A/N: Thank you all for your words of affirmation, love, and support as we journey through this story. It's a multi-chapter drop this week as this particular 'episode' provided a lot of great inspiration.
Again, we're playing a wee bit fast and loose with canon here as I'm attempting to weave some new material into the story to expand on the mission as well as Data & Tasha's role in that story.
Chapter-specific C/W: Character whump
As the day went on, Captain Picard's behaviour continued to deteriorate. He gave increasingly bizarre, but not necessarily dangerous, orders. Doctor Crusher turned over the results of the medical examinations only for Captain Picard to dismiss them without even reviewing the report.
Then Commander Riker was ambushed by two of the Selay delegates on the Engineering deck—causing Tasha to lose faith and patience with her Security team.
Tasha had rushed down from the Bridge to meet up with the team that was supposed to be guarding one of the checkpoints.
"How does this keep happening?" Tasha asked.
It was the third time she'd had to leave the Bridge to see to a scuffle between the two delegations. Riker's run-in with the Selay had just been the latest development in a long chain of problems.
"We suspect they are using an access port at section 27A to get into the Jefferies tubes," Ensign Jeffords explained.
"Then I want that access point guarded," Tasha ordered. "Jeffords, you and Geirson stay here. Keller, Gato? I want you on that access point."
"Yes, sir," Jeffords acknowledged.
Tasha was embarrassed that her team struggled with the assignment. She took it as a personal failure that they were unable to contain the problem.
Without warning, the klaxons began to howl. Riker's voice came across the ship-wide emergency alert system.
"Red Alert! Security to the Bridge. Restrain the Captain!" Riker ordered.
"Stay here," Tasha barked to other officers.
They would need to continue guarding the Anticans and Selay. Tasha didn't need the rivals adding to whatever latest problem had struck the Enterprise.
She took off down the corridor. Tasha tapped her communicator—first dispatching teams to the Bridge and other key areas. She wanted a guard down in Main Engineering and outside the Armoury.
Next, Tasha needed information.
"Yar to Worf, where is the Captain?"
Tasha skidded into the nearest turbolift. She slammed her combadge.
There was no response from Worf.
"Worf? What's happening?"
She was greeted only with silence. Tasha had to get through to someone. She needed to know what she was walking into.
"Yar to Lieutenant Commander Data, what's happening on the Bridge?"
"Lieutenant Yar? This is Ensign Greene. Captain Picard was spotted heading toward the Transporter Room."
Tasha redirected the lift to Deck 3 where the Main Transporter Room was located. It was an agonising two minutes.
Stepping off the lift, Tasha drew her phaser and set it to stun. Power was cut to the deck. The emergency lights flickered overhead as the backup fluctuated. Tasha had no way of knowing if this was part of the malfunctions that had recently plagued the Enterprise or something more sinister.
She hugged the wall while inching down the corridor with caution.
Ahead, there were two Security officers on the ground.
Tasha crept carefully toward the door to the Transporter Room. It was open. As she drew closer, Tasha caught sight of Captain Picard standing in front of the transporter console.
On the ground, the Assistant Transporter Chief was not moving.
Tasha pressed her body against the wall and tapped her communicator. She dropped her voice as low as possible and turned her head down to the combadge.
"Yar to Bridge, I've located the Captain in the Main Transporter Room. Moving to intercept."
Tasha had one advantage. Captain Picard turned to make an adjustment on the controls behind the console. His back was to Tasha now, and she seized the opportunity. There would be time for questions later.
At the moment, she needed to stop Picard at all costs.
Tasha stepped behind the Captain and fired her phaser.
It had no effect aside from alerting Picard to her presence. It was as if Jean-Luc's body simply absorbed the phaser energy.
Without a word, he turned to face Tasha. She recoiled and backed toward the corridor. If Tasha could draw him out, then she could seal the door—locking off all access to the transporter.
At the very least, it would prevent the Captain from leaving the ship.
If he really is the Captain. Tasha thought.
As she stood between Captain Picard and the transporter pad, Tasha noted something strange in the way Jean-Luc stared at her. He looked so foreign. It was as if whatever entity had possessed Worf and Beverly had now completely replaced the good-natured Captain with a being driven only by an insatiable desire to leave the ship.
The Jean-Luc Picard that Tasha knew and admired would never have made that choice uncoerced.
Deanna's warning echoed in Tasha's mind.
I sense he could become dangerous.
"Captain?" Tasha asked.
Picard lunged.
Tasha's her aikido skills enabled her to anticipate his move. She caught the Captain and tried to toss him into the corridor. Normally, she would have dispatched even someone Riker's size with ease based on their position and momentum.
But something about the entity made Picard stronger, more agile—and dangerous.
Deanna had been right. In a flash, Tasha was thrown against the transporter panels with great force. She cried out as her body impacted the hard polymer panels. Dazed, she slumped down to the floor.
Tasha's head hurt—at least she was fairly sure it was her head. She could feel and hear the blood pounding in her eardrums. It thundered, each beat of her pulse sent a new searing wave of pain from her temple down through the back of her neck.
Tasha brought her hand up to touch her right temple. She hissed as her fingers made contact with the abrasion. It was warm and wet.
That's blood.
Tasha wasn't entirely surprised, no human alone was capable of that kind of strength.
Suddenly, Tasha became aware of a shadow on the floor. As Picard stood over her, Tasha was certain that he was about to strike a fatal blow.
But Jean-Luc hesitated. He staggered for a moment and then took a step back.
"Sir?" Tasha managed to choke out.
She wiped her mouth with the back of her sleeve. She was bleeding from her mouth too.
Probably missing a tooth, too. Tasha thought.
Tasha tried to get up and stumbled back into the wall. She gritted her teeth and made another futile attempt to rise. Captain Picard's hands shook. He looked terrified.
He needs help.
"Sir?" she repeated.
"Help me," Picard whispered as backed away.
It was as if he was fighting within himself for control of his own body. He took a slow, strained step toward the transporter pad.
Tasha's hand found one of the maintenance hooks along the panel and grasped on. Using it for leverage, she managed to pull herself up. She was still leaning heavily against the wall.
Tasha managed to stand and immediately regretted that decision as a wave of vertigo and nausea overwhelmed her.
Captain Picard was nearly to the transporter pad. Whatever force had compelled him to leave the ship was clearing the winning the battle. Picard's brow was drenched in perspiration.
Tasha stumbled toward Captain Picard. She wrapped her arms around the Captain and tried to use her body weight to fall back toward the floor. Picard easily threw her off.
He marched toward the transporter pad, undeterred.
Tasha landed with a 'thud' on the carpet. There was time to lick her wounds. Adrenaline took over.
