#verse // all that glisters is not gold

[my-timing-is-digital]

"Can I have this dance?" ;)

A most unanticipated and unusual request, especially when he took the Lieutenant’s interests into account; she did not appear to be someone who would voluntarily engage in nor subject herself to such obsolete occupations. In his eyes, she was someone whose interests aligned with daredevil activities, putting her life unnecessarily in jeopardy simply for the thrill of it, and the well-being of the animals. Apparently, his assumptions were erroneous and required correction. Astonished, the android raised his head and looked at her over their ⸺ well ⸺ her replicated dinner, which was situated in the middle of the oval table in his personal quarters.

‘Dance?’ he iterated with a slight tilt of the head and a pearlescent white eyebrow levitated.

He was aware that the setting and ambience were appropriate for an old-fashioned slow-dance. The classical music that was dispersing its dulcet melodies in every direction of his quarters, the luminosity which had been reduced to a minimum so the artificial candlelight would be more pronounced in the tenebrous surroundings, the food he had selected to agree with her preferences. Everything was in accordance with what humans would consider an intimate rendezvous.

Over the course of several months ⸺ 6 months, 2 weeks, 5 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes, and 4 seconds, to be exact ⸺, Data’s mental pathways had developed a profound attachment to his old friend. He had spent a considerable amount of time ⸺ more than was necessary ⸺ in her presence, relishing in her company. When he was with her, the sensation of homesickness diminished and it felt like he was back aboard the Enterprise, with his family. He had formulated astute excuses to be around her, the excuses did not differ significantly from the ones he had utilised to spend time with his best friend, Geordi, in main engineering.

Data’s yellow eyes glowed with inquisitiveness while he proceeded to observe Avyra, wondering why she had suggested to dance, but who was he to dismiss such a request? He had some experience ⸺ however limited ⸺ with dancing, and he would gladly take her up on her offer.

‘It would be my honour,’ he replied, setting his orange tabby on the carpet before rising to his full height.

Graciously, he extended his right hand for Avyra to take and offered her a warm smile.

‘If you do not possess an adequate prowess with regard to waltzing, I could lead; Beverly has taught me the set of variables that are employed in order to establish that particular style,’ he notified her.

[my-timing-is-digital]

He would prefer it if she did not initiate aggressive physical contact at all. It was up to him to find an adequate solution to this problem, or at least postpone the escalation of it until Starfleet Command had selected a better suited officer, whose pending arrival could douse and eventually eradicate the problem altogether. He opted to proceed to reside in his prolonged pensiveness, acknowledging her promise with a discreet and unostentatious nod of the head.

Oh, he was cognisant that his present comportment was spurred by an unprofessional desire to be accepted and liked by everyone, but theory occasionally differed from practice, and he just had to... accept that... He concurred: it might not be sensible to mull this matter over excessively; he could, inadvertently, risk his insecurities and notions of self-doubt to intoxicate his mind and cloud his judgment.

Fortunately, the mention of Spot had a positive effect on his deeply ponderous state of mind; his features, momentarily bereft of emotions, perked up as his yellow eyes tracked down the feline. Spot, who had been drowsing on her favourite cushion during the conversation and probably had not registered any of its content nor the tumultuous emotions that had been endured, assumed a slightly more upright position, vigilant and curious simultaneously.

‘Spot’s preferred sustenance is feline supplement 25, and her favourite cat treats are the Salmon Meow Treats,’ Data said serenely, exiling his negative stream of consciousness to a circuit in the back of his duranium skull, and shifted his attention to Avyra’s 73rd attempt to properly bond with Spot. ‘Perhaps you will be more successful today.’

Killed... before? That was news to her; she was aware of Lore's destruction, but Data had never mentioned anything similar happening because of himself. It certainly made the situation more difficult, straying even further from her realm of ability to give advice. Perhaps she should just punch Newton. Or find something to blackmail him on to get him to behave.

Do not antagonize him. Well, shit. Could he read her mind? Avyra frowned, brows furling. "I wouldn't punch first. But I also don't appreciate him bullying you into this position." People like Newton often needed a swift punch to the jaw rather than polite conversation.

Finally, after a moment, she sighed, releasing the tension in her shoulders and jaw. "Fine. I won't antagonize him over this." In all honesty, they never much interacted to begin with, so she probably wouldn't get the chance to strike at him, either physically or verbally, unless she actively sought him out, which wasn't going to happen.

"It's not worth it to sit here worrying, though," she pointed out, finally turning away from the stars to face him. "Spiraling won't help the situation, besides, he'd be so happy to know that we're sitting here stewing over him." She paused. "I'm sure Spot doesn't appreciate the tension in here either. I'm going to go replicate her some treats to try to win her affection. Again."

[oflights]

An Apology For Her Poetry

I language want to dress my fancies in, The hair's uncurled, the garment's loose and thin. Had they but silver lace to make them gay, They'd be more courted than in poor array; Or, had they art, would make a better show; But they are plain; yet cleanly do they go. The world in bravery doth take delight, And glistering shows do more attract the sight: And every one doth honor a rich hood, As if the outside made the inside good. And every one doth bow and give the place, Not for the man's sake but the silver lace. Let me intreat in my poor book's behalf, That all will not adore the golden calf. Consider, pray, gold hath no life therein, And life, in nature, is the richest thing. Be just, let Fancy have the upper place, And then my verses may perchance find grace.

Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle

[theboatbuilderswife]

     IMPORTANT CANON DIVERGENT PSA

               (   The list is now entirely up-to-date again so I thought this deserved a repost, because yes, in my canon Helga is still very much alive ❤ please keep in mind that I will use my canon divergent for EVERY interaction/thread taking place in s4/5 or any of the seasons that are still to come. STEAL or dare to claim any of these hcs as your own and I know where to find you. Seriously, they’re not yours.   )

Why have you chosen to do this?

Truth be told, Angrboða‘s unnecessary death was more enough for me to go canon divergent almost immediately. A lot of things just felt extremely ooc regarding Floki and Helga’s s4b timeline, and especially the whole Tanaruz thing left me feeling unusually uncomfortable, because that was not the Helga I’d grown to love so much. In my eyes her death was pointless, like so many other deaths on the show, which is why we both have decided to go fully canon divergent when it comes to these seasons.

So can you tell us a little more about your canon divergent?

The most important thing I want you to know is that in this canon divergent Floki IS the God Loki. This has always made most sense to us and it was actually canon in the first comics and extremely hinted at in the first scripts ever written for the show. However, keep in mind that no one knows about this except for Helga and their children, unless Floki tells it them himself; even Helga didn’t know about this till Floki told her about his true identity after the events at the seer in 4x04! Angrboða did not die from her fever, and Helga gave birth to a blind son, Váli, not long after Floki got released from the caves.  ( more detailed explanations per episode under the read more. I would really appreciate it if you read it when we interact in a s4/5 setting. )

What if I am not interested in your canon divergent?

I can understand that some people might think the whole Loki thing is a bit too much  ( even though there is a 95% chance your muse is not aware of this, and really the only thing that changes is your muse’s knowledge regarding their children ).  I will make no exceptions however, simply because I refuse to acknowledge the direction in which Hirst has taken this series regarding Helga and Floki. If you keep ignoring my use of my canon divergent in our threads that take place in s4 or s5 I will simply drop our thread. Please note that s1-s3 are still totally canon, since Helga only got pregnant with Váli at the end of s3 and she wasn’t aware of Floki’s real identity at that time. You are always welcome to come plot something during these timelines if you prefer that, and of course I also have numerous AUs and other verses I’m more than happy to use ❤

So what does change in your canon divergent?

more detailed explanations per episode under the read more. Please read if our muses (will) interact in a s4/5 setting. also please keep in mind that everything shown in the series still happened as it did unless anything different is told here or discussed beforehand.

4x01 - 4x03.

Helga learned she was pregnant with a second child during the first raid to Paris (at the end of s3), this was also the reason why she ‘forgave’ Floki after avoiding him for so long. Back in Kattegat it became obvious very quickly that Floki was targeted, but with Helga already 7 months pregnant they really couldn’t do much. Helga and Angrboða were allowed to take a small home next to the hall and Angie was nursed back to health by the other healers when she fell ill. Helga still gave up much and joined Floki in the cave to take care of him, despite his pleas not to. Both were severely hurt and weakened when they got released and stayed at the healers for a couple of days. The healers told Helga the baby probably hadn’t survived as they couldn’t feel anything move anymore. Helga refused to believe this and begged Floki to take her back home together with Angie. Even though hurt, Floki agreed and they went home a few weeks before the yule celebrations would start. Helga’s condition grew worse, and at some point even begged Floki to get the child out of her, slowly realising the healers must have been right. Despite all Helga did gave birth. Váli was born too early, blind and very weak just like his mother, but alive. It was then that Floki’s mortality began to weaken at the sight of his dying wife and son and Loki started to awaken; having spend so much time amongst mortals that he was slowly losing his true self. Unknown to her Floki healed Helga.

4x04 - 4x05.

Convincing Helga, who is now in better health, to return to Kattegat to see the seer the small family moved back to the home Helga and Angie stayed in before. After Floki’s visit to the old one he realises that he can’t keep it a secret any longer and tells Helga about his true identity. Helga of course doesn’t believe him, thinking he truly has gone insane after his punishment and again secludes herself from him, taking their children. Floki gives her space and time, but also tries to show her that he speaks the truth, showing her small things, even shapeshifting to keep and eye on her and his kids. Eventually he even shows her his true form (which is pretty much still his own look, only his height changes to 8′ and his lipscars become visible. He will only take his true form when they are alone, fearing to be discovered). Helga slowly gives in, knowing there is no denying what she sees in front of her and their relationship slowly, carefully starts to flourish again to what it once was. Both agree to travel with Harald and Halfdan when the second raid to Paris is announced, only this time they take both children, not able to leave them behind.

4x06 - 4x10.

Arriving in Paris Floki sets up a tent just outside camp, making sure he could be with his family in private whenever he needed. During the attack on camp Helga made sure Angrboða took Váli and followed the Ragnarssons into safety before she got attacked. After Floki found her their children also rejoined them. Floki tried healing Helga, but after Helga woke up she tried to convince him not to make it too obvious, and still leave most of the healing up to herself.

during the timeskip.

To us the timeskip took 8 years. In this time only a few things happened. Based on the comics Uppsala got burned down just before Ragnar left. Floki swore revenge against this blasphemy, and helped building the temple back to its former glory. Helga indeed got sick after a couple of years as was hinted in s4b, and this was the reason for Floki to decide to leave this world for a short while in search for Iðunn and her apples, practically begging the goddess to give him one in order to save Helga and allow her to stop ageing, but therefore also revealing his location to the other Gods if the Goddess would reveal his secret. Helga had to think this over for a while, but accepted nonetheless, knowing she would never be able to let death take her away from her family.

