Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Frankly, Geordi didn’t know what to expect from their visitor and he wasn’t the only one. Over the last few days the crew had been unusually curious and gossipy. Then again, it had been a quiet week, and boredom didn’t mix well with people who were as used to excitement, or terror, as the Enterprise’s crew. So Geordi understood the ensigns’ excited chipper. Stars, the second he was off duty he happily listened to the crazy  rumours that had been spreading around the ship. 

Sometimes, while he was lounging at the Ten Forward, he would hear Guinan throw an even wilder one into the mix, just to enjoy the ensuing chaos.

“I’ve heard the Betels have wings.”

“Wings ?! What kind ? Feathered like birds ? Or skin like bats ?” Wesley asked excitedly.

“They are made entirely of metal and fall every 10 Earth years, they use it to coat their ships.”

“And now I know you’ve been pulling my leg for the last 20 minutes.”

“Me ensign Crusher ? I would never !”

The reason Guinan could pull such pranks was that the Federation knew next to nothing about this race. According to Data’s report, the Betels had long lasting and very productive relationships with the Klingons, as well as several other races for centuries, but had somehow steered away from humans until now. They had gone so far to conceal their presence that people who were in contact with Betels had systematically made sure humans did not meet or even see them. Starfleet had learned some Klingons captains who had been part of the Federation for years actually had Betel partners without anyone the wiser until a few months ago.

The cause of such secrecy was attributed to a terrible diplomatic incident with the Vulcans dating back centuries. It had been so bad the Vulcans had erased it from their records, along with any relevant information they had on the specie. And since the Vulcans were humanity’s major ally well...

Geordi couldn’t help but wonder what kind of people the Betels were for their entire race to turn invisible over a diplomatic incident and yet somehow managing to be best buddies with the Klingons. Deanna wasn’t quite sure what to make of it either:

“I lack information. The fact that they have such close relationship with the Klingons isn’t as helpful as everyone seem to think.” She had explained to the captain when he had asked her for a profile at the last meeting: “There are many grounds on which the two races could have connected that could also have been a source of disagreement with the Vulcans. And without Commander Worf’s input...”

“I wish I could be more helpful, but on that matter I am sworn to secrecy until explicitly stated otherwise by a Betel themselves. Moreover, our colony was pretty remote and I was very young when I left it. So I’m afraid that what I do know is closer to fairy tales and legends than actual truth.”

“Yet you are not fearful or uneasy. If anything you are... Looking forward said meeting.” The counsellor stated. 

Geordi knew she was referring to the emotions she could sense thanks to her Bethazoid abilities, but honestly, Worf had been so unusually transparent in his excitement Geordi could have come to the same conclusion, even without his visor. It made sense since the head of security was the most likely to know who they were about to deal with, but it still was very strange for Worf to be so forward in his interest to anything. Even when it came to battle he tended to not show his enthusiasm too much in order not to startle his easily offended human crewmates.

As for Geordi as curious as he was regarding the intricacies of their guest’s mind or their appearance, it wasn’t what he was excited about. No, whenever news came of an encounter with a new civilization the only thing on Geordi’s mind was the technology.

“You really believe they could have a noteworthy technological input ? If they had, should we not have had at least a glimpse of it by now ?” Data asked while his hands were still expertly playing the violin. Geordi smiled. Usually, he would be content listening to the music in silence and contemplating the perfectly cut profile of his friend against the halo of gold that surrounded him. But today his mind was reeling and Data, in a very Data fashion, was happily bouncing ideas off him while casually playing one of the most difficult instruments in the whole known universe.

“Think about it, we may have never encountered Betels, but we know their allies. What if they have influenced Klingon technology ? Their cloaking devices or their weaponry ?”

“Interesting theory. It would make them valuable allies.”

“What do you think of all of this Data ?” The android took a few seconds to ponder, the melody never faltering despite his slightly knitted brow:

“While a chance of expending my knowledge is always welcome, I fail to share, or even understand, the general excitement over the presence of the Betel representative onboard. Moreover, I am surprised by the breach in protocol.”

“Yes, it’s true that having them beam up directly on our vessel without any prior contact is... Unusual.” The engineer frowned, suddenly a tad worried.

The Betels’ conditions, they had received through captain K’Nera, were very clear: they had asked for their ambassador to be beamed aboard the Enterprise and to stay in the vessel for a few days, at the end of which they would report to their people and the Betels would decide the best course of action. Which meant that for a few days the Enterprise was supposed to stay within reach of K’Nera’s ship.

Not only was this very unusual but had it been anyone but captain K’Nera, with whom the Enterprise had good relationships, Geordi would have thought this whole thing to be a convoluted trap.

“Geordi, why are so many crew members so excited about this whole affair ?” Data asked his referee in most things human, taking his mind off his worries.

“I think it’s just curiosity. We humans like to meet new people ; as daunting as it can be it’s also thrilling in a way.”

“Curiosity.” Data repeated: “It is considered a very human trait among alien races.”

“You say that but you’ve been studying us intently and have tried to copy our behaviour, aren’t you driven by curiosity yourself ?”

“For all we know I could be driven by my programming.” Data replied matter of factly: “However it is true that amassing information is my main activity.”

“But you take no pleasure in it.” Geordi concluded. For the first time since their conversation had begun there was a pause in the music.

“Pleasure... Outside of very specific parameters, the very definition of it is difficult for me to parse since it is all deeply linked to organic life and biology. Pleasure is a survival tactic, hormones biological brains feed their bodies and themselves in order to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be too painful or difficult. Take pleasure away from organic life forms and they let themselves die. But since I am not alive, I have no need for an incentive to live.” Geordi couldn’t help an amused smile:

“And yet, you are playing the violin because you like Sherlock Holmes.” Data’s eyebrow rose and he blinked:

“Indeed.” He conceded as he resumed playing: “Maybe I am capable of pleasure outside of dedicated programs after all. Maybe Doctor Soong was such an expert at mimicking organic life he made my positronic brain capable of experiencing it in a broader range than he had first planned. However, my appreciation of Sherlock Holmes is not the only reason I play: I relate to the character’s way of thinking and wish to find out if I can understand him -and therefore humanity- better by partaking in the same activities as him. Moreover, I know you like to hear me play.”

Geordi felt his face heat up. There was no smugness in Data’s voice. To him it was, -no doubt- just the enunciation of a fact: He knew Geordi liked to hear him play the violin, therefore he would play for him, because he was his friend and wanted to please him. But the head engineer still felt like he had been caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar. Because he might have been enjoying Data’s violin, and the perfect excuse it gave him to gaze at him undisturbed for long minutes, a little too much. The android stopped playing again:

“Was I mistaken ?”

“A... About what ?” Geordi stammered.

“You liking my music.”

“No, not at all.”

“I thought as much.” Data said as he resumed playing. This time, his smile was definitely smug.

Chapter Text

Since he wasn’t needed in engineering at the moment, Geordi had asked the Captain if he could greet the Betel envoy. Picard had seen no reason to refuse. 

The thing was that, as happy as Geordi was in engineering, it reduced his opportunities to interact with the alien species the ship encountered, and sometimes he missed being on the bridge or part of the away teams. He suspected their Captain knew that much. Also, Geordi’s blindness and skin colour had been useful more than once to put alien representatives at ease if only on a subconscious level.

Deanna and Worf were both here (of course) and so was William. The later was boiling with nervous energy while Worf was unusually at ease. It felt a lot like Opposite Day.

“I have a lock on them Sir.” The transporter chief announced.

“Energize.” The captain commanded.

The Betel envoy materialized. They were taller than all the humans aboard but still smaller than Worf and were very obviously from an amphibian race. They were built for swimming: Huge shoulders, flat muscular chest, small waist, powerful legs and arms, and finally webbed fingers and feet. They also had big round eyes reminiscent of Earth’s octopus, and when they blinked three different layers of eyelids would close and open. Geordi couldn’t make out their colour, but his visor informed him that their skin reflected light in a very different way from humans. 

He could tell all of that because they were wearing the very bare minimum when it came to clothes. The only thing they wore was an artistically draped toga that covered their genitals, behind, and half of their torso, and that was it.

“I am Zeodeh, envoy of the Betels.” Zeodeh introduced themselves. That was a surprising introduction on many fronts: No title ? Not even a family name ? Picard seemed equally taken aback but quickly found his footing.

“As representative of the United Federation of Planets and Humanity, we welcome you aboard our vessel, the Enterprise. I am Captain Picard and...” He didn’t get to finish that sentence. Between one blink and the next the envoy was on him...

Kissing him within an inch of his life.

It wasn’t a chaste kiss either, Picard had opened his mouth from shock and the envoy was now exploring it deeply with what Geordi thought was a tongue... Until they took it out, and it turned out it was very much not one. It was closer to a spider’s chelicerae and ended with wicked fangs, carefully folded as to not hurt by accident. The two articulated parts rubbed against each other for a few seconds and the three eyelids folded halfway while the envoy’s eyes moved left and right in a manner surprisingly similar to Data looking up information. Or maybe Geordi was just seeing the android everywhere lately.

The stunned silence that had accompanied the scene turned into chaos. Riker shouldered the envoy to position himself between them and the still livid Captain who was gaping like a fish on dry land. It was Worf, of all people, who prevented the first officer from aiming his phaser at Zeodeh. 

All the while Deanna and Geordi just stared, slack jawed, too dumbfounded to react.

Geordi was starting to understand why previous attempts at diplomacy with the Betels had gone poorly.

Zeodeh looked at the humans, uncomprehending.

“Have I been offensive ?” They asked.

“I am afraid what seems to be considered a normal greeting among Betels is an extremely intimate gesture among humans.” Deanna explained. Tension ran through the alien’s body, the gravity of the situation dawning on them:

“Oh Captain Picard I am so very sorry !” They apologized profusely: “Our races have barely met... I shouldn’t have assumed...”

“Well... Hum... It’s quite alright. We’ll simply, hum... Try to avoid further incidents of the sort.”

“Of course, thank you for your magnanimity.” The envoy replied: “Is touch in general unwelcome ?”

“As long as you abstain from kissing a person you’ve barely met it should be fine. But it is always better to ask.” Commander Riker replied in a clipped tone. “I am William Riker, First Officer.” He added, since the Captain hadn’t had the opportunity to introduce him.

“May I greet you First Officer William Riker ?” The man made a face, he had given his full name but hadn’t expected for it to be used, even though he should have.

“Of course... Zeodeh?”

“That is my name.”

“Excuse me but we are not used to address ambassadors solely by their given names.”

“Then you may call me “sir” or “mister”. Since the Klingons call me qaH and I believe those are the closest equivalent.”

“Of course sir. Yes, you may greet me.” William said righting himself.

Riker’s reputation as a lady’s man was well earned, and he was not one to back away from an encounter with aliens, but at the moment his apprehension at being touched by the towering male Betel was obvious. Thankfully, the envoy didn’t do anything unbecoming (this time): He carefully held both sides of the commander’s jaw, closed his eyes and slowly put their foreheads against each other’s for a few seconds before taking a step back. The humans let out a collective breath of relief. This could work.

Zeodeh repeated the gesture with Deanna and Geordi once they had introduced themselves. As soon as he had finished greeting Geordi however, he stared at him:

“How come you are wearing a device over your eyes and the others are not ?” He asked. 

“It’s because I am blind, sir.” Geordi wouldn’t answer this question if it was asked by a human, they should know better, but he didn’t take it to heart when it came from aliens outside of the Federation.

“I don’t understand, does this identify you as blind ?”

“No, it allows me to see.” If anything that made the alien more confused:

“But... If you are blind... You cannot see...”

“I wouldn’t naturally. But the visor is a piece of technology that makes it possible, although differently from my peers.”

“Fascinating.”

The chief engineer tried to hide his disappointment at the alien specie apparently not being as technology advanced as he had hoped. Then again, it could simply be a matter of what they had specialized in:

“I take it you don’t have this kind of technology ?”

“No, that would be cruel to force people to see.” Geordi blinked in surprise. That was an interesting point of view.

“But you do have blind people on your planet, how do you accommodate them ?”

“By making sure they are provided an environment in which they can move safely. Were you to visit my home, or my city, you could do so without your visor on and still enjoy it to its fullest.” Suddenly Geordi was interested in way more than Betel technology, but they would discuss it later, surely the envoy didn’t want to stay in the transporter room.

His interest had shifted to Worf anyway. Until now Zeodeh had seemed friendly, a little too friendly even, but at the sight of the Klingon both his demeanour and appearance changed drastically. Suddenly his muscles turned rigid, fins appeared on the sides of his neck, shoulders and arms ; as well as wicked spines all over his upper body. Then the appendages they had seen earlier inside his mouth started making a threatening clicking noise. The smile he gave the chief of security was all teeth. Sharp teeth.

“And you must be Worf.”

“Lieutenant Commander Worf, qaH Zeodeh.” He answered with a display of teeth of his own.

“As you travel with Humans should I assume you share their ways or should I salute you as I would any Klingon ?” It sounded like a threat, or an invitation, or both.

“I don’t...” Worf started replying a bit too eagerly before he seemed to remember they weren’t alone: “ I am a Starfleet officer sir, therefore I will ask you to greet me as you did my peers.”

Zeodeh’s fins and spines retracted and his muscles relaxed. But as the two aliens were head to head, Geordi, who was closer to them than the others, clearly heard the envoy whisper in an almost sultry tone: “Do’ Ha’”

Too bad.

Chapter Text

Data was confused.

The team that had been in charge of welcoming the ambassador hadn’t even stopped by the bridge. Apparently they had shown the envoy to their quarters, and immediately called Data to the conference room. And now, here they were, all in what the android identified as various stages of anxiety. 

“Counsellor, what can you tell me ?” The captain asked.

“Nothing you couldn’t see for yourself. Zeodeh is very open, he isn’t lying or dissimulating anything. And after his initial fear of having created a diplomatic incident, he seemed both happy to be here and excited at the prospect of learning more about us. He has a strong emotional response to Worf but it is probably due to him being a familiar face.”

“Mister Worf ?”

“qaH Zeodeh has given me authorization to talk to the crew, and the crew only, about what I know of Betels. And so far it appears the informations I had received were correct.”

“And what are those informations ?”

“Betels are generally tall, strong, and highly venomous. Contact with the spines on their fins paralyzes and a well placed bite can kill within minutes.

“When you say bite...”

“Yes, I am referring to their chelicerae. That is why they kiss people they meet. It’s a display of trust and friendship.”

“I could kill you but I won’t because I like you.” Riker clarified.

“Now I’m starting to understand why they get along with the Klingons so well...” Geordi commented. Data smiled, his friend’s observations were always so astute.

“It’s not the only use of said chelicerae but I can’t tell you much more than that.” 

The captain started massaging his forehead in a way that suggested a headache. He seemed especially agitated and Data wondered why. He would have to ask the crew later or review the footage of the envoy’s boarding.

“What can you tell us about their social order ?” Picard asked. Worf’s brow pinched in a way that suggested slight embarrassment :

“Not much, because there is not much to say. They adapt to whatever system is being used where they are. As for the little I’ve heard of their home planet it didn’t mention any ruler of any kind.”

“Highly adaptive, then, that’s definitely good for us.” Deanna commented.

“What about their technology ?” Geordi asked.

“They don’t have vessels.”

“What ? You mean they haven’t mastered space travel on their own ?!” Captain Picard exclaimed.

“No, I means they don’t have their own vessels. They don’t wish to build any. We’ve been trading with them for centuries and so have the Ferengi, if they wanted to, they could have built several fleets. But they refuse to do so, they prefer to travel aboard other race’s populated vessels and mingle.”

“But... Why ? That has to be inconvenient.” Geordi asked.

“This is the expense of my knowledge. If you want to know more you’ll have to ask the envoy directly.”

“Of course.” The captain agreed: “Also Mister Worf, Zeodeh knew you by name, what do you make of that ?”

“We did get him from Captain K’Nera’s ship, sir, I believe the captain told him about me. That may be the reason for this entire reveal.”

“But we’ve been allies with the Klingons for years, why now ?” Riker wondered. Deanna spoke up:

“If they thought us similar to the Vulcans, they could have thought our alliance was a practical one. After all, Vulcans are Klingons’ allies by proxy. But the fact that we work on the same vessel, especially with what we’ve just learned regarding their own relationship to spaceships, might have made them revise their judgement.”

“That would explain why they want to interact with us specifically, not with the Federation’s headquarters...” Picard agreed.

“So what do we do now ?” Riker asked.

“Well he is supposed to stay with us for a few days, might as well show him around. Worf,   Number One.”

“Before that.” Pulaski spoke for the first time: “May I suggest a detour to sick bay ? With the ambassador’s authorization we could run a few tests, and learn more about their anatomy.”

“Make it so.”

Since they were in orbit around Torag III for the next 4 days with the Klingon vessel, Data wasn’t needed on the bridge at all time. Therefore, once the meeting was over, he followed Geordi to ask him a few questions about the crew’s meeting with the Betel envoy.

“What exactly happened in the transporter room ? The Captain seemed... Distressed.” Data asked. 

“Oh... Hum... That’s because the ambassador kissed him.”

“I did not know the Captain was averse to such activity.”

“That’s not it Data, Zeodeh is a complete stranger, male, over 6 feet tall and he has poisonous fangs.” Data frowned:

“I understand why the proximity of a lethal toxin would startle someone, but I do not see where the other parts of your statement come into play.”

“Well, the tall part kinda activates a fight or flight response in some people. And intimacy with a stranger immediately after meeting them makes most people uncomfortable... As for the male part, as far as I know the captain’s straight.”

“Straight ? What does his posture have to do with anything ?” Geordi chuckled:

“He likes women Data, and women exclusively.”

“Ah, he is heterosexual.”

“Supposedly. So you understand why attention from a man, or someone he perceives as such, would be unwanted.”

“Actually no. I do not quite understand. More precisely, though I have assimilated the information, it is impossible for me to relate it to my own experience, since there is no requirement of gender identity when it comes to the activation of my sexual program.” This time Geordi dissolved into laughter:

“This is what I should tell people whenever they ask me about my orientation.”

“That would make no sense, you have no sexual program to... Oh, you were using an analogy in reference to your own pansexuality. Very amusing.” Geordi shook his head with a smile.

This expression, Data had learned, was a visual cue for an emotion called fondness. Geordi used it a lot around him, in fact almost exclusively around him. The head engineer also smiled more in his presence (up to 30% more when they were alone) and laughed more, (reaching a staggering 40% more with him than with anyone else on the ship).

At first Data had thought it meant he had finally mastered the fine art of humour. But when he had tried to repeat the same words that had made his friend laugh to tears to other members of the crew, it didn’t trigger the desired effect. Apparently Data had only gotten better at making Geordi laugh, and most on the time not on purpose. Though it denoted a failing on his part, the android did not mind. Making Geordi happy was a satisfaction in itself. In fact, Data found himself allowing more and more processing to this specific task.

Chapter Text

Once again, Worf was torn between his vow to Starfleet and his Klingon identity, and he did not like how often the Federation made such predicament possible. He knew from experience that his crewmates could be understanding to a certain extent, but he had also seen first hand how easily startled they were. He believed Riker could be persuaded to leave him alone with the ambassador if it was in the interest of diplomacy: After all, the First Officer liked to engage with Klingon culture. And though the pride he took in the most basic knowledge was sometimes irking, it also meant he was more amenable to anything related to it. But Worf didn’t want to ask such thing from Riker because it would make him seem eager.