Tasha sprung up from the floor and charged directly at the Captain. She tackled him to the floor of the transporter pad. They struggled for a moment before Jean-Luc managed to throw her off.
But Tasha was resolute in her determination. She snagged the Captain's ankle. This time, he couldn't shake her.
"What do you want?" Tasha shouted.
Captain Picard's eyes blazed with anger.
Tasha hissed and retracted her hand. The Captain's body radiated heat—hot enough to cause pain.
Tasha glanced at her red palm and then back up at the Captain. Jean-Luc said nothing.
She sprag, wrestling with the Captain in a last-ditch effort to stop him. Tasha managed to catch the Captain's wrists.
Jean-Luc stopped resisting. He held Tasha's gaze, baring his teeth. There was a menacing gleam in his eyes.
"Aargh!" Tasha cried out.
The flesh on her hands began to burn and blister from contact with the Captain's skin. On instinct, Tasha released his arms.
Somewhere in the distance, Tasha could hear Riker's voice coming from her combadge. He wanted an update on the Captain. He demanded to know if Tasha had managed to detain him yet.
Tasha didn't respond.
If Tasha didn't stop him, Jean-Luc would be gone—beaming away to an unknown destination for a hidden purpose. The crew feared this entity was malevolent. They didn't know who or what it was (or who it was working for).
Captain Picard's capture represented a great security risk. Tasha could not let him escape with all of his collective knowledge of the Enterprise and Starfleet protocols.
But what compelled her to get up and try again was not a sense of duty or a responsibility to Starfleet.
It was love.
Captain Picard was her Captain. Her mentor. He was a friend—and the closest thing Tasha Yar had left to a father.
Tasha threw her arms around Captain Picard and tried to pull him back toward the door. It hurt to touch him. The entity burned. Tasha's eyes watered from the pain. Her hands seared as she clung to the Captain.
She just had to hang on long enough for backup to get there. Any minute Data, Worf, and Commander Riker would burst through the door to help her restrain the Captain. Data would find a solution.
He probably already has one. Tasha thought.
She had to focus on something—anything—other than the pain in her hands.
But no one was coming.
Picard managed to free himself. He whipped around and grabbed Tasha by the arms. Before she could speak, Jean-Luc tossed her aside like she weighed nothing.
Tasha landed on top of the transporter console with a sickening crunch.
Jean-Luc tugged down the front of his uniform shirt and stepped onto the transporter mark.
"Energise."
In a flash, Captain Picard was gone.
As soon as the command was carried out, the console exploded. Tasha was thrown off— landing on her back on the floor.
Tasha Yar stared at the lights overhead. She blinked. It hurt to blink. Tasha cursed her luck. If she'd been lucky, the blast would have rendered her unconscious. She'd taken a beating on assignments before.
And Tasha knew better than most—that blissfully unaware state of being knocked out cold was a whole lot better than the pain in every single cell of her body.
Tasha whimpered. She gingerly lifted her arm to tap her combadge.
"Yar to Sickbay, I need a medical team in the Transporter Room."
Tasha winced as Riker's voice boomed in response. It was too loud. The lights overhead were too bright.
"Lieutenant, where is the Captain? We can't pick up his signal."
"He's… he's gone, sir."
Tasha's voice was weak. This fact blew right past Riker. His attention was solely focused on Captain Picard.
"How?" Riker demanded. "Your orders were to restrain the Captain."
Tasha grimaced.
"I want to see you in the observation lounge immediately," Riker ordered.
Tasha closed her eyes and tried to steady her voice.
"Sir, I need to—" Tasha tried to say but was cut off by Riker.
"Now, Lieutenant. That's an order," he barked.
Riker regretted his words as soon as she walked into the observation lounge.
'Walk' was an overstatement.
Tasha looked beat to hell.
There was gash along the side of her face. She was limping. Her breathing was laboured. Tasha's sleeve was ripped below the shoulder, revealing a particularly nasty burn on her arm. The back of her uniform was singed from the blown console.
Tasha clenched her jaw. The team watched with horror as she stiffly sat down. Out of habit, Tasha moved to fold her hands atop the table. But upon catching sight of them, Tasha quickly dropped them to her lap and out of sight.
It wasn't fast enough for Data.
He caught sight of Tasha's hands and frowned. They were red, blistered, and bleeding from where the entity had burned her.
Data immediately stood.
"I will escort you to Sickbay. Now," Data declared.
"After," was all Tasha managed to say.
"That is not acceptable," Data said, stepping over to Tasha.
With great strain, Tasha snapped around. She glared up at Data.
"Well, it's gonna have to be!"
She didn't mean to lash out at Data.
Truthfully, Tasha wasn't mad at Riker either. He hadn't known when he'd ordered her to the meeting, and it had been clear in his face that he felt terrible for popping off at her moments earlier.
Tasha was grieving over the loss of Captain Picard. She was terrified of what it meant for him and the ship. And she was furious with herself for failing.
Tasha simply wanted to slip in unconsciousness—but she was the last person to see the Captain and may have vital information to aid in finding him.
"Lieutenant, we can continue this after your wounds have been attended to," Riker stated.
"I'm fine, sir."
Tasha looked anything but.
She closed her eyes and took a moment to steady herself before recounting the details of her final moments with the Captain.
"It was like he was in there, fighting for control of his own body," Tasha explained.
"And these burns?" Geordi inquired. "Worf and Doctor Crusher didn't experience them."
"I think it was a defence mechanism. It was… it was as if he could adapt once he realised that I wasn't just going to let him walk out of there. Every time I—"
Tasha paused and hissed in pain. She clenched her side and grimaced before she continued.
"I tried to detain him, it grew more intense… stronger."
"Do we have a location yet on where he beamed to?" Riker asked the table.
Tasha shook her head.
"You won't. There was… he… there's damage to the console," she choked out through gritted teeth.
"What kind of damage?" Geordi pressed. "I'd like to get down there help if that's alright with you, Commander Riker?"
"Go, Geordi," Riker said as he nodded toward the door.
"Explosion," Tasha informed them.
"Were you on top of the console?" Worf asked dryly.
Most of the crew were oblivious to Worf's sense of humour. It was something Tasha had grown to appreciate, especially when things got bad.
Tasha managed a weak smile.
"You could say that."
"Data, can you adjust our scanners to try and locate the Captain's energy signature?" Riker asked.
Data was already punching instructions into his tablet to rework the scanners on the Bridge.
"I will need to make several adjustments and amplify the signal in order to compensate for the extra energy given off by the cloud, but I believe so, sir."
Tasha could sense the briefing was winding down. She leaned back in her chair. For the first time since the encounter, Tasha let her shoulders relax.