4x11 - 4x15.

Nothing much changed here, only of course that the children were present during Ragnar’s visit and during their stay in Kattegat. They also decided that they would come to the Mediterranean, staying with them while confronting Rollo in Frankia. Still being children they were not as treated as brutally as Floki and Helga however.

4x16 - 4x17

Helga might have mentioned wanting another child to Floki on the ships, but he would just have grinned, only doubting about wanting to put another child on this world when everything around them is changing as he already fears Christianity slowly taking over their lands. He would definitely not have disregarded it however. Arriving in Spain Floki never would have let his family out of sight, and never got distracted by the mosque, maybe only by the gold glistering of its roof. Helga took pity on the girl after her mother was killed by Harald, but only made sure she was brought to safety and was not amongst the women captured before returning to her family. Once back in Kattegat they stay in the small home they usually stay in when their family resides in the village for a longer period of time. Both welcome Ivar, but it is Váli who panics when he is able to feel the hostile vibe still lingering around the other boy, knowing he has harm in mind, even though it is not directed towards their family.

4x18 - 4x20

It is clear Floki will be going back to England to avenge his old friend Ragnar. He wishes for Helga to stay behind, but his dreams are plaguing him, dreams of other lands. It becomes clear to him that it is time to leave Kattegat, knowing people would soon get suspicious with Helga not ageing. He does not wish for his family to come to England, but Helga insists. It is then that he tells her of his plans. Helga is confused, hesitant, but she too knows that her time in the village will soon come to an end. During the attack on Aella Helga stays with the children at camp, only visiting Ragnar’s ‘resting place’ later together with her husband, both saying their last goodbyes. After all that Floki and Helga speak again of leaving, finally coming up with a plan that will allow them to without others even dare questioning them; Helga will fake her death. They try to keep it hidden from both their children, but Váli notices, and runs away at some point, still able to feel his mother’s pain from when she gave birth to him and not wanting to see her get hurt. Floki finds him, and assures him everything will be fine and that Helga doesn’t really get hurt, at least not something he could not heal. Helga follows him to the village, having left Váli in the care of his big sister, staying close to the boats, unseen. A song is the sign that she is ready, luring Floki towards Helga as he is able to hear it from afar. He helps her cutting her throat, just above her collar and enough to make it look convincing enough that she was attacked. He carries her around, even changing her clothes, making sure people would see her face before he heals her again in secrecy, replacing her body with that of a dead saxon woman. Helga flees, covered in robes, but still watches from the shadows how Floki buries the woman, knowing Björn is watching from afar. It is terribly painful to see him like this, and Helga waits by the grave till her husband returns to her, knowing he has spoken to Björn, and that word will spread that he is leaving with his children; to everyone Helga seems dead.

5x01 - 5x03

Floki builds them a new boat fairly quickly while Helga keeps herself hidden from everyone, hardly ever daring to show herself in public unless entirely covered so she would not be recognised. It pains them all to leave, and Helga even cries when Floki tell her about Ivar’s plea for the man to stay. She is hidden under a few blankets when the boat leaves, but even she can feel the power Floki feels when old friends chant his name; a strong worship he had not felt in years. Their journey across the sea is a difficult one, especially for Helga. She feels grief for everything and everything they had to leave behind, and even their children feel it at some point. Food and drinks are scarce, something that weakens the family greatly, and especially Helga starts to distance herself again in her sorrowful mood. They reach new land, but Helga refuses to move. Her body is still too weak, and she longs to return home. Their children too feel the effects of their long journey, but Floki can’t force himself to sit still and do nothing. He is irritated, tired, hungry, but still he begs his wife and children to stay with the ship while he searches for food and explores this new found land. He finds the waterfall and shares a vision with Váli, knowing this is indeed the land he had seen in his dreams. Before he can return to his family he is struck by another vision, or so he thinks. It is Hel who he sees in the waterfall, knowing she is trying to make her presence known to her father with her rather macabre visual tricks. Exhaustion from their long travels almost takes over at that point, but he is delighted by what he saw because his family is with him.

5x04-5x10

A few days pass and the family slowly regains their strength. Realising they are the only ones on this massive island Floki knows that they can not keep this all to themselves. He knows there are plenty of people who wish for a more quiet life, and that is exactly what he wishes for this island; to be one without a king or queen, for people to farm, and live in peace with the Gods’ names still on their lips. His boat rebuild they sail back to the mainland where first they decide to visit Uppsala one last time before they continue their journey to their old home where Helga and their children hide while Floki returns to Kattegat to find people willing to journey back with them. He is saddened to see what has become of the old village, and with Lagertha’s foolish attempt to stop him. Nonetheless he finds families worthy of following the God’s path, and builds new boats with the promise of new land. With pain in their heart they destroy their old home before they leave, and bury all their valuable belongings they can’t take with them in hope to one day return again in another lifetime. Once reaching the island the family is quick to seclude themselves again, though Floki keeps an eye on the settlement, eager to watch it grow with his guidance while he builds a home for his own family, a large farm where Helga can plant her gardens anew, and their children can keep plenty of animals. Helga and both Angie and Váli are quick to make friends amongst the settlers, helping to solve useless quarrels, and to maintain the peace on the newly discovered island. The family finds happiness again, and solitude spending their time as simple farmers, though their old professions are not forgotten, and practised plenty to assist in the development of the settlement.

