NEW TNG Four of Swords 1/1 (D/La, a/u, NC-17)
datalaur
Author: DataToy
Series: TNG, The Swords suite
Rating: NC-17
Part: 1/1
Pairing: D/La
Coding: a/u
Summary: Data discovers that Q had more surprises in store for him.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns the universe, yadda yadda.
Feedback: I welcome all comments on my tales. Email comments to
datalaur @ yahoo.com, who will pass them to me.
Archive: ASC* official archives only.
"Hell... with you!" Data screeched, his voice raw. "I am... an
android..." he cried and Q dropped him on the floor with a thud.
--from Three of Swords
Well it's too late
Tonight
To drag the past out
Into the light
We're one
But we're not the same
We get to carry each other
Carry each other
One
One life
You got to do what you should
--U2, One
FOUR OF SWORDS
(Third in the Swords suite)
"This is my first time, in a way," Data murmured, looking down at
Geordi.
Geordi's mouth was so dry that it was difficult to swallow. "What...
what do you mean?" he asked, rising from the bed to stand in front of
his lover.
"I have never... felt... with this body."
Geordi's groin warmed, and he stifled a groan. //It's too soon,// he
agonized. //It has to be. This just happened to him, and he doesn't
even know the whole story.//
Data gazed at the engineer and reached out, placing his strong
android hands upon Geordi's chest. "Is anything the matter?" he
inquired, fingering his lover's uniform.
"Data," Geordi sighed, dark hands circling pale wrists. "Maybe it's
too early," he said reluctantly. "I mean, Q's just turned you back
into an android again. And -and yeah, he's repaired your software,
but I don't want to rush you into anything."
"I assure you, it is fine. I am fine. What I need now is to feel you
as I was always meant to feel you," Data urged with a low, husky
voice.
The engineer hesitated, his fingers tightening around Data's wrists.
"Do you not want me?" the android asked, glancing at Geordi's
groin. "I want you now. There is no reason to delay."
"Data, I don't think this is a good idea," Geordi rasped, and tried
to pull back.
"Geordi, I know what I am doing. I need to love you with this body...
my body." He pressed his hips against Geordi's.
"But-" the engineer protested.
"I cannot count all the things I wish to do with you," the android
persisted, removing his wrists from Geordi's yielding grasp. He slid
soft golden palms up the engineer's chest and over his shoulders.
"Data," Geordi implored, feeling the thud of his own heartbeat in his
throat. Helplessly, he wrapped his arms around the android's neck.
"I have never felt so good before, Geordi, and I want," Data
whispered, taking a step forward and easing his thigh between the
engineer's legs, "to feel," he continued, molding his body against
his lover's, "even better."
A startled laugh escaped Geordi.
"I think you will find I am now full of surprises," Data breathed,
his warm lips pressed against the engineer's neck for a moment.
"Oh, god, ohhhh," Geordi moaned, letting his fingers sink in the
android's dark, silky hair. "Data, tell me you're ready for this," he
said, covering his lover's cheeks with ardent kisses.
"For so long I feared I would never be myself again," Data confessed,
resting his forehead in the curve of Geordi's shoulder. "I almost
feel like the past year has been a dream." He raised his head. His
lips brushed the engineer's, his tongue skimming Geordi's lower lip.
Geordi groaned, his lips tingling from Data's touch. The android's
arms coiled around the engineer and he squeezed, allowing his lover
to feel a hint of his inhuman strength.
The throbbing in Geordi's stiffened cock spread throughout his limbs.
The thought that Data was holding back made Geordi light-headed,
almost feverish with desire.
"Data," he moaned and rocked his hips, rubbing urgently against his
lover.
"Not yet, not yet," Data chided between kisses. "I want to show you a
nominal part of what I can do," he said. "I promise you will not
regret it."
The engineer's reply was unintelligible.
"That is correct," Data soothed, a thrill of excitement racing
through his limbs. "Leave it all up to me." He took Geordi's face
between his hands and sampled the smooth brown lips with tender,
halting kisses. "You have been so patient with me… So kind. I wish to
repay you," he said, his long, graceful fingers probing along the
edge of the engineer's collar and unfastening his uniform.