Tasha sat back in her chair. Everything hurt, but at least the chair felt nice.
"Do you sense anything, Counsellor?" Riker asked, turning to Deanna.
"No, I'm not picking up anything," Deanna answered sadly.
Tasha's eyelids grew heavy. The chair felt good. Tasha knew that she needed to get to Sickbay, but she wanted to rest her eyes for a moment.
"Lieutenant Yar," Data said sharply.
Tasha's eyes snapped open.
"I'm sorry, Sir. Wha 'sa question?" she asked in a hazy voice.
Data had been monitoring Tasha's vitals since she had limped into the briefing room.
Data had identified that Tasha's pupils were dilated. She was struggling to maintain focus. Data was no doctor, but he was confident in his assessment. Tasha had sustained a brain injury—likely a concussion—and required medical treatment.
"Tasha? Tasha," Data insisted, trying to keep her awake.
Tasha swayed for a moment in her seat. She suddenly became aware that the back of her uniform felt damp. Tasha sat forward and brought her hand to the base of her neck where it came into contact with something warm, wet, and sticky.
Tasha brought her hand back to eye level. She studied the blood on her hand, rubbing it between her fingers for a moment.
Without warning, she slumped over onto the table.
Deanna gasped at the sight of bloodstain on the back of the chair.
Data didn't wait for permission—he rushed over to Tasha's position and pulled her into his arms.
"Sickbay. Now," Riker ordered.
Data scooped Tasha up and made for the lift with hast.
When he arrived at Sickbay, Data realised that Riker must have alerted Doctor Crusher because she was waiting for them upon their arrival.
Data chastised himself internally for failing to think of it. It was protocol during a crisis. But Data was overwhelmed with concern for Tasha that he was unable to think clearly.
"Over here, Data," Beverly ordered.
Data was filled with fear as he gently set Tasha down on an exam table.
Data failed to follow procedure because of his feelings for Tasha—for the third time.
Data felt like he'd betrayed the promise they made to Captain Picard.
His thoughts shifted back Captain Picard and Data felt a great sense of loss that the Captain was drifting out there somewhere with the entity that had overtaken him.
Doctor Crusher's hand on his shoulder brought Data back out of his thoughts.
"She'll be fine, Data," the Doc reassured him. "I'll take care of her. You go get the Captain back."
Data resumed his position on the Bridge and set to work. It was difficult for him to focus his attention on the scanner adjustments while Tasha was lying in Sickbay. Though Data was the picture of professionalism on the exterior, inside he urged himself to concentrate.
We must find the Captain.
The mood on Bridge was tense. Everyone was on edge. There was a ship-wide sense of disbelief and despair over the Captain's absence.
After an hour of scans, Geordi emerged on the Bridge. Data could see he was frustrated. Geordi took over at the helm and gave Riker the latest from the Transporter Room.
"We managed to pull the console computer. It was heavily damaged in the explosion. Melted the control chip. I can't give you the coordinates the Captain beamed to—the log is irretrievable," Geordi said with a sigh of defeat.
It was a major blow to their search and rescue.
"Data, please tell me you have something?" Riker asked.
"Still no readings. No sign of the Captain," Data reported.
Riker rose from the big chair. He stepped toward the viewscreen and sighed as he studied the inky expanse of space.
There was no sign of the Captain. Furthermore, even if they could locate the Captain, there was no telling if they would be able to separate him from the entity.
He had a seriously injured Tasha along with four other officers. They were due to get the Anticans and Selay to Parliament—and it was safer for everyone if they were off the ship.
Weighing his options, Riker felt he had only one choice.
"Mister La Forge, it's time to set a course for Parliament. Warp 8," he ordered.
In his heart, Will Riker didn't feel right about giving that order. But everything in his Starfleet training told him this was the necessary, although difficult, choice.
Data's heart sank. He had failed the Captain. He glanced across the Bridge at Geordi who shared the feeling.
"We're really leaving him?" Geordi remarked in disbelief.
Geordi had done everything he could to find the coordinates. The damage to the panel in the Transporter Room was too extensive. Although Data had modified the scanners, there was no way of knowing just how far the entity and the Captain had travelled.
At every turn, they were shut down.
"You have your orders, Mr La Forge," Riker said in a glum voice.
Suddenly, Deanna hissed and clutched her temple. She was hit with a wave of panic. It sent a chill up her spine.
"Commander, wait!" she cried out, abruptly rising from her seat.
Everyone froze. Riker whipped.
"Deanna?"
"It's the Captain—but only the Captain. He's out there."
She paused and turned to the viewscreen.
"He's out there alone," she shared.
The feeling was strong. Too strong to ignore. Deanna could sense that Captain Picard was out there. But the entity was gone. Captain Picard was drifting in the emptiness of space—frightened and full of remorse over his decision to leave the ship.
"The entity?" Riker pressed.
Deanna took a breath and tried to focus her thoughts. She cleared her mind, opening it to receive the Captain's thoughts and feelings.
"The combination wasn't possible out there. He's in trouble, sir. We have to beam him back."
She could sense the rising panic in Captain Picard.
Deanna didn't know what state he was in—energy, man, or somewhere in between. But she could sense he was terrified the Enterprise would leave without him.
"Beam him back as what?" Riker demanded.
Data's positronic brain went into overdrive. He simultaneously analysed the entity's energy signature, assessed the report Geordi had filed on the Transporter Room console, and calculated the likelihood that his plan would result in success.
It took him 1.74 seconds to complete his task.
Data whipped around in his seat to face the back of the Bridge.
"Sir, the entity was caught in the ship's circuitry. The Captain might try to get in the same way if he is in trouble," Data theorised.
"Data, I hope for the Captain's sake that, whatever for he is in, he's reached the same conclusion," Riker said.
Will glanced over to Deanna, communicating his next order with just a look. She understood. Deanna closed her eyes and tried to communicate with Captain Picard.
Deanna scowled.
"I don't know. I can't feel if he understands. I just sense his pain, his fear," she said.
"Geordi, move us in closer to that cloud," Riker ordered.
Geordi manoeuvred the ship further into the energy cloud. They all hoped that proximity was a factor and that the Captain would get the message.
The whole Bridge waited in suspense as the ship slowly moved deeper into the mysterious energy cloud. The bursts looked like lightning and continued to grow in intensity and colour as the ship moved closer to the core of the cloud.
It was a dazzling light show for all—especially Data and Geordi.
"Data, are you seeing this?" Geordi asked in wonder.
"Yes, Geordi," Data replied in awe.
Were it under different circumstances, Data would have considered the soft purple hues and scattered illumination to be a thing of magnificent beauty.