Which he was.

Very much.

The head of security still strongly held to his belief that the most important battle of a true warrior was within, and never would he have sought out mindless bloodshed. But this wasn’t mindless bloodshed: this was a legendary warrior from the stories he had heard all his childhood seeking him out by name. Surely it would be understandable if he allowed proper introductions and a spar. 

But if he seemed too eager, the humans would turn distrustful and ask questions. The kind of questions he did not wish to answer because it would hurt their fragile sensibilities.

There was no way the Captain would let Zeodeh in close vicinity of his chief of security, once he had learned that when a Betel met a Klingon they grazed them with their fangs because Klingons warriors could take it. Yes captain, the same fangs I said earlier could inoculate a lethal dose of poison.

Never mind that he wasn’t a soft human being and that the Betel would never actually damage him because he knew better. Picard would hear about the side-effects, usually a slight fever, and would say with a stern look that this was out of question. Then Worf would have no choice but to obey. 

And if this was what they thought of a greeting, it was obvious how they would react to a spar. Riker would bring up the simulations he had shared with the Klingon to prove just how violent a spar would be (even though destroying pictures and hurting an ambassador were completely different things) and all the other humans would, of course, believe their onboard Klingon culture expert. To think most humans found Klingons hard headed was very much, as Geordi would put it, “the pot calling the kettle black”.

So Worf had to find a way to spend some time with qaH Zeodeh, alone, and preferably before anyone noticed something was amiss. He knew this was going to be difficult: Deanna had already started throwing him looks. She wouldn’t tell on him immediately, as she understood better than anyone else on board what it was like to navigate human sensibilities as an alien. But she wouldn’t hold her questioning forever. 

Worf had to act fast.

...

Doctor Pulaski had just finished her scans and seemed excited by the results when Worf came to fetch Zeodeh. According to her, the Betel’s chelicerae were better than some of her scanners at collecting informations. Worf had a vague memory of something like that, but at the time he had been too entranced by the tales of glorious battles to really care about what the Betels did outside of fighting. He would go over her full report later. 

He was preoccupied at the moment since, annoyingly but unsurprisingly, the captain had paired him with Riker to give a tour of the vessel to their guest. 

Said guest was on his best behaviour, following Riker’s explanations on how the ship worked and the different areas purpose while nodding along diligently... But Worf had quickly noticed that the envoy was way more interested in the people aboard. He had been eying up and down several crew members. 

Since there were no common grounds between them, and most didn’t hold key positions, the chief of security had to assume it was either curiosity or sexual appeal. He could ask later anyway. Once they had had proper introductions. For now, he needed to find a way to get rid of Riker...

They were down in engineering when providence came in the form of a call from the Captain for his First Officer. Worf didn’t even have to speak.

“I’ll let you in the capable hands of our chief of security.”

“Thank you First Officer William Riker, this has been a most pleasant tour.” Zeodeh primly replied. With a nod and a bit of tight smile, the human went away.

Once he was far enough, Zeodeh turned his gaze to Worf and his lips spread in a grin. The sight of the sharp rows of teeth was as dazzling and threatening as the Klingon had been told it would be, and the slow blink of the Betel’s three eyelids was suddenly strangely evocative:

“Well Lieutenant Commander Worf, now that I am left in your capable hands, as your crewmate said, what is there for us to visit ?” He purred. Worf breathed through his nose to steady himself:

“I believe we have yet to visit the holodecks. Computer, is there a holodeck we could use ?”

“Holodeck 6 sir.”

“Very well. Follow me sir, I believe you will find this piece of technology most interesting.”

“I have no doubt on the matter.”

Worf’s excitement turned into slight dread when he noticed Geordi was looking at them -well, at him- with an amused smile. Deanna might be the one with psychic abilities but Geordi was awfully perceptive sometimes. Though it usually wasn’t a problem, it now put Worf in a difficult position. He threw him a pointed look and the engineer pretended to go back to work. At least, he wouldn’t report him unless necessary. 

He hoped.

...

The second the doors of the holodeck closed, Zeodeh shedded the non-threatening disguise he put on for the humans sake, reverting back to his powerful and fearsome appearance. The colourful and moving patterns of his skin, the spines all over his body and the translucent and poisonous pastel fins of his neck and arms were fascinating. The Klingon warrior had heard so much about them, but had never had the opportunity to see them. 

The envoy marched toward Worf. He didn’t step back, meeting him halfway instead, he grabbed the back of his head, -strongly but carefully as to not to injure himself- and leaned toward Zeodeh.

Their lips met, and the envoy’s soft chelicerae slithered into his mouth. Though it was more rigid than flesh, it still felt shockingly fragile for something so deadly. The separate and articulated parts slowly stroked the sides of Worf’s own tongue in an almost tender gesture, then unfolded themselves. 

The tip of the fangs barely grazed him before retreating rapidly into their owner’s mouth... But the pain was white hot. It felt like his tongue had been shredded. Hadn’t Zeodeh extracted his chelicerae, Worf would have probably bit down on it. Which would have been unfortunate on many accounts.

Betel poison was way more potent than the commander had imagined. He clenched his jaw and breathed in an out through of his nose several times to reign in the pain. He was breaking out in hives and sweat, his physiology going into overdrive to get rid of the toxin. 

He clenched his jaw: He would not scream, he would not.

In front of him, the ambassador had rubbed the two parts of his chelicerae against each other as he had after his greeting to the captain. But for way shorter. Now he was looking at the Klingon with a smug expression. 

If he thinks living among humans has made me weaker than my peers, he’s in for a surprise. Worf thought as he finally steadied himself. The agonizing pain was now reaching bearable levels.

“You took it better than most on their first time.” Zeodeh commented. Though part of him was preening at the compliment, Worf couldn’t wait to ask the Betel to spar so he could find an outlet to the rising exasperation he felt toward him.

“Now that introductions have been made properly...” The Klingon started, his voice unusually breathy: “Would you mind telling why you’ve been eying the crew like a fresh plate of gagh ?” Zeodeh chuckled at the analogy.

“Worry not, your fragile human teammates are in no danger from me. I’ve been tasked to collect informations on them and since you knew about our greetings then you must know our methods in that regard. I was just appraising which specimens I should select to have a representative sample.” Worf nodded.

“I see. I have to tell you, the captain might wish to be informed of such experiments being conducted aboard his vessel.”

“As he was informed of our meeting no doubt.” The envoy teased. The commander would have snickered if he wasn’t so dizzy.

“Humans are sensitive over the strangest things, I will allow you that. But I will have to tell him at some point nonetheless.”

“Understood.” The envoy agreed, then he looked around at the chequered room: “Now would you mind telling me what this place is for ?”

“The holodeck is a room in which we can project any environment and beings we wish.” Worf explained: “We use it for leisure and training. I was thinking you would be interested in using it with me.” He added boldly. The envoy grinned:

“For training or leisure ?” 

“Depends on what you consider sparring to be.”

“Both then. I’d love nothing more. Once you can actually throw a punch that is.” He replied, his smile turning mischievous: “Which won’t be until a few days I’m afraid. You might want to drink a lot of water if you want our encounter to remain private.”

Worf couldn’t wait for their sparring session. First to see if the warrior lived up to the legends about his people, second because he really wanted to punch that self assured expression out of his face.

...

Geordi was fascinated by what he had witnessed in the reactor room. Of all the people he would have expected to sneak out with an alien envoy (for what the engineer could only assume was either an outlandish making out session or even more outlandish sex) Worf had been the last. Stars, if he had been tasked to sort every single one of the 907 people aboard by the likeliness of them doing that ? He would have put Worf dead last. After Data. But apparently there was a lot Geordi didn’t know about the chief of security... That explained his enthusiasm. 

The engineer couldn’t wait to tell Data. Though it might not be a brilliant idea, considering. The android might say too much. But the confusion on his face would be priceless !

Of course, the second he got out of engineering Geordi ended up bumping into -who else- the Klingon himself, with his partner in tow. The commander was in a sorry state however, running a fever and sweating profusely.

“Are you alright ?” Geordi asked, worried.

“I am quite fine. Now if you will excuse me, qaH Zeodeh would like a refreshment so I was planning to show him the Ten Forward.” Behind him, the Betel looked darkly amused.

“Maybe Lieutenant Commander Laforge would like to accompany us ?” He suggested with a wicked smile. 

That earned him the most intimidating look the engineer had ever seen on Worf’s face. Which seemed to have absolutely no effect on the other alien. Figures, if he was used to traveling on Klingon vessels, it would take more than a look to scare him. Geordi, however, valued his life too much to let himself be dragged into whatever that was:

“Thank you for the invitation but I am busy.” He lied.

“A shame, some other time maybe.” Zeodeh replied, one of his three pairs of eyelids closing then opening pointedly.

Geordi was pretty sure that was the Betel equivalent of a wink.

Chapter Text

Ever since the envoy had been beamed on board, Data felt like he was in the processor of a fragmented computer drive. Every crewmate’s behaviour was erratic at best and downright worrying at worst. Was there yet another disease spreading on the Enterprise ?

Worf definitely looked sick, though he was improving little by little and it was nowhere as serious as it had been during previous occurrences of similar ailments. Still, he was clearly running a fever and carrying around a bottle of water from which he was drinking regularly. Data would have suggested him to go to sick bay, but it wasn’t his call to make and neither the Captain nor his First Officer seemed to find the situation alarming.

Counsellor Troi had definitely picked up on Worf’s altered state but hadn’t commented, which was not exactly strange since she usually yielded better results by working privately with the crewmates. But it was a little surprising given the potential gravity of the situation. And then there was Geordi who seemed to find the whole thing absolutely hilarious. As much as the subtleties of human humour evaded him, the android was determined to find out what was happening on the ship.

Time to put his deduction skills to work.

Since this had all begun with the ambassador’s arrival, Data knew where to start.

The recording of Zeodeh’s appearance was of little use at first, it went exactly as Geordi had described it, the envoy kissing Picard and then... Data paused the recording. What was he doing ? Both parts his chelicerae were moving against each other and the envoy seemed focus on something... Strange. Hadn’t Pulaski mentioned a report, maybe it would shed light on this odd behaviour ?

  “If this subject is representative of his whole specie, the analysis abilities of the Betels’ chelicerae are spectacular. They are lined with extremely precise captors capable of identifying and decoding staggering levels of biological informations. From what I can tell they can identify organic composition down to molecular level as well as analyze and decode DNA chains.” 

So the envoy was collecting biological informations on the human race. That made sense, and since they hadn’t objected to being subjected to a similar treatment, it was probably not with malicious intent. Unfortunately for their guest their method clashed with human views on intimacy.

Data kept watching the video:

“...should I assume you share their practices or should I salute you as I would any Klingon ?”

“ I am a Starfleet officer sir, therefore I will ask you to greet me as you did my peers.”

How did Betels usually greet Klingons ? How come nobody had asked ? Had they simply assumed it would have been the same as what had happened with Picard ? That made no sense. Obviously Zeodeh’s behaviour with Worf had been very different from the start, how could they have thought their way of greeting each other would be the same ? And why had Worf objected ?

There was only one person who could answer these questions.

...

The second the chief of security left the bridge, Data followed him into the turbo lift and bluntly asked:

“Worf ? How do Klingons and Betels greet each other ?” There was a long pause before the Klingon let out a sigh. This one, deep and accompanied with eyes closing, fell into the “long suffering” category, indicating frustration.

“Computer, stop the lift.” The lieutenant commanded.“Why do you ask ?”

“I believe Geordi would call it curiosity.”

“Then, were I to answer you, you would be under no obligation to report it.”

“Not unless it threatened the integrity of the ship, endangered the crew, or I was specifically asked to do so by a higher ranking officer.” Worf visibly hesitated before finally answering his crewmate’s question:

“When a Betel meet a Klingon warrior, they inoculate them with a small dose of poison. Not enough to kill or injure, but enough for it to hurt.”

“Hence why you’ve been running a fever.”

“Yes...” Worf admitted, his face expressing all the visual cues for poorly dissimulated embarrassment.

“Then why refuse the greeting in the first place ?” Data wondered.

“It would have been misinterpreted by the humans as an aggression and even if it hadn’t it might have made them uncomfortable.”

“I see... You care a lot about what the humans think of you.” The android stated.

“Don’t you ? You’ve been trying to emulate them in every possible way since day one.” He couldn’t argue with that:

“I still think our motivations might be different, I do not care wether my functions make the rest of the crew uncomfortable.” Worf sneered:

“That’s because they don’t find you threatening.”

“You believe the crew sees you as a threat ?”

“I know they do. Therefore I have to tread carefully when it comes to parts of my cultural heritage.”

“The fact that the other crew members make you feel that way sounds like something that could put the whole team in jeopardy.”

“Then what do you suggest ?”

“I...” Data paused, realizing he actually had no answer to that question: “I am afraid I have no way of helping you as I am too remote from such considerations. I had not even thought anyone could find you menacing until a few minutes ago. I still have much to learn.” Worf was a little peeved at the remark, sure he didn’t want to scare his crewmates but he was supposed to be a little intimidating. Then Data added: “I believe you should talk to counsellor Troi. Since she is half Bethazoid, she might share and understand your experience more than I ever could. She might therefore be able to advise the humans on board accordingly.” The Klingon now looked begrudgingly impressed:

“That is sound advice sir, thank you.”

Satisfied, the android left the turbo lift to get to the last part of this mystery: What did Geordi find so funny about the whole situation ? He was on his way to engineering to ask the man himself... When he stumbled upon the Betel envoy. He was in an alcove, talking to someone the android could not see because of his bulk.

“Mister Zeodeh.” Data hailed him. The ambassador turned around, making sure the android still couldn’t see who he was talking to.

“Yes ?” He said eying him up and down analytically, though not unkindly: “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced yet.”

“Indeed. I am Lieutenant Commander Data, sir.”

“May I greet you ?”

“You may.” With the same slow movements he had used not to startle the first humans he had met, Zeodeh held the commander’s head and pressed their foreheads together. Once they were done, Data enquired: “May I ask who it is you are talking to ?”

“I don’t think...”

“It’s fine Zeodeh.” Ensign Eleanor Brown cut him, her plump features, copper curly hair and light green eyes peaking from behind the alien’s body: “Is there a problem sir ?”

“Not at all ensign, may I enquire as to what you were discussing with our guest ?”

“We were discussing an experiment sir.” Data considered the reply.

“Am I right to believe it is connected to the envoy’s scanning abilities ?” The ensign was a little red in the face but showed no other major sign of distress.

“Yes sir. Is that a problem ?”

“Not at all. As I said it was a simple inquiry. We have conducted a battery of tests on our guest, if you are willing, I fail to see why our guests should not be allowed to scan us.”

“Are you ? Willing that is ?” Zeodeh asked the young woman, his voice taking a purring quality that indicated there might be something else at play here. Especially when the ensign got suddenly far redder.

“I... I’m... Yes.” She stuttered.

“Then could I meet you in your quarters in an hour or so ?”

“Sure. Number 309, just ask the computer.”

“See you then.”

“Of course. Lieutenant.” The ensign nodded before leaving. The ambassador looked politely impressed:

“I am surprised by how easily you put her at ease. She was very worried about being seen by a superior officer until you arrived.”

“I fail to see why, what the ensigns do on their free time is of no importance to their superiors. But it has happened before. Apparently the lower ranks find me...” What had Geordi said ? Ah yes: “Easier to deal with. I believe it has to do with the fact that I am not human.”

“You’re not ? That’s why your appearance is slightly different then.” The envoy appraised him again: “Is there somewhere we could talk privately ?”

...

“...I hadn’t realized, of course, the gesture was so deeply associated with intimacy among humans, and how said intimacy was considered private or unprofessional. Since then the crew has been very helpful in expending my knowledge but it slows my work down considerably. And that’s without taking into account the knee-jerk reaction of some humans to the sole sight of my chelicerae.”

“Yes, I believe there are ancient earth predators who possessed the same appendages and the danger associated with them is still rooted in most human’s lizard brain.” Data explained to the envoy.

They were now in Data’s quarters, drinking some tea. It had seemed like the safest option for their guest, considered more festive than water but containing very few elements the envoy could be allergic to. Just in case, the Betel had checked himself, dipping the tip of his chelicerae into the drink. He had found it perfectly acceptable and was now seeping it in between extensive complains regarding the unexpected difficulties of the mission he had been assigned. Data was listening intently, he would have to report all of this to counsellor Troi, no doubt she would find it most valuable for the creation of her psychological profile.

“But you, Data, are different. Though I fail to exactly grasp how.”

“As I said sir, I was not born from humans but built by one. Not out of flesh but complex machinery. I am not organic. In terms of existence I am closer to the ship’s computer than to my fellow crewmates. Though it has been, and still is, debated.”

“I hear what you are saying but I am afraid I do not quite understand the implications. Would you let me analyze you ?”

“I do not see why not.” Zeodeh blinked several times in a manner that would suggest surprise.

“...You do react completely differently from the humans on the ship. I had to take a very different approach for them to let me analyze them.”

“How so ?”

“I had to seduce them.”

“Oh, that is what you were doing with ensign Brown, and why she was worried about being found out.” The android realized: “Indeed, it is of no use with me as I am still learning most human social cues. You may proceed without further precautions.”

Even with Data’s explanation the envoy was still very careful when he held his jaw, stroking his thumb against his lips to open them and then softly putting his mouth against his as if he were a fragile and emotional human being and not himself.

But then a sound informed Data that the door had been open: in front of it stood Geordi. His face expressing all the visuals cues of shock.

Chapter Text

Geordi had never thought about Data as a sexual being.

There were many reasons to that: First, they were friends, good friends, best friends if you asked Geordi. Their relationship in and of itself was great and sex, or the possibility of it, simply hadn’t come into play. Second, Data was an android, and although Geordi was aware that he was equipped with a sex program, (they had joked about it this morning) he had never manifested any want to activate it with either Geordi or anyone else on the ship as far as the chief engineer knew. And sure, Geordi might have had an interest in Data, for quite a while now... But he had never quite gotten that far when it came to his fantasy.

So no, Geordi hadn’t thought about Data as a sexual being.

Until now.

Now that his android best friend was eyes half lidded and lips parted, leaning toward the Betel envoy as his mouth was being thoroughly explored by said envoy’s chelicerae. As with everything, the android was nothing if not accommodating: He was opening his mouth more to give better access to the alien appendage, angling himself for Zeodeh’s comfort. Letting himself be stroked and touched and used without a hint of discomfort or shame.

All traces of air abruptly left Geordi’s lungs.

They had seen him, he knew, both their otherworldly eyes had glanced in his direction when he had walked into the room. Yet the Betel’s chelicerae retreated smoothly, unhurriedly. It was glistening, and a small twinkling thread of saliva connected them for a few seconds before breaking on Data’s lips. He brushed it off with his thumb. The gesture awfully dirty for something done so casually and wild thoughts were running around Geordi’s emptied head. Like how soft, warm and wet the inside of the android must be, and how he didn’t have a gag reflex.

But then the door closed, the moment broke, and Geordi was hit with the reality of what he had just witnessed:

“W... What is going on here ?” He stammered as the Betel rubbed the articulated parts of his chelicerae against each other then made a face.

“I was helping Mister Zeodeh gather some informations regarding my composition.” Data supplied dispassionately. He sure didn’t look like he found it especially exciting.

“I thought the whole kissing thing was a greeting ?”