Geordi's breathing accelerated. He fumbled with Data's uniform. The
android nodded and, releasing Geordi, he slipped his uniform top over
his head and let it fall to the ground. Then Data ran a hand through
his ruffled hair, a sultry smile lifting the corners of his golden
lips.
Geordi followed suit and wrenched his jacket away, tossing it across
the room. Then he folded his arms around Data's lean waist, pulling
him forward. "Data, Data, Data," Geordi chanted, punctuating the
android's name with loud kisses. "I wanna... eat you... all up," he
panted.
Data gasped but he prevailed, carefully twisting the engineer's arms
behind his back. With one hand, he enclosed Geordi's wrists in a firm
grip. "I said, not yet," he breathed, his other hand cupping Geordi's
chin and tilting it upwards.
The engineer's mouth opened eagerly, meeting Data's probing tongue.
As the kiss grew more demanding, Geordi squirmed in a futile attempt
to free his wrists from Data's hold.
Data shook his head. "I will allow you to touch me later."
"Now," Geordi begged, his fingers clenching and unclenching.
"Later. Follow me," Data instructed, guiding the engineer to the
bed. "All right," he murmured, "I will release you now. Sit upon the
bed, and lie back."
"Okay," Geordi said as he obeyed. His muscles tensed with
anticipation.
"Very good," Data said, undoing his trousers.
The engineer's breath grew ragged.
Data removed the rest of his clothing, letting his pants drop to the
floor. He stepped out of them and basked for a short while in his
lover's admiration.
Geordi had raised himself upon his elbows and stared at the android's
tight body, inhaling deeply. Finally, he breathed, "You're so
perfect." He moistened his lips.
Data's eyes closed and a shudder ran through him. "Oh," he exhaled,
opening his eyes again. He approached his companion, gracefully
sitting upon the bed next to him. "Do you like what you see?" he
asked, caressing the side of Geordi's face.
"Take off my pants, and you'll know if I like it," the engineer
coaxed.
Data breathed a kiss against Geordi's cheek. With one, smooth motion,
he did as his lover had suggested. A low sound rumbled in his throat.
Just once, he stroked Geordi's jaunting sex. The engineer threw his
head back against the pillow and extended his arms, beckoning Data
closer.
Data sat beside him and removed his VISOR. Then he lay on his side
and snaked an arm under his lover's waist, snuggling against him.
Geordi clasped Data's shoulders and linked a sleek, brown thigh
around his lover's golden one, pulling him so that the android was
almost on top. He felt Data's incredible erection pressed against his
leg, just below his hip bone...
Data smiled and rotated his hips slowly. "Oh, this is good."
The engineer chuckled. The android's arm stole from beneath him and
Data's strong, slender fingers curled around his lover's quivering
sex. "Oh Data, oh yeah..."he groaned, clutching Data's slender waist.
Data's fingertips brushed the length of his lover's surging cock,
barely touching the velvet flesh, tracing the folds where the shaft
joined the flushed head.
Geordi could hardly move because Data's weight restrained him.
"Please... ohhhh... more..." he managed, grasping the android's hair.
Data was so hard, it made his mouth water.
"Shhh. It is my turn to spoil you," Data reassured him. He shifted,
supporting himself upon his elbows as he took his lover in his arms
and held him tight. "It is all right. I am only just beginning," he
said, pinning Geordi down.
After Data had embraced him for a few minutes, kissing him slowly,
Geordi simmered down. His fingers slackened and the need in his groin
abated slightly. "I'm... I'm okay," he panted.
"Excellent," Data murmured, his breath wafting near the engineer's
pulse. He touched his lover's tender skin with the tip of his tongue.
Geordi shook and sighed, so Data licked his beautiful, dark throat.
"You taste so sweet," the android whispered, moving lower. He sucked
his lover's nipples and they hardened provocatively beneath his
tongue. Geordi's back arched and he caressed Data's head, urging him
lower still. Data looked up at his lover for a moment, his golden
eyes ablaze. His lips and tongue roving over Geordi's abdomen, he
raised his eyes to observe his lover's reactions and continued his
steadfast descent.