"How will we know if the Captain has been able to access the circuitry?" Worf asked.
"I'm not sure," Riker replied. "We have to hope he can send some kind of signal."
Deanna was still trying to make contact with Picard but was having no luck.
They were about to turn back when Worf noticed something odd at the Tactical post. He studied the screen for a moment before raising the alarm.
"Sir! My sensor controls," Worf called out as the computer program began to flash.
"There's something here," Deanna said, sensing a presence.
She still couldn't communicate directly with it, but she could sense the same feeling as before—only much closer.
"Whoa!" Geordi pulled his hands back from the helm.
The panel began to react strangely. The screen blinked. When it appeared again, it was corrupted.
Data pushed away the Operations console and rushed over to examine Geordi's terminal.
"What in the…"
Geordi trailed off.
The power cell readings, navigation, and real-time tracking information were all wiped away. Each separate tool flashed with the same display. It was a single letter.
'P.'
"'P' for Picard?" Riker asked.
He looked over his shoulder at Deanna for some sign that they were on the right track. She shrugged.
For Data, it was all the sign he needed to act. Nothing else could have caused the display to repeatedly flash that letter.
Having eliminated all other possible outcomes, Data knew that what remained—however improbable—had to be the truth.
"To the Transporter Room. This way, sir. There may still be a chance. Hurry!" Data ordered as he made a break for the lift.
Deanna and Commander Riker were half a step behind him.
"You have the Bridge, Geordi!" Riker hollered as the turbolift doors slid closed.
It was a short, tense ride down to Deck 3.
"The Captain's physical pattern is still stored in the pattern buffer. He was the last one to beam out," Data explained. "If his energy signature has made its way to the into the transporter relays, then we should be able to activate the pad and re-energise Captain Picard."
Riker had a difficult time wrapping his head around it.
"Theoretically," Data added.
Data paused. A strange look crossed his face.
"Most amusing," Data remarked.
"Data," Riker warned.
It wasn't the time or place for Data to get off track riding whatever latest theory had caught his fascination.
"Forgive me, Commander. But if this works, well—"
"Data!" Riker snapped. He couldn't stand the suspense.
"The Captain's physical pattern is stored in the transport buffer. But whether or not his spirit, his energy, his… soul," Data said, struggling to define it. "If that essence has managed to survive, and if the transporter can—"
Riker was not amused.
"That's an awful lot of 'ifs,' Data."
Data agreed. There was considerable risk. They were navigating uncharted waters.
"If it works, this is a major breakthrough for matter stream converter technology and the field of Exobiology," Data said.
It was too late. Data's neural net was in overdrive.
"The possibilities are endless, sir. Someone could store themselves inside the buffer. This could reignite the debate over the safety of transporters—even the ancient fear of a person's essence being transferred to another body," Data went on.
"Great. Just great," Riker grumbled. "Maybe I can ask the transporter to split me in two. That way one of me won't have to be around to deal with it."
Will reached up to massage his eyes. If Captain Picard was truly gone, he would have to assume the role of acting Captain. If Picard was found, Riker would need a stiff drink and a long nap.
Suddenly, Riker froze. A dark thought crept into the back of his mind.
"Deanna, are you sure it's the Captain? It's not the entity trying to fool us? Maybe take another hostage?" Riker asked.
He couldn't risk beaming that thing back aboard.
"I'm sure. He's here," Deanna answered.
Will nodded slowly. He had faith in her empath abilities—and in Data. It was risky business. But after all, risk was their business.
There would be no way to know without trying. And it was their only way to try and save the Captain.
Data was the first off the lift. There were still a few members of Geordi's team working to repair the damage to the transporter console.
"You had better get out of here," Riker said.
He hoped that order was just a precaution and that they weren't about to beam a malevolent entity back aboard.
Data cracked open the manual controls along the wall and made the necessary adjustments to the array. As soon as that was complete, he glanced over his shoulder at Riker.
"Your orders, sir?"
"Bring him home," Riker ordered.
Data activated the transporter pad. The familiar shimmering sound of matter reintegration filled the air. Will clutched his fits as he waited. Data kept his eyes peeled. Deanna was still desperately trying to make contact.
The three breathed a collective sigh of relief when Captain Picard appeared. He surveyed the room, confused.
"What the devil am I doing here?"
Deanna clutched her chest and smiled.
"Captain!"
"It's good to have you back, sir," Riker said.
Data had never felt so relieved.
Captain Picard stepped down off the transporter pad. It was evident that his memory was fuzzy. Slowly, things were starting to come back to him.
"What happened? I remember I was about to beam out somewhere. And there was talk of an entity. It all seems so vague," Picard said as he glanced around for clues.
Jean-Luc felt like he was coming off a three-day hangover. And he recalled being warm. Hot, in fact.
Too hot.
Suddenly, the Captain's eyes grew wide with terror.
"Lieutenant Yar?" he gasped.
Jean-Luc couldn't remember exactly what had transpired. But he had a hazy memory of her hitting the wall in this very room—caused by his own hand.
"Will be fine," Data finished for him.
Engineering had begun to repair the main terminal. The spot on the wall panel remained cracked from where Tasha was thrown.
"I believe the Captain is now himself, Commander. Much of what happened is naturally missing," Data surmised.
"What are you talking about, Data? Is this still Sherlock Holmes?" Picard inquired.
Data's expression softened. He was quite pleased with himself.
"Indubitably, sir. Indubitably."
Riker was beaming.
Picard made a gruff comment about Data dropping the pipe, but it didn't faze Data. He was elated that he'd managed to solve the mystery of the entity plaguing the Enterprise and save the Captain.
Picard made a move for the door. Riker's arm shot out to stop him.
"Sir, I think a trip to a Sickbay would be best, eh?"
Naturally, Captain Picard rebuffed the idea. Deanna tried a different tactic.
"It would be procedure, sir," she said, urging him to go.
Before Jean-Luc could argue, the door to the Main Transporter Room slid open and Tasha Yar stepped inside.
Data was relieved. Tasha was alert and her head injury was mostly healed.
She was still in her original uniform with the torn sleeves and singed fabric—but her bicep was fitted with a protective regeneration sleeve. Tasha's hands were still red and swollen, but much improved over the last time Data had seen them.
"Captain! It's good to see you, sir," Tasha said.
He nodded to her awkwardly, noting the dried blood on the side of her face and a pang of guilt in knowing that he had been the cause.
Riker also caught sight of Tasha's condition. He noted the back of her hair was still matted with dried blood and felt a fresh wave of guilt over their earlier encounter.
"Tasha, you should get back to Sickbay," Riker said.
"Sorry, Commander. We've got another problem," Tasha announced.