“Your statement is true but incomplete, it is also a scanning method. Have you not read doctor Pulaski’s report ?” No he hadn’t, because he had been too busy trying to process that Worf was apparently really into Betels and how he would tell the whole thing to his best friend.

“Wait is that why you sneaked out with Commander Worf earlier ?” He asked the envoy.

“Yes.” 

“Why would you lie ?” Data asked, his head tilting from incomprehension. Zeodeh looked surprised, then a little embarrassed:

“I didn’t know how much you knew.”

“Why does it feel like we are having three different conversations and I’m not up to date to any of them ?” Geordi complained.

“To answer your initial question, Lieutenant Commander Worf and I snuck out because we were adamant in exchanging proper greetings for our two races.”

“Which, according to Mister Worf himself, includes the delivery of a non lethal, but apparently quite painful, dose of poison.” Data explained.

“What ?!”

“And this exact reaction is why we didn’t do so in public. Especially not in front of your Captain whom I had just involuntary molested.”

“I... Yeah that makes sense.”

“So, what were the results of your analysis ?” Data changed topic, referring to the scene Geordi had walked in on.

“Strange to say the least.” Zeodeh replied: “I can detail your composition but none of it would be helpful if I had to use that information to create another of your kind or improve our own genome.”

“You were given the material but not the construction plan.” Geordi supplied as he sat down, his mind finally out of the gutter and focused on the abilities of their guest. He really had to read Pulaski’s report.

“That’s a good way to put it yes.” The envoy agreed before not so casually putting both his elbows on the table and leaning his head on his crossed hands, giving Geordi an intense look: “On that note Lieutenant Commander Laforge, would you be against helping me in my research ?” The engineer froze:

“What do you mean ?”

“I think you understand what I mean perfectly.”

“I... I’d rather not.” Was the Geordi’s reply.

“I see. I am sorry to insist but I believe you would provide valuable data, could you at least consider it ? I will ask you again within a few days.”

“I will think about it but I’ll probably end up giving you the same answer.”

“That’s perfectly acceptable. Now, if you will both excuse me, I have an appointment.” Zeodeh said before leaving Data’s room.

Geordi stayed behind, mechanically drinking the cup of tea in front of him. He was a little shaken by everything that had happened, be it the scene he had witnessed and how it had shown his best friend in an completely new light, the revelation that Worf was running around the ship poisoned or Zeodeh’s blatant interest in him, as supposedly scientific as it was. That was a lot. And the envoy had only been on their ship for a day. Then Data asked a question that didn’t help any:

“Why did you refuse to submit yourself to a scan ?” The chief engineer felt suddenly shy. 

“I know the whole thing is very dispassionate for you Data but I can’t let a stranger kiss me like that, it would make me uncomfortable.”

“I see. I believe it is a trait widely shared among humans.”

“Yes and no. I require a bit more care than most in that regard... You however don’t seem to care at all.” He chuckled. Data raised an eyebrow at the nervous laughter:

“I do not. Kissing holds no intrinsic value to me and is no different than shaking hands.”

“So you could kiss anyone aboard ?” Now Geordi was messing with his friend a bit but to be honest he was curious (and maybe a little annoyed) at how lightly the android took the whole thing.

“I could yes. But I will not. Because on top of most crew members finding the attention unwelcome I do not wish to kiss them.”

“But what if you had to ?” Geordi insisted. Data was puzzled:

“I fail to see under what circumstances it would be necessary for me to kiss one of my colleagues.”

“We’ve been in crazier situations.”

“That is true...” Data admitted: “If I had no other choice, then I would kiss you.”

“W... Really... Why ?” Geordi asked genuinely surprised by the statement.

“Three main reasons. First you are my friend and I trust you, as I believe you do, therefore it would make the ordeal more comfortable. Also we have shared many experiences together and it has always been enjoyable, so I fail to see how kissing would be different. Finally I do prefer your company over the entirety of the ship.”

“I wow... I...”

“You seem troubled ?”

“Yes, I mean no, I mean... That was intense.”

“Was it ? I only expressed my thoughts, I did not realize they were considered so disturbing. Maybe Worf was right and I should also tread more carefully...”

“No buddy, never change, your sincerity is a gift, I just wasn’t quite ready. But it’s all good.” It wasn’t, but Geordi now had managed to lock up his feelings until he was alone to freak out over what his crush had just casually told him. That was until Data asked:

“What about you ? Who would you kiss on this ship if you had to ?”

“Hum...” Geordi could lie, he could give a random name without Data none the wiser but somehow it felt unfair when his friend had been so honest him: “It would be you.” He finally breathed.

“Why ?”

“Same reason as you mostly. It’s always fun when we are together and... All that... Also you are quite good looking.” That was mortifying to admit but it was the truth, Data was beautiful, literally glowing, always surrounded by light against which the sharp lines of his nose and jaw contrasted gracefully. 

Hearing that, the android stared at Geordi for what felt like an eternity, looking at his face as if he was trying to imprint it in his memory.

“I have no concept of beauty. Neither do I feel sexual attraction unless I trigger it myself. Therefore I cannot judge people’s feature the way humans do when they compliment each other.” He admitted at the end of his study. Underwhelming but understandable, until he added: “Nevertheless, I find your appearance pleasing. Because it is yours.”

It took several minutes for Geordi to finally manage a pitiful:

“Thank you Data.”

...

Geordi didn’t even remember what excuse he had used to get the hell out of Data’s room as fast as possible, one minute he was in the android’s quarters, the next he was pacing his own.

It wasn’t a love confession. It wasn’t. No matter how much it sounded like one, no matter how much Geordi wanted it to be one, it wasn’t a love confession because as far as anyone knew Data could not feel love.

Geordi had never had any trouble with the fact that Data was an android, it had never stopped him from being friends with him because in the engineers head: It didn’t matter. Of course he was curious about how such a complex piece of technology functioned, and since Data cared about the fact that he wasn’t completely human then Geordi did too. But it wasn’t what they had bounded over. They had bounded over their hobbies, their mutual curiosity, their thirst for knowledge, and their personalities. An android was just a thing that Data was among many others that defined him.

But ever since Doctor Pulaski had boarded, she had planted the smallest seed of doubt in Geordi’s mind. What if Data, despite his positronic brain, was only a very efficient computer ? A Chinese box memorizing accurate responses to behaviours and actions it did not understand through trial and error. In that case a romantic relationship seemed out of question... 

But Pulaski had been wrong in the past hadn’t she ? And she didn’t know Data the way Geordi did. She didn’t realize that Data would obsess over every aspect of Sherlock Holmes but not over other books, no matter how similar the plot, because he liked that specific book. Therefore it didn’t sound like such a leap to think he could like people... Which was exactly why Geordi was so flustered by what his friend had said.

And then there was the fact that even if Data’s nature as an android allowed him to experience love of any kind, there were people -made of flesh and bones- who did not experience romantic attraction. And Data being one of them was a real possibility. 

There lied the main reason for Geordi’s panic: If he confronted Data and it turned out to be a misunderstanding and he couldn’t experience romantic attraction, either because of his android nature or because he was aromantic... He would lose a friend. His best friend. He would lose him because Geordi was convinced he wouldn’t be able to cope with the rejection. That, or Data wouldn’t. 

Maybe with time Geordi would get over his crush, he had been pretty good at hiding it until now (or so he thought). Maybe he could pretend it was gone and maybe Data would humour him. But if he couldn’t, he would lose something incredibly precious... And it was a gamble the chief engineer didn’t want to make.

Chapter Text

In the morning Worf felt way better than he had the day before. Zeodeh really had meant to be irritate him when he had said it would take him several days to recover from his poison. He really knew how to deal with Klingons... Time to show him just how well his plan had worked.

But before that, he had to report to the Captain regarding the envoy’s experiment. Though Worf believed it to be harmless, Picard wouldn’t like to be kept in the dark about what was happening on his ship. More than necessary at least:

“Come in.”

“Captain.”

“Ah, Mister Worf, has our guest settled in comfortably ?”

“Yes sir he has. However I think there is something you should know regarding his activity onboard sir.”

“I’m listening.”

“qaH Zeodeh is planning to collect biological informations and DNA samples of several members of the crew in the same manner that we have of him.”

“Sounds fair, do you know what he plans to do with this information ?”

“I am not entirely sure sir, most likely what we do with ours, but of course I could ask him.”

“Please do... Wait, how does he plan to collect said samples ?”

“Have you read Doctor Pulaski’s report ?”

“Yes I have but... Oh. Am I to understand the envoy is going to run around the ship kissing people ?”

“Apparently sir. Rest assured however that it will be perfectly consensual.”

“I... Well... I guess I have no ground for opposition since the crew’s private life is none of my concern and I have no reason to stop our guest’s study...” The captain’s clipped tone and tight lips however betrayed his thoughts on the matter. 

Worf thought with derision that the captain and his first officer probably would have found the Betel’s investigation less disturbing and more titillating had Zeodeh been a woman and looked more humanoid. But not all humans were put off by the envoy’s gender and amphibian appearance, as Worf quickly found out. 

...

When he got to the almost deserted deck 4 to fetch his future sparring partner, the envoy was talking to crewmen Durand and Asano. Although flirting with crewmen Durand and Asano might have been a more accurate description. He was casually brushing his clawed fingers against Asano’s golden hand while half leaned against Durand’s tall and dark frame. Both men gazes on him were heated. He was all seductive purring and warm nonchalance, the exact opposite on how he presented himself to Worf. Highly adaptive indeed... 

The chief of security cleared his throat and the three men straightened themselves. The crewmen were especially startled, a light blush blooming under Asano’s skin, but Zeodeh tried to appease them by a gentle touch on both their forearms.

“Is now a bad time ?” Worf asked the envoy.

“It depends of these gentlemen schedule. If you are free for an hour or two...

“I’m afraid we only have a few minutes left before the beginning of our shift Zeodeh.” Asano lamented.

“But we’ll be in our quarter at 1600 if the offer still stands.” Durand completed: “Now if you will excuse us. Lieutenant...” And the couple left.

“You work fast.” Worf stated.

“I work well.” Zeodeh replied with a sharp smile. “Glad to see you are still alive by the way.”

“How long have you been traveling on Klingon vessels qaH Zeodeh ? Shouldn’t you know better than to upset one ?”

“I’ve been traveling long enough to know how to get a warrior heated for a spar.” Was his predictable answer: “So, which holodeck should we use ?”

“Holodeck 2 is free at the moment.”

“Perfect, obviously we are not using weapons.”

“No, that would give me too much of an edge.” Worf deadpanned, the envoy took the joke for what it was and immediately replied:

“Says the Klingon who is minutes away from having his face intimately acquainted with the floor.”

“Big talk for such a small fish.”

Their banter was childish, but it felt so good to exchange casual threats with someone without them thinking they were in actual danger.

...

Geordi had barely slept and he had trouble focusing on even the simplest tasks of a routine check in engineering. Usually when he was in such a troubled state he would spend time with Data, but since the android was the cause of his distress he didn’t know what to do... Still, force of the habit made him ask the computer where his friend was as soon as he was on break. For some reason, the lieutenant commander was in holodeck 3. Geordi’s curiosity got the better of him and he started going toward the direction, regretting it the moment he got out of the turbolift. How would he face the android ? What would they talk about ? What...

He opened the holodeck door... Behind it was a tropical forest lush with vegetation and air full of humidity, but it was dead still and uncannily quiet... Apart from the occasional roars and grunts of Worf and Zeodeh. 

The Betel was in full battle mode, fins and spines raised, chelicerae clicking like a rattlesnake’s tail and Worf had never looked quite so imposing. They were both naked from the waist up, their muscles rippling under their sweat covered and mud stained skins. There were swallow but long slashes bleeding on Worf’s torso and bruises blooming on the envoy’s skin. The two aliens were circling each other like wild animals, teeth bared in elated smiles and pupils dilated.

They hadn’t even registered Geordi’s presence, as entranced as they were in their battle. The engineer hesitated. This felt like something he should report but they both looked like they were genuinely having fun...

He murmured a quiet “arch” under his breath. The reappearance of the door made Worf take his eyes off his adversary for a split second, and the Betel immediately seized the opportunity, launching at the Klingon warrior. Geordi only had time to see his crewmate intercept the attack before the door closed.

The human let out a breath then turned his head toward the display panel... Confirming he had accidentally walked into the wrong holodeck.

That wouldn’t do, the chief engineer couldn’t afford to be so distracted by anything, this could threaten the integrity of the ship. He had to confront his fear. Somehow.

Chapter Text

When Geordi walked into the holodeck (the right one this time he had checked three times just to be sure) Data was seating in a dingy 19th century London pub, observing the crowd intently. He wasn’t wearing the appropriate clothing but had apparently programmed the simulation to ignore it. Geordi quietly sat down next to him.

“What are you doing ?” He asked, all tension alleviated by the bizarre sight.

“A deduction exercise.” The android explained: “Ask me about any of these patrons.” Geordi looked at the crowd:

“This guy.” He said, pointing at a 30 something man playing cards. The android focused his gaze on him:

“A young lord, second or third son. Cheating on his wife with the waitress... And about to loose all his money in this poker game.”

“How do you know ?”

“The high social status is evident, although he tried to pick older and less fashionable clothes he is still dressed way better than any of the patrons here, and even if he wasn’t, his posture betrays him. He does not slouch the way the other patrons do because a good posture has been instilled into him since infancy. However he has enough freedom to spend his night gambling away, which means he is not the heir of the household. I can tell he is cheating from the mark of his alliance on his ring finger and I know it is with the waitress because he picked this specific pub out of all the ones in London he could go for a drink. Also, she is wearing a very expensive perfume she could have never afforded with her salary alone. Not to mention the brand new ribbon in her hair. Finally she has been hovering near his table and they’ve exchanged glances on several occasions.”

“And how do you know he’s going to be bled dry ?”

“Because the object of his affection has been looking at his card and touching the shoulders of the other men to let them know if he had a better or worse hand than them.”

A musical note let the android know that he was right and Geordi smiled, still impressed by his friend’s deduction skills after all this time:

“Your know you could do people watching at the Ten Forward right ?”

“I used to, but Guinan asked me to stop after I got yelled at by Officer Oulad for intruding on his private life when I wanted to confirm wether my deductions had been correct.” Geordi chuckled, that was a very Data kind of trouble to end up in.

For a few minutes, Geordi simply observed the crowd in silence as the projections went along their artificial lives until the android said:

“I did not think you would come.”

“Why not ?”

“Because I have obviously startled you yesterday.” A pang of guilt hit the chief engineer square in the chest:

“It’s not against you buddy...”

“There is no need to placate me. Humans usually do not communicate their appreciation of each other in such frontal way. It was my bad.” The guilt got worse, now his friend was convinced he had done something wrong or inappropriate when really it was all Geordi and his stupid feelings.

“That’s not exactly it Data.”

“Yet you seem distressed.”

“You’re not wrong. It’s just... I... When you said you preferred my company over others it... It felt a lot like a love confession.” The human blurted.

“Love : A strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties, for example motherly love ; an attraction based on sexual desire ; an affection and tenderness felt by lovers...”

“I meant romantic attraction, Data.”

“Romantic attraction: an emotional response, which most people experience at one point or another, that results in a desire for a romantic relationship with the recipient... Why did you think I was expressing such desire ?”

“So you weren’t huh...” Geordi’s earlier pain moved to his guts and he started to look away in a futile attempt to evade it. But Data turned around to watch him straight in the eyes:

“Geordi. I am incapable of emotions and am still learning how most of humanity works, so please, walk me though your thought process before making assumptions.”

Geordi hesitated. He really didn’t want to tell his friend what he had been thinking. It was ridiculous and surely he would find it laughable, uncomfortable or just wouldn’t understand. Either way there was no point... But he had no choice. He couldn’t go on like this.

“Ok... Well, usually, when humans say to someone they prefer their company and find them beautiful, it’s because they want to start a romantic relationship with said person.”

“And what would a romantic relationship entail exactly ?”

“That’s different for everyone but in my case it would involve spending more time with the person, having intimate conversations, exchanging gifts, kisses, touches and... Sex.”

“Ah... Now I understand.”

“That’s good buddy...” Geordi deflated.

“You wish to pursue a romantic relationship with me.” 

If he had still felt tired and distracted from his sleepless night, the chief engineer was suddenly wide awake and more alert than he had ever been:

“What ?!”

“That is why you were asking about my own view of what you consider to be romantic touches and why your heartbeat and sudation increased when I expressed my appreciation toward you. However since you were unsure of my ability to reciprocate, you started avoiding me.” Geordi gaped, dumbfounded:

“...For someone who keeps saying how little they understand humanity you are surprisingly perceptive sometimes.”

“I do not understand humans Geordi, I understand you.” Data replied calmly.

“Well congratulations, you were right: I am madly in love with you and I’d love nothing more than for us to engage in a romantic relationship. Now what ?” Geordi sneered, he was feeling very exposed while his friend didn’t seem affected by the whole thing at all.

“We engage in a romantic relationship. Obviously.” Geordi was about to pass out.

“Data, you’ve got to stop dropping bombs like that !”

“What does an explosive has to do with...”

“You haven’t even told me if you like me !” Geordi continued despite the android’s ignorance of the idiom.

“I cannot. Because I do not know if I do. We are so deeply remote in terms of biology and thought process, were I to tell you that I love you and you to take it with your human understanding of the word: there is a high chance it would be inaccurate.”

“Then why in the world do you want us to engage in a romantic relationship ?”

“Because as I said, I do prefer your company over anyone else’s. I enjoy spending time with you and talking to you, therefore why would I ever refuse to do more of it ? As for kissing we have already established that it would be an enjoyable activity for both of us.”

“What about sex ?” Geordi asked challengingly.

“I am equipped to provide complete satisfaction to my partners. Do you wish to put my my programming to test ?” Geordi’s throat was suddenly drier than a class H planet.

“Now ?”

“Why not ?” 

There were a thousand reasons: Because they had barely started to discuss their change of relationship ? Because Geordi wasn’t sure he was ready for that yet ? Because they were inside a holodeck anyone could walk into by accident the way he just had earlier ? But what Lieutenant Commander and Chief Engineer Laforge -who’s brain had apparently fried a few minutes ago- said was:

“Because I am supposed to go back to work in 20 minutes ?” To which Data, of course, replied:

“I can make you climax in three.”

“Now you’re boasting.”

“Do you wish to find out ?” Oh merciful stars he really did...

“Can... Can we kiss before we get to that ?”

“Of course.” Data stood up and Geordi followed him: “Computer, move us to the 22 B Baker Street room.”

Immediately the bar dissolved, turning into a cozy warm interior full of plush carpeting and comfy sofa and Geordi was pushed against the wall, caged between the surface of the holodeck and Data’s body.

The android was warm against him, warm and soft, yet unyielding: a wall of tenderness and care. His smell was different from that of a human yet not completely plastic, the bioplast of his skin mixed with the perfume of soap and the smell of the ship creating an aroma that was simply Data. His big pale hands held Geordi’s jaw reverently applying just the right amount of pressure to make him feel wanted. So careful, so precise, so soft for appendages that could bend metal effortlessly. Then he leaned in, his sharp nose grazing Geordi’s round one when he said:

“If at any point I make you uncomfortable, please tell me and I will stop.”

“Ok...”

“Now, may I kiss you ?”

“Yes... Please.”