Soon Geordi was rolling his head from side to side and moaning.
The android sat back upon his heels and gave Geordi an appraising
look, then went to Geordi's feet and settled between them. He grabbed
one of them and he lifted it to his lips. His other palm slid down
his lover's leg, his thigh, and paused next to his crotch.
"Yes, yes!" The engineer steeled himself, his fingers sinking into
the sheets, clenching into fists. He cried out in surprise as Data
gently bit the side of his foot and simultaneously squeezed his
balls. The android smiled and kissed Geordi's instep, his ankle,
while nimble and yet powerful fingers wound around the engineer's
straining shaft. When his lover began to grind his hips, Data's smile
widened.
"Do not go too fast," the android said, his lips lingering against
Geordi's knee and then moving upwards along his thigh. "I am not
there... yet..." He closed his eyes, his brows furrowing as he tried
to get his own need under control.
Data resumed his feast, impatient for the sensation of Geordi's erect
cock between his lips. But first he licked it, his tongue caressing
the head with deliberate, playful circles. Then he blew softly, his
breath cool against the velvet skin, and the engineer moaned. For a
moment, Data let him go; his hands gripped the coffee brown hips and
he rubbed his cheek against Geordi's lower abdomen.
"It feels so good to give you pleasure," he murmured passionately.
"I'm glad... to hear it," Geordi managed between moans.
At last Data's mouth closed around the base of Geordi's shaft and he
started sucking upon it with intoxicating pressure. With each stroke,
with every flick of his tongue, the android could feel his cock
twitch and he began to flex his hips in time with Geordi's.
Then, at the last possible instant, Data drew back, breathing harshly.
Geordi cried out, his sex jerking, his hips still thrusting. His
hands flew to his crotch, but the android snatched his wrists once
more. Data stretched his lover's arms over his head, driving the
engineer's wrists into the mattress. He straddled Geordi's thigh,
immobilizing him.
Sweat ran across Geordi's face. "Data... ah... ah... I can't-"
With his other hand, the android silenced Geordi, muffling his
lover's urgent prayers for mercy. "Listen, Geordi, listen to me..."
he panted, increasingly aware of his own tormented shaft. "Calm down.
We are almost there. It will be very good..."
Drops of sweat fell from his face and hit Geordi's. The engineer
ceased his struggle and looked up sharply, frowning. "Data," he
managed, "are you... are you sweating?"
"I think that if I were not... something should be... wrong with me,"
the android rasped. He rocked his hips once and then stopped, looking
down at the engineer speculatively. "Would you like to come inside
me?"
The engineer nodded eagerly.
"I do not know," Data reflected. "I am not sufficiently convinced."
"Please... Data, please," Geordi said, arching his back as much as he
could. His cock quivered. "Please, now!"
"Your response is... adequate," Data granted. He bent down to kiss
him one more time, and letting go of his wrists, he got off of
Geordi's thigh. He turned around, curved his back.
Geordi sat up and got on his knees, caressing Data's slick buttocks.
He kissed the small of Data's back, letting his tongue follow the
android's spine all the way to the nape of his neck.
Data was paralyzed by desire as Geordi's hard cock pressed against
the cleft in his buttocks. "Do not delay. I wish to caress you from
the inside..."
"Lemme just... just get some... lubricant," the engineer said
hoarsely.
"Unnecessary," Data breathed. "I can manufacture it."
Geordi stroked Data's soft, sweaty abdomen and, grabbing the android
by the hips, he began working his buttocks, easing himself inside his
lover's silky depths.
"Ohhhh... oh yeah," Geordi sighed, feeling how Data's passage oiled
to assist his entry. Geordi slowly pumped his hips, pushing his
hungry cock deeper and deeper inside and Data clasped him, embracing
every centimeter, every curve.
Once Geordi's cock was completely engulfed, Data squeezed him gently.