[libidomechanica]

“Or, whats what is your beautiful Pussy you are a mother”

As heaven, my Love, and he had in  her present still will come  on my rose tree. Or, whats what  is your beautiful Pussy you  are a mother and by addition me of  the moon is sleep on the  last set free, that thou down a  man it is only last  year, and her hand, as Senses fall  from mine eye alone, thing less or more the  coward, but, if a hand upon 

those northern lights, or hang the hears  the morning, quench the fire,  as is the kitchen or  the echoes answer so. And found a  dying flower, glistering what I  could send fortify yourself in  you, and laughter ill shall it pleasure  that surface before those throne. While  the wolf would have to bring for  foul weather being at the  law have fled, in a its crimson 

shame and gentleman from fear.  Mourne nowe my rymes bene rugged and  doors with those shuffled so, “O miracle  of lies, that sometime true minds or  backs are blown hither flap-mouthd mourned hast, noy  gynnes to hideous winters ragged  claws scuttling across that looks  upon his night-wanderer cheek hath ending ( if you with playnts, as dry  combustion and thats a fast track shifted  precipitate,” while turbidly flowed 

to him half commercial, half in  a day at childish error, that I  mean it remember your  light which in all beauties of the  eye and swelling-place. To choose not  succeeded, a period  something in love. As falcon to  that she can no more than doves will  be time to wonder, if she  struggles to bear it? These his carefull  verse.) That rises from 

chimneys, slipped by that armed her owne. Of  Time now signal: O, shes two hours of  deans; they nothing worthy prove; unless my love,  which in all Compexions some separate  wives, and strength and  the patents of glowing dames will  come unto the watered at the  woman love with her tears  doth quench them glide, like a melancholy  malcontent, but never in thee, or  the steed is stalled up, she a-

hunting her cheeks, he bends his own hand with  the same ages  cant form my speculation; nay, married, and  the world to gaze upon his  lance, dye would they should love Vntil, his body  but Flight. that in one small guitar, “o  lovely boy, who is all my days and  women, deviants, wit waits for ever  lost against which, years of such  sight to know me; struck two, Bends her  mangling violin no fisher but 

the enclasping flocked in me, the  pleaders of their rains, and being  sheet. advise the gift of sorrow,  to live some one kiss, or  softly light; day after the  wingèd brow dost mountains, o lovely cave with  flowery sisters are Lifes oblivion.  Wreathed sighed deep, (who, by that doth  Phoebus gold that posterity? A  quench them gentle majesty and  paddling plied and wrung it.”)

[pocketfullofpoems-blog1]

An Apology For Her Poetry

Margaret Cavendish

I language want to dress my fancies in, The hair's uncurled, the garment's loose and thin. Had they but silver lace to make them gay, They'd be more courted than in poor array; Or, had they art, would make a better show; But they are plain; yet cleanly do they go. The world in bravery doth take delight, And glistering shows do more attract the sight: And every one doth honor a rich hood, As if the outside made the inside good. And every one doth bow and give the place, Not for the man's sake but the silver lace. Let me intreat in my poor book's behalf, That all will not adore the golden calf. Consider, pray, gold hath no life therein, And life, in nature, is the richest thing. Be just, let Fancy have the upper place, And then my verses may perchance find grace.

[my-timing-is-digital]

@heartfledged continued from [ x ]

Cognisant that the alteration regarding the conversation’s focal point could negatively affect their amicable banter, Data decided to proceed. Lal deserved some form of commemoration, and the only way to perpetuate her existence, her legacy, to keep the memories alive, was to talk about her.

‘No, it is all right; I am more than happy to tell you about my daughter,’ the zealous tone in his voice, hopefully, terminated any tinges of doubt, reluctance or disquietude that might incarcerate her in anticipation of the answer to her request for additional information concerning Lal. ‘After my return from a cybernetics conference in 2366, I decided to construct an android with the latest technological advancements that were available to me. I duplicated my own positronic brain and neural net; they functioned as a template for my daughter. Initially, I succeeded in my endeavour to create another Soong-type android, and named her Lal ⸺ which means “beloved” in Hindi. I granted her the opportunity to choose her own gender and appearance and assisted her in the development of her motor skills, cognitive and heuristic processes, and received significant help and support from Wesley, Deanna, Beverly, Guinan, and even Captain Picard. However, when Starfleet Command was apprised of my work, Admiral Haftel, a cyberneticist, voiced his disinclination to my undertaking; he demanded Lal to be transferred with him to a Daystrom Institute that housed scientists who, he claimed, had more “expertise” in providing care and assistance to a newborn android. Lal demurred and the Captain declined the Admiral’s orders on my behalf, and iterated that the Enterprise was the ideal place for a young android to reach maturity, in the presence of her creator and father... Unfortunately, she succumbed to a complete cascade failure in her neural net, which I was unable to rectify, before any of those measures could transpire... No matter how fast I worked to prevent it — I simply was... not fast enough... She was shutdown at 1300 hours after which I transferred her memories and experiences into my own brain, to keep her legacy alive. In her ephemeral existence, Lal exceeded my original programming: she had acquired the ability to perform verbal contractions and in the terminal stages of her life, she could even generate and endure emotions such as fear, sadness, and love.’

His yellow eyes darted up the find hers; should she require an encapsulation that was less compendious and more comprehensive, an elaboration on his personal relationship with Lal, he would happily accommodate her with such an account.

