his food as he thought about this.

He looked over at Tasha and then up at Data.

"Yeah, I mean they already have bunk beds for me and James," he said with a simple shrug as if it were merely a matter of finding a place to sleep.

Data knelt down opposite Tasha on the other side of Timothy.

"Would you be happy?" Data asked.

Suddenly, Timothy felt like he was being interrogated.

"I-I-I like them. I spent a lot of time there when I was on Starbase 514," Timothy said.

Timothy's brow furrowed as he suddenly had lots of questions.

"Would I get to play baseball again? Mr Moran coaches the team, you know," Timothy said.

Data lifted his eyebrows.

"I see no reason why you could not," Data responded.

"And would I get to talk to you? Will you still be my friend?" Timothy asked.

Data's expression softened.

"I shall always be your friend," Data answered.

Timothy relaxed. He flopped back against the chair and sighed.

"Whew!" he said, wiping his brow. "Well now that the important stuff is taken care of, can we have our root beer floats?"

Tasha took a hold of Timothy's hand.

"You know that you contact us any time?" Tasha asked.

"And that if you are ever in trouble-" Data added.

"Or you feel sad," Tasha went on.

"Or you wish to visit," Data continued.

Timothy looked back and forth between Data and Tasha.

"You're really gonna miss me, huh?" Timothy asked.

Data and Tasha exchanged a look.

"More than you know, kid," Tasha confessed.

As they sat around the table, Timothy gushed about his life on Starbase 514 and the Moran family. It was difficult to listen to but comforting all the same.

From everything Timothy shared, it truly seemed like the Moran family was the best fit for him. They had stability that Data and Tasha couldn't offer. Their home was already set up for children and Timothy got along well with his soon-to-be brother, James.

It pained Data to know he was losing him – but Data knew this was for the best.

After all, he only wanted to ensure Timothy got the best possible outcome of this horrible tragedy.

"There's a surprise for you," Tasha said. "But you should probably wash up first."

Timothy scrambled off his seat and raced for the lavvy.

He stopped just shy of the door and rushed back. Timothy threw his arms around Data and buried his head against his uniform.

"I'm going to miss you too, Data," Timothy confessed.

---

After cleaning up, Data made sure everything was all set up for Timothy's very important subspace call. He got to sit at Data's workstation, and it made him feel like he was on cloud nine.

True to their word, the Moran family had pulled out all the stops.

More than a hundred of Timothy's classmates and friends from Starbase 514 had assembled on the main promenade for a video call to wish him a happy birthday welcome home.

Deanna had advised that sense of familiarity and support would be an important foundation to Timothy's emotional recovery.

"Hey little slugger, we've got a new mitt here with your name on it," Doctor Moran said.

"And we're counting the days until you come home," his husband added.

"I got a new puzzle we can do together," James, their son, chimed in.

Timothy was delighted.

For a little boy that had spent so much of his last year thinking he was a burden, the news that he was not only welcome – but wanted – was overwhelming.

And the fun didn't stop there.

The next night Timothy had his big presentation for the school fair. Data had helped him work on his history project outlining the historic USS Enterprise complete with historical naval uniform and bicorn hat.

Data, of course, wore a matching set.

And when his presentation was done and Timothy had been awarded the second-place ribbon, he joined the rest of the team for a surprise birthday on the holodeck.

One where everyone was wearing historic naval uniforms and bicorn hats aboard the historic wooden sailing vessel, Enterprise.

It was all modelled off Geordi's holodeck programme from his Age of Sail game. Miles, Reg, and the others had helped out to make it perfect.

And there were all sorts of snacks and goodies courtesy of Beverly and Guinan.

Even Captain Picard had come in costume and was in a surprisingly jovial mood.

"I must admit this is quite amusing," Jean-Luc confessed to Deanna.

Deanna smirked. 'Quite amusing' was a bit of an understatement compared to the feeling of joy emanating from the Captain.

Timothy was at the helm as Geordi showed him all about ancient navigation.

Across the way, Commander Riker caught Data.

"About that request for family quarters," Riker began to say.

"Forgive me, sir. I need to withdraw," Data apologised. "I am sorry for any additional work I have caused."

Riker clapped his hand on Data's shoulder.

"No need," Riker assured him. "Why don't I just keep it on file?"

Data frowned.

"Sir, family quarters are in high demand. I would not want you to maintain an open request when others might need that space," Data said.

On the other side of the deck, Timothy burst out laughing as Tasha dangled him over the edge of the ship.