The android’s artificial lips were plush and tender, and Geordi couldn’t help but push against them, feel them, taste them. Data accommodated him, opening his mouth to let his desperate and panting human partner lick and suck his tongue. His hands were holding Data’s head now, his fingers interwoven with the soft locks of his hair. The android pushed back, exploring Geordi’s mouth, caressing his tongue, stroking his palate, while spreading his legs to fit his own.

Geordi was already hard, the contact of his partner’s thigh and hip against his erection delicious torture and he couldn’t help the needy whimpers that escaped him, even though Data drank them all. Once again his android friend had been right, their shared kiss was amazing.

“Do you wish to engage in further sexual activity ?” Data asked as he was pushing himself against Geordi’s pelvis and erect member. It felt almost intentional, suggestive, like he wanted Geordi to give in and let him showcase his skills. But that was probably just the human projecting. Still, the engineer couldn’t resist:

“Yeah... But remember we’re on a schedule.”

“I had not forgotten, we still have 15 minutes and 20 seconds, and as I said, I only require 3 for you to achieve sexual gratification.”

Data may claim he was incapable of bragging, but Geordi was pretty sure that’s what he was doing now.

While kissing him, Data unzipped and took off the top half Geordi’s uniform, revealing the tight black shirt underneath it, caressing and foundling him through the thin material as his kisses went down his neck. He then moved the piece of clothing out of the way and kept kissing his brown skin, from his chest to his belly, to the waistband of his pants. The trail of peppered kisses going ever lower while Geordi’s pulse skyrocketed.

Now Data was on his knees, and Geordi felt his legs shake a little from the sheer eroticism of the scene, Data’s entire focus was on him, on opening his fly and taking out his rock hard penis out of his briefs. A life time of work and technology beyond comprehension all made to create a being completely unique... Who’s only concern at the moment was to pleasure him. Geordi felt like he was going to combust. Instead he made a high pitched keening noise from the back of his throat as Data’s soft cheek brushed his sex. The contrast between his dark skin and the android pale one was beautiful and he was looking at him, intently.

This wasn’t Data navigating complex human emotions, Geordi realized, all lost and wide eyed. This was Data when he was helming: Sharp, focused, and confident in his abilities. Not a side of the android he had expected to see in such circumstances but Geordi wasn’t complaining. It made his breath hitch.

“Do you wish to stop ?” Data asked.

“No...”

“Then may I proceed ?”

“What are you going to do ?”

“Perform a fellatio until you ejaculate. Is this satisfactory ?”

“Yeah...”

Having the authorization, Data gave Geordi’s throbbing member a few kisses while throwing glances that his lust hazed brain interpreted as heated... Then he opened his mouth and swallowed his cock to the root in one go.

One of Geordi’s hand flew to his mouth to stifle his scream, while the other helplessly tightened around Data’s head. It was too much, oh stars he could feel his penis bend into Data’s throat ! It was warm and tight and Data’s lips were flat against the curls of his pubic hair and it was just too much... But then the android withdrew... And sucked. Once, twice, three times, Geordi’s knees buckled, he was so close he already felt the pressure building in his lower belly, he should tell Data:

“I’m gonna...” He started. 

Data threw him one last unreadable look... And in one smooth motion swallowed him entirely once more and gently pressed one finger down his perineum. And that was it, Geordi couldn’t stave off his orgasm any longer. He came, hard, down Data’s throat. Who swallowed without second thoughts.

Then Data rose gracefully, perfectly unruffled -apart from the few strands of hair Geordi had grabbed earlier- and announced with a smug little smile:

“2 minutes 30 seconds.”

Incapable of bragging my ass. Geordi thought, but it was fond.

Chapter Text

Geordi’s skin was slick with sweat. His breathing faster, his heartbeat elevated, his jaw slack, and his full lips parted. His form fitting regulation undershirt was raised all the way up to his collarbone, hiding nothing of the barely defined muscles of his torso. As for his pants, they were halfway down his thighs, his softening penis on full display. His brown chest was rising up and down with each breath and his legs and pelvis were still twitching from the stimulation.

“If a crewmate saw you at the present, there would be absolutely no doubt as to the kind of activities we were just engaged in.” Data commented.

“Are you saying I look wrecked ?”

“Wrecked ? Broken ? Were you hurt ?”

“No Data, I meant disheveled and satisfied.”

“Ah, then yes you do look wrecked.” Geordi giggled, a soft sound.

Human emotions and relationships might be complicated, but sex ? Sex was simple. It was only a matter of stimulating the right nerve endings in the right way. Action and reaction. 

Not everyone was built the same, reacted the same way or liked the same things, but you could ask and they could answer... That was where it got more difficult for the android. Because apparently there were specific ways to ask for such things (as he had learned during his experience with Lieutenant Yar) and he didn’t know how to properly emulate those. But Data had theorized that if Geordi wanted to enter a romantic relationship with him, it meant he didn’t mind his way of talking. He had been right, if his partner’s satisfied expression and relaxed muscles were any indication.

Unfortunately the posts coitus endorphin release didn’t last:

“What about you ?” Geordi asked.

“I am afraid that, with only 11 minutes left until the end of our break, there is no time to engage in further sexual activities. However nothing prevents us from meeting again at the end of our shift.”

“Ok then... Let’s... Let’s do that.”

“You seem uncomfortable.” The android noted.

“I’m just shy Data, a few minutes ago we were platonic friends and now we’ve just fucked and... Did you really mean it earlier ? You want to try and go out with me ?”

“Go out ? In a shuttle ? Why ever...?”

“No you guff ! I mean engage in a romantic relationship, with me.”

“Oh, then yes, I do want to. Very much.”

Geordi’s smile was the brightest Data had ever seen on him, even though he was attempting to hide it with his hand for some unknown reason.

...

As they exited the holodeck, both fully clothed and Data’s hair rearranged, another pair emerged from the neighbouring room: Worf and Zeodeh.

Worf’s uniform looked crisp, but he had huge hand shaped bruises on the side of his neck that the low collar of his regulation jacket didn’t hide the slightest. As for Zeodeh, he was wearing his toga differently to hide most of his battered body but his hanging left arm was obviously broken. They also looked both very satisfied and very embarrassed.

“I propose we pretend never to have seen each other.” Worf suggested.

“Works for me but I’m afraid you’re still gonna have to go to sick bay and Pulaski is definitely going to ask some questions.”

“And I’ll give her some non-threatening answers.” Zeodeh replied: “Now, which way to sick bay ?”

“It’s... You know what ? I’ll take you there, it’s on my way.” Geordi offered.

As the human and the Betel went their way, Worf and Data took the turbolift to the bridge they were both awaited on. Once there was no chance they could be heard by a passerby Data asked:

“Was this another Klingon and Betel tradition ?”

“Merely a spar.” Worf replied: “We just got a little... Carried away.”

“So it would seem, it looks like you were in an actual fight.”

“Had this been a fight, one of us would be dead.” The warrior replied, his already deep voice deepening one note lower, indicating grimness.

“And who would that be ?”

“Me, I believe. Betels’ reputation when it comes to combat was not usurped.” Data frowned, he hadn’t known that was part of the aliens’ notoriety:

“Computer, stop the lift.” The android ordered. To Worf’s raised eyebrow he explained: “We still have three minutes before we are due on the bridge, and the lift offers a privacy that is difficult to find elsewhere. But I digress: I believe it would be wise for you to make a report about what the legends you have been raised with entail. It would be valuable information to understand the Betels ourselves, but also to get a better grasp of the relationships between your two races.” Data suggested. Worf nodded:

“I shall.”

“Also, I note that despite your loss, you display all signs of satisfaction. I thought loosing without dying was considered a disgrace for Klingons.”

“In battle yes. But as I said this was a spar, there is no shame in losing against a formidable opponent. It is an opportunity to learn and improve. I have learned a lot and it was well... Fun.” Data considered Worf’s answer.

“Do you intend to spar again ?”

“As much as I’d like to, we probably won’t. It would be impossible to hide.”

“You could always ask the captain.”

“He would refuse because of the risk of injury.”

“Sensible. Computer, restart the turbolift.”

“What were you doing by the way ?” The chief of security asked.

“Geordi and I ? Enjoying the rowdy atmosphere of a 19th century Londonian pub.” Worf stared at Data for a long 5 seconds:

“I had always wondered if you were capable of lying, I guess I have my answer. Not only can you lie but you are fairly decent at it.” The Klingon observed.

“Lying by omission is not especially difficult, I simply did not understand the reasoning behind it until now. But the necessity of maintaining my partner’s privacy has made me revise my judgement.” Worf snorted.

“Partner, huh ? Congratulation.”

“Thank you. However I would like you to keep in mind that, since we never met at the holodecks, this conversation could not occur either.”

“Of course.” The alien replied just as the door opened.

Deanna took one look at Worf’s neck and rose from her seat to position herself between the Klingon and the captain’s eyes: “Worf ! Good thing you are here. I wanted to talk to you to better establish a profile on the Betels, could you come to my office ?”

Chapter Text

Deanna Troi was a patient woman. It was necessary when you were counsellor on a ship for as long as she had been and could feel people’s emotions. But this whole situation was testing her limits.

She felt like she was watching the characters of an holovid struggle with miscommunication while she new what was going on. Sometimes it was hilarious, most of the time it was extremely frustrating. Thankfully, unlike an audience helplessly screaming at fictional characters, she could grab the crew members of the Enterprise by the shoulders and shake them. Metaphorically, of course.

And this time, it was Worf’s metaphorical shoulders she was having the displeasure of shaking, for the Klingon was difficult to work with at the best of times.

Unfortunately there were only so many things she could overlook in the name of diplomacy and respect of both Betel and Klingon culture. The shared excitement and intent she had felt when Worf and Zeodeh had met, fine, no problem. The rising tension and secrecy in Worf as he had started to make himself very small in order for the Captain not to notice his blatant interest in the Betel envoy, sure, she could pretend not to feel that as well. Could even turn a blind eye on Geordi’s amusement... Then there had been the fever. And yes, Worf had been radiating satisfaction, but he also had been in physical pain. The final blow, however, had been when the chief of security had shown up on the bridge with two whole handprints on each side of his neck. Deanna had pretty much dragged him to her office by the ear.

“I believe I have been more than patient with you Lieutenant Worf, so you are going to tell me what is happening here.” She said sternly once they were out of prying hears.

“Maybe I really should consider transferring to a Klingon ship...” Worf muttered.

“You won’t have that option if the Captain finds out you and the Betel envoy have been hurting each other. So, what is going on ?”

“I am about to write a complete and detailed report of everything I know about the Betels and their relationships with Klingons. I am sure it will provide you with most of the answers you seek.” Worf assured her, trying to evade her questioning.

“Great, my own report regarding your interactions with mister Zeodeh will be the perfect addition to it.” Worf let out a long sight before finally talking, realizing he couldn’t escape the counsellor forever.

“First, qaH Zeodeh and I exchanged customary greetings between our two races in the form of an injection of a non-lethal dose of Betel poison.”

“Yesterday, hence the fever.”

“Yes. Then we sparred, as is also customary... And partly out of self interest as the Betel warriors skills are well known among my kind.”

“Today’s bruises. How is the envoy ?” Embarrassment and pride flared in the Klingon.

“I believe he is in sickbay at the moment... For the treatment of a broken arm.”

“You broke one of the Betel envoy’s arm ?!” Deanna exclaimed incapable of hiding her shock.

“And he still managed to strangle me until I passed out with the other, your point ?” Deanna’s concern immediately moved from the Envoy to Worf:

“You passed out ?! Worf you need to go to med bay !”

“I assure you counsellor Troi, I am perfectly fine.”

“And you kept all that from the Captain because ?”

“For the same reason you don’t communicate telepathically with anyone on board.”

Deanna deflated at that, understanding dawning on her. So that was the problem. The unease that came out of being one of the very few aliens on board. It wasn’t a topic that came up often between them. First because Worf didn’t like to talk about pesky things like feelings -not that he didn’t experience them, he just brooded over them in solitude and silence. Second because Deanna didn’t actually talk about her feelings on the matter either. 

Funny wasn’t it ? The ship’s counsellor being out of touch with her own emotions, not acknowledging them except on very rare occasions. But who would she confide to anyway ? If she wanted to talk about work or love related troubles she had plenty of confidents, but cultural differences ? Humans discomfort in her presence ? Who would understand ? Well, Worf did.

“Do you feel comfortable on the Enterprise ?” She asked.

“Do you ?”

Deanna thought about it. Really thought about it in a way she rarely allowed herself to:

“...Humans are sensitive and strange.” She said at last: “Many are narrow minded at times and most of their shared values do not align with the ones I was raised with on Bethazed. But I think it is a chance to be able to travel with them and see the universe through a different lens. And human beings aren’t only their flaws, they are also curious, intrigued by my culture and willing to learn...”

“Because your values and culture are considered refined, while mine are seen as barbaric.” Worf interrupted her.

Irritation was pouring out of him in waves. There was even an undercurrent of something a Klingon warrior would never admit feeling: Shame. But it was easy to be proud surrounded by your own, not so much when you were alone among people who found you both strange and terrifying. Except Worf wasn’t alone...

“They find my culture refined until our views and traditions stray too far from theirs and suddenly Klingon and Bethazoid are all the same in their book.” 

Worf looked at Deanna. Looked at that soft, pale and harmless creature. Never in his life would he have expected to feel kinship with her and yet here he was. Here they were. Two aliens among humans, raised by them yet also carrying the history of their people, though because of different circumstances. 

Ever since the Klingon had been taken in by his human family he had felt seen very few times, and since he was on the Enterprise even less. 

There had been Natasha Yar, the former Chief of Security. She had been one of the strongest human warriors the Klingon had ever met and she hadn’t been scared of him, because she knew they were siblings in arms and there was holiness in such bond. But she had died a warrior’s death.

Sometimes Data was surprisingly understanding, most likely because despite having been created by one he didn’t exactly understand how humans functioned. Therefore he could relate to Worf’s occasional loneliness.

And now there was Deanna Troi, who apparently knew exactly the kind of ordeal Worf was going through, and not only because of her telepathic abilities. Deanna Troi who saw him for who he was.

There was a long meaningful pause at the end of which Worf sighed loudly: 

“Lieutenant Commander Data believes the way I feel could be detrimental to our crew.” The counsellor nodded:

“I agree, it could be. But most importantly if any of us feels unsafe or uncomfortable on board it means there is something wrong with the way the ship is managed. Also, in this specific context we have to take diplomacy into account. If the Betels considers that we are not accommodating enough with you, their ally, and the reason they engaged with us in the first place, they might back track. And it would be understandable since they navigate on other races’ vessels. They may be adaptable, but as we’ve witnessed first hand, they also have their own ways.”

“So what do you think I should do ?”

“For now ? Write your report. I will talk to the Captain. Then you can make an official demand for a spar.” Worf just looked at her in utter surprise before relaxing, gratefulness and relief reaching Deanna before he said:

“Thank you.”

“We’re not done though, we need to hide those.” She said pointing in the generals direction of the bruises around Worf’s neck: “Let me introduce you to the joys of makeup. Computer, materialize a concealer’s shade adapted to Worf’s skin tone.”

Worf rolled his eyes but didn’t protest, aware that the humiliation of having to hide the marks he had earned in a fair fight was a necessary evil. He sat straight on the office’s chair and presented his throat for Deanna to work on. Trusting her expertise.

“We go through a lot in order to fit in don’t we ?” Deanna said, words spilling out of her mouth as she made the bruises disappear: “We reshape ourselves, our history, our identity, sometimes even our individuality into something we can show, something they will understand and accept.” When Worf replied, his voice made the tip of her fingers on his neck vibrate:

“And then, they see that creation and claim to know you and your kind better than yourself.”

“That one was for Will wasn’t it ?”

“Whatever made you think so.” The Klingon deadpanned. Deanna smiled. To think some people thought Worf was humourless. 

“Then why stay ?” She asked.

“...Riker may handle my Klingon heritage poorly but I respect him as a warrior. On the battlefield we both have complete trust in each other. As for the The Captain, he may not understand parts of my culture but he respects my input and expertise when it comes to security. And then there is Lt. Commanders Data and Laforge, ensign Crusher and you... You care.”

Just like my human parents, you may not always understand me, but you care. Worf thought. And he cared right back. Enough to accompany them on their journey. To give the soft squishy crewmates he had come to consider his friends, his family, a fighting chance against the formidable foes that awaited them. Enough to want to die by their side in battle. 

Deanna kept working in silence, surrounded by the warm blanket-like feeling of Worf’s fondness for the crew.

Chapter Text

Since not much was asked of him on the bridge, Data wrote his report to Counsellor Troi regarding the envoy’s difficulty of completing his mission. Then, he started researching “romantic relationships” extensively. 

Geordi had given him a clear and concise definition of what the term entailed for him, but surely he must have possessed preconceived notions that the android should be aware of in order to satisfy him.

He faced his first hurdle immediately when he saw that often saying “I love you” to your partner was apparently a prerequisite for a successful romantic relationship. But how could Data say such thing when whenever he searched for a definition of the word it always came back to “feelings” and “emotions” things that he, supposedly, did not experience ?

He could ask around, but the problem was that all the people he could interview to get a better understanding of the word were well... Organic. They did not experience the world the way he did and their answers would probably be no more useful than the ones he could find online.

Maybe there were other things the android could do to ensure their romantic relationship was satisfying for Geordi ? 

According to his research, physical intimacy was important. This he could do easily. Already had, successfully. 

He now understood better the value such gestures held for his partner. Especially when he compared his experience of being kissed by Zeodeh to being kissed by Geordi. Zeodeh, though careful, had been analytical, focused on the results of his study... Geordi had just been hungry. Hungry for touch, trembling with desire, desperate for contact. His temperature had been 0.5 degree higher than usual, his heartbeat 37% faster. The grip on the android’s hair had been strong yet shaky. 

He had wanted Data, desperately, and Data had provided. 

It was so easy in a way. No different from playing the violin for his friend. 

Strange how parts of a concept as deeply human as love could, in the end, be reduced to such simple interactions: Being asked and giving, action and reaction.

Data kept going down his list. Next was showing appreciation. This, again, looked easy enough. Geordi was an excellent Starfleet officer: he was outstanding in his field, worked well under pressure, was unanimously liked by the lower ranks for his encouraging attitude, and as a human he was caring, gentle, funny, and accepting... If he needed to hear all that from Data’s mouth from time to time the android would be happy to oblige and remind him just how amazing he was. 

A memory. Geordi had done the same for Data on several occasions, highlighting his successes and praising him. The android had not seen the point at the time but it made sense now. It was just another way for humans to express affection toward another.

Next came talking. This had also been on Geordi’s list but the android didn’t quite understand why. Didn’t they talk a lot already ? They would spend between 30 minutes and 4 hours conversing each day with a median of 1.8 hours (They interacted 60% more than Data did with any other crewmate). Should that amount increase ? And if so, how much ? Also what would they talk about ? Data noted to ask his now partner and to prepare a list of possible topics.

The next point offered some clarifications as to what exactly they should talk about: “Share yourself”, it said. Again, easy enough, they already talked about their desires, aspirations, likes and dislikes... At least Data did. Were there things Geordi was keeping from him ? Things too intimate to be shared with his best friend but that a lover would have access to ? Like a higher security clearance ? The android found the possibility of knowing Geordi more -even though he already knew him so well- alluring.

He kept going down his list... By the time Data had been through the entirety of it, his shift was over. The android sprang from his seat the second it ended and hurriedly went to his quarters in order to take a shower. He had been looking forward to seeing his partner all afternoon and wouldn’t waste a second more than necessary.

