Chapter 3

Tasha exited holodeck 3 and entered the nearest turbolift . She just had time to run back to her quarters for a quick shower and coffee before it was time to take her post at Tactical on the Bridge. She felt very fine indeed after her early morning training session. She had finished showering and dressing and was seated in her dining area with a hot coffee. She had a Padd set on the table in front of her and was trying write a report on her abduction by the Ligonians. The abduction had started off as simply part of the Ligonian's extravagant idea of ceremony and a fascination with a female serving as Chief of Security, a role that Ligonians saw as traditionally male. But matters had become quite serious. She had ended up fighting a life or death battle with Lutor's wife to gain her freedom. No, never a dull moment here!

Tasha lifted her cup to her lips. "Lt. Yar report to the Bridge" sounded her communicator.

"On my way" she answered.

Fine. Her shift would have seen her on the Bridge within the hour any way, the report could wait. She would rather be on the Bridge, at any rate. That was much more interesting! She left her Padd on the table, stuck her cup into the dematerialization slot and rushed out the door.

Upon leaving her room she very nearly crashed directly into Lt. Commander Data, who just happened to be passing by the door to her quarters at that second. She tried to stop too quickly. Bumping into Data would have hurt! Unlike a human, Data's body was unyielding. Tasha took a stumbling step back, Data reached out and took her arm to steady her. So much for her athletic grace!

"Careful Lieutenant, " Data warned, "You should exercise greater caution. I would not want you to be injured."

"Sorry, sir." Tasha laughed at her own ungainliness. They walked side by side along the corridor towards the turbolift.

"You seem to be particularly happy today." Data observed, "Am I correct in my assumption?"

"Yes, sir. It was a very satisfying training session this morning. The new programs are excellent."

They reached the turbolift and entered. The doors slid shut and they stood there quietly for the moment.

'Awkward turbolift silence.' thought Tasha.

It wouldn't be awkward for Data, of course. He didn't feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. At least that is what he would say, thought Tasha. But there were times she wondered about his insistent claims of dettachment . She felt that she had a special insight when it came to Lt. Commander Data.

About a month ago the Enterprise had intercepted a science vessel that had infected much of the crew with the polywater virus. The affects were felt like extreme alcohol intoxication. This had led to Tasha seducing Data. She had felt terribly embarrassed afterwards. She had lost control, something she was not proud of. They frequently had to work together closely and she did NOT want this to affect her ability to carry out her duties! After Dr Crusher had administered her hypospray antidote, Tasha had told Data that 'It never happened'. She remembered the confused look he had given her.

Actually, it was a little amusing now that she had some time to think it through. The passage of a few weeks time was enough to get past the initial humiliation. It seemed that no one thought their absence was particularly strange that day. And besides, there were many other tales of inappropriate behavior that had been a direct result of the polywater virus. Dr. Crusher and the Captain had acted a little sheepish around each other in the aftermath, hadn't they? And at least it had happened in the privacy of her own quarters. She had heard tales of others who were not so lucky. Now THAT would have been embarrassing! And when she thought of all that had happened to her in life it certainly wasn't the worse thing that she had ever done. No, it was time to move on!

She gave Data a quick sidelong glance. They should talk about what happened. Data had taken her statement very seriously and had not brought up the subject since. In fact she swore he went out of his way to avoid offending her. Which would be funny for someone who often claimed social ineptitude.

The silence became too drawn out for Tasha. She started whistling a tune that had been stuck in her head all morning. After a moment she became aware that Data was staring at her.

"What's wrong?" Tasha asked.

"That tune," Data's eyes moved rapidly back and forth as if he was reading unseen text. "Ah, it is a showtune dated early 20th Century, Earth. The music is by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics written by Arthur Freed. It was popularized by Gene Kelly in a musical of the same title."

"Amazing, Data I can't believe you've included showtunes in your memory database."

Data shrugged, "Music fascinates me. I have accessed a wide variety of music both Terran in origin and that of a wide variety of Federation Planets. If you wish, I could sing you a number from the Klingon musical Heghlu 'meh QaQ jajvam. It is the story of the legend of Kahless. "

Data looked at Tasha quite seriously, as if ready to break into Klingon song.

"Ah, that's alright. Maybe some other time?"

"You are certain? It is really quite fascinating. It is said to be a test of endurance to sit through a production of this particular musical. The score includes 64 original songs and takes 3 days to reach the conclusion."

Data looked at Tasha to ascertain that she was indeed uninterested in listening to his rendition of popular Klingon show tunes.

"As tempting as that is I'm afraid I'm going to have to pass on your offer for now." Tasha squirmed a bit, but fortunately Data did not appear to notice.

Instead he continued, "I did not know you were interested in music, Lieutenant. You do not participate in any of the music programs available to crew members. "

"Sir, I love music, but I have no ear." Data glanced at Tasha's ears and looked at her questioningly.

Tasha explained " I mean I have no musical talent, I can't sing. My voice is like nails on a chalkboard, horrible to hear. Believe me." She smiled apologetically.

"Hm." said Data raising his eyebrows and making his little half smile.

The doors finally slid open and Tasha and Data left the turbolift, taking their posts on the Bridge. Tasha strode to her position at the center of the upper level of the horseshoe at the Tactical console. She punched in her indentification code and waited for sitrep. Data glided to his seat up front seated at Ops and looked on at Commander Riker and Captain Picard who appeared to be absorbed by the sight a small vessel on the view screen that seemed to be adrift in space, caught in a slow elliptical spin.

Riker turned to the newly arrived bridge crew and began his situation report. "We encountered this vessel at just before 0700 hrs. No distress signal detected, but I think it's pretty obviously in distress or abandoned." He walked towards the viewscreen, stopping by Data's station at Ops and hiking his foot up onto the console support arm. He leaned forward with his elbow propped on his knee and appeared to gaze contemplatively at the tiny lost ship.

Tasha didn't think it was too unusual. Occasionally they came across distressed vessels. It was the duty of Starfleet to explore in these cases and offer assistance if necessary. They would be cautious as always, but it appeared to be a routine case of someone in need of assistance.

"Look's like a malfunction in the vessels navigational system. She's floating high and dry." Geordi confirmed seated next to Data at Helm.

Riker turned back to Yar and nodded a greeting. "Lieutenant Yar, open hailing frequencies."

"Yes sir." Tasha tapped at her console touch screen. " Sir, I'm getting no response. Their communications system appears to be damaged, as well"

Data spoke up from his position at Ops "Sir, I am getting readings of four lifeforms on board."

Picard addressed Lt. Yar " I want a tractor beam locked on the vessel. I believe they are in need of our assistance."

"Aye sir. Tractor Beam locked on."

The tiny vessel's erratic movements stabilized on the view screen.

Picard turned to Riker. "Number One, I want you to lead an away team. Board the vessel and assess the situation."

"Yes, sir." he said " Data, Yar, you're with me."

Tasha and Data followed Riker back to the Turbolift and off of the Bridge. Replacement officers took up their posts.

Picard stood and watched the tiny vessel on the view screen before him.