"Again! Again!" he requested.

Riker turned to Data.

"It's no trouble," Riker said.

Data had made no secret about his desire for a family – and the way he was looking at Tasha as she ran about with Timothy made it clear where Data's heart lie.

"Someday?" Riker asked.

"Not at this time," Data replied with a hint of pain.

"Well, maybe sooner than later, eh?" Riker teased, nudging him.

Data didn't respond, he was too wrapped up in watching Tasha scoop up Timothy as they chased each other across the deck.

---

Data was keenly aware of the passage of time as the Enterprise approached Starbase 514. And he was more than a little disheartened when Timothy was ready for bed by 21:00 hours that final night.

For most of his stay, Timothy had fought sleep in an effort to avoid nightmares.

But now he seemed to be more content.

Data also understood that Timothy was likely worn out from his party.

"So they lived in great joy and if ever they remembered their life in this world it was only as one remembers a dream," Data read aloud. "And one year it fell out that Tumnus (who was a middle-aged Faun by now and beginning to be stout) came down river and-"

Data paused as Timothy yawned and stretched. He turned over onto his side and buried his face into his pillow.

"Data, do androids have family?" Timothy asked in a sleepy voice. "I mean, can I still be an android if I'm adopted?"

"Of course you are," Data assured him. "You can be an android as long as you like."

Tasha and Deanna had filled in the Moran family on Timothy's android persona, and they were happy to let him continue believing that as long as he wished.

It made him feel strong and safe.

Deanna advised that, in time, it would likely fade away as with any childhood phase.

Data had to admit it was difficult. He couldn't ignore his own pain in watching Timothy move away from him.

Timothy may not have been a real android, but Data felt like they had shared a real connection. And it was difficult for Data to lose that.

Data had grown accustomed to Timothy's presence in his life. It made him feel less alone in the universe to know there was another someone out there that saw him as a person.

"Do you have a family, Data?" Timothy asked.

"My father died when my home planet was attacked," Data shared. "I have no memory of him."

Timothy frowned.

"I'm sorry," Timothy said. "I know I said I didn't want to think about my parents before, that I wanted to forget them."

He paused and sniffled.

"But I'm glad I remember them," Timothy acknowledged.

They weren't all bad memories.

"I think they would have liked you Mr Data," Timothy said.

Data was relieved.

"You were really kind," Timothy said. "Even when I was following you around everywhere and stuff. Pretty silly, huh?"

"I was flattered," Data replied in earnest.

"You were a really good guardian for a while. I think you'd make a great dad," Timothy said in a little sleepy voice before he drifted off.

Someday. Data thought.

---

"Do you have the sculpture you made?" Tasha asked.

Timothy nodded.

"Your boots?" she asked.

"Yes," Timothy replied.

"And your ribbon?" Tasha pressed.

"Yes!" Timothy insisted.

Data had helped him to pack – checking and double-checking to ensure there was nothing left behind.

Because of the security protocols in place due to the Romulan threat, Data and Tasha would be unable to beam down with Timothy.

That meant they would have to say their farewells on the ship.

The trio rounded the corridor and made their way into the transporter room.

Timothy stepped up onto the platform and set his little suitcase down next to him. He'd lost nearly everything when the Vico had been destroyed.

Yet in his short time since coming aboard, Timothy had started to rebuild his life – a process that would continue with the Moran family.

Tasha held Timothy's hand as she offered him a final smile.

"You promise you'll write? Let us know how you're getting on?" Tasha asked.

"I promise," Timothy said.

"Well, this is goodbye," Data said. "Are you ready?"

Timothy cocked his head to the side, mimicking Data.

"I am operating within established parameters," Timothy answered.

Data smiled.

"Are you okay, Data?" Timothy asked, noting that Data seemed sad.

"I am functioning within established parameters," Data countered with a small smirk.

Timothy took a step back on the platform and waved to them.

"Preparing to transport," Miles announced.

Timothy suddenly rushed forward and leapt at Data. Data caught him – thanks to quick reflexes and pulled Timothy into a tight embrace.

"I love you, Data," Timothy whispered.

Data's breath hitched.

It was the first time anyone had ever said that – save Tasha or Geordi.

"I love you too, Timothy," Data replied.

After wiping his eyes, Timothy returned back to the platform. With a small wave, he dematerialised before reappearing before his expectant new family.

"Starbase 514 to Enterprise," a voice rang out over the comms system. "We have the boy."