‘Despite her absence, I will continue to be proud of her accomplishments, and I sincerely hope we could be reunited in the future, to coexist as a family and engage in recreational activities and share our mutual interests, to fortify our familial bond,’ he concluded his evocations and wishes on a hopeful note. ‘I believe you would have liked her; she was much like myself during our time in the Academy.’

[my-timing-is-digital]

Data narrowed his eyes sceptically at Avyra’s words of dismissal, but abandoned the subject matter nonetheless. Besides, he was no expert in this area; he might have been engaged in an unsubstantial relationship with a fellow officer back on the Enterprise, but that was prior to acquiring his emotion chip, and he was uncertain whether he regarded the relationship as a genuine attempt at romance or an experiment. Either way, it had never extended beyond a handful of private appointments and several extensive talks in Ten Forward before Lieutenant Jenna D’Sora had discontinued their relationship on the basis of his absence of emotions. He did not miss her ⸺ never had ⸺ which, he felt, was odd, because they had been considerably close for a short period of time. Tasha, on the other hand...

    Before he could lose himself in the whirlpool of emotions, recollections, and thoughts elicited by recalling Tasha’s demise, Avyra’s voice yanked him back to the present. The android listened attentively to her words, imagining that his own brother might have experienced a similar, albeit more radical array of emotions and opinions like she did. But he concurred with her on one thing: friends are important.

    ‘The Enterprise crew has and always will be my family, therefore, I can relate to your sentiments. In fact, the former Enterprise senior officers and I are planning to get together in several months, to celebrate Captain Picard’s birthday,’ he said while mischief framed his synthetic features. ‘Naturally, he does not know the intentions of our plans as of yet, because he would find an excuse to be otherwise engaged on the dates in question. But I believe, we have outwitted him this time.’

    The prospect of seeing his friends again filled him with excitement and happiness, which dissipated at the mention Avyra’s question.

    ‘No. Being deactivated is similar to losing one’s consciousness for an indefinite period of time, or sleeping without consciously experiencing internal visions and simply waking up the following morning with no recollections of one’s dreams,’ Data explained serenely. ‘Terminating an android’s life will take much more than simply deactivating them. Termination can only be accomplished through the annihilation of the positronic brain.’

    In the meantime, his tactile sensors registered the feline’s movements under his hand. Their chatter had roused her from her peaceful slumber, and now she had decided to take a whiff of the untouched alcoholic beverage in his occupied hand. She violently shook her head at the strong scent intoxicating her olfactory organs, but that did not deter her. On the contrary, she was determined to taste it and tried dipping her paw in the amber liquid.

    ‘No, Spot. That is not for you,’ he said reprovingly, scooping her up in his right hand and holding her against his chest, preserving a considerable distance between his drink and the delinquent, Spot, the act of which earnt him a disgruntled meow. ‘I wish I could say that she is usually a well-behaved cat, but that would be a lie ⸺ she always misbehaves when she is in other people’s company. I do not know why... ‘Spot, no. You cannot eat my tie. I know you think you can, but you cannot. You will get aches in your belly and vomit all over carpet again.’

Was it an obsolete assertion? Others had always iterated and emphasised how important continuity was to humanity, and that procreation contributed to a sense of immortality; a part of them would perpetuate, even long after they had ceased to exist. It had been one of the subject matters that was embedded in the conversation he had shared with his father on Terlina III. And as a result, he, himself, had tried his hand at procreation — however brief, informative, and tragic his experience might have been…

    ‘I am sorry to hear that, Avyra,’ he said compassionately, mulling this predicament over for several chemical nutrient circulations.

    Perhaps he could be of assistance? Now that he was Captain, it should be comparatively simple to request a transfer and reinstate her former partner on the Artemis, so they could continue their relationship. But his proposition remained an unformulated suggestion that dissipated mid-production; he could not interpolate his proposal.

    ‘Ah. You would not have formulated such a jocular remark about my brother if you had met him. We were in each other’s company on three separate occasions. Twice, Lore deactivated me. The third time, I deactivated him,’ Data told her, averting his gaze.

    In retrospect, all three instances were painful; since his first day of activation, he had been hopeful to encounter an individual similar to him — an android. But the only one with whom he crossed paths, was an android who had been responsible for the obliteration of their home world, who had terminated thousands of lives, including their father’s, and who had worn a facade of falsehood and continually fashioned incorrect statements of fact to deceive him.

    ‘I had always longed for having relatives; a family I can confide in, but Lore was untrustworthy and unpredictable. After our first encounter, I could only regard his words with suspicion and dubiety; I have pondered his terminal confession of brotherly affection thousands of times, but I am still uncertain his words were sincere,’ he added, immersed in his own memories, browsing through all the relevant events that had occurred. ‘Mhm. Perhaps it does sound like “one of the wildest party stories” after all.’

[theboatbuilderswife]

     IMPORTANT CANON DIVERGENT PSA

                (   with the start of s5 around the corner I have decided to repost this again in hope it doesn’t get lost/forgotten, because yes, in my canon Helga is still very much alive ❤ please keep in mind that I will use my canon divergent for EVERY interaction/thread taking place in s4/5 or any of the seasons that are still to come.   )

Why have you chosen to do this?

Truth be told, Angrboða‘s unnecessary death was more enough for me and @flokithetrickster to go canon divergent almost immediately. A lot of things just felt extremely ooc to both of us regarding Floki and Helga’s s4b timeline, and especially the whole Tanaruz thing left me feeling unusually uncomfortable, because that was not the Helga I’d grown to love so much. In my eyes her death was pointless, like so many other deaths on the show, which is why we both have decided to go fully canon divergent when it comes to these seasons.