Riker wanted to snap, but he held his tongue. He'd already dismissed Tasha earlier that day. Will realised he couldn't do that again. Tasha was the Chief of Security and Will owed her the respect to hear her out before making an assumption.
"Doctor Crusher's cleared me to return to duty because we have an emergency," Tasha began.
Beverly had reluctantly given Tasha clearance—but only because of the grave nature of their position.
"Security discovered a puddle of blood outside the Selay delegation quarters. One of the Selay delegates is missing."
Tasha paused. She scrunched up her nose in disgust.
"And one of the cooks has just been asked to boil reptile for the Anticans and… and it looks like the Selay delegate," she said.
Jean-Luc pinched the bridge of his nose.
Riker rolled his eyes. Great. Just great.
Deanna made a face.
They were used to dealing with all sorts of different life forms—but this was a step too far.
Tasha wasn't even supposed to be cleared yet for duty, but Beverly understood the urgency. They needed to find the Selay delegate.
Or his killer.
Doctor Crusher had begrudgingly agreed on the condition that Tasha would return again for follow up as soon as the Anticans and Selay were detained.
Tasha wasn't taking any more chances.
"I would like to detain both delegations to the Brig until we can conduct a thorough investigation," Tasha declared.
The Federation had always given great leeway to visiting delegates. But the possible abduction and murder of one of those delegates was a grave crime—one that far exceeded the courtesy of diplomatic protection.
"Make it so," Picard ordered. "In fact, I'll accompany you to take them into custody, explain this is procedure, try to smooth over any ruffled feathers."
"Scales," Data said.
Everyone froze. Jean-Luc blinked, waiting for an explanation.
"The Selay have scales," Data explained.
"Ah," Picard said, nodding. "Quite right."
Riker and Tasha exchanged a smirk.
"Captain, if I might make a suggestion," Riker began.
"Yes?" Picard asked.
"I think we should let Lieutenant Yar handle this. Your presence will only delay detaining them in the Brig," Riker said.
"Commander Riker is right. The delegations will want to debate this. Your presence would give them that opportunity," Deanna added.
Jean-Luc pursed his lips as he scanned the faces of his team.
"You lot really are determined to make sure I don't wiggle out of a trip to Sickbay," Picard mused.
Jean-Luc tugged down the front of his uniform and smoothed the collar.
"Right then, Sickbay," he said.
Picard paused just outside of the door and turned back to the team.
"Keep me apprised of the investigation," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," Data answered.
Commander Riker to the Bridge. Deanna went with Captain Picard, sensing that he may need to get a few things off his chest.
Data and Tasha were headed in the opposite direction—they still had a job to do.
Data called for the turbolift while Tasha tapped her communicator.
"I want two armed Security teams to meet me outside of the delegation quarters," she ordered.
The arrest went about as well as could be expected. Data, Tasha, and the Security teams had been forced to break up a physical altercation between the two delegations. Their guests were physically strong, stronger than most humanoid officers—but not Data.
He was capable of holding one delegate from each side apart with nothing more than a single hand on each. Meanwhile, it had taken the combined efforts of Tasha, Lieutenant Olivet, and Ensign Jeffords to drag one of the Anticans off a Selay minister.
Tasha was relieved when they finally got all of them to the Brig. For the first time in days, Tasha felt like she could breathe. Her team could wander the ship and go about their regular duties without having to babysit their guests or worry about disruptor fire breaking out in the corridors.
Data and Tasha were back in the briefing room to give an update on their progress. Captain Picard had been released from Sickbay.
Deanna could sense the Captain's apprehension. He was full of internal turmoil and was keen to use work as a distraction.
That's where Beverly put her foot down. With a single look, she had managed to do what no one else could—convince Jean-Luc Picard to change his mind.
To everyone's surprise, Picard announced that he was taking the afternoon off to recuperate but would sit in for the remainder of the briefing.
"Each delegate has been assigned a separate, contained cell," Data informed them.
"I don't want them talking with one another or coordinating their stories," Tasha explained.
Worf leaned forward, folding his hands atop the table.
"All preparations are complete. We are ready to begin interviewing Anticans and Selay," he announced.
Tasha had tasked Worf with preparing an appropriate space to conduct one-on-one interviews to gather evidence.
"Counsellor, I'd like you to sit in with Worf for the interviews," Tasha said.
"Of course," Deanna nodded.
"Right then, dismissed," Picard said, ending the meeting.
As the room filtered out to their various assignments, Commander Riker caught Tasha and asked her to hang back.
"It's good to see you up and about—even if you do look a little worse for wear," Riker said.
"Thank you, sir," Tasha replied.
"Tasha, I am deeply sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have come down on you like that," Riker apologised. "And I wanted to say how proud I am that you did everything you did to try and stop the Captain."
Tasha grinned.
"Thank you, Commander."
"Truly, it took a lot of courage and strength, Lieutenant, and I just want to say that you really went above and beyond today," Riker said.
She knew Riker felt bad. Tasha didn't blame him—it was a tense situation all around and Riker was just trying to protect the ship.
"I'm sure you would have done the same for the Captain," Tasha replied.
Riker paused as he studied Tasha for a moment.
"Maybe, Lieutenant," Riker said strangely. "I can only hope when the time comes for me make that call, that I'll have half the courage of Tasha Yar."
Tasha blushed, beaming with pride. She was positively glowing from such high praise.
"I know you do, sir," she said, hoping to bolster his confidence.
All was right as rain between the two friends once more.
"Now, get to the bottom of this situation with the delegations. Please," Riker added, exasperated.
"Right away, sir."
When she emerged from the Observation Lounge, Tasha found Data was waiting for her outside by the lift.
They still had an awful lot to comb through to get the bottom of their mystery.
"Let's start back at their quarters. See what we can find," Tasha suggested.
"Right," Data agreed.
As soon as the lift doors closed, Data ordered it to halt. Tasha glanced up at him and frowned. They needed to clear up this mess before they arrived at Parliament and were running out of time.
Her anger dissipated when she saw the look on Data's face.
He reached up and tentatively ran his fingers along the side of Tasha's face next to the wound she'd sustained. The gash had mostly healed from the dermal regenerator. There was still some dried blood and small abrasion, but a long line of red flesh remained.
Data dropped his hand to her shoulder where a regenerative sleeve had been fitted to work on the burns.
"I'll be alright," Tasha assured him.
Tasha dropped her line of sight to take in Data's appearance. He followed her line of sight to the dried blood on his own uniform.
"You lost consciousness in the Observation Lounge," he explained. "I have not had time to change into a clean garment."
Tasha was still a little fuzzy on the briefing immediately following her head injury. She'd taken enough blows to the head over the years to know that some degree of memory loss was to be expected in the immediate aftermath.