On his way out of the room, Miles gave Data's arm a reassuring squeeze.

"You did the right thing, mate," he said.

Data knew he had – but it didn't make that loss any easier.

---

It was unusually quiet in Tasha's quarters that night.

Initially they had returned to Data's quarters. But the emptiness there had been unsettling and so they had decided to retire to Tasha's rooms instead where they could overlook their orbit of Starbase 514.

"What's this one?" Tasha asked, clicking through to the next constellation.

"Canas Venatici," Data answered without looking up.

Upon returning to Data's quarters, they had found that Timothy left his torch constellation slides behind as a gift.

Tasha set the torch down on the windowsill and snuggled in close to Data.

"I'm sorry," she said softly.

"I believe what hurts the most is knowing it is the right decision, having tasted what it would have been like and then, well-" Data trailed off.

Tasha looped her fingers through Data's.

"Someday," Tasha said.

Data sighed.

"Someday," he agreed. "But even if we start a family of our own, Timothy will still be with another family."

Timothy's absence hurt not just because of what he represented – but because Data was genuinely fond of him.

They had grown quite attached and Data appreciated his young, curious mind.

"You know there are certain advantages to this stage in our lives," Tasha said as she caressed his leg.

Data turned and stared for a moment before capturing her lips in a deep, unhurried kiss.

When they broke apart, Tasha grinned against his mouth.

"Be careful or my boyfriend might get jealous," she teased. "He claims he's an unfeeling android – but I've never believed that."

"Would you care to make sure of that?" Data asked, nuzzling his nose against hers.

"Are you propositioning me, Commander?" Tasha inquired.

"Mmm, you did say there were certain advantages to this life free of parental obligations," Data reminded her, nibbling his way down her jawline. "I am merely exploring all possible permutations of that."

---

They retired to bed where Data's affections were rather more fervent than usual.

For Data, it was almost like he was consumed by an animalistic instinct. Tasha's presence flooded his senses, he could taste the perspiration and pheromones on her skin.

It nearly overwhelmed his neural net.

Tasha certainly wasn't complaining – but it was obvious Data was pouring all of his emotional turmoil from the last few weeks into this reunion.

Physical reassurance had always helped Data cope. It was a reminder of the connection they shared.

Data's breath stuttered. His hips jerked as he came. Tasha had already found her own sense of bliss.

Data collapsed on top of her as his coolant system worked to catch up with his increased exertion. Tasha managed to slip out from underneath him and stretched.

Data's arm shot out, pulling Tasha flush against him as he spooned up behind her.

"I do not wish to stop," Data confessed.

Tasha giggled as he nipped at her shoulder.

"Then don't," Tasha said.

She gasped as Data resumed.

He closed his eyes and buried his head against her shoulder. Clutching Tasha's hand, he continued at a steady pace.

Time seemed to stop, each second replaced the sound of Data's breath, the beating of his power cell, and the rhythm of Data's bony hips.

And then after a soft, low noise escaped from his lips, he stilled.

When Data finished, he was wrecked.

They both laid there for a while in silence – stunned – as Data made no move to pull out.

Eventually Tasha found her voice.

"Data?" Tasha asked.

"I must apologise," Data said. "Please forgive me, I was compelled with this need to-"

He paused, overcome with embarrassment.

"Take you," he whispered.

Tasha chuckled, amused. She rolled over and snuggled up against Data.

"It's alright. You don't have to explain. I missed you too," Tasha said, planting a kiss on the tip of his nose.

Data frowned.

"I have missed you, missed this. However, I must confess this feeling was different," Data said.

"Mmm, I'm not complaining," Tasha said.

She wrapped her arms around Data and nestled her head against his chest. Tasha was ready to drift off to dreamland, safe and snug in Data's arms.

But Data's mind was now a flurry of activity as he tried to determine what had felt so different about their coupling.

"It was like a breeding instinct," Data mused aloud.

Tasha's entire body stiffened.

She moved back and looked up at Data.

"But we can't," she started to ask, panicked.

"No, no," Data assured her quickly. "Geordi and I have conducted extensive research and I am afraid that while I am fully functional, the DNA in my cold storage is not present in my biofluid."

Their best guess was that it was some sort of unfinished project Soong had been unable to complete prior to the Crystalline Entity attack on Omicron Theta.

"I am about as potent as a photon torpedo set to an energy burst," Data said.

"Was that a joke?" Tasha asked.