...

When he got there, Geordi was sitting on his chair, straight and on the edge of his seat, in a way that seemed very uncomfortable for a human being. He also had two glasses of wine set:

“Before we, hum, go any further, I’d like to talk about it a bit more. I feel like what happened in the holodeck was a bit... Hum... Rushed.”

“What do you wish to discuss ?” Data asked as he sat down, taking his glass in one hand and brushing his other against Geordi’s. Whatever the chief engineer was about to say died in his throat when their skins made contact. Instead, he went rigid for three seconds then slowly relaxed into the touch:

“Aren’t you a little too good at this ?”

“I fail to see how one can possibly be too good at anything.”

“Right.” Geordi’s tone did not match his words.

“I was under the impression you wanted me to touch you. Was I mistaken ?”

“No, of course not... I want us to touch each other, very much, it’s just... A lot to process.” Geordi sighed. Data’s head leaned a few degrees to the left:

“Why ?”

“Well... Think of it as a warp engine. It’s going to take a minute for it to go from dead cold to warp 9. This is my minute. We were friends, platonic, and I had accepted that, even though I had recently started to consider the possibly of something different. And suddenly, we are lovers and there is mind blowing sex and you gently take my hand and... It doesn’t feel quite... Real yet.”

“Your temperature is of 37.1 degree Celsius, and your heart is beating 10% faster than normal. Since I can only collect this type of information via physical contact, I must conclude that, according to my sensors, we both are very real.” Geordi smiled, bashful: “The sight of your smile brings me satisfaction.” Data added, remembering what he had just read about complimenting your lover: “So does the fact that I am the source of it. I find satisfaction in making you happy. I have found myself dedicating more and more processing to this specific endeavour, even before we changed the status of our relationship.” Geordi’s smiled faltered slightly:

“Is that why you agreed to go out with me ? To make me happy ?” Data considered his reply.

“Partially. I am intrigued by the possibilities of a romantic relationship with you, moreover I like being with you.”

“Sounds a lot like love to me.” Geordi commented while sipping on his glass, previous worry vanished.

“Then maybe it is.”

“I’m sure someone would find our relationship a fascinating experiment on wether androids can love, and if so, how...” The chief engineer said, grimacing, no doubt remembering one of Riker’s tasteless comments or Pulaski’s certainty regarding Data’s abilities as a whole.

“It is an experiment I will be happy to conduct with you.” The android replied. Geordi hid his face in his glass before muttering:

“I’m gonna be honest here: you’re so smooth it’s a little intimidating.”

“Smooth ? It is true that I do not have body hair but...” Geordi’s shoulders relaxed:

“And here is the Data I know. I’m guessing you did some research on romantic relationships before coming here and that’s why you are suddenly so good at flirting ?”

“Yes... Was that unwelcome ?”

“No. Actually it’s kinda hot. Sometimes I just forget how good you are at adapting since I mostly see your dorky side.” The engineer teased with a grin. That was uncalled for, Data thought. Sure Geordi had been his test subject for several of his failed attempts at humour, but he had also seen the full extent of his abilities in several fields. “But I won’t underestimate you again.” The human promised: “Now, if I remember well we were supposed to continue what we started earlier.”

“Indeed.”

Chapter Text

Geordi’s heart was beating rabbit fast as they were approaching his bed. So this was happening huh ? For some reason Geordi had been convinced it would turn out to be a misunderstanding or Data would change his mind, or someone would find find out or something would happen that would prevent them from sleeping together. Because there was no way it could be this easy. Nothing was ever this easy.

Yet here they were.

“Can I take your clothes off ?” The human gingerly asked.

“Of course.”

Geordi got a little closer then rounded Data to unzip the top half of his uniform, revealing the shirt underneath and the beauty of his back: the thick myomer muscles visible through shimmering synthetic skin. He then got rid of the undershirt too, leaving the android half naked. Geordi rounded him again as his hands strayed, starting with Data’s face, caressing his lean jaw and the curve of his neck, then he took a handful of his chest, applying a bit of pressure, juste to feel pushback of synthetic muscles and skin.

“Do you feel anything when I touch you ?” He asked.

“I feel your hands on my body. The warmth, the pressure, I also feel your pulse...”

“But is it pleasurable ?”

“... I think so. I appreciate that it is you touching me.”

“Can I ?”

“Yes... Please.”

Geordi pushed his lover gently so that he would sit on the bed, kneeled, then opened the fly of the black straight uniform pants and slid them along the lean legs of his partner at the same time as his briefs: revealing Data in all his naked glory.

“You’re beautiful...” He whispered, slightly breathless already.

“Thank you.”

Geordi caressed the naked offered body some more, following the precise chiseling of his abs, the dip of his navel, until his hands reached his smooth, fully hard, light gold cock. Geordi’s deft fingers lightly ran along its length before holding it loosely and pumping. Data’s grip on the sheets became tighter and a small moan escaped him as his fans kicked.

“Does that feel good ?”

“Yes. This specific area of my body is lined with dedicated receptors. When you touch me it is... Quite pleasurable.”

Geordi kept going, his loose grip becoming slightly tighter as he slid one of his hands up and down Data’s shaft while the other was holding his thigh. His lover bright eyes were focused on him, but sometimes the registration of an intense sensory input would make his gaze shift in one direction or the other. His body was also twitching minutely as if he were receiving minor electric shocks. But dry human skin against dry android skin couldn’t stay pleasant for long so Geordi let go of his partner’s sex and presented his hand to his face.

“Lick my palm.” He instructed, his voice a little firm but warm. Data may be knowledgeable and skilled, but the human was the one calling the shots for now, the one bringing his lover ever closer to the edge, drinking the sight of him slowly loosing control. Data didn’t ask any question, didn’t even tilt his head, he simply did as instructed, running his tongue along the hand of his lover. A sinful little thrill ran through Geordi, both at the erotic sight of Data licking him and at the complete submission, the blind trust.

Now a bit more lubricated, the slide of Geordi’s hand against Data’s skin was easier, smoother, and the sensations were therefore more intense. Data was blinking faster and faster, his jaw was slackened and his fans whirring so fast Geordi could actually hear them. But before the input could overwhelm his partner, Geordi stopped. Data blinked several times, looking a little lost, then tilted his head:

“I was very close to triggering my orgasm. Why stop ?”

“I can keep going but... I had something else in mind if you are interested?”

“I am.”

“Then let me get rid of my clothes first.”

Data was a little agitated, his sexual program was on hold for now but it was still running and with it activated yet not used the android didn’t quite know what to do with himself. So he looked at Geordi as he was undressing, the deep copper brown of his skin, the sinuous lines of his torso and hips, the upward curve of his erect sex...

“You’re staring.” Geordi noted.

“I had never quite understood why humans found nudity so arousing, but I believe I do now. I know that you are undressing in preparation of intercourse and therefore seeing you naked makes me... Impatient.”

Geordi made a series of noises that were probably words but were too distorted to be decipherable.

“Pardon ?”

“I’m excited too, Data.” The engineer summarized: “Now, do you want to top or bottom ? Wait, can you bottom ?”

“I do not understand the question.”

“Do you want to penetrate me or be penetrated by me, and is the later even possible ?”

“I am fully equipped for both and have no preference.”

“Then... Could you top ? There is lube in the drawer.”

“With pleasure.”

Data maneuvered his lover’s body to have him lie on the bed, on his belly. Doing so rewarded him with the sight of the expense of his back and the round mounds of his behind. The android crawled on top of him to reach both the bottle of lube and his ear:

“I will be gentle.” He assured Geordi, then added just in case: “If you want me to be, that is.” He hadn’t meant for it to be arousing but the full body shudder that ran through his human partner informed him that it had been.

“That was very hot but please play nice, it’s been a while.”

“Of course.” 

To emphasize his point Data kissed Geordi’s nape, then his back, following his spine until he reached the end of it. The lower he got, the faster his partner’s heart would beat: 

“Would it please you if I performed an anilingus ?” Geordi’s chuckle made the plump muscles of his buttocks twitch in his hand:

“I don’t think I have ever heard it put that way but yeah, I’d like that.”

Data started by massaging his lover’s behind, he enjoyed the softness, the elasticity and the slight resistance of the flesh. It made Geordi groan in delight even as he spread the warm cheeks to take a long look at his entrance. Data’s eagerness to complete his sex program increased. Geordi’s hole was tight, no doubt as warm as the rest of him, and the android could already make a precise projection of the pressure his sensors would experience when he penetrated him and the pleasure that it would bring him. Especially as his lover would get closer to completion and the pressure would increase. But first...

He put his mouth on him, gentle soft kisses that made the puckered entrance twitch, then broad wet streak, until he could slide his tongue in the lubricated and ever loosening hole.

At some point, Geordi had taken off his visor to better burry his feverish head into the fluffy and fresh fabric of his pillow which he was now biting desperately. It was the only thing grounding him as Data ate him up like a starving man. The sensations were intense and inescapable. He had some room to struggle, to move his hips, but every twitch would make Data push his tongue deeper into him or his dick rub against the fabric of the sheets. The jolts of pleasure just spurred Data onward: To lick more, faster, deeper, to lap him from the back of his balls to the top of his cleft, to penetrate him with his tongue and lick him inside.

“Data, stop...” Geordi whined, breathless and high-pitched. The maddening contact immediately stopped.

“Was it unpleasant?”

“No, it’s incredible, but I don’t want to come just yet.”

“Of course.”

“I... I’d like to see you.”

Data turned his lover around and retrieved his visor. But just as he was about to hand it over to him, the android gave his partner’s naked face a glance: Observing the light bluish tone of his unseeing pupils and the slightly droopy lines of his eyes the visor usually hid.

“Something tells me you’re staring again.” Geordi said, his smile changing his features in a way that was familiar yet so very different from what the android usually saw:

“Yes, I am. I have rarely had the opportunity to see you without your visor.”

“Feels intimate doesn’t it ? I always feel a bit vulnerable without it, knowing that people are looking at me but I cannot look back.”

“Apologies.” Data said, moving to put the visor back in place, but Geordi stopped him:

“No, it’s fine. I don’t mind being vulnerable in front of you. It is mortifying ‘cause I care about what you think of me but I also trust you.” Data bent down and kissed his lover again, a slow deep kiss that he hoped conveyed acknowledgement. By the end of it his human lover was breathless: “Now can I have my visor back ‘cause I really want to see your face when you fuck me.”

Data smiled, clicked the visor in place and then hooked one of Geordi’s leg on his shoulder before using both his hand to lubricate his fingers with the provided lube. The first finger slid in easily. Geordi’s body was yielding, the lubricated entrance offering no resistance as he pushed the appendage inside and explored it. Then a second joined in and Geordi tensed a little despite his partner’s care:

“It’s... It’s been a while.”

“We are in no hurry.”

Data took his time, carefully waiting for his partners jaw to unclench, for his tense legs to relax before adding another finger and moving them in different ways: Slow swallow penetration, gentle scissoring motion, deeper but careful search. Occasionally brushing or stroking his prostate but never lingering as his lover was apparently looking forward a penetration and so was he.

Geordi panted as his partner’s kept preparing him in that precise and efficient Data way. By now the motion of his fingers was smooth inside him, and the stimulation was making his toes curl and little whines escape him:

“I believe you are sufficiently prepared. Do you wish me to penetrate you now ?”

“Getting impatient?”

“Yes. But I can keep preparing you of course. As a matter of fact I can do so for hours.”

“Ok, ok, point made !”

Data’s hard length slid inside Geordi’s body in one slow but fluid motion, opening him up with barely any resistance after such careful preparations and the desperate need the human was feeling. Data’s eyelids fluttered and his lips parted, his sweet moans making little shivers of excitement and pride run down Geordi’s spine at his partner obvious pleasure. The first few thrusts were slow, swallow, but soon the rhythm picked up, became faster, harder... But never painful. Just enough for Geordi to feel held, taken, used yet cared for. The friction was driving him mad, Data perpetually aligning his thrusts and movements to his reactions, to his groans and sharp intake of breath, to find the best position and then hold it, keep going, hitting his prostate dead on every. Single. Time. Geordi’s moans were becoming louder, he couldn’t help himself.

Through it all, his android lover was looking at him, eyes half lidded, holding his hips with one hand and the leg hooked over his shoulder with the other, seemingly perfectly in control. But Geordi knew better. The grip on his thigh was getting tighter and his lover’s head was half buried in it in an attempt to cool his overheating brain. He could hear his fans were now running at full speed. The act couldn’t possibly be that demanding physically for the android, and it wasn’t, it was just that good.

Geordi was getting closer and closer himself and yet couldn’t quite reach his orgasm, he just needed a push...

“Data... Touch me.” He half begged half cried he was so far gone.

And Data provided, one of his deliciously big and skilled hands taking him in an oh-so-tight grip and stroking. Geordi came, hard, pleasure raking through him, shaking him to his very core... 

And tightening around Data’s length, the pressure and movement on his receptors overwhelming his positronic brain until the only thing he could think about was triggering his own orgasm. Release was absolute bliss. The pleasure impulse running through his system in sharp yet marvellous shocks of pure delight before slowly loosing in intensity, only leaving little sparks behind. 

They stayed in place for a few seconds, Geordi catching his breath and Data letting his fans cool down, cheek against his lover’s pleasantly soft thigh. He was still inside him, feeling the tightness, the heat. 

There was temptation there. Data did not possess a refractory period after all, he could go until his system overheated. But his fragile human lover needed time to rest so he slid out of him, making Geordi hiss, most likely from overstimulation. He then grabbed a handful of tissues and wiped his belly clean. They would take a shower. Later. For now he was contempt lying next to his loose-limbed partner.

“Was it satisfactory?” He asked. Geordi laughed:

“Satisfactory ? Data it was amazing !”

“I aim to please.” The android replied with a little smile.

“What about you ? Did you, hum... Have a good time ?”

“I very much enjoyed feeling you. So much so I would like to do it again. Frequently.” Geordi giggled:

“Easy tiger, how about a kiss for now huh ?”

“A kiss would be satisfactory.”

Chapter Text

Geordi was abruptly awaken by an incoming call from Picard:

“Mister Laforge, would you mind checking holodeck 2 for potential dysfunction before someone else uses it ? I have been informed by Doctor Pulaski that our guest has broken his arm during a training program. He insists he is the one at fault but it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve had a holodeck malfunction...”

“On it Captain.” Geordi replied before hanging up and groaning loudly: “I’ll tell her a non threatening lie my ass, Zeodeh’s just not the one who’s gonna have to deal with it.”

It was 0700, his body was still a little sore after last night, and he was not looking forward spending the whole morning searching for a non existent bug in the holodeck’s programming. So yeah, Geordi was grumpy. But then Data chimed:

“Good morning Geordi.” And the sound of his voice sweetened the engineer immediately.

“‘Morning Data.” He replied before his lips were taken in a gentle morning kiss.

“Should I keep calling you Geordi when we are alone ?” His partner asked once he had kissed any remaining sourness and annoyance out of him: “As I recall, human lovers quite enjoy calling each other terms of endearment.” Geordi felt his face heat up at the idea:

“I’m fine with our names, we can move to pet names later, if it feels natural.”

“I will follow your lead then.”

...

As soon as the captain had made his call to Geordi regarding the holodeck issue, a clever lie on Zeodeh’s part, Deanna asked:

“So, what do you think ?”

“It has definitely been enlightening...” Picard replied. He had just just finished reading Worf’s report regarding Betels and their relationship to Klingons when he had been interrupted by Pulaski: “I see how a race bearing such renowned warriors would earn the Klingons’ respect.”

“On that note Captain, I believe it would be wise to let Commander Worf and Mister Zeodeh spar.” William, who was also in the room, intervened:

“Captain, I am not so sure about that, I have more than once trained with Worf and I’m afraid his idea of a spar might turn bloody.” 

Deanna loved Will very much, but sometimes she really wanted to slap him. She was pretty sure this, right there, was the exact reason Worf had been so secretive:

“I think Mister Zeodeh is well aware of the risks. He has been traveling aboard a Klingon vessel after all, and so have many members of his race. Moreover he has been showing a blatant interest in Lieutenant Worf that the later has yet to reciprocate despite how much he wishes to. It would definitely ease some tensions on board if they could spar.”

“I hear you Counsellor, but I tend to agree with Number One here. I don’t want either of them needlessly injured.”

“Even if it could put this entire diplomatic mission in jeopardy ?” Deanna asked raising an eyebrow and tightening her lips in a way she knew emphasized her point.

“What do you mean ?”

“Zeodeh is here thanks to Worf. Because he believes that humans are good at accommodating different alien races aboard their ships. Are you sure you want to prove him wrong ?”

“Surely their must be another way to prove that !” William objected.

“One that doesn’t offend your sensibility ?” The First Officer’s jaw snapped shut. “Commander Worf is well aware of the importance of the Betel’s alliance. Let him play his part in building it.” Picard sighed:

“If he wishes to do so he can come and ask me in person.”

“Thank you, I will let him know.”

William joined Deanna in the turbo lift, his frustration making the Bethazoid’s temple vibrate. As much as Deanna knew this conversation would happen she was not looking forward to it :

“Have I done something to upset you ?” The First Officer asked.

“Don’t make our earlier conversation about personal feelings. It was in the interest of this mission and future relationships between crew members.”

“I don’t know, you sounded pretty pissed back there...”

“Will.” She interrupted him: “As much as you love Klingon culture, don’t forget you don’t know as much of it as you think.”

“Deanna” The human replied somewhat childishly: “I know Worf. We’ve talked extensively about his culture and I’ve even been on a Klingon ship.”

“And Worf is a Klingon, while Zeodeh has been living with them his whole life. It is good to care about and take interest in your friend’s culture... But stay humble.” 

William sighed. He was still clearly frustrated but also ashamed. He definitely didn’t like what he had heard from Deanna. There was a short silence during which annoyance kept pouring out of him, but the Bethazoid counsellor didn’t comment on it, letting him deal with his feelings. Many humans she had met in her life would have, in similar circumstances, dismissed what she had told them because of how it portrayed them. But for all his flaws, William Riker had one very important quality that he always acted upon: Willingness to improve as a person. So, as she knew he would, when he spoke again he said.

“I’ve been insensitive. Got it. I won’t lie, I still don’t exactly grasp how. But I don’t want anyone to feel uneasy because of my behaviour.”

“We will have a dedicated session, if you want.”

“Yes please. I will reflect on it in the meantime. But why exactly are you telling me this now and not... I don’t know... Earlier, instead of snapping at me in front of the captain ?”

“Because earlier I had no idea how much of an issue it was.” Curiosity pinged in the First Officer’s mind but he kept his question for himself. What he said instead was:

“Do you really think my behaviour alone has endangered this whole diplomatic mission ?” Deanna couldn’t help but huff. If only...

“Don’t worry about that, the captain’s been just as bad.”

“I’m guessing he will have his own dedicated session.”

“Yes he will...”

...

Worf was elated, Counsellor Troi’s plan had been a success. When he had asked the captain for the opportunity to spar with the envoy he had not only said yes but insisted that the demand be official. Which meant that captain Picard, first officer Riker (who was looking a little apologetic), counsellor Troi and him were now fetching the envoy... He should have expected what happened next.

Zeodeh was in his quarters... He was also shirtless and wearing Starfleet regulation trousers that were a little too wide and way too short for his long legs. Not to mention the numerous scratches and bite marks he was sporting... None of which had been inflicted during their previous spar. 