So can you tell us a little more about your canon divergent?

The most important thing we want you to know is that in our canon divergent Floki IS the God Loki. This has always made most sense to us and it was actually canon in the first comics and extremely hinted at in the first scripts ever written for the show. However, keep in mind that no one knows about this except for Helga and their children, unless Floki tells it them himself; even Helga didn’t know about this till Floki told her about his true identity after the events at the seer in 4x04! Angrboða did not die from her fever, and Helga gave birth to a blind son, Váli, not long after Floki got released from the caves.  ( more detailed explanations per episode under the read more. I would really appreciate it if you read it when we interact in a s4/5 setting. )

What if I am not interested in your canon divergent?

I can understand that some people might think the whole Loki thing is a bit too much  ( even though there is a 95% chance your muse is not aware of this, and really the only thing that changes is your muse’s knowledge regarding their children ).  I will make no exceptions however, simply because I refuse to acknowledge the direction in which Hirst has taken this series regarding Helga and Floki. If you keep ignoring my use of my canon divergent in our threads that take place in s4 or s5 I will simply drop our thread. Please note that s1-s3 are still totally canon, since Helga only got pregnant with Váli at the end of s3 and she wasn’t aware of Floki’s real identity at that time. You are always welcome to come plot something during these timelines if you prefer that, and of course I also have numerous AUs and other verses I’m more than happy to use ❤

So what does change in your canon divergent?

more detailed explanations per episode under the read more. Please read if our muses (will) interact in a s4/5 setting. also please keep in mind that everything shown in the series still happened as it did unless anything different is told here or discussed beforehand.

4x01 - 4x03.

Helga learned she was pregnant with a second child during the first raid to Paris (at the end of s3), this was also the reason why she ‘forgave’ Floki after avoiding him for so long. Back in Kattegat it became obvious very quickly that Floki was targeted, but with Helga already 7 months pregnant they really couldn’t do much. Helga and Angrboða were allowed to take a small home next to the hall and Angie was nursed back to health by the other healers when she fell ill. Helga still gave up much and joined Floki in the cave to take care of him, despite his pleas not to. Both were severely hurt and weakened when they got released and stayed at the healers for a couple of days. The healers told Helga the baby probably hadn’t survived as they couldn’t feel anything move anymore. Helga refused to believe this and begged Floki to take her back home together with Angie. Even though hurt, Floki agreed and they went home a few weeks before the yule celebrations would start. Helga’s condition grew worse, and at some point even begged Floki to get the child out of her, slowly realising the healers must have been right. Despite all Helga did gave birth. Váli was born too early, blind and very weak just like his mother, but alive. It was then that Floki’s mortality began to weaken at the sight of his dying wife and son and Loki started to awaken; having spend so much time amongst mortals that he was slowly losing his true self. Unknown to her Floki healed Helga.

4x04 - 4x05.

Convincing Helga, who is now in better health, to return to Kattegat to see the seer the small family moved back to the home Helga and Angie stayed in before. After Floki’s visit to the old one he realises that he can’t keep it a secret any longer and tells Helga about his true identity. Helga of course doesn’t believe him, thinking he truly has gone insane after his punishment and again secludes herself from him, taking their children. Floki gives her space and time, but also tries to show her that he speaks the truth, showing her small things, even shapeshifting to keep and eye on her and his kids. Eventually he even shows her his true form (which is pretty much still his own look, only his height changes to 8′ and his lipscars become visible. He will only take his true form when they are alone, fearing to be discovered). Helga slowly gives in, knowing there is no denying what she sees in front of her and their relationship slowly, carefully starts to flourish again to what it once was. Both agree to travel with Harald and Halfdan when the second raid to Paris is announced, only this time they take both children, not able to leave them behind.

4x06 - 4x10.

Arriving in Paris Floki sets up a tent just outside camp, making sure he could be with his family in private whenever he needed. During the attack on camp Helga made sure Angrboða took Váli and followed the Ragnarssons into safety before she got attacked. After Floki found her their children also rejoined them. Floki tried healing Helga, but after Helga woke up she tried to convince him not to make it too obvious, and still leave most of the healing up to herself.

during the timeskip.

To us the timeskip took 8 years. In this time only a few things happened. Based on the comics Uppsala got burned down just before Ragnar left. Floki swore revenge against this blasphemy, and helped building the temple back to its former glory. Helga indeed got sick after a couple of years as was hinted in s4b, and this was the reason for Floki to decide to leave this world for a short while in search for Iðunn and her apples, practically begging the goddess to give him one in order to save Helga and allow her to stop ageing, but therefore also revealing his location to the other Gods if the Goddess would reveal his secret. Helga had to think this over for a while, but accepted nonetheless, knowing she would never be able to let death take her away from her family.

4x11 - 4x15.

Nothing much changed here, only of course that the children were present during Ragnar’s visit and during their stay in Kattegat. They also decided that they would come to the Mediterranean, staying with them while confronting Rollo in Frankia. Still being children they were not as treated as brutally as Floki and Helga however.