Data's face lit up.

"Was it funny?" Data inquired.

Tasha collapsed in a fit of giggles against him.

"You know I haven't changed my mind," she said after composing herself.

Tasha felt it was important to clear that up.

She grinned as she nuzzled against Data.

"I want to have a child with you, Data. I'm just not ready, not yet," Tasha concluded.

The circumstances of Timothy's adoption were still a raw subject. It was a mix of pain and relief. But given how it had turned out, Tasha surmised it was for the best.

And she was going to enjoy this child-free time for a few more years just as they had planned.

"Someday," Tasha promised.

They settled into bed. Data was on his back, staring up at the ceiling. Tasha was resting on his chest, feeling wonderful as Data's hand gently ghosted down her spine.

"I concur, I am not ready to give this up. Not yet," Data agreed.

"Mmm, good," Tasha replied in a hazy voice.

"In any case, I envision this will be much more difficult after the first few children," Data said.

Tasha laughed – only Data had been serious.

"Tasha, that was not said in jest," Data clarified.

Tasha baulked.

"First few?" she asked.

"I would like several," Data confessed. "And perhaps a cat."

Tasha's mouth went dry.

"Why don't we start at one?" Tasha suggested.

"One child or one cat?" Data asked, confused.

All Tasha could do was laugh.

"Why don't we start with the cat and see where things go," Tasha said.

Data's coolant system skipped a beat.

"Do you mean it?" Data asked.

"Sure," Tasha replied honestly. "We can pick one up on Føroyar. A wedding present for ourselves."

While the bulk of their trip planning involved solitude and wilderness, they weren't planning to spend all their time in the great outdoors.

They were counting on these travel restrictions being lifted at some point. There would likely be some sort of layover stop at a Starbase.

"We will get a cat," Data declared.

"And that is all that's coming back with us from Føroyar, do you understand? No extra little wedding presents," Tasha teased.

Tasha sat up and gripped Data's chin, eyeing him with mock seriousness.

"You do not so much as glance at a child while we're there. Your eyes had better be on me the whole trip, got it?" Tasha demanded.

Data pulled her close, rolling them together.

"I do not believe that will be a problem," Data said, staring down at her.

---

Tasha sat back on her knees and reached for a flannel to clean her face.

She was on the floor in the loo. It was the second morning in a row she'd been sick after her morning workout. In the last six weeks, she had increased her training efforts.

After brushing her teeth again and rinsing her mouth, she let the cool water run over the back of her wrists in an effort to drive away the nausea.

Then she wet a second fresh flannel and used it to cool the back of her neck. It was relief from the sense of dizziness that had accompanied her queasy stomach.

Tasha suddenly became aware of a familiar shadow in the doorframe.

"Shall I fetch Doctor Crusher?" Data asked.

Tasha shook her head.

"I took my vitamins on an empty stomach. I should have eaten something first," Tasha said.

Data stepped closer and cupped her face.

"Are you certain?" Data asked.

"Yeah," Tasha said.

She was already starting to feel better.

"Captain Picard has requested our presence in his Ready Room. There's been an urgent message," Data said.

---

Two hours later, Tasha was crammed on a shuttle as part of an away team.

Data and Commander Riker were piloting the craft down while Geordi, Beverly, Worf, and Tasha were in the back – buckled in and hanging on for dear life.

They were en route to an emergency medical hail to retrieve a small Starfleet research team on a nearby uninhabited planet.

The unique atmosphere prevented transporter use and so they had been forced to go in via shuttle.

And what a bumpy ride it was.

Tasha was uncharacteristically pale on the trip down. She clutched the edge of her seat, her knuckles white as she tried to focus on her breathing – anything but her queasy stomach.

As soon as the shuttle landed, Tasha was the first off.

She rushed out over to the nearby treeline and hurled the contents of her breakfast, spewing them onto the grass.

Tasha closed her eyes and took a series of slow breaths to regain her composure. Then she reached into the pocket she'd sewn inside her sleeve for an oral sanitisation tablet.

When she straightened up, Tasha found herself face to face with Data.

"Tasha?" he asked.

"Sorry, just the ride down upset my stomach," she said.

He frowned and reached for her forehead.

"Are you ill? You do not appear to have a fever," Data said.

"I'm fine. It was just the jostling on the shuttle," Tasha insisted.

It did little to ease Data's concern.

Tasha smiled.

"I'm fine, see? It's already passed," Tasha assured him. "Just a hiccup."