Captain Picard’s eyebrows rose to what used to be his hairline, and unlike Deanna he had yet to pick on the presence of the four people who were longing in the envoy’s quarters just out of sight. They were all languid and blissed out apart from one who was full of nervous energy.

“Captain Picard, to what do I owe the pleasure ?” The Betel envoy asked, perfectly relaxed despite his half nakedness.

“I believe our...”

“Zeodeh ! Where are my pants ! I have to be in engineering in 10 minutes !” A shrill voice exclaimed.

“Huh... I’m sort of using them right now ?”

“Are you serious ?!”

“Just replicate another pair it will be faster.” A deeper masculine voice suggested.

“Here, hairband, catch !” Another woman’s voice said. 

A few seconds of shocked silence later Ensign Brown emerged from the room, dressed appropriately but visibly flushed and her hair hastily tied up. She was about to kiss Zeodeh goodbye but stopped mid-motion when she saw who was in front of the door.

“Ca...Ca... Captain... Commander... Lieutenant... Counsellor...” She stuttered blushing so much she could have been used as warning lights for the ship.

“You’re going to be late for your shift, Ensign.” Deanna gently reminded her, taking her out of her frozen state.

“Yes... I have to go hum... Captain, Commanders, Lieutenant, Counsellor.” She saluted before scampering with a light jog. Zeodeh looked a little taken aback by the rapidity of her departure:

“Are we still meeting for that dance class at 1800 ?” He called after her. She replied with a thumb up, not even sparing time to glance back. “What does that mean ?” The Betel asked the dumbfounded little group.

“It means yes.” Worf helpfully supplied. Unfazed by the envoy’s predictable popularity, he then made his demand: “qaH Zeodeh, on behalf of the Enterprise Crew and in the respect of our respective traditions, I would like to invite you to spar with me.”

“It would be my greatest pleasure and honour to engage in a spar with you Lieutenant Worf.” The Envoy replied without missing a beat.

How proper... Worf thought, but he knew just how fast the mask of decency would fade the second they were alone in the holodeck. How it would reveal something wild, fluid and deadly, an ancient predator from whom victory had to be wrested. He couldn’t wait.

“When would be amenable ?” The warrior asked. The envoy threw a glance backward, toward his little cohort of lovers/test subjects.

“I have yet to eat, how about in an hour ?”

“Of course. Replenish your energy I expect you will need it.” That earned him a sharp smile full of promises that made him shiver:

“I shall.”

Chapter Text

Irritation was plainly visible on the captain’s face, so much so Deanna didn’t need her abilities to know what he thought of the situation. They were now gathered in the conference room, along with Data who had joined at some point, and Geordi who had finished looking for a non existent bug in the holodeck programming. The head engineer was emitting an interesting array of emotions in Data’s presence but it was obscured by the captain’s loud annoyance.

“I thought the Betel envoy was conducting scans on the ship, not orgies !” Geordi and Doctor Pulaski both frowned so William put them up to date:

“We just came back from the envoy’s quarter, where he has apparently had a lot of fun with three of our crew members...”

“Four. There were four people with him.” Deanna corrected him: “But Captain, if it’s not disturbing ship’s operations I fail to see how it’s a problem.”

“This is a Federation Ship, Counsellor, not his personal playground !”

“And that’s not taking STDs into account, we have gotten rid of most long ago but who’s to say the envoy isn’t bringing ones we don’t know about onboard.” Pulaski added. Worf dismissed it outright:

“You forget they already deal with other races within the federation. If they carried anything you would have encountered it by now.” Of all people, it was Data who spoke next:

“Also, I assure you sir that Mister Zeodeh is taking his diplomatic and scientific mission with the utmost seriousness. We have had a lengthy conversation -that I have included in my report to counsellor Troi- during which he explained to me the nature of it and how difficult it was to carry.”

“And what is his mission exactly ? Because never in my life have I seen diplomacy carried out that way.” Picard grumbled.

“Yes, at the very least you’d sleep with powerful people.” William joked. Deanna almost snorted.

“I believe Betels are not trying to form an alliance with humans as much as trying to understand them. Also, it is possible that sexual relationships are either incidental or part of the study. I have subjected myself to a scan from the Betel envoy willingly, but I believe most people on the ship would be uncomfortable doing so without proper convincing.” Data explained. William, the Captain and Pulaski’s eyes all widened at the implications so Deanna intervened:

“In that regard, I think it’s important to note Zeodeh has been engaging in a vast array of activities with crew members, not only intimate. We’ve heard the mention of dance classes earlier, right ? According to Data’s report he has also tried various sports, food, lengthy conversations and even engaged in a philosophical debate.”

“Really going for the full experience huh ?” Geordi commented. The Captain let out a deep sigh:

“How do we keep getting appraised by alien races ?”

“I’d pick Zeodeh’s method over Q’s any day...” Geordi joked. Eyebrows rose: “Not that I have tried Zeodeh’s method myself !” He quickly added, flustered.

“So what now ?”

“Well first there is our spar in 30 minutes.” Worf reminded everyone.

“About that, do you think we could watch ?” William asked: “All these talks of legendary fighters have made me curious.” Worf hesitated.

“Hum well... I wouldn’t mind but... Spars are quite intimate. This is a space for errors and displays of weakness.”

“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.” William immediately backed up. Deanna was proud to see him apply her advice.

“It is quite alright commander. It only means that witnesses are to be selected and approved by both fighters. It would be my honour to have you as a witness, but I cannot speak for my adversary. Here, allow me to call him...” There was a short silence as the call went through:

“ qaH Zeodeh ? I would like to invite Captain Picard, First Officer Riker, Commander Data, Chief Engineer Laforge and Counsellor Troi as witnesses. Do you approve of my choice ?”

“I do !” Zeodeh answered immediately: “Since witnesses are on the table can I get my inner circle to join ?”

“I assume that would be Ensign Brown, and Crewmen Durand and Asano ?”

“Indeed, them and Engineer Nalutuesha. I hope you are as observant during the fight.”

“I will be.”

It was only once he had cut communications that Geordi asked:

“Inner circle ?” But nobody knew what it meant.

...

The artificial light of the holodeck’s beach was reflecting on the iridescent fins of the Betel like pieces of sunshine caught in a net, created to dazzle and hypnotize unsuspecting preys, as were the ever moving rainbow patterns on his skin. 

So very beautiful. 

So very deadly. 

Worf was waiting. Waiting for Zeodeh to strike first. It was all a waiting game, he knew now. He had lost last time, he couldn’t help it he had wanted so badly... But he wouldn’t do the same mistake twice. The envoy looked calmer too despite his display. He wasn’t as on edge as he had been the first time, when the fear of discovery had spurred them both forward in a clash of claws and fists. There was no rush. Moreover they knew each other now. Worf could be as patient as Zeodeh could be wicked. And oh was he wicked. 

Finally Zeodeh launched, like a wild animal, claws open. Worf side stepped him. The Betel’s movements were easier to read than they had been the first time, the logic beneath the flurry of dazzling colours slightly clearer. Soon, the chief of security could see openings and start to land some punches. He took a few hooks himself and too narrowly avoided several cuts but he was definitely doing better than the first time. Zeodeh could see it, his maddening sharp smile had a hint of pride and his eyes were glinting in excitement. Was he thinking that he had finally found a worthy adversary ? If so, Worf wasn’t going to disappoint a legend. 

When his punches stopped landing he went for the legs with mean kicks. The shins weren’t as well protected with spines as the upper body. Moreover, unlike the envoy, the Klingon wore shoes. Soon, his legs were bleeding and his movements were not as supple. 

Still, Zeodeh’s hands were red with blood. It wasn’t his. Betel blood was blue. Worf spat. The copper taste in his mouth becoming uncomfortable. His saliva was bright red. By now the Betel was limping, numerous bruises forming dark unmoving spots on the colour show of his skin. They were both sweating. It made grabbing the other a little more difficult but not impossible. So Worf did. The second he saw and opening, he grabbed the envoy’s arm, turned around and threw him over his shoulder.

Zeodeh’s back hit the sand with a satisfying thud. Not waiting for him to react, Worf grabbed one of his legs and put all his strength into throwing the envoy as far as possible. The Betel rolled on himself, then rose as gracefully as one could with a now twisted ankle. Time for the main event.

This time Worf charged: He knew Zeodeh would try to dodge on his good ankle. Therefore the warrior knew exactly where to strike next. 

Or so he thought. Because Zeodeh did not bulge. 

The second Worf’s body hit the envoy’s he knew he had lost. The later lifted him off the ground -his inches long claw digging deep into his flesh as he did- and then threw him like a rag doll. The impact was barely lessened by the sand. Then Zeodeh’s full body weight slammed into him: The crunch of one (or maybe several) of his rib(s) breaking on impact was covered by his scream of pain. 

The sight of the envoy over him was familiar. So was the look on his face:

“Yield.” He ordered. But Worf knew he didn’t want him to. Had they been alone he wouldn’t have asked him that. He would have made him yield. But they had an audience and Worf guessed the Betel envoy didn’t quite want to showcase the extent of his skills to both smart and impressionable humans. So Worf yielded.

As soon as he did, Zeodeh’s shiny fins retracted and the Klingon’s focus widened, seeing his crewmates again. They were all awed and a little pale, no doubt seeing the easy going and promiscuous Betel in a very different light.

Geordi wasn’t big on physical pain, so such violent displays always upset him a bit ; but he couldn’t deny the skills both fighters had shown and he definitely felt privileged to have been able to witness the fight. To have been invited to do so even. The first time had been accidental and he had felt a little too much like a voyeur.

Worf got up painfully and joined his witnesses, but the envoy stayed on the ground, sitting and smiling:

“I’m going to need a little help, my right ankle’s broken.” Looking at his face you would have never guessed. 

As soon as he had said so, his “inner circle” came to help him. The way they moved made Geordi pause. They were fast but didn’t scramble or bump into each other. They worked together with surprising efficiency.

“I guess that compromises our dance lesson...” The envoy joked as he was leaning on both Ensign Brown and Engineer Nalutuesha.

“Don’t say that ! Doctor Pulaski will fix you right up and I promise our lesson will not be as brutal.” The black woman said, brown eyes shining with mirth.

“So you say Naeku, I’m not making any promises...” Ensign Brown joked in return.

Chapter Text

As soon as he was free, which only happened way later that night, Geordi went looking for Data. He was intrigued by this whole “inner circle” thing and was also curious as to what his android fr... Lover -That was going to take a few days to get used to- had thought of Worf’s and Zeodeh’s spar. Had he noticed anything Geordi hadn’t ? 

He found Data at the Ten Forward playing cards with the Envoy and his inner circle. His smile was almost as bright as his aura when he turned around to talk to him:

“Do you wish to join us in this game of cards ?”

“Thanks Data but actually I was looking for you, I had some questions to ask you...” His partner’s head tilted a little so Geordi not so subtly added: “In private.” The android’s confusion cleared, but before they could make their escape Zeodeh asked (with a look that was a little too knowing for the chief engineer’s taste):

“By the way Lt. Commander Laforge, have you considered my proposition to let me scan you ?” The other card players’ eyes went from the alien to Geordi who felt a tad uncomfortable:

“I have. It’s still a no.” The players went back to their game.

“Very well. But you will join us on Betelliz right ? I was serious when I told you you wouldn’t need a visor to enjoy my city to its fullest and I wish to prove it.”

Geordi hadn’t even known they would be stopping by Betelliz, but he considered it. On one hand he was still a little spooked by Zeodeh’s earlier display of strength and had some questions regarding what exactly he was doing with his little crew... But on the other hand, he was definitely intrigued by the Betel’s home planet.

“I’d be glad to.” He finally replied. The envoy beamed:

“Great ! I’ll make sure a guide explains a few things when you arrive. Then you’ll be able to wander as much as you want.”

“Thank you.”

“Consider this my gift to you and Commander Data for your understanding.” Which Geordi translated to “not ratting Worf and I out to the Captain”. He did not ask how he knew they would be traveling together.

...

The next day, Zeodeh concluded it was time for him to report to his people and let it know to the Captain. Picard was still slightly uncomfortable in the envoy’s presence but it was nothing like the first day, and it probably had more to do with having seen him best a Klingon warrior than his unfortunate greeting or the way he conducted his research.

On the envoy’s demand, contact was made on the bridge where Geordi was luckily operating at the moment.

“Open hailing frequencies.”

“Hailing frequencies open sir.” Captain K’Nera appeared on screen, as imposing and regal as ever.

“Captain K’nera, Mister Zeodeh would like to report to his superior.” Picard said, making one of the Klingon captain’s eyebrows rise a bit.

“I am assuming you mean Aflud ? I’ll have her fetch.”

“In the meantime captain, Zeodeh spoke: you were right, Commander Worf was definitely a worthy sparring adversary and a fine representative of Klingon warriors. His skills on the ring are only equated with his fine understanding of the humans he lives with.” A satisfied smile made his way to the Captain’s face and Worf’s chest puffed in pride.

“Of this I had no doubt. Aflud is here. I’ll let you report to her.” 

There was a short interruption, and when the display was on again, Aflud sat on the Captain’s seat. It was a shocking sight in itself but it was made all the more intimidating by the appearance of the alien. She was absolutely terrifying. Even larger and taller than Zeodeh -who wasn’t small by any definition of the word-, her claws were almost as long as her fingers. She was sprawled on the K’Nera’s seat in an obvious display of casual power, her raised spines adorning huge bulging muscles despite their apparent relaxed state.

Geordi suddenly understood why the Betels had chosen Zeodeh as an envoy, he was definitely one of the less threatening options.

Talking about the envoy, his posture was completely different, he was presently standing straight, legs slightly apart in a manner surprisingly similar to a Starfleet officer. Aflud took one look at his stance and completely changed her own: she straightened herself, relaxed her shoulders and closed her legs. 

She introduced herself in a soft voice, but now Geordi knew it was an act meant to put the humans at ease, just as her earlier display had been one to fit among the Klingons.

“I am Aflud of the Betels.”

“Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation of Planets.” The captain replied, once again quickly showing outward signs of confidence despite having been obviously surprised by everything that had transpired in the last minute.

The Betels then exchanged a few quick sentences in their own language, which was eerily similar to the way dolphins spoke, and their skins changed colour rapidly as they did so. By the end of their exchange, Aflud seemed pleased. She spoke again:

“Captain Picard, I would like to personally thank you for the treatment of our envoy. Zeodeh tells me you’ve been a most understanding host and so has the rest of your crew.” Picard’s shoulders relaxed minutely:

“Madam.”

“Now Zeodeh, what are the conclusions of your study ?”

“That humans could be part of our shoal if they wish to and that their vessels could welcome us without trouble.” Aflud’s attitude changed again, brightening and loosening, making her look very young despite her size.

“Fantastic ! We’ll leave all the boring talk to the Voice. Time to put up a dance. Who shall join us ?”

Captain Picard blinked and so did most people on the bridge, nobody had said anything about a dance until now. Zeodeh’s eyes narrowed:

“This I am not at liberty to say for crew departure is overseen by Captain Picard.” Aflud deflated a little:

“Ah, of course. Well Captain, you and your crew are invited to our home planet of Betelliz to celebrate. I believe you will only bring a small portion of it, but all are welcome on our grounds.”

“We shall honour that invitation.” Picard declared resolutely.

“Great ! Zeodeh I assume you’ve composed an inner circle ?”

“I have.”

“Then Captain, if you’d be obliged to also bring the crew members selected by Zeodeh for the dance.”

“I hope I am not being rude by asking why ?”

“Of course not ! They are invited to partake in the choir.” That didn’t explain much...

“I have also extended a formal invitation to Lieutenant Commanders Laforge and Data.” The envoy added.

“Fantastic, I’ll let you handle it.”

“Is there anything you are actually going to do apart from looking important ?” Zeodeh eventually asked while raising a non-existent eyebrow:

The whole bridge gasped at the tone and words. For all they knew Aflud was his direct superior and they were discussing an important diplomatic mission ! But the other Betel just laughed:

“Oh shut it. You know I am very good at looking important.” Proving her point, she regained her previous stance: “Captain Picard, Captain K’Nera will now explain what comes next, I have to make the proper arrangements. I will see you again on our home world’s ground. I am looking forward to meeting you in person.”

“So am I.”

“Just don’t forget to inform the Order of Duzl...” Zeodeh said before the Betel left. She made a face:

“Those killjoys ?”

“Good dancers though.”

“Fair point.” She conceded.

Chapter Text

Following the coordinates provided by K’Nera’s ship, it took a few hours at warp speed to get to Betelliz. From afar, it looked like any other class M planet. But a more thorough scan revealed that what appeared to be continents were actually coral like life forms. Big ones. Entire gigantic networks made of hundreds of different species of micro and macro organisms, organized in structures that reached from the sea floor to the surface.

“Oh.” Geordi thought aloud: “That probably explains the Betels’ stance on spaceships.”

“What do you mean ?” Riker inquired.

“Most primitive spaceships used heat propulsion. It is very damaging to the ground below it. Not the kind of thing you want to try when your ground is a living being which death could mean its collapse...”

“And then there is the possibility of it fighting you back, out of self-preservation.” Worf added.

“But that problem has been fixed centuries ago.” Picard noted. To which Deanna replied:

“It is not uncommon across civilizations for interdictions and taboo created out of necessity to outlive their purpose by far. They then become so deeply woven into people’s identity that it would be pretentious for an outsider to try to talk the people’s out of it on the sole basis of their irrelevance.”

Taking the chastising for what it was, Jean-Luc Picard did not say more.

...

Data and the others beamed down inside a dome shaped building, in the middle of a clear cut circle that suggested the place was a landing pad of sorts. 

The Betels were definitely used to visitors. 

The building had large ovoid openings showcasing the entirety of the city: The pearl like material of its roofs reflecting the violet hue of the planet’s sky. It was a pleasing sight and Data was 95,5% percent sure that the landing pad had been placed where it was and built as it was because the Betels were well aware of that fact.

Talking about Betelliz inhabitants, a little crowd of them surrounded the landing pad at a safe distance, fascinating in its variety of shapes, colours and patterns. It was hard to see any common denominator among these people beyond their race. 

What Data assumed to be children were translucent. Their heads and extremities adorned with dull colours while their cores were completely see through, hearts pumping water-like blood into crystal clear veins perched atop silver skeletons. The adults, who’s hands some of them were holding, were anywhere between Aflud’s towering bulk and Ensign Brown’s small sturdy shape. Their skins were all changing colour and pattern rapidly as they were looking at the group, before settling one by one. 

Their clothings were also vastly different: Some wearing togas, other tunics and pants all made of different fabrics and with wildly different designs.

The only exceptions were two small groups made of 3 individuals each. One was composed of three lean and tall Betels wearing long and artistically draped silver togas. The other was made of Betels of different morphologies but wearing an impressive amount of jewelry and wide shorts designed to facilitate movement.

Data did not have the luxury to observe them more that Aflud beamed down from K’Nera’s ship. She was even more imposing in person and the android noted that it made some of the humans a little uncomfortable. What had Geordi said ? Height sometime triggered a freeze, flight of fight response ? This was definitely verifiable now.

Aflud immediately kissed Zeodeh to get her share of informations. Once she had, she saluted each member of the crew starting with the higher rank and ending with the lowest by putting her forehead to theirs. 

