Yesterday's Enterprise - Borrowed Time

Chapter Two | Sunset

Author's Note: This story contains elements of Michael Chabon's Romulan mythology for the Picard series. 

Apologies in advance. It is also a deviation from what I typically like to compose. I enjoy adventure, fluff, and humour. 

Contrary to that, this was bittersweet to write.

It's sappy. Melodramatic. And although there are some touching moments, this story is littered with tragedy.

That said, ploughed forward with it regardless because it would not leave me alone.

AU Yesterday's Enterprise. Data/Tasha.

In this story, Tasha holds the rank of Commander. In the original promotion media releases, she is referred to as "Commander Yar" and I'm actually quite salty this didn't come to fruition.

This is a fan-made work written solely because the idea wouldn't leave me alone. I make no profit from this. The Star Trek Universe and the characters contained within it were created by Gene Roddenberry.

C/W: This story depicts the destruction of the Enterprise, Romulan prison, major character deaths, abuse, sexual assault & aftermath, and all-around pretty heavy subject matter. You've been warned.

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Chapter Two | Sunset

The next morning, a wee bit of sunlight peaks in through a small window near the ceiling of the cell. Data watches it streak across the floor. He wants to welcome the sun. But on this morning, it only brings a disconcerting feeling.

He had set an internal alarm clock to reactivate his system in the event that Tasha was unable to go through with enacting protocol 817. He looks down at the weight on his chest and sees Tasha asleep against him.

He takes a synthesised breath, and she wakes at the movement. She's always been a light sleeper.

"Morning," she says softly as she looks up at him.

He stares back down at her and she recognises the look of disappointment in his face.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't," Tasha says as she squeezes him tighter.

Across the cell, Castillo coughs. Tasha and Data move toward him and she smiles as he opens his eyes for the first time since he hit the console.

"Do not attempt to get up," Data advises as Castillo looks around him.

"What? What happened?" Castillo asks as he takes in their surroundings.

He can't tell much as he lies back on the bench. But he's figured out they're being held somewhere.

"Klingons?" he questions as he takes in the ceiling above them.

Tasha shakes her head.

"Romulans," Tasha says.

From outside their cell, they can hear one of the guards notifying someone that Castillo is awake.

"And they cannot know about us," Tasha whispers as she leans in closely. "As far as you are aware I am your commanding officer."

Castillo nods in understanding.

General Velius enters their cell a moment later.

"Now that we're all awake, I'd like to show you a taste of Romulan hospitality. Let it never be said that we are anything but accommodating for our guests," Velius advises with a smile.

Velius's idea of Romulan hospitality is a far cry from Federation standards. They are taken to a cold room. Data's read about them- rooms that are intentionally kept around freezing with the intention of making the prisoner uncomfortable.