"Thank you," Tasha said as she placed her hand on Data's chest.
Data gently clutched her hand. She would still need a few more treatments before they were repaired. Beverly said a full recovery was promising—though Tasha's hands would be sensitive for a few days.
"I was worried," Data confessed. "I wish you had waited for backup. I understand why you felt compelled to intervene given the circumstances—but nonetheless, I wish you had waited."
Data pulled Tasha close into an embrace that spoke volumes about his fears. Tasha didn't respond. She was simply content to be in his arms.
"You are very brave, Tasha. But I worry that your inclination to throw yourself into danger could lead to you getting hurt."
"That's sort of my job, golden eyes," Tasha replied with a wry smile.
Data instinctively tightened his grip around her. They stayed like that for a moment in complete silence. Tasha relaxed against Data and sighed.
"I am beginning to regret pushing Doctor Crusher to release me early," Tasha confessed. "I just want a bath and cup of hot tea."
Data brushed the top of her head with a soft kiss.
"I will see to that once we are finished. I will draw you a bath. We can use my quarters," Data offered. He did have the oversized tub.
"Mmm. The sooner the better," Tasha replied.
"Then let us not delay in solving this mystery," Data said as he broke the embrace.
The same excitement that had taken root in him earlier had re-emerged—although Data was missing the pipe.
The turbolift resumed. The moment the doors opened, Data practically skipped off. He turned back over his shoulder and offered Tasha a rare smile.
"Come my dear colleague, the game is afoot!"
Tasha shook her head, rolling her eyes as she followed Data down to the crime scene.
An hour later, Data and Tasha's investigation had taken them to the canteen to conduct a more in-depth interview with the cook that had first flagged the issue.
There was a body and it indeed looked reptilian.
"Fascinating," Data said as he studied the reptilian creature that was laid out on the table before them.
Tasha wanted to puke. She had horrible memories of the kind of 'meat' that was available on Turkana. Although there had been some limited production of livestock and fisheries, most people that consumed meat were eating cats or valishe, which was a small rodent native to the planet.
Insects were the most common source of protein for most families.
In some of the worst parts of Turkana, cannibalism was both a means of survival during famine and a method of terror used by the various cabals to instil fear in the local population.
Tasha had been completely repulsed by the Antican delegation's insistence on slaughtering live animals for food purposes.
Data ran his tricorder over the body in question. It wasn't clear if it was Selay or not. The poor creature had been skinned—making it difficult to identify.
"Hmmm," Data remarked as he analysed the results. "Sauropsida. Ectothermic. Squamatarian."
Tasha raised her eyebrows and gestured, wordlessly asking for an explanation in terms she could understand.
"The lifeform is reptilian. It could be a Selay delegate or one of the reptilian creatures the Anticans brought aboard as part of their diet," Data explained. "The Selysitian Lizard is native to Antica."
Data eyes lit up at the chance to flex his Exobiology degree.
"In fact, some theorise the Selysitian and the Selay share a common ancestor dating back some twelve-thousand years ago when—"
"I get the idea," Tasha said.
Suddenly, her combadge pinged with an incoming hail.
"Jeffords to Yar."
"Go ahead," Tasha replied.
"I've just finished checking the Antican delegation records for the supplies and animals they brought aboard. There were two reptilian creatures taken aboard for food purposes. Some kind of lizard. I'm sending you the reports on them now," Jeffords said.
"Acknowledged. Please also send the information to Lieutenant Commander Data."
The manifest log did confirm the Antican delegation had brought aboard two of the reptilian creatures for consumption.
"We should check the cargo bay to see if the creatures are still there," Tasha said.
"A wise idea. I believe it would also be prudent for Doctor Crusher to perform an autopsy. It will be difficult to assess the identity of this body without DNA evidence," Data added.
Tasha felt sick to her stomach. She turned away from the body, closed her eyes, and focused solely on taking a series of deep breaths.
"Right," she said.
"Tasha? Is something bothering you?" Data asked.
Tasha had seen her fair share of dead bodies. Though disturbing, she could handle that. This was different. This creature had been butchered.
Tasha was about to share her unease with Data. But when she opened her eyes, she found Data was looking at her through a ridiculously oversized magnifying glass.
"Put that away!" Tasha said, chuckling. "It's not as if you need it. You see better than all of us—even Geordi."
Data tucked the magnifying glass back into his briefcase. It was a new fixture full of all manner of investigative tools (and one Tasha hoped was only a temporary fixation).
"Let's get the body to Sickbay," Tasha said. She didn't want to be around it longer than necessary.
Data and Tasha escorted the body to Sickbay. Doctor Crusher was eager to perform an autopsy to assist. She could easily compare the evidence obtained against the samples they procured from the Selay delegation upon arrival.
"If they match—you'll have your answer," Beverly said. "Is there anything in particular I should look for?"
Beverly may have been the physician, but Data was the Exobiologist.
"If this is indeed the missing Selay delegate, there should be traces of a venom sac located here and here," Data said as he indicated to several key points on the body.
Tasha was starting to feel sick all over again.
As the Doctor and Data discussed the details of the autopsy, Tasha stepped over to check on Captain Picard. He was resting on a bed in the corner, propped up on his elbow with a book in hand.
"How are you feeling, sir?" Tasha inquired.
Jean-Luc glanced up from the pages of Faulker and smiled.
"Tasha."
Jean-Luc marked the page and then set the book aside.
"I fear I am the one who should be asking you that question," Picard replied with a knowing look. Tasha still hadn't had time to change into a fresh uniform.
"I'm fine, sir."
"I am terribly sorry for what happened," Picard said. "But I was astounded to learn of what you did to try and stop me."
Commander Riker had filled Jean-Luc in on the details—including the terrifying moment Tasha lost consciousness in the briefing room.
"All in a day's work, sir," Tasha replied, hoping to put the Captain at ease.
She admired Captain Picard. It was her job to protect him at all costs.
"Well, don't ever do it again," Picard said with a rare, warm smile.
"Aye, Sir."
While Beverly set to work on the autopsy, Data and Tasha decided to head down to the cargo bay. They could use the time to check if both the reptilian creatures from the cargo manifest were down there.
To their disappointment, both of the creatures were still very much alive.
Tasha scowled as she surveyed the cargo. Negotiations on Parliament were expected to take weeks. And it was evident the Anticans had come prepared. The entire cargo bay was packed with crates and cages—each one containing a different live creature.
"How is this even fair?" Tasha fumed as studied a small rabbit-like creature inside one of the cages.
The animal recoiled from her hand, fearful of what was to come.
"This isn't right," Tasha spat.