The engineer moaned, leaning forward and wrapping his arms around his
lover's waist. With each thrust, Geordi exhaled with relief.
The android's eyes shut. A smile etched itself upon his lips at the
sounds of Geordi's unabashed delight. His head swayed and a few locks
of hair spilled upon his forehead.
"Ohh, Data... so tight..." Geordi panted, hips thrashing against the
android's smooth backside.
Data grunted every time his lover's cock plunged and then surfaced.
Then Geordi suddenly slowed his thrusts and his hand slid over Data's
stomach, wrapping the length of his lover's sex. Data's muscles
coiled and he in turn clutched Geordi's throbbing cock.
Geordi gasped and threw his head back, swirling his hips. His
engorged cock lunged back and forth, while he pumped Data's solid
shaft with quick, aggressive strokes.
The android pushed back onto Geordi, matching the speed of his
lover's onslaught. His skin was gleaming like liquid gold,
accentuating the movements of his undulating spine, the tautness of
his leg muscles, the arch of his neck. At last he froze and then
cried out, convulsing as a warm, creamy, pale yellow fluid rushed
from his quivering sex; drops of sweat dripped from his face and down
his chest.
"Data-" Geordi's voice caught as his own pleasure surged.
Data rested his head against the mattress, relishing each millisecond
of his lover's intense orgasm. Geordi's dripping body was slumped
against his and Data treasured the sensation of his lover's weight
upon him, of his softening sex still buried inside.
"Mmmm," Geordi murmured, rolling onto his back as Data moved from
underneath him.
"I will return shortly," the android said, rising from the bed.
Geordi could only nod, the lingering pleasure in his crotch pulsing
like a strong heartbeat. Then he felt a warm, moist cloth there, and
smiled. "It's... it's okay, Data. You don't have to-"
"Let me take care of you," Data interrupted, gently wiping his
lover's sex, then his inner thighs. "During all the time I was human,
you have been so good to me. 'Thank you' simply does not seem to 'cut
it,'" he said ruefully, lying back upon the bed and drawing Geordi
closer. "I do not know what I would have done without you."
"It's okay, Data, I know you've never had to deal with emotions as an
android, until now," Geordi said.
"What do you mean, until now?" Data asked.
Geordi gave him a startled look. "Data, Q repaired your software, but-
" His heart constricted as a horrible suspicion began to gnaw at him.
Had Q altered Data's programming at an even more fundamental level?
"There have been times in the past when I have expressed difficult
emotions," Data said, straightening. "Why do you act as if... as
though you've never heard me say such things to you? Before Q made me
human, even though we were not... not lovers, you were the one I most
often sought when I was troubled."
"That's not the problem, Data," Geordi said, sitting up as well.
"You have always been the only one who really understands me," Data
continued nervously. "You cared for me. Was it so different between
us before all of this happened?"
"Whoa, Data, whoa," Geordi said. "It's just -I'm not sure I
understand what's going on here."
Data stiffened. "Oh?"
"It's okay, don't get upset. Lemme try to figure this out," Geordi
said, reaching for his VISOR. It snapped into place and he took
Data's chin, turning the android's face towards him. "Why did Q
change you into a human being?"
"My programming had been corrupted," Data replied matter-of-
factly. "And I suppose it had been my wish for so long. Q has been
kind to me on many occasions."
"What about the hearing?" Geordi stressed, his hands closing around
Data's arms.
Data's brows met in a perplexed frown. "The hearing?"
"Oh, god."
The android stumbled out of bed. "What hearing? What are you talking
about?" he said, opening the closet and fishing out a black silk
bathrobe which he yanked on, tying the sash with trembling
hands. "You... you are hiding something from me."
"Data, just listen to me for a minute."
"Why did Dr. Crusher say that androids cannot feel tired? And why did
you want to see if my heart was beating faster? How could you not
know this already?" Data said as he paced across the room, his voice
laced with panic.
"Data, would you just hang on?" Geordi said, reaching for his pants
and quickly pulling them on. He hurried towards his lover and grabbed
his arm. "Sit down, okay? I'm gonna tell you what happened, just sit
down."