So they did not only share biological information or else she probably would have made the same mistake Zeodeh had the first time. Interesting. 

Once she had saluted everyone she said:

“Captain K’Nera sends his regards but won’t be joining us, his ship has matters to intend to.”

“Some other time...” Zeodeh assured, but he didn’t have time to continue that a member of the jewelry wearing group of Betels was on him, asking with obvious excitement:

“Are they the new addition to our shoal ?”

“Possibly but..” Zeodeh started.

The Betel came closer. They were slightly shorter than Aflud -but then almost everyone here was- and rounder than both Zeodeh and Aflud. Every time they moved, their jewelry whispered. They started appraising the humans before tilting their head toward the envoy to receive their share of informations. Their excitement, as well as their nerves, grew exponentially once they had:

“Yes... Yes... This is good. Great even ! Oh it’s been so long since we’ve had new additions... And the whole thing with the Vulcans was such a disaster... They are allies yes? Do you think we could...?”

“I believe it is better to let the members of the Voice discuss this with the Federation of Planets.” Zeodeh cut them gently: “As for today, all will be fine Uthne, I assure you.” 

“All of them will join the Ceremony tonight, yes ?”

“Nobody told us anything about a Ceremony.” Commander Riker intervened and Aflud made a clicking noise. Her stance toward the jewelry bearing Betel was clearly hostile even though she had yet to raise her fins and spines.

“It’s a dance. Come on Uthne, don’t start.”

“I do not remember talking to you, Aflud.” They said after giving her a side glance.

“Sting you too.” She muttered.

“As for your circle Zeodeh, it’s perfect. We will find them places in the choir in no time.”

“Well, they are due for a tour before that don’t you think ?” Uthne deflated.

“But the preparations ?”

“Will have to wait for a few hours. Sorry, I know how important this is for the Order of Duzl and we will leave everything to you tonight, but we’d like to show them around and introduce them to the Voice.”

“So piss off.” Aflud concluded, fins raised.

“Keep talking to me like that and I’ll bash your flat head in.” Uthne growled in response having decided they wouldn’t tolerate the affront any longer.

“I’d like to see you try.”

“You’re on smooth skin, once the Ceremony is over I’m gonna wipe the temple ground with your face.”

“Oh yeah ? I’m gonna beat you up so hard even your god won’t recognize you.”

“Yeah right.” Uthne said before leaving with their group, throwing what the android assumed to be a very rude gesture behind their back.

Data was fascinated. The rest of the crew, however, was clearly shocked by the sudden threats. The android guessed it was strange from their point of view for people who wished to interact with the Federation of Planets to be so open about dissensions in their own. The Betels, however, didn’t seem to mind.

Zeodeh sighed:

“Really Aflud, you couldn’t not antagonize them for one minute ?”

“One, they started it. Two, I’ve been in space for months I kinda missed reeling them on.”

“I am not going to comment on that and neither will I take you to a healing house when they’re done with you.”

“Tsk, have you no faith in my victory ? I’ve been sparring with Klingons for months !”

“You’d need to do that for years to beat them.”

“We’ll see.”

“Right. I’m taking my inner circle on a walk, can I let you handle the higher ranks ?”

“Sure, the Voice will be coming with us... As for your guest and his plus one: Tekl ?”

“On it. Please follow me.”

Data and Geordi followed Tekl just as the other crewmates went their separate ways, Picard gesturing to his communicator in a clear indication to call if anything went wrong.

Tekl was a literal square: Square shoulders, square hips, square jaw. Once they were away from the others he bluntly asked Geordi:

“So, you really got a thing on your eyes to see stuff ?” It was interesting how he had phrased the question. The other interesting thing was that where the Betel was looking was a bit off, as if...

“Yes... Are you blind too ?”

“Yep, blind as a deep sea eel.” Tekl laughed: “So anyway the kids told me they wanted you to check for yourself how easy it is to navigate Frexsna, but you’re still gonna need a run down on how this works before you go your merry way. First you’re gonna need to take the thing off, obviously.”

“You can give it to me if you want. I will keep it safe.” Data assured him.

It wasn’t what Geordi was worried about but he didn’t say it. Instead he nodded and took off his visor. 

The world plunged into absolute darkness. Usually, Geordi would only part with his visor in the familiar environment of his room. And if need be, he knew he could walk around the ship visorless. After years on board, he knew her corridors and rooms better than the back of his hand... But this wasn’t familiar ground by any definition of the word. As far as the crew of the Enterprise knew, they were the first humans to ever set a foot on Betelliz. But Geordi was curious, eager to put Zeodeh’s -and now Tekl’s- certitudes to test.

“Now I’m going to give you a... Travel guide ?” The Betel’s voice rang: “Of sorts ? It  lists some of the popular spots in the area for a walk, a bite or some rest. It’s in English braille. There may be a few mistakes though, for obvious reasons.”

Geordi ran his hands along the piece or rigid material. It felt like plastic but somehow lighter and braille was indeed printed on it, it wasn’t perfect, but readable. He really wanted to ask how the Betels had come upon this kind of information, but had the feeling Tekl had other things to do than answer his endless stream of questions.

“Take off your shoes as well.” The Betel asked, and Geordi did so, realizing that none of the Betels they had seen had worn shoes, or any piece of clothing on their feet really. 

The ground felt strangely warm and soft. Not plush carpet soft but tatami soft, still very much hard but not as unyielding as concrete would be.

“I’ll put them somewhere safe and you’ll get them back for the dance, don’t worry.” Tekl assured him: “Now, I’m going to move, and I want you to come to me. And please, he said to Data, don’t help him.”

Geordi took a tentative step in one direction... The ground turned cold. Not so that it was uncomfortable, but a clear indication that this was the wrong way. He took another step, it was also cold but he now noticed he could feel very faint movement... Going left. So he did. He took a few unsure steps until he felt bumps under his feet that commanded him to stop:

“Good job !” The Betel, who’s voice was now much closer, complimented him: “You even stopped at the ridges. Smart move or you would have rammed into me. I think you got the gist of it. Pretty much all walls work the same way so don’t hesitate to touch them as well. All the places on the guide have been informed of your arrival and will provide with whatever you ask so don’t worry about things like money.” He assured them. “Well, I’m leaving, the dance will start at the Grand Hall at nightfall it’s on your guide but if you get lost you can just ask around.”

“Data ?” The chief engineer asked, slightly surprised by the Betel’s sudden departure.

“I am here Geordi.” The android assured him. He relaxed: “Where should we go now ?”

“Let’s see...” The engineer skimmed over the document with his fingers: “They say there is a garden close by ? How does that sound ?”

“Perfect. I believe it will be most interesting to learn about the local flora and fauna.”

Chapter Text

The experience of discovering a place without seeing it was definitely new for Geordi. He had gotten used to the sort of sight the visor provided and it now felt strange to go somewhere and not know exactly how infrared reflected on the surface of things. But at the same time, it was thrilling. 

Frexsna was a bustling city, and all sorts of sounds reached his ears: Conversations in languages the human did not recognize, footsteps of all kind, some type of music, animal cries that could have been either birds or reptiles, and what he assumed was the sound of locomotion because of its regularity.

The other startling sensation was Data’s hand in his, soft and warm. They were far from the other crew members and the human had taken the opportunity to hold his partner’s hand. 

Geordi wanted to ask him what he saw: What were the buildings like ? What kind of animal was making these low pitched sounds ? Did people stare at them ? 

But at the same time it felt a little like cheating. 

He would ask later.

The garden was a bit quieter than the main streets but not deserted either. Left and right people would walk around chatting, and children would run by, taken in whatever game they were playing. The song of maybe-birds was louder here, and sweet and fresh scents surrounded Geordi. Following the path, he realized the scent was stronger and tried to touch whatever was emitting it. His fingertips soon found a vine-like thing. It was soft to the touch, but when he tried to close his hand around it, the plant loosely grabbed back. Geordi hastily retreated his hand as snickers erupted around him.

“What was that ?!”

“I believe it to be a plant of sort. It is surprisingly similar to Earths’ anemones.” Data supplied.

“This is a dozim, a voice on Geordi’s right explained, also called the mimicking blue for the reason you have just demonstrated.”

“Oh, thank you...”

“Don’t worry, it’s not dangerous as long as you don’t hurt it. I work for the garden. I can direct you to things that are safer to touch if you’d like ?”

“Yes please.”

The garden worker was very helpful. Allowing Geordi to walk into a field of aptly named tickling grass for a few seconds and smell different flowers with more or less pleasing scents. They even presented him with one of the animals that was making the sounds the humans had been hearing since his landing. It was definitely not a bird. Very gelatinous, it had long tendrils as well as a membrane that allowed it to glide in between trees, buildings, and -as it turned out- Geordi and his owner.

Once they had exited the garden, the human was arrested by a scent that made his stomach growl. All this excitement had made him hungry. He followed it -Data in toe- and they soon entered an establishment he supposed was a restaurant of sorts.

“Something smells very nice... It is food right ? Could I try it ?” He asked hoping there was someone here to answer. There was, and pride coloured their voice:

“That would be my famous ragleblep ! And of course you can have some my friend ! Have a seat !”

The chair was rigid but also covered in the same kind of living texture as the ground. Once they were seated, another person came, a waiter most likely, to take their order:

“You must be one of the new visitors, yes ? Will you both try our ragleblep ?”

“Yes, with pleasure.” Data agreed, no doubt excited at the prospect of trying alien food.

“Good, would you like a drink with that ?”

“What do you recommend to drink with the... Ragleplep ?” Geordi inquired.

“Alcoholic on non-alcoholic?”

“Non alcoholic.” The Starfleet engineer had learned to keep is mind clear even when not explicitly on duty.

“Then we have some hot pamphretta juice.”

“Then that please.”

“Can I assume it is your first time trying both of these specialties ?”

“Yes...”

“Then please allow me to explain it a bit. The ragleblep is a sea vegetable and fish stew served with temorean rice. While pamphretta juice comes from a spicy surface fruit.”

Geordi was extremely unsure as to what sea vegetables were and had only vaguely heard of temorean rice, but it was always good to have a vague idea of what to expect so he thanked the waiter anyway.

The ragleblep was delicious. The vegetables, there were three kinds, all offered different textures and taste. Though they tended to be on the bitter side, it worked nicely with the salty flavourful broth. The fish was thick and fat, marinated in the broth. And the rice was a perfect addition to the dish, making it more filling. As for pamphretta juice it was indeed spicy, and hot, which was very surprising when you were expecting to drink juice but was delicious nonetheless.

As they were eating, Geordi thought about how glad he was to be able to share this moment with Data. There was always discovery and wonder aboard the Entreprise, but it was rarely this laid back. And even when it was, they couldn’t enjoy it the way they did now, without having to worry about work.

Also, now that he thought about it, this was their first official date. Geordi straightened a bit before asking:

“What do you think of the food ?”

“Most intriguing. I wonder of the high level of iron contained in the pamphretta juice is due to a natural concentration in the fruit or if “surface fruit” is to be understood as some sort of animal.” Geordi snorted, he didn’t know what he had expected.

“What about the garden ?”

“I catalogued most of the fauna and flora for my report... Also your reactions were quite entertaining.”

“I’m sure entertaining is one way to put it...” The human said as he recalled his shriek in the tickling grass. His hand felt warm as Data’s closed around it:

“If I am not mistaken, going to places such as these and sharing the kind of experiences we do are considered bounding behaviour for couples.” The human felt a little shy, once again his lover had seen right through him.

“Yes, it’s our first date.”

“Hence why your are questioning me on my enjoyment of said experiences.” Geordi nodded: “I enjoy being here with you.” Data finally replied: “And I am satisfied that we are experiencing these moments of discovery together.” Geordi smiled:

“So am I... I have to ask though, are people staring ?”

“Yes. A lot. They are quite obviously intrigued. We are, after all, “new comers”. They do not seem hostile however.”

“That’s good.” Geordi chuckled, mood lightened.

Once they had eaten, Geordi checked their guidebook some more. His heartbeat kicked up a notch when he noticed several of the locations at the bottom of the list were marked as “private places for lovers”. Just how much did Zeodeh know about his relationship with Data ? Although, Geordi couldn’t deny that he was curious...

“How long do you think we have until sunset ?” He asked.

“According to my calculations, 4 hours and 26 minutes.” This was more than enough time. Geordi’s fingers skimmed against the short description of the place.

“Data, would you be interested in going there next.” He asked, while offering the tablet to his partner, or at least putting it in his general direction while pointing at the location he was interested in.

The human felt his lover take the tablet and his palms started sweating a little. They weren’t on duty per say, but they were not on shore leave. Would the android find his proposition scandalous ?

He did not.

“I am very interested. Please lead the way.”

Chapter Text

Geordi couldn’t tell much about the place they walked in apart from the fact that it was spacious, if the way noises reverberated was to be trusted, and that it smelled sweet. Though the perfume was more uniform than it had been in the garden. The ground took him to a counter where he asked if Data and him could take a room for a few hours.

“Of course. However since you are not Betel we will need to test your compatibility with our beds. Please give me your hand.”

The Betel took Geordi’s wrist lightly and guided it to what he assumed to be a “bed” sample. The sensation of soft tendrils stroking his fingers was strange, but not uncomfortable. It only lasted an instant before the Betel guided his hand back and did the same with Data.

“Please take a seat, it’s better to wait a few minutes as anaphylactic shock is not always immediate.”

Geordi didn’t feel anything out of the ordinary but the few minutes made him think about his decision. Wasn’t this unbecoming for a Starfleet officer ? Then again, others had ended up in more salacious situations... But it had been in the interest of the mission... Most of the time... Wasn’t this...

Data silenced his thoughts by putting a soothing hand on his forearm just as the Betel from the counter returned.

“How are you feeling ?”

“Perfectly fine.”

“Great, then I’ll show you to your room. Please remove your clothing before sitting on the bed as to not irritate it. And once you are done please clean yourself with the provided towels before taking a shower.”

...

The “bed” was soft, but not overly so, it was clear there were muscles underneath its gelatinous exterior. But the most shocking sensation came from the dozens of round and fluffy tendrils that adorned it. They were thicker than the ones from the sample, very obviously flesh, and they were moving toward Geordi’s skin, gently stroking and caressing it.

“This is so weird.” He chuckled, a bit embarrassed: “I feel like a clown fish.”

“I doubt anemones are quite that affectionate with clown fish.” Data commented, observing the way the tendrils caressed his lover’s skin. He was quite a sight surrounded by mint green tentacles lovingly massaging him: “How does it feel ?” The android enquired, curious.

“Try it for yourself.” Was Geordi’s unhelpful reply. Data assumed it was cheek.

He laid down, feeling a small electrical current that only his positronic brain could pick up. The later was pleasant as the stroking only registered as contact...

“Turn around.” Geordi instructed. Data did.

“Oh... This is... Different.”

The tendrils had now unbidden access to his sex, and his perineum, stroking and pushing against it as they did against the rest of his body. Dedicated sensors were registering the stimulation, converting it into pleasure.

“Feels good ?”

“Yes. It is quite pleasant.”

“...I’d love to fuck you like this.” Data’s sex program booted immediately. The android knew it was not how the program worked, but when Geordi said something like that, it definitely felt like he had flipped a literal switch.

“I am all yours.”

Geordi positioned himself, he had retrieved his visor, allowing himself to cheat. He wanted to see his lover surrounded and caressed. The being they were laying on had a dim halo of its own, a dark shade of red surrounding Data’s bright gold. Images of freshly born stars cradled in dying galaxies came to the engineer’s mind as he let his hand run on his partner’s perfectly smooth skin. Massaging and angling his lover’s body for both his own enjoyment and Data’s, who was starting to make some interesting sounds. It made the human harder than he already was.

“Ah, lube...” Geordi thought belatedly. He didn’t see any nightstand and of course he had brought none. But then several of the “bed”’s tendrils stroking his hand got oily.

“Huh... Data, is it me or did our bed just give me lube ?”

“I believe you are right in your observation Geordi.”

“Are they sentient ? And empath ? Because that raises a lot of ethical concerns.”

“They probably are to a certain degree. But if the signs in the establishment are to be trusted they are also perfectly capable of defending themselves.”

“What do you mean ?”

“They are venomous. If upset they’ll sting and it is apparently quite painful.”

“Is everything on this planet venomous ?”

“It is within the realm of possibility.”

“Well thank you bed ?” Geordi said a bit absurdly while rubbing his fingers with the provided oil.

Data didn’t exactly need to be prepared, having control of every single part of his body he could simply make himself ready. But they had time, and this was part of human intimacy. A ritual of sorts. They could bypass it later, but for now, it seemed important to allow Geordi to explore him.

Geordi pushed his finger inside his lover. There was barely a token resistance as he slid a second finger in, the artificial flesh adapting its smooth grip.

“Are all the sensors here to make you feel pleasure or do you have the equivalent of a prostate ?” As he rarely did, Data answered his partner’s question with a question:

“Is your interest in the matter derivative of your work or your desire ?”

“Both. But right now I must admit I’m interested in your inner workings for more than scientific value.” Data nodded.

“I was modelled after humans, therefore my pleasure sensors are located in one specific area...”

“Now where would that be ?” Geordi teased.

“A little bit lower I believe...”

“Here ?”

Data’s entire body tightened.

“I... Yes.”

“That good huh ?”

“New, mostly... I had not quite... Explored this aspect of my sexual programming until now.”

“Do you like it ? We can stop if it isn’t enjoyable.”

“It is very enjoyable, please proceed.”

Geordi could tell. Data’s fans were whirring, his fingers intertwined in the tendrils were flexing minutely, and his mouth was slightly agape. Which their “bed” was taking as an invitation to explore the newly accessible space of his lips and tongue. The sight was a  bigger turn on than Geordi had anticipated, especially as he was rhythmically finger-fucking Data while being himself teased by tendrils which were stroking the inside of his thighs and brushing lightly against his entrance.

“Ready ?” The human asked, as he took some more lube from their “bed” to apply on his sex.

“Yes, please.”

Geordi slid inside in one smooth and easy motion... And nearly came on the spot the grip was so fucking smooth and perfect. He had to take a few seconds to breathe, he wanted to enjoy this as long as possible. So he lied down a bit, kissed Data’s nape, and whispered in his ear just how gorgeous he found him. 

“Geordi...”

“Yes love ?”

“As much as I appreciate you vocally expressing your appreciation toward my body... I would very much like you to move.”

And to anyone else it might have sounded perfectly composed, maybe even slightly bored, but Geordi knew that tone of voice in his friend. And that ? That was Data as close to desperate as he could get.

“Oh, I’m going to move darling, don’t you worry.” Geordi assured him, accompanying his promise with a hard thrust of his hips that made Data moan.

This was new, Geordi’s body in his. A new way of feeling him. His flesh both rigid and soft pushing at the pressure sensitive sensors inside him and against that specific one that sent shocks along his spine. The warmth of his back against his, the rhythmic beating of his heart. Of his thrusts. Numbers ran in Data’s head: Heat, temperature, pressure, even moisture of the skin. They were irrelevant given the space his sex program was taking at the moment, and the white hot pleasure it induced whenever bodies met in a slap of skin against bioplast.

Moreover, exploratory tentacles were stroking the length of Data’s erect sex, even pushing at his urethra, dipping in just the tiniest bit. The sensation was unfamiliar and intense, especially coupled with the way Geordi stimulated him from inside. Data’s brain was dealing with waves after waves of sensory input. 