Data was unsure how to respond. Tasha was genuinely distressed. She had previously expressed displeasure at the Antican way of life and their livestock. But Data suspected it ran deeper than just a preference for an ovo-lacto-pescatarian diet.
Tasha was stuck in front of one of the cages, unmoving, unblinking as she stared at the creature behind the bars.
If it were up to Tasha, she would declare all of this cargo as confiscated. She'd ensure they were released back into the wild. But Tasha had no way to order the Enterprise back to the Antican homeworld—nor did she think Captain Picard would go along with that plan.
"I believe we have gathered sufficient evidence," Data said. "There is no reason for us to remain."
Data took hold of Tasha's hand and attempted to guide her away. Only Tasha didn't move. Data leaned in close, close enough that Tasha could feel the warmth of his breath against her ear.
"Tasha, it is time to go."
Data's gentle reminder had the desired effect. The moment Tasha turned to meet his gaze, she seemed to snap back from whatever dark place her mind had wandered to.
Data knew Tasha had a soft spot for animals. He also surmised that there was an underlying cause to her strong emotional reaction. Knowing Tasha, Data could piece together that it likely involved Turkana IV.
He did not wish to dismiss her trauma. In fact, Data longed for Tasha for open up more about her experiences so that he might better understand her as a whole. But Tasha was cautious. She shared very little about herself and even less about her past.
Data understood. He had his own fair share of traumatic memory engrams from his early activation. They still haunted his neural net. And that was one of the primary reasons Data was keen to leave the cargo bay.
He wasn't fond of cages either.
"Let's get out of here. This place is spooky," Tasha said.
"I could not agree more," Data said.
Doctor Crusher's autopsy had confirmed the body was, in fact, the missing Selay delegate.
"I'd say he's been dead six hours. Maybe eight," Beverly reported.
"So, the Anticans had plenty of time to carve him up," Tasha scoffed.
She crossed her arms, shaking her head in dismay.
"I suppose we ought to break the news to Commander Riker."
"No," Data said, studying the body.
Without warning, Data grabbed Tasha's hand.
"Please accompany me to the Brig. Quickly! There is no time to waste!" Data announced as he dragged Tasha along toward the nearest turbolift.
Tasha didn't even have time to ask before Data whisked her away.
To Tasha's dismay, Data resumed his Holmes impersonation. By the time they arrived at the Brig, it had reached a fever pitch.
Tasha's face soured as she watched Data pace back and forth across the Brig, calabash pipe in hand as he puffed away. He was solely focused, blowing little tufts of smoke while he marched about wearing a brooding look as he recapped the events.
"Now then, shortly after 17:00 hours our Security team reported a puddle of blood outside of the Selay delegation quarters. A search was conducted, and it was quickly determined that one Selay delegate was missing."
"Antican scum," one of the Selay hissed.
"Shortly thereafter a reptilian body was transported to our canteen along with a request that the meat be boiled for the Antican delegation," Data went on.
"These are lies!" the lead Antican delegate growled.
"You have murdered Sistakken!" the Selay shouted in response.
They were all hissing now, their long, reptilian tongues dancing in and out of their wide mouths to condemn the Antican rivals across the Brig.
Data turned on point to address the remaining Selay delegation.
"We have conducted an autopsy and confirmed the identity of the deceased to be that of your missing delegate."
Data's comment sent the Anticans into an uproar.
"We did not!"
"We would never!"
"We could not poison our bodies with such filth!" the lead Antican barked.
Data turned and cast a wary eye of their canine guests.
"You claim not to have a taste for the Selay. And yet, reptile features prominently in your diet," Data said.
The Anticans growled in response, bearing their long, sharp teeth.
"You're lucky we don't eat you, tin can," one of them snarled.
"You would be incapable of digesting me," Data threw back.
"We could not have murdered that snake," the lead Antican asserted. "We have been tied up all afternoon having our ceremonial tea."
"Indeed," Data concurred.
He popped his pipe back in his mouth and took another long drag before he continued. Data had read extensively about the Antican tea ceremony. It took hours to conclude and was considered an important part of their cultural heritage.
"And at the end of that ceremony, Antican tradition dictates you partake in the Yeddan," Data continued.
The 'Yeddan' was, in essence, a large meal consisting of various Antican delicacies. True to form, this meal did indeed involve a reptilian dish—albeit in the form of reptilian eggs.
Data began to pace again. He tapped his pipe against chin. His dark brow was furrowed.
"And so, you were all present during that meal. Something that I have no doubt you would attest to should I ask for you whereabouts when this felonious act—"
"Alright, enough Data."
Tasha had to intervene.
"Security, notify Starfleet of the situation. We'll hold the Antican delegation until they can be transferred to a Starfleet Security facility," Tasha said.
She was tired and long overdue for a rest.
"Belay that order," Data said suddenly.
Tasha put her hands on her hips.
"I know this is fun for you and you're exploring a new part of your personality—but wrap it up already!" Tasha replied curtly.
Data sauntered toward her with his pipe in hand.
"There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he said in a low voice.
Data whipped around with dramatic flair to face the Anticans again.
"Anticans do not consume food that is prepared in a traditional human manner. They consume all of their meat raw," Data explained.
Realisation hit Tasha hard. She suddenly understood where Data was headed with his big reveal.
"Our security records show that the Anticans did not access the cargo lift following the disappearance of delegate Sistakken. Nor were the Selay quarters breached by any Antican," Data announced
"These are lies!" the Selay cried in frustration.
"And is it not a fact that Sistakken was the lead Selay advocating for peace to join the Federation? And if something ill were to befall him, that none other than Mistraan—"
Data turned to stare the Selay delegate in the far corner. All of the Selay had different colouration to their scales. Mistraan had a unique bright green sheen that almost had shades of blue when the light hit him at the right angle.
With his elegant Selay robes and sharp, wide collar, Tasha thought he looked like a puffed peacock strutting about his cell.
"With Sistakken gone, Mistraan would assume the role in the treaty negotiations," Data explained.
"I am the senior remaining minister," Mistraan hissed.
"You are also opposed to this peace summit because it would be detrimental to your own financial interests on Selay," Data declared as he sauntered over to Mistraan's cell.
"It is untrue! The Anticans will see us destroyed!" Mistraan snapped. His dark, reptilian eyes shone under the cell light.
Data paid him no mind.
"For you see, as the largest trader of Selay arms technology, Mistraan's business prospects would suffer a significant blow if peace were to be achieved," Data said.
It was a wild accusation—but one that Mistraan could not dispute.
The room fell silent. For once, both the Anticans and the Selay were quiet.
"I am left with only one conclusion—you murdered your own colleague in an attempt to cast blame on the Anticans knowing this murder would reignite the conflict," Data concluded with flourish.