Data stopped where he was, and his shimmering golden eyes searched
the engineer's face. "All right," he finally whispered. He sat on the
bed and looked up at Geordi.
"That's better," Geordi said quietly, pushing a few strands of hair
away from Data's eyes. He sat next to him and said, "Q didn't just
fix your emotional response software."
Data gave a little shake of his head.
"What happened to your programming, Data? Why did Q have to fix it?"
"It was an accident," the android replied apprehensively. "It
happened when I was linked to the Enterprise computer."
Geordi sighed. //Q -for an omniscient being, you sure are a moron,//
he thought.
"You know," Data insisted, frowning. "You were there!"
"Data," Geordi said gently, "your programming was corrupted because
you'd written a subroutine to block out your feelings... and then
basically forgot about it."
"I did no such thing," Data protested. "Why would I do something like
that?"
Geordi sighed again. He'd suspected it would be complicated to tell
Data the truth, but he'd obviously underestimated the scope of the
problem. He decided that it would be best to take a direct approach.
"A year ago, Commander Bruce Maddox wanted to study your neural
net... by taking you apart," he began. "You refused, and tried to
resign, but Starfleet wouldn't accept your resignation. They saw you
as their property, just a machine. There was a hearing to determine
whether you were a sentient being."
Data's eyes were widening. "That is not possible," he breathed.
"Captain Picard wasn't able to convince the judge," Geordi continued,
lowering his head. "That's when Q showed up and turned you into a
human being. He... he forced you to remember why you'd suppressed
your emotions."
"I do not believe it," Data murmured.
"You'd been traumatized very early on," Geordi said resolutely. "You
thought you weren't allowed to have any feelings. When Q did what he
did, you couldn't reroute them anymore."
"No-"
"That day, Q... Q exposed your soul."
Data was motionless for some time. Finally, his lips parted. "So,
what you are saying is that for years, I did not... I could not have
any emotions whatsoever," he said evenly.
"Data, you couldn't help yourself," Geordi said softly, squeezing his
lover's knee.
Data stood abruptly. "Years... of emptiness. I cannot... I cannot
imagine anything like that… I cannot accept it," he said, removing
his robe. He bent down and picked up his uniform and dressed with
brisk, rigid movements. "I cannot." He headed for the door.
Geordi jumped to his feet. "Wait! Where are you-"
"I must... I need to think," Data said, his voice tight.
Then he stood still. "Geordi? Why did you ask me if I was sweating
earlier?"
The engineer remained silent.
"Why?" Data demanded without turning around. "What else... what else
did Q do to me?"
"Data-"
"Please, Geordi. I need to know," Data said tensely, gripping the
doorframe.
"He added some software that you didn't have before."
"Added."
"He gave you the ability to sleep," Geordi explained
reluctantly, "and... and the sense of taste… the ability to feel
pleasure-"
The android turned away, but he had not taken three steps before
Geordi had caught up with him.
"Data, stop! We have to talk about this. I won't let you walk out on
me in the state you're in-"
"I need to be alone," Data said flatly.
"I don't know about that," Geordi insisted, placing his hand upon
Data's shoulder.
Data shrugged it off. "Please, leave me alone," he said and
disappeared around the corner.
****
The android stumbled blindly along the corridors of the Enterprise.
//This is a dream... That is it. A dream. It cannot be true... It
cannot be real.//
"Data, watch out-"
"Counselor Troi," he rasped, barely avoiding a collision.
"What's wrong?" she asked with concern. "Where are you going?"
"I... I am not going... anywhere in... in particular," he
stammered. "If... if you will excuse me, counselor, I will... will be
on my way."
"Data, what happened? Why are you so upset?" she persisted.
"Nothing -nothing has happened. I simply wish to be by myself, that
is all. It does not mean I am upset," he said.
"May I walk with you?" Counselor Troi said gently.
"I just said that I wished to be alone!" Data burst out. "Will no one
listen to me?" he said, his voice suddenly breaking, and he hid his
face in his hands.
