The Complication

Chapter 2 | The Variable

Chapter-specific content warning: discussion of the polywater incident.

-X-

Data looked at Tasha for the first time since Geordi had exited the room and asked the question that had burned in his mind for the last four days.

"Am I the 'complication' of which you spoke?"

Tasha blinked.

She did not need time to process the question. She knew full well what Data was referencing.

"I said there would be complications," Tasha replied, emphasising the plural and avoiding the question.

In truth, Tasha's mind was still reeling from the revelation that Data had told Captain Picard about the polywater incident.

"I have noticed that humans sometimes use the plural form of a word when they are attempting to—"

Data stopped as he observed Tasha bristle. He was perceptive and mindful of her discomfort.

"Have I embarrassed you?" Data asked.

"You told Captain Picard?" Tasha asked incredulously.

She was still too stunned to focus on anything else.

Tasha was lucky her career in Starfleet wasn't over. Not that she didn't trust Captain Picard, but she felt betrayed.

Mortified.

Captain Picard and Tasha had known one another since her time at the Academy. She considered him a role model, her mentor.

She was utterly ashamed of her behaviour during the polywater incident with the Tsiolkovsky—and doubly so now that Data had shared the details of that mistake with the Captain she admired.

"It was not my intention to betray your confidence," Data replied softly. "But Captain Picard refused to accept my resignation and ordered me to disclose the reason behind my request."

Resignation? Tasha thought.

"I informed him that I had violated Starfleet regulation 1138. He ordered me to disclose the name of the other party involved. I believe that he was able to piece together what I had left out."

Tasha's anger dissipated as she tried to process this revelation.

"Wait, Data. Your resignation?"

Data was unfazed. To him, it had seemed only apropos at that time.

"Yes. Officers are prohibited from engaging in fraternisation with those that serve in their direct chain of command. As Second Officer and Chief Operations Officer, you are directly under my command."

He thought that was obvious. Data paused briefly and summoned the courage to voice something he had long wanted to address.

"I have emotionally injured you. I took advantage of you during a vulnerable moment. Because of my failure, resignation was the only appropriate action," Data said flatly as if he were explaining a routine engineering procedure.

Tasha was at a loss for words. He had come to her following the incident—full of concern and remorse—and had offered to accept any retribution or criminal punishment that Tasha sought for what Data viewed as a grave injustice.

At the time, Tasha had dismissed him, insisting it was nothing to be concerned about and encouraging Data to forget the matter entirely.

She had no idea that Data had attempted to resign. Tasha felt horrible.