4x16 - 4x17

Helga might have mentioned wanting another child to Floki on the ships, but he would just have grinned, only doubting about wanting to put another child on this world when everything around them is changing as he already fears Christianity slowly taking over their lands. He would definitely not have disregarded it however. Arriving in Spain Floki never would have let his family out of sight, and never got distracted by the mosque, maybe only by the gold glistering of its roof. Helga took pity on the girl after her mother was killed by Harald, but only made sure she was brought to safety and was not amongst the women captured before returning to her family. Once back in Kattegat they stay in the small home they usually stay in when their family resides in the village for a longer period of time. Both welcome Ivar, but it is Váli who panics when he is able to feel the hostile vibe still lingering around the other boy, knowing he has harm in mind, even though it is not directed towards their family.

4x18 - 4x20

It is clear Floki will be going back to England to avenge his old friend Ragnar. He wishes for Helga to stay behind, but his dreams are plaguing him, dreams of other lands. It becomes clear to him that it is time to leave Kattegat, knowing people would soon get suspicious with Helga not ageing. He does not wish for his family to come to England, but Helga insists. It is then that he tells her of his plans. Helga is confused, hesitant, but she too knows that her time in the village will soon come to an end. During the attack on Aella Helga stays with the children at camp, only visiting Ragnar’s ‘resting place’ later together with her husband, both saying their last goodbyes. After all that Floki and Helga speak again of leaving, finally coming up with a plan that will allow them to without others even dare questioning them; Helga will fake her death. They try to keep it hidden from both their children, but Váli notices, and runs away at some point, still able to feel his mother’s pain from when she gave birth to him and not wanting to see her get hurt. Floki finds him, and assures him everything will be fine and that Helga doesn’t really get hurt, at least not something he could not heal. Helga follows him to the village, having left Váli in the care of his big sister, staying close to the boats, unseen. A song is the sign that she is ready, luring Floki towards Helga as he is able to hear it from afar. He helps her cutting her throat, just above her collar and enough to make it look convincing enough that she was attacked. He carries her around, even changing her clothes, making sure people would see her face before he heals her again in secrecy, replacing her body with that of a dead saxon woman. Helga flees, covered in robes, but still watches from the shadows how Floki buries the woman, knowing Björn is watching from afar. It is terribly painful to see him like this, and Helga waits by the grave till her husband returns to her, knowing he has spoken to Björn, and that word will spread that he is leaving with his children; to everyone Helga seems dead.

5x01 - 5x03

Floki builds them a new boat fairly quickly while Helga keeps herself hidden from everyone, hardly ever daring to show herself in public unless entirely covered so she would not be recognised. It pains them all to leave, and Helga even cries when Floki tell her about Ivar’s plea for the man to stay. She is hidden under a few blankets when the boat leaves, but even she can feel the power Floki feels when old friends chant his name; a strong worship he had not felt in years. Their journey across the sea is a difficult one, especially for Helga. She feels grief for everything and everything they had to leave behind, and even their children feel it at some point. Food and drinks are scarce, something that weakens the family greatly, and especially Helga starts to distance herself again in her sorrowful mood. They reach new land, but Helga refuses to move. Her body is still too weak, and she longs to return home. Their children too feel the effects of their long journey, but Floki can’t force himself to sit still and do nothing. He is irritated, tired, hungry, but still he begs his wife and children to stay with the ship while he searches for food and explores this new found land. He finds the waterfall and shares a vision with Váli, knowing this is indeed the land he had seen in his dreams. Before he can return to his family he is struck by another vision, or so he thinks. It is Hel who he sees in the waterfall, knowing she is trying to make her presence known to her father with her rather macabre visual tricks. Exhaustion from their long travels almost takes over at that point, but he is delighted by what he saw because his family is with him.

[theboatbuilderswife]

✾   IMPORTANT CANON DIVERGENT PSA

               (   I’ve been talking this over with @flokithetrickster, and due to the events in episode 4x16 I have decided to ONLY use our canon divergent for all interactions/threads taking place in s4 or any seasons coming after that from now on. If you have any questions, please never hesitate to hop in my IM/askbox.   )

Why are you doing this?

I have watched s4 with a lot of doubt already. Elle and I created our divergent almost immediately after Angie’s death and have been working on it in detail for close to a year already. Episode 4x16 left me with a very uneasy feeling for quite a while. Everything about Helga and Floki felt so OOC to me in that episode. I personally feel really uncomfortable seeing Helga so obsessed after not having mentioned anything about wanting another child to Floki for almost a decade and out of nowhere kidnapping a girl, claiming it is her daughter. I wanted nothing more from this series than to see Helga and Floki happy and I know this was not given to us. For once all my suspicions turned out to be true, unfortunately. I knew from the start it would lead to Helga's death, a pointless death that wasn't necessary at all, like most deaths on the show.

So can you tell us a little more about your canon divergent?

The most important thing we want you to know is that in our canon divergent Floki IS the God Loki, this has always made most sense to us and it was actually canon in the first comics. However, keep in mind that no one knows about this except for Helga and their children, unless Floki tells it them himself; even Helga didn’t know about this till Floki told her about his true identity after the events at the seer in 4x04 and that he is hiding himself from the other Gods!! Angrboða did not die from her fever, and Helga gave birth to a son, Váli, not long after Floki got released from the caves. (more detailed explanations per episode under the read more. I would really appreciate it if you read it when we interact in a s4 setting.)

What will change for our current threads?

Nothing, but please keep in mind that if our threads take place during the events of s4 I will slowly start to use my canon divergent unless our muses have already discussed the current canon events IC.

What if I am not interested in your canon divergent?