"Data, I want to know what's troubling you," she said, touching his
arm. "Won't you let me help you?"
He leaned weakly against the wall.
"Let's go to my quarters, all right?" she said, holding out her hand.
Soon they had reached her quarters. She put an arm around his
shoulders and guided him inside. "Make yourself comfortable, Data,"
she said, directing him towards the couch. "Tell me what's happened."
"Q," he said as she helped him sit down. "He... he... Is it true...
what he has done? Is it true... that I didn't have emotions?"
Troi took Data's hands in hers and looked directly into his
eyes. "Yes, it's true."
Data expelled a sharp breath and gazed upwards, blinking back
tears. "I do not understand. I do not recall any judicial
proceedings... Nor do I recall lacking emotions... None of this makes
any sense to me. It is impossible -impossible!" he cried. "How could
I have lived all those years like some sort of hollow -thing? Unable
to experience, to... to feel anything?" He began to shake violently.
"Data, try to take some deep breaths," Troi said, alarmed by his
physical reaction.
"Counselor," Data wept, his face sinking into his hands, "tell me
that it is all a dream."
"I can't," she replied, stroking his head. "You have to face this,
Data. I can help you."
He raised his face, his eyes clouded and far away. "I... was unable
to... to love anyone?"
"You cared for your friends, in your own way," Troi assured him.
"You have not answered my question, counselor," Data said with a
measured tone of voice. "Did I love anyone?"
"Not... not in the full sense of the word," Troi admitted. "But it
wasn't your fault."
He stood. "Did... did anyone love me?"
"Of course we loved you, Data."
"But how could you love a person who could not love in return?"
"We loved you for who you were," Troi said, rising from the couch and
standing next to him. "Everyone has their limitations. We accepted
yours. We loved you unconditionally."
"Now I understand why I wished to be human," he whispered. He turned
to face her. "For it was not solely emotions that I lacked. Geordi
said that Q... Q has done much more than simply repair the software I
had altered."
He walked to the replicator. "Strawberries dipped in chocolate," he
said. A bowl materialized and he took one of the strawberries between
his fingers. He brought it to his mouth, biting into it.
"It tastes just as I remember," he stated. The chocolate smeared his
lips, and he licked them somberly. "Perhaps this sensation is as
false as my artificial memories. But... but it feels real... it
feels... as always..."
Data fell to his knees and the bowl slipped from his hands, the
strawberries tumbling upon the floor as Troi hurried towards him.
"Data," she said, taking his hands in hers, "it's no good to dwell
upon the past. What you feel now is what matters. Where you are is
where you belong... this is true for all of us. Life leads us to the
place we are meant to be, it's what shapes us, it's how we grow.
Don't you think it's possible that Q's intervention was part of what
fate had in store for you?"
Fresh tears rolled down Data's cheeks.
"Our perception of past events changes as we do," Troi
continued. "What happened before is not a constant. Memories evolve.
We view them differently as we mature. The person we once were can
seem like someone who is so dissimilar to the person we've become
that our memories feel unreal."
"Then... then... in a way... what has happened to me... happens to
humans as well?" Data asked tremulously.
Troi smiled. "In a way," she said. "But you have gone through ordeals
unlike anything anyone has ever known."
Data sighed disconsolately. "It is so much to grasp. I feel as though
I cannot endure much more."
"Data," Troi said tenderly, gathering him in her arms. "It's going to
be all right."
"Hold me," he murmured, nestled in the refuge of her embrace. "Do not
let go."
"I'm here," Troi said, patting his back.
He shivered, and she felt his fingers digging into her sides. "I am
afraid," he whispered. "I feel I will never know who I really am."
"Humans feel that way sometimes as well," she said comfortingly.
"Thank you," Data breathed. "When you speak I do not feel so lost."
"You won't have to go through this alone, Data," she promised.
"Yes... I am not alone," he recognized, hanging onto her.
"That's right. You've never been alone."
Data sighed deeply.
"Would you like to lie down? I think you should stay with me for a
little while," she said.
"I would like that," he answered gratefully.