Tasha blinked slowly. She was blown away by this reveal.
"Furthermore, your delegate credentials were used to access the Enterprise computer system and to send a message to the canteen requesting the boiled reptile on behalf of the Anticans," Data added.
He clucked his tongue, wagging a finger in disapproval.
"Tsk, tsk. An amateur mistake," Data said, chastising him.
"Data, how did you know to check?" Tasha asked.
Data instantly dropped his Holmes attitude. He turned and walked toward her normally as he pulled the pipe out of his mouth.
"I noticed that whoever removed the skin from the Selay delegate would have required intimate knowledge of Selay anatomy to avoid cutting into venomous sacs that are located around the neck and claws," Data explained. "I then surmised that based on their behaviour it was likely that, in the event they had been unable to harm one another directly, the delegations would seek to fabricate a crime in the hope of casting blame on the other party."
"But how did you know about Mistraan? And how did you figure it out so quickly?" Tasha pressed.
"In the time it took us to walk from Sickbay to the brig, I accessed the files on the delegates and their respective backgrounds in order to narrow down the suspects. Mistraan is the only Selay delegate with sufficient motive," he stated.
Tasha was beaming.
"Brilliant."
"Do you wish to release the Anticans?" he asked her.
"What about us?" demanded the other Selay.
"Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth," one of the Anticans barked in response.
Tasha glanced back and forth between the two delegations. It was obvious the murder of the Selay delegate had only further inflamed the situation.
"No, I think it's best for everyone if they all remain here until we've reached Parliament," Tasha responded.
This did not sit well with the delegations. The Selay hissed and spit. The Anticans howled about the injustice of their treatment.
In a flash, Data had resumed being the smug detective.
"There is nothing more to be said or done tonight, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for half an hour this miserable situation and the still more miserable ways of these Anticans and Selay," Data said loudly.
Tasha rolled her eyes and Data took the hint.
"It is a quote from The Five Orange Pips," Data explained once they were in the corridor.
"Oh really? So, a book written 500 years ago on Earth mentioned the Anticans and Selay?" she asked with a smirk.
"Well… I improvised that part," Data confessed.
After filing their report with Commander Riker, Data and Tasha were free for the rest of the evening.
They opted to go to Data's quarters as he had promised Tasha a surprise.
Once they were back in Data's quarters, he put his pip down on the table and reached for the phaser at his hip. Before Tasha could stop him, she watched as Data disintegrated his pipe.
Tasha stared wide-eyed at the spot where the pipe had been only a moment ago.
"Data what are you doing?"
"It was obvious that the pipe caused you irritation. I do not wish to do anything that would cause you unhappiness. But thank you for indulging me today. As they say, it was great fun while it lasted," Data said simply.
Tasha was horrified.
"Oh Data, I didn't mean—well, you didn't need to do that. You were having fun. I'm so sorry, Data," Tasha said.
Tears began to well up in Tasha's eyes. She had never meant to hurt Data.
Data was equally as confused as he noticed the liquid that began to pool at the edge of Tasha's eyes. He was ashamed he was the cause of it.
Data gently took hold of Tasha's hands.
"Tasha, I am unsure of what to do. I fear that my attempt to avoid causing you displeasure has only caused you further despair," Data said as he pulled her into an embrace.
"No Data. This is my fault. I was a little annoyed, but I shouldn't have been. You were so brilliant. And you were so happy and I'm so sorry," she sobbed.
"It is a material object. I can easily replicate another. I cannot replicate another you," Data replied.
"I know that."
Tasha was having trouble expressing just why she was so upset. It was only a material object—but for Data, it was much more.
Data had found a way to express himself. He was having fun. His behaviour had been perfectly natural. And Tasha had unknowingly quashed that.
Tasha pulled back and cupped Data's face.
"Don't ever change who you are or what makes you happy for anyone. Promise me?" Tasha pleaded.
There were moments when Tasha realised just how vulnerable Data was. Sure, he was the strongest and smartest being in Starfleet. But those emotions exposed a vulnerability in him. And in the hands of the wrong person, Tasha feared they could be used to manipulate him.
"Promise me, Data," Tasha urged.
"Of course," he replied as he noted the look of concern on her face.
"Even me. Don't ever change who you are, even if it's for me because I love you just the way you are—smelly pipe and all. Promise me this," Tasha requested as she squeezed Data's hands.
"I promise," Data answered.
This time it was Tasha that pulled Data into an embrace. She clutched the back of his uniform as if she was desperate to hold onto something.
Before Data and Tasha could get comfortable, Doctor Crusher paged to remind Tasha that she was due back in Sickbay. Beverly wanted to make sure Tasha was safe to be released and remove the regenerative sleeve that had been working to heal the burn on Tasha's arm.
"Guess I'm due for the next phase of treatment," Tasha said.
"You should go. It will give me time to prepare before you return," Data said.
"Prepare?"
Tasha cocked an eyebrow at Data. He responded with a small, innocent shrug.
Damn his poker face.Tasha mused.
Fortunately, Tasha wasn't restricted to Sickbay for long. The time had given her a chance to brainstorm an idea to surprise Data—and there was one person that could help.
Tasha made a small detour on her way back to Data's quarters.
"Come in!" Geordi called from his desk as his door alarm chimed.
Tasha stepped and flashed Geordi a warm smile.
"You doing OK? I saw that console station. You took quite a beating," Geordi said as he motioned for her to take a seat.
"I'm in good hands," Tasha replied.
"I bet," Geordi replied in a knowing voice. "Need a drink or anything?"
Tasha shook her head.
"Actually, I have a favour to ask. I need your help with something," she explained.
Tasha knew that Geordi made some of the best holodeck programs on the Enterprise. She wanted this to be really special for Data. She took a seat and began to lay out what she was hoping to create.
"I really blew it. He was so excited running around playing detective and I was a little short with him," Tasha explained.
"So, you want to create this holodeck program where he can run around as Sherlock Holmes? Pipe and all?" Geordi asked her.
"Yes. Something just like the stories," Tasha said. "You know—a really good mystery. Something that Data can enjoy over and over."
"I think this is a great idea, Tasha! It's going to take some time, but yes. Count me in," Geordi said with a broad smile.
"Just keep it under wraps, please?" Tasha requested. "I want it to be a complete surprise."
Geordi agreed and they set up a time next week to start working on the program.
"Hey, Tasha?" Geordi called when she reached his doorway.
Tasha stopped and turned back to him.
"This is really sweet," Geordi said. "Data's going to love it."
Tasha just hoped that somehow, in the grand scheme of the universe, this would bring Data some happiness.