And then there was the fact that contact kept happening all over his skin. Data wasn’t ticklish, Doctor Soong had made sure not to build him with the annoying human reflex. But the contact still registered. It did not take him out of the experience of intercourse, if anything, it added to it.

Although his positronic brain could run millions of calculations, his sexual programming could only handle so much. The android was thinking, with difficulties, that he should ask for a change in position, when Geordi spoke. His voice slightly ragged.

“Can I turn you over ? I want to see you.”

“Yes. Please.”

Seeing the fluid lines of his lover as his pelvis snapped against him, enhanced the stimulation on Data’s sensors. There was always added satisfaction in aligning inputs. 

The small part of his positronic brain that wasn’t completely devoted to his sex program thought there was something fascinatingly human in Geordi’s actions. In his erratic thrusts, in his scrambling movements, in his sweating and trembling muscles. It was so deeply intimate, the animality of it all, for beings that had went to such great lengths to separate themselves from it. This deeply organic drive and the way it manifested itself was something Data was certain he would never experience for himself, but he was glad to be invited to be part of it now, with Geordi.

It was that same part that remembered that hugging could sometimes be part of a satisfying intercourse.

Data’s arms closed around him, holding him close, and Geordi felt like he would loose himself in the crook of his lover’s neck.

The human was chasing his pleasure but was also desperate to make Data feel just as good. Just as treasured. Just as loved as he was feeling at that very moment. Held in his lover’s arms like dilithium crystals safely cradled in a warp core. Felling as precious and as painfully hot.

He planted open mouth kisses on every part of his skin he could reach, held his hair like lifeline, chanted his name like a prayer, and touched him in ways that made his fans whir so hard he wondered if his lover would actually overheat.

Geordi came deep inside the welcoming body. His orgasm like a tidal wave.

He was soon followed. Data triggering his own orgasm so fast it almost felt like reflex, like he couldn’t not do it. It was as close as loosing control as Data ever got without malfunctioning. It was amazing.

When they lied down, tired, sated and happy, the tendrils around them held them in a gentle embrace, no longer stroking or titillating, simply pressing. It felt like a giant hug and the chief engineer sighed in delight which made his lover smile.

Geordi was still catching his breath when he noticed Data’s skin was glowing. Not the halo of light around his head, nor the golden glitter of bioplast skin. He was glowing like he had been sprayed with sliver paint... A look informed him that he was too.

“What ?”

“I believe those are spore. Or some equivalent of it.” Data theorized.

“This is how these creatures reproduce.” Geordi realized a bit awed.

Chapter Text

Data and Geordi arrived at the Grand Hall an hour before the ceremony and were greeted by a smug Zeodeh, judging by his voice.

“So ? What did you think of Frexsna Lt. Commander Laforge ?”

“I have to admit, I definitely enjoyed the tour, your confidence was not misplaced.”

“I thought as much. What about you Lt. Commander Data ? What did you think ?” He asked as Geordi put back his visor.

“It was most enjoyable thank you.”

His vision restored, Geordi took in the Grand Hall. It deserved its name, the place was massive and wide open the same way the arrival hall had been. Glittering not-birds glided through the windows, probably hoping to catch a bit of the food that was bond to appear at this sort of event. Large tables and numerous seats had been installed but most of the space was left empty, most likely for the dance.

Geordi looked for the other crew members. Zeodeh’s “inner circle” was being guided around the room by jewelry wearing Betels. The humans were paying close attention to what was being said and showed to them. All around them, other Betels, jewelry wearing or not, were giving finishing touches to impressive decorations and the mouth watering smell of food cooking floated everywhere.

“Where are the others ?” Geordi asked.

“Probably with the Voice... Give me a sec and I’ll tell you.” 

Zeodeh’s skin suddenly lit up, colours bright and fast moving on his body. All the other Betels in the room reacted, glowing in different colours, and so did parts of the architecture. Less than a minute later there was another wave of colours, completely different and coming from another direction: 

“They’ve finished their talks with the Voice and Aflud is showing them around the old city. They’ll be here in 20 of your minutes or so.”

“Between what you just did and how your city functions our biologists are going to have a field day.” Geordi commented. His area of expertise was more toward machines, but that certainly didn’t mean he wasn’t intrigued by alien biology as well.

“I’m sure they will.” The envoy laughed. Then he added in a lower tone: “I wouldn’t know though I’ve always been terrible at science.” Geordi chuckled. “I’m sure our scientist would also be just as interested in your visor technology. Though it is not necessary in most places on Betelliz, it could be useful for our peers on away missions... Relying on your inner circle only works once you’ve made one after all, and anything that facilitates the process is welcome.”

Geordi thought about the group of people. When all of this started they hadn’t been more than colleagues (apart from Durand and Asano) but now they seemed as tight knitted as the senior officers were. More so even, since there didn’t seem to be any issues of rank among them. The chief engineer briefly wondered how that would work with them remaining on the Enterprise, where hierarchy was so important.

“About that Zeodeh... Would it be rude to ask what exactly is an inner circle ?”

“Of course not ! I’m actually surprised no one asked. I had assumed humans used them as well. It is just a way of making traveling safer really. It’s good to have people you can rely on if things go south for one reason or another. And in my case it made collecting data easier.”

“So is it like... A group of friends ?”

“Not exactly, you can have friends that are not part of it.”

“A polycule ?”

“It can be but doesn’t have to.”

“Do you have some sort of control over them ?”

“Absolutely not !” The Envoy snorted, deeply amused by the question: “Why would you think so ?”

“Sorry I was just surprised by how efficient and tight knitted your circle was. I had never seen people grow so close and so attuned to each other in such a short amount of time.”

“That, Commander Laforge, is pure skill.” Zeodeh said “winking” with one of his three pairs of eyelids: “I’ve been composing circles for so long I’ve gotten really good at picking the right people and do so fast. Aflud too by the way. We both are experimented space swimmers, that’s why we were elected when talks of contact with humans came to be.”

The human tried to imagine Aflud composing a circle of Klingons the way Zeodeh had. Given how fast the Betel had caught Worf’s interest, he could actually see it happening. Though it raised another question:

“What will happen now that you’re back on your home planet ?” The Betel’s enthusiasm dimmed at that:

“...That is something we will need to discuss. It’s not unusual for Betels to leave their inner circle when they go back home or change ship, but some like to have their circle accompany them everywhere. I would have loved for my human one to join me here and experience life on Betelliz, but I doubt that will be possible. Klingons and Ferengi tend to part from their own rather easily but I understand Starfleet functions differently.”

Geordi nodded, Picard would definitely oppose members of his crew staying behind on such a short notice.

“Zeodeh ! Stop dawdling over here and give us a claw !” Someone shouted angrily.

“Ah, sorry, I have to leave. Feel free to take a look around.”

The couple did take a look around, but quickly opted to sitting down to not get in anyone’s way. The jewelry wearing Betels were getting more and more agitated as the beginning of the ceremony approached. They didn’t want to add to their anxiety. Geordi used the opportunity to ask what Data had seen during their trip that he thought was worth mentioning. The most interesting point was that there were quite a few people in Frexsna who weren’t Betels: Klingons, Ferengi, even Romulans. There were also numerous mixed children and adults and it piqued Geordi’s curiosity. Data had also noted that there were many different cultures among the Betels themselves that were visible in Frexsna alone, different types of clothing and accessories for one. But most importantly, Data was not closer to know who ruled the Betels, or at the very least this part of their world.

That’s where they were in their conversation when Aflud and the others appeared. She was in high spirits and was chatting animatedly with Deanna before the jewelry wearing Betels all but shoved her out of the way to access the humans she was accompanying. She grunted before seeing Geordi and Data:

“Hi gu... Gentlemen. I hope these killjoys haven’t given you too much trouble. She said pointing at the jewelry wearing Betels.

“Killjoys... Am I right to assume these people are of the Order of Duzl you mentioned earlier ?”

“Yep.”

“You seem to dislike them...”

“They are always making everything about Duzl.” Aflud growled: “Especially dancing.”

“Excuse me if some of us would rather know what to except if we do connect.” Uthne yelled from the other side of the room: “If you are interested in what our beliefs entail gu... Gentlemen, I’d be more than happy to explain. As that one couldn’t do it if her life depended on it.”

“Maybe later...” Geordi tried to appease the two. Data had another question anyway:

“Before you arrived we were wondering who were the rulers of Betelliz.”

“The what ?” Uthne asked bewildered, her surprise dissipating any tension between them and Aflud. Then the later had a realization:

“Ah yeah you guys are like Klingons right ? Big on hierarchy and stuff ? We don’t have that here. It’s...”

“Blasphemy.” Uthne completed before Aflud could say:

“A pain in the ass.”

“We all come from Duzl egg sack and have no right to claim power over our peers.”

“Also, we’ve found out the hard way it’s easier for things to turn to shit when people are trained to obey other people. Wasn’t your great great grandma on one of your fathers’ side in the Jokood revolution ?” Aflud asked her rival.

“Oh yeah, she’s the one who naturalized Trodaleg’s head.”

“The one that’s mounted in the memosoleum ?”

“The very same.” Aflud’s chelicerae made an impressed sound. 

The more Geordi heard about some aspects of their culture, the more he understood why the Klingons liked the Betels so much. Having what the chief engineer assumed to be the head of a tyrant mounted on a wall and displayed as a reminder for future generations definitely sounded like the kind of things Klingons could appreciate.

“Do your beliefs not create dissensions with other cultures ?” Data wondered.

“We try to respect our shoal’s cultures as much as they respect our own. As long as they do not try to impose us things like leaders...”

“We don’t meddle with their politics.”

“But of course if they find the teaching of Duzl enlightening...”

“Or appreciate our way of life...”

“We do not stop them from spreading it.” Uthne and Aflud then both smiled in unison in that vaguely threatening way Betels sometimes did. Or maybe it was just the teeth that Geordi’s reptilian brain had trouble with.

“You know that may hinder your access to the United Federations of Planets, right ? One of the requirements is a united government.”

“So we’ve heard. The Voice will probably be the one dealing with everything that requires a face anyway.”

“Yeah that’s literally why they were made.”

“But they are not a government ?” Data inquired.

“Nope.” Aflud explained: “They are selected at random and have no protection whatsoever. They are just here to pass messages along. I was in it at one point.” Uthne snorted:

“Dark times, let me tell you.”

“I’ll show you dark times.” Aflud growled, truce apparently over between the two.

“After the ceremony will you, it’s almost time.”

By the time the conversation was over, the number of Betels in the hall had grown exponentially. Some had been among the little crowd this morning but most hadn’t. Once again they had little in common in terms of fashion, age or body type. Some brought food, some brought drinks, some brought nothing but themselves but many, if not all, approached the new-comers saluting them before talking to them.

Geordi quickly got entangled in an interesting conversation about bodily autonomy with a young Betel who was seated on a starfish-like creature that seemed to serve her as a mobility aid. Next to him Data was discussing the very definition of what a life form was with a local scientist since it had drastically changed with the discovery made on Velara III.

Meanwhile Worf was sitting with the rest of the crew that had met the Voice. As usual, negotiations hadn’t been very exciting, but Aflud had made up for it with a tour of the Old City. The warrior had been especially appreciative of the historical combat ring, adorned with awe inspiring frescos of past matches between Betels, but also involving Klingons, as well as other races. The sport wasn’t as popular now as it had been, but the place was still used for all kinds of cultural activities.

Worf felt a slight longing at the sight of the Betels moving around. Soon, the Enterprise would set course to his next destination and that would be it. There would be no more secret sparring with legendary warriors. Not to mention he wouldn’t have a chance to witness Betels fight between themselves. A shame, he would have loved to see just how serious Uthne had been with their threats and how justified was Aflud’s cockiness.

As he was thinking so, Zeodeh came up to him fins raised and literally dazzling as his skin was rapidly changing colour in his usual playful aggressiveness:

“Will you do me the honour of a dance Lieutenant Worf.” He purred.

“I...”

Worf threw a glance at his crewmates, but they didn’t look in his direction, even though he knew for a fact that they must have been intrigued. Dancing wasn’t something humans associated with Klingons.

They were trying to be non intrusive, he realized as Counsellor Troi threw him a quick glance and a encouraging smile.

“With pleasure.” He replied at length.

Chapter Text

Uthne stood in the centre of the room dressed in so much jewelry and shells that their every breath made them chime and twinkle. Behind them, a choir started singing lowly and Geordi was surprised to hear voices behind him before he realized people outside of the building were singing as well.

The Betel was swaying gently -as if rocked by invisible waves- when they started talking over the music, the flow of their words slow and precise :

“Breathe in. Breathe out. 

Water flows through your gills, even though there is no water and you have no more gills.

The maker of makers of makers once spoke. 

Spoke of the dream they had been dreaming before dreams were made.

A dream of peace without silence.

Sing and rejoice.

Sing and rejoice for a choir sings with you.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

You are the singers of many choirs. 

You will live and die singing their songs atop your own.

We ask you sing ours as well.

For our song is made of a dream.

When our god rises from its slumber and starts singing,

Replying to its kin who has been calling it through eons and voids,

There will be peace without silence. 

Peace without stillness. 

Peace that is one tune made of countless ones.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Singers. Dancers. Livings.

We welcome you in our choir.

We welcome you to our dream.

We welcome you.”

The choir’s tune changed and Uthne started dancing. Their moves were mesmerizing, made all the more fascinating by their jewelry and raised fins catching the warm yet dim bioluminescent lights adorning the room.

Soon others joined them, some from the order of Duzl, most not, until they were but a shape among many.

Zeodeh’s inner circle was spread out among the numerous silhouettes, wearing jewelry provided by the Order of Duzl. Ensign Brown was dancing with a group of youngsters, Officer Natlutuesha with Aflud, Asano was playing his guitar, and Durand singing with the actual choir.

Deanna smiled, surrounded by the Betels’ feeling of glee, elated in their songs and dances. She was swaying along with the music, cradled and rocked by Betelliz inhabitant’s sense of togetherness. They were one with each other, with their new friends and with what some of them considered to be godhood. When William asked her for a dance she took his hand. His joy, and her own, mixed with everyone’s, was like a touch of colour among a vibrant painting. 

The music guided Worf. His punches and kicks slowed down to harmless movements, but still countered with grace by Zeodeh. Without the promise of pain or the thrill of the fight, only the intimacy of their touches remained. They both savoured it in silence, music and touches speaking for them. The dance spoke of admiration, of desire, of pleasure and pain mixed together in a special blend of ecstasy. But it also told more complex tales of duty, of freedom, and of secrecy. The language was theirs only, impossible to understand for an outsider. It was as beautiful as it was bittersweet, for they both knew it would be the last time they would ever speak it.

Everyone in the building and in the adjacent streets -maybe in the whole city- was swaying, or singing, or dancing. At first, Data felt remote from the process, thinking it to be another one of those organic things he might never be able to fully understand... But then he felt it. The tune, the vibration, something was reaching out to him, calling and asking him to answer. To join.

At first he hesitated, didn’t know how to reply. Should he mimic the other’s movements, would that make sense ? He found it inadequate. If he had to pretend, he would rather mimic what he heard, what his sensor had registered.

What they had registered was a note.

And so he held it. Held that single note in a way no human or organic being ever could, without even the slightest modulation.

To Data’s both puzzlement and satisfaction, it fit perfectly into the music.

It was just as Uthne had said.

He was welcome among the choir.

Geordi watched everyone, fascinated. He was swaying just like Uthne had been, physically moved by the music. The shimmering bodies of the Betels moved to the sound. Among them, the shapes of the Enterprise crew members only stood out briefly. Next to him, Data seemed in his own sort of trance, holding a single crystal clear note that blended into the music like a ribbon holding a bouquet of flowers together.

“Have you ever danced, Data ?” Geordi asked, as he was taking the android’s hand. The note ended as his partners gaze focused on him, the ribbon detached, letting flowers of sound fall free.

“I have not.”

“Then would you do me the honour ?”

“It would me my pleasure.”

Cradled by the music and the people’s own dances, appeased by the low lights of the grand hall, Data’s warm body pressed against his, Geordi felt happiness bubbling in his chore. He raised his head to the halo around his lover’s head, and for a moment there was nothing else in the universe.

Bliss was the name of the emotion Data knew his partner felt, that smile clearer than any word. And for once the android didn’t wonder if he was able to experience the same thing, or even if it mattered. All his sensors were picking up was Geordi, his heartbeat, his breath, his temperature, the pressure of his body against his. He moved with him, and they -together- were moved by the music. And for now, it was all he cared about.

The dance lasted for hours, bodies moving against then apart from each other, people joining then leaving the choir.

At one point Worf and Riker sang among the Betels, Zeodeh’s all inner circle gathered around the one who had composed it, Deanna danced with the Order of Duzl while singing prayers of a faith she did not share, and Picard became part of a round that he thought would never stop.

Slowly, as dawn rose, the music died down. Less and less people danced, until the only one left standing in the room was Uthne, dancing to no song but the clear chime of their jewels.

But eventually, they stopped. 

Since their was no choir anymore, there was no song to accompany their words when they said, voice rough from overuse:

“We breathe in. We breathe out.

We have seen another dawn and welcomed another in our choir.

Despite your silence we hold witness.

Witness that your dream shall live on.

And swear that we shall sing on.

Adding more voices to ours, until finally you join us,

And our dream, forever, changes reality.

We breathe in. We breath out.

Water flows through our gills, even though there is no water and we have no more gills.”

...

The lilac sky and fresh air were of little help against the bone deep exhaustion the entire city seemed to feel. Cushions and mattresses had replaced the tables at some point during the night, and some Betels had fallen asleep here and there.

Aflud and Uthne left after saluting the Captain and his crew one last time, presumably to engage in the brutal duel they had promised each other.

The exhausted crew members of the Enterprise slowly regrouped. Deanna detangling herself from a few Betels she had fallen asleep with. Zeodeh had a short talk with Captain Picard that, unsurprisingly ended with a negative answer. He then took his his inner circle on a walk, while a handful of helpful Betels were giving everyone still awake plates of fruits and some sort of bread. When Zeodeh and his circle came back, Durand was crying on Asano’s shoulder while Officer Nalutuesha and Ensign Brown promised him it would get better. Even though the later didn’t seem to fare much better.

Worf and Zeodeh’s salutations were nowhere as dramatic, merely a curt nod. Their dance had been farewell enough.

The Enterprise crew beamed aboard with the Voice. A meeting with the United Federation of Planets headquarters had been set, and the ship was supposed to drop them at the nearest space station.

Once their mission was concluded, Deanna had a lengthy conversation with Captain Picard regarding respect of other cultures.

And as soon as they were allowed to, a tired Geordi laid in bed next to Data.

This, for the chief engineer, felt like the strangest, and most amazing thing that had happened in the last few days. Despite his exhaustion, the human couldn’t sleep, the reality of his new relationship catching up with him. Also, it had been so long since he had simply slept with someone, he wasn’t quite sure how to relax.

At length, his lover said:

“Do you remember what you have told me about meeting new people ?” The engineer had to focus a bit but finally remembered:

“That it is daunting but exciting ?”

“Yes. I have thought about it and I believe humans feel that way not only because of how the people they meet will be, but also because of what what they will reveal about them.” Geordi nodded.

“I think so too. That, and every meeting has the potential to change your life, one way or another.”

“I am glad this specific encounter changed our lives the way it did.” The android casually said.

Geordi’s answer against his torso was too distorted to decipher.

The end