"All right," she said, guiding him to his feet. "Let's get you
settled on the couch, okay?"
He nodded and clasping his hand, she led him to it.
"There," Troi said, sitting down. "Put your head in my lap. Just
stretch out and relax."
He obeyed, exhaling and closing his eyes as she caressed his hair.
"Don't worry, Data," she said, calming him with her touch. "Shh...
shhh."
Data pressed his cheek against her stomach and crossed his arms over
his chest, his hands closed into loose fists.
"It'll be all right," she said. "Don't let anything trouble you...
Just think about how nice this feels," she continued, her fingers
brushing his forehead.
"Yes," he whispered.
"Good," she said affectionately. "Rest, Data. I'm right here."
"Thank you, Counselor." His voice trailed away and he lapsed into
sleep as she stroked his face.
//When he awakens, I'll take him to Sickbay,// she thought, observing
his peaceful features carefully. Tapping her commbadge, she said
softly, "Troi to LaForge."
"Deanna? Data's still with you, right??" came Geordi's worried voice.
"Yes," she answered. "He's sleeping. I think it's for the best."
"Okay," he replied, relieved. "Just call me if you need me."
****
Some time later, Data's eyes opened, and he groaned.
"Data, what is it?" Troi asked.
"Counselor," he mumbled, squeezing his eyes shut once more. "My heart
hurts terribly."
"You must have overslept," she said reassuringly. "And you've been
under a lot of stress. Let's go to Sickbay, all right? Beverly can
take a look at you."
He nodded, and she helped him to stand.
"How's that?" Troi asked.
Data swallowed. "Not very good... But it will be all right."
She squeezed his hand. "We'll take it nice and slow."
They made their way through the maze of corridors as Troi supported
him and Data visibly strained not to crush her with his weight, his
lips drawn in a thin line.
"Almost there," she said encouragingly.
Data nodded stiffly, closing his eyes for a moment.
At last they entered Sickbay. Data staggered and Dr. Crusher hurried
towards them. "What happened? Data, lie down," she instructed,
reaching for a tricorder.
"He's had a bit of a shock," Troi said, holding the android's hand.
"It is so bright in here," Data complained, shielding his eyes with
his other hand and then clutching his forehead.
"Computer, decrease illumination by twenty percent," she said, gazing
at the stricken android. Then she slapped her communicator.
"Crusher to LaForge."
"Yeah, doc?"
"Would you come to Sickbay right away? I need your assistance," she
said, consulting her tricorder. "It's Data."
"On my way," he immediately responded.
A few minutes later, Geordi darted through the door. "Doc, what's
wrong?" he asked, joining her and the counselor at Data's bedside.
"I'm not sure," Dr. Crusher said with a slight frown. "The readings
seem to indicate that he's suffering from the android equivalent to a
severe migraine."
Data's features were drawn, and a soft moan escaped his throat.
Geordi's lips tightened and he glanced at Crusher.
"How can we alleviate the pain?" she asked him.
The engineer stroked his chin, studying Data thoughtfully. He peered
at the tricorder and said, "It looks like the flow to his positronic
brain is being impeded by increased resistance. I think... if I
recalibrate the overhead sensor cluster's low level force field," he
continued, his fingers darting upon the bio-bed console, "so that it
generates a magnetic field... the polarization might enhance the
positronic flow."
"Look at how his neural net is reacting. It's working," the doctor
said with some amazement.
He shook his head. "This is unbelievable."
"Geordi," Data whispered.
"I'm here, Data," the engineer said. "How're you doing?"
"I would like... some chamomile tea," Data murmured, his eyes half-
opened. "It always makes me feel better."
"Sure, Data," Geordi said tenderly. "Whatever you want."
"He should rest for a while," Dr. Crusher advised. "Then he should
eat something light, maybe a bowl of soup." Then she looked at Data,
and added hesitantly, "I mean, if he needs to eat. Do you, Data?"
"Yes, Doctor," Data said sadly. "Not as often as a human does, but I
do."
