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Ten Forward was busier than usual that night, many members of the junior and senior staff had gathered to celebrate the return of Lieutenant Data, after his believed death just a few weeks back. Instead of going forward with the planned service in San Francisco, they instead opted to celebrate on the ship with Data while Fajo was given to Starfleet.
The only issue was that Geordi hadn’t seen Data in over 45 minutes.
When Data returned from being held captive, he returned to his room with very few words. He requested not to be disturbed and took the rest of the week off. Worf was the only one who saw him for those first few days, who came to return Spot. He commented on the fact that no lights were on in Datas room, and a single chair rested in the center of it. Data re-emerged from his Room four days later, dawning a fresh uniform, and returned to the bridge as if he never left.
The senior crew had noticed his strange behavior. He didn’t speak up as often as he used to, his attendance to Poker Night had been spotty, and his overall demeanor had changed. Datas curiosity had been replaced with an almost somber silence.
“It’s all part of the healing process,” Troi said over lunch one afternoon when Data wasn’t present. “We all handle trauma in different ways, and Data was just put through a lot. I’m sure he will be back to his usual self soon enough.”
The senior staff also seemed to be going through the healing process as well. They always had some excuse to check in on Data when he wasn’t in their line of sight. There were a total of 72 requests made that week (49 from Riker alone) asking the computer Datas location. Picard had been more touchy lately, putting a comforting hand on Data at any given moment. Troi and Bev had Data return to the med bay frequently, double and triple-checking all of his systems. Worf stopped being as cold around him.
But Geordi was frustrated. He was frustrated and upset.
“Have you seen Data recently, Riker?” Geordi found Will with the jazz band, his trumpet case at his side. “I haven’t seen him in almost an hour.”
“Last I saw him, he was near the punch bowl,” Riker said, undoing the clasps on his Trumpet case. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if he went to check on Spot.”
Geordi huffed, he thanked Will and exited Ten Forward. He took the Turbo lift from deck ten to deck two and rounded the corner to Data’s room.
The door opened, the room was dark, just as Worf said previously. Data sat in a chair in the middle of the room, back turned to the door.
“I’ve been looking for you all over the place, Data,” Geordi said, Data didn’t move. “You left without saying a word.”
Data didn’t say anything, he remained in the chair. Geordi’s frustration turned to anger.
“Why do you feel the need to shut me out? I’m the reason we found out you were alive, and I don’t even get as much as a thank you. All you did was lock yourself in this room and ignore everyone!” Geordi threw his arms at his side. Data remained still. “Did you even think about how we felt? We watched you die Data, we watched you explode, with no goodbyes or final words. And now you just act like none of that matters, all that matters is that you’re alone.”
Geordi could feel the tears finally forming in his eyes. Data's head seemed to dip down a little.
“I did not mean to hurt you, Geordi.” Data said quietly.
Geordi softened.
“Data…I’m sorry. I’m making your pain and bad experiences about me.” Geordi drew closer to Data, resting his hand on His shoulder. “I was just upset that you didn’t talk to me after you came back. Why did you shut us out?”
“If I do not sit in the chair, he will kill you.”
“Who? Fajo?” Geordi tilted his head.
“Yes.”
“We arrested Fajo, you know that. We are turning him over to Starfleet tomorrow.”
“Even so, if I disobey and not do as I’m told, I fear he will return and harm the ones I care about. It is better that I remain seated. For your safety.”
Geordi became angered again, angry that Data could think so little of himself, angry that Fajo made him feel like that.
“Is this why you’ve been acting like this? Avoiding us, barely talking, and sitting in your room….to protect us?”
“Correct. When Fajo returns, he will see that I have listened. He will not need to kill you.”
Geordi’s anger turned to sympathy, Data did not turn to look at his friend.
“When I disobeyed Fajo, he threatened to kill people on his staff. He killed Varria when we attempted to escape. It was my fault she died, and it would be my fault if you die when he comes back.”
“Fajo isn’t coming back, Data.” Geordi squeezed Data’s shoulder. “He’s never going to touch you again.”
Data was silent again for a moment.
“And you are confident in that answer?” Data finally asked.
“Well, even if he did manage to get on the ship, he would have to go through Security, Will, Worf, Troi, The captain, and me.” Geordi gave a soft laugh. “And I would raise hell.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, Geordi.” He finally turned to look at his friend. “I am glad I was able to return, I thought about you 2.7 times more frequently compared to the other members of the Staff.”
“I missed you too, Data.” Geordi gave a big smile, he felt a few tears escape his eyes. “Never explode on me again, ok?”
“I will do my best.”
“How about we return to the party? I saw Riker had his trombone.”
Data’s eyes moved again from Geordi, his head returning to the center of the room. He fidgeted with his hands nervously.
“I would like to…but knowing Fajo is still present on board….” Data hesitated.
Geordi walked over to Data’s dining table and pulled over the other chair to be next to Data.
“Does it matter if I sit here with you then?” Geordi asked, settling into his chair. A corner of Data’s mouth twitched upwards.
“No. It does not.” Data replied. “I would prefer it if you did.”
Geordi stretched his hand out, offering Data to take it. He felt Data’s hand wrap around his, their fingers webbing together. In the dark, the two sat.
“I like this better than sitting alone.” Data offered
“I like this better too.” Geordi squeezed Data’s hand. Data squeezed back