Data Lore Desire

Saying Goodbye/What Makes A Man?

****This Chapter is based off of Season 2 episode 9 Measure of a Man****

As Data was unwrapping presents from Worf, Wesley and some of the others both Geordi and Dezirae sat and stood on opposite sides of the table where Data stood "Data you're supposed to rip the wrapping off"  Wesley informs him politely Dezirae smiles and softly chuckles as she listens Data briefly looks over at her smiling face through the corner of his eye as he says "with the application of a little care.... Wes the paper can be utilized again"  Wesley says "Data your missing the point"  Data rips the wrapping paper and crinkles it into a ball everyone chuckles softly.... except Worf of course.... Data looks at the gifted book that he had unwrapped and read "The Dream of the Fire by K'Ratak thank you Worf"  Worf explains "it was in the hands of the Klingon's that the novel attained it's full stature"  Doctor Pulaski says "I couldn't disagree more but we'll save that argument for another day"  Data says softly "excuse me please"  and he walks over to Geordi who is sitting staring at the chess piece in his hands looking rather lonely and sad Dezirae thought though she understood why "is something wrong?"  Data asks him Geordi looks up at him then places the chess piece back on its board "of course there is you're going away"  Data replies "no one regrets that necessity more than myself but you do understand my reasons?"  Geordi answers "sure I understand I just don't like you being forced out it's not fair"  Geordi stood up as he spoke "as Doctor Pulaski would at this junction no doubt remind us "life is rarely fair".."  Data replies "sorry but that doesn't make it any better"  Geordi says "I will not be going alone..... I shall miss you Geordi"  Data replies "yeah me too.... wait!.... who's going with you!?!"  Geordi asks Data looks over at Dezirae then asks "so I will be losing two of my friends!?!"  Geordi shakes his head then grips both of Data's shoulders gently and says "take care of each other Data"  Data smiles then walks over to Dezirae and they stand side by side in silence looking out at the stars Data reaches over and grips her hand holding on to it gently.... Dezirae worries about Data and even Riker as they go to court for Data's sake "first "it" and now "property"!"  she says in anger to the memory of the Traveler "and Riker.... he must feel so conflicted.... going against a friend like that"  she says with a somewhat softer tone Data walks in behind her the unseen.... by his and everyone else but her.... Traveler turns and looks in his direction.... she also turns and looks "Data!!"  she rushes over and hugs him tightly "we are in recess.... but I wanted to see you"  Data says looking down at her in wonder as she looks up at him and he asks "who are you talking to!?"  Dezirae answers with a smile "the memory of the Traveler was there.... he seems to have followed me.... he's almost as good of a listener as you are"  Maddox watched the two of them from afar but Dezirae senses his presence and asks rudely "something I can help you with!?!"  Data looks at her confused as Maddox makes himself known "curious"  Maddox whispers to himself as he walks up to Data and Dezirae he shakes his head then says "I just came to tell it that court is back in session"  Dezirae balls her hands into fists Data feels her anger once more and places a hand on her shoulder to calm her he smiles at her but the smile was strained as he leaves to follow Maddox back to the court room....

A few minutes later Dezirae stands in front of the courtroom doorway listening to Captain Picard speak "Commander Riker has dramatically demonstrated to this court that Lieutenant Commander Data is a machine do we deny that? no because it is not relevant we too are machines, just machines of a different type Commander Riker has also reminded us that Lieutenant Commander Data was created by a human do we deny that? no again it is not relevant children are created from the building blocks of their parents' DNA are they property? I call Lieutenant Commander Data to the stand"  she listens to Data's footfalls as he walks over to the chair where he will be questioned then hears Captain Picard ask "what are these?"  and Data answer "my medals"  Captain Picard asks "why do you pack them? what logical purpose do they serve?"  Data answers "I do not know, sir I suppose none I just wanted them is that vanity?"  Dezirae couldn't help but chuckle softly as Captain Picard asks "and this?"  Data answers "a gift from you, sir"  Captain Picard asks "you value it?"  Data answers "yes, sir"  Captain Picard asks "why?"  Data answers "it is a reminder of friendship and service"  Dezirae takes a deep breath and walks in just as Captain Picard activates the hologram of Tasha "and this? you have no other portraits of your fellow crew members why this person?"  Data replies "I would prefer not to answer that question, sir I gave my word" Captain Picard states "under the circumstances, I don't think Tasha would mind"  Data replies "she was special to me, sir we were...."  Data's eyes lock onto Dezirae's as she takes a seat next to Commander Riker and continues "intimate"  Phillipa sits up looking at Data then at Dezirae with interest as Captain Picard says as he also looks in Dezirae's direction "thank you, Commander I have no further questions for this witness"  Phillipa asks "Commander Riker, do you want to cross?"  Riker looks at Dezirae questioningly "what are you looking at me for!?.... I'm just here to observe"  Dezirae asks "I have no questions, your Honour"  Riker says with a slight smile on his face Phillipa says to Data "thank you, you may step down"....