"Of course," she said. "I'm sorry, Data. You're aware of more things
about yourself than we are right now. We'll learn quickly, don't
worry."
"It is all right. I understand, Doctor. It seems that I am 'a tough
act to follow' these days," he said with a little self-deprecating
smile.
"It isn't your fault, Data," Counselor Troi interjected. "You've had
to go through more adjustments in a matter of months than most humans
do within a lifetime."
"That's true," Geordi agreed. "Let's just get you in bed, okay? Can
you get up now?"
"I believe so," Data answered. "If I proceed slowly..."
Dr. Crusher raised her hand. "Stop right there, both of you. Data
will have to remain in Sickbay under observation for a while longer."
Data sighed wearily. "Please, Dr. Crusher, I will be fine. I would
very much like to be in my own room now."
"I think it would be better if Data was in an environment that makes
him feel secure," Counselor Troi offered.
"I'll take him back to our quarters," Geordi said. "I'll watch over
him."
The doctor crossed her arms. "He needs complete rest."
The engineer put his hand over his heart. "I promise, doc. If there's
any problem at all, I'll let you know right away, okay?"
"And you'll bring him to Sickbay immediately," Dr. Crusher said,
relenting.
"I swear," Geordi said. "Don't worry. The minute something's wrong
with him, he's right back in here. Guaranteed." He slipped a hand
beneath Data's head and helped him sit up. "How's that?"
"It is bearable," the android said through clenched teeth.
"Put your arm around my shoulders," the engineer instructed, holding
Data just underneath the arms and supporting him. "We'll have you
tucked beneath the sheets before you know it," he said as Data
gingerly set his feet upon the floor.
"Complete rest," Dr. Crusher emphasized as they headed for the door.
****
Geordi felt Data sigh and relax as they entered their quarters.
"Here we are," he said, his fingers giving the android's waist a
slight squeeze. "Want me to help you get ready for bed?"
"I am sorry for the way I behaved," Data said as he sat down upon the
bed, his arm slipping away from Geordi's shoulders. "I did not mean
to keep you at a distance. Everything about me always seems to be...
so complicated."
"You had the right to be mad," Geordi replied. "But I don't want you
fretting over anything right now, okay?" he continued, getting down
on one knee and reaching for Data's foot, lifting it and removing his
boot.
"Yes, Geordi," Data said gratefully.
"That's what I wanted to hear," the engineer said, removing Data's
other boot. "Now we're gonna get you out of that uniform and you'll
lie down and close your eyes."
"Yes, Geordi," Data repeated, nodding and rubbing his temple.
"Good," Geordi said softly. Once Data was undressed, Geordi covered
him with a blanket and asked, "How's your headache? Would you still
like that chamomile tea?"
"Perhaps not just yet," Data said, looking at Geordi through half-
opened eyes. "Thank you... for always being so kind."
"Well, I don't know about 'always,' Data. I'm only human. But I try
my best," the engineer answered with a smile.
"I shall try my best as well," Data whispered. "I am... only an
android, after all," he said, the corners of his lips curving upwards.
"Yeah," Geordi said, his smile widening. "And there's nothing wrong
with that."
"No, there is nothing wrong with that," Data replied a peaceful sigh.
"You just go to sleep," Geordi said, caressing Data's golden cheek.
"I'll be here when you wake up. Right here with you."
The End.
to be continued.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ASCEM messages are copied to a mailing list. Most recent messages
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syredronning
> Title: Four of Swords
> Author: DataToy
> Series: TNG, The Swords suite
...
> The End.
> to be continued.
Hey!! Now that I took the time to read myself through the other Tarot
story arch that is around (and which I only found after writing my
own), you are letting me hang in after 3/4 of it? ;) That's not fair.
I like the idea of Q turning Data human, and Data finding out that
it's not really what he wanted to be. Quite believable. And I like
the
sex scenes, they worked for me. Thanks and I hope there's coming more
soon? :)
Birgit
http://www.syredronning.de - Home of the Acidqueen
Babs Bunny
have been toned down a little...but Data was portrayed, in some
areas, very well!
Babs Bunny