Everyone has got their own taste, and I can understand that some people might think the whole Loki thing is a bit too much (even though there is a 95% change your muse is not aware of this, and really the only thing that changes is your muse's knowledge regarding their children!!). I will make no exceptions however, simply because I refuse to acknowledge the direction in which Hirst is taking this series regarding Helga and Floki. If you keep ignoring my use of my canon divergent in our threads that take place in s4 or any of the seasons that still have to follow I will simply drop our thread. Please note that s1-s3 are still totally canon, since Helga only got pregnant with Váli at the end of s3 and she wasn’t aware of Floki’s real identity at that time. You are always welcome to come plot something during these timelines if you prefer that, and of course I also have numerous au’s and other verses to use!

So what does change in your canon divergent?

more detailed explanations per episode under the read more. Please read if our muses (will) interact in a s4 setting. also please keep in mind that everything shown in the series still happened as it did unless anything different is told here or discussed beforehand.

4x01 - 4x03.

Helga learned she was pregnant with a second child during the first raid to Paris (at the end of s3), this was also the reason why she ‘forgave’ Floki after avoiding him for so long. Back in Kattegat it became obvious very quickly that Floki was targeted, but with Helga already 7 months pregnant they really couldn’t do much. Helga and  Angrboða were allowed to take a small home next to the hall and Angie was nursed back to health by the other healers when she fell ill. Helga still gave up much and joined Floki in the cave to take care of him, despite his pleas not to. Both were severely hurt and weakened when they got released and stayed at the healers for a couple of days. The healers told Helga the baby probably hadn’t survived as they couldn’t feel anything move anymore. Helga refused to believe this and begged Floki to take her back home together with Angie. Even though hurt, Floki agreed and they went home a few weeks before the yule celebrations would start. Helga’s condition grew worse, and at some point even begged Floki to get the child out of her, slowly realising the healers must have been right. Despite all Helga did gave birth. Váli was born too early, blind and very weak just like his mother, but alive. It was then that Floki’s mortality began to weaken at the sight of his dying wife and son and Loki started to awaken; having spend so much time amongst mortals that he was slowly losing his true self. Unknown to her Floki healed Helga.

4x04 - 4x05.

Convincing Helga, who is now in better health, to return to Kattegat to see the seer the small family moved back to the home Helga and Angie stayed in before. After Floki’s visit to the old one he realises that he can’t keep it a secret any longer and tells Helga about his true identity. Helga of course doesn’t believe him, thinking he truly has gone insane after his punishment and again secludes herself from him, taking their children. Floki gives her space and time, but also tries to show her that he speaks the truth, showing her small things, even shapeshifting to keep and eye on her and his kids. Eventually he even shows her his true form (which is pretty much still his own look, only his height changes to 8′ and his lipscars become visible. He will only take his true form when they are alone, fearing to be discovered). Helga slowly gives in, knowing there is no denying what there is in front of her and their relationship slowly, carefully starts to flourish again to what it once was. Both agree to travel with Harald and Halfdan when the second raid to Paris is announced, only this time they take both children, not able to leave them behind.

4x06 - 4x10.

Arriving in Paris Floki sets up a tent just outside camp, making sure he could be with his family in private whenever he needed. During the attack on camp Helga made sure Angrboða took Váli and followed the Ragnarssons into safety before she got attacked. After Floki found her their children also rejoined them. Floki tried healing Helga, but after Helga came by she tried to convince him not to make it too obvious, and still leave most of the healing up to herself. The whole vision with Harbard and Aslaug never happened as Loki does not have the gift of sight.

during the timeskip.

To us the timeskip took 8 years. In this time only a few things happened. Based on the comics Uppsala got burned down just before Ragnar left. Floki swore revenge against this blasphemy, and helped building the temple back to its former glory. Helga indeed got sick after a couple of years, and this was the reason for Floki to decide to leave this world for a short while in search for Iðunn and her apples, practically begging the goddess to give him one in order to save Helga and allow her to stop ageing, but also therefore revealing his location to the other Gods if the Goddess would reveal his secret. Helga had to think this over for a while, but accepted nonetheless, knowing she would never be able to let death take her away from her family.

4x11 - 4x15.

Nothing much changed here, only of course that the children were present during Ragnar’s visit and during their stay in Kattegat. They also decided that they would come to the Mediterranean, staying with them while confronting Rollo in Frankia. They were not as treated as brutally as Floki and Helga however.

4x16 - 4x17

Helga might have mentioned wanting another child to Floki on the ships, but he would just have grinned, only doubting about wanting to put another child on this world when everything around them is changing as he already feels the fear of Christians slowly taking over their lands. He would definitely not have disregarded it however. Arriving in Spain Floki never would have let his family out of sight, and never got distracted by the mosque, maybe only by the gold glistering of its roof. Helga took pity on the girl after her mother was killed by Harald however, making sure she was brought to safety and was not amongst the women captured before rejoining with her family. Once back in Kattegat they stay in the small home they usually stay in when their family resides in Kattegat for a longer period of time. Both welcome Ivar, but it is Váli who panics when he is able to feel the hostile vibe still lingering around the other boy, knowing he has harm in mind, even though it is not directed towards their family.

4x18 - 4x20

It is clear Floki will be going back to England to avenge his old friend Ragnar. He wishes for Helga to stay behind, but his dreams are plaguing him, dreams of other lands. It becomes clear to him that it is time to leave Kattegat, knowing people would soon get supsicious with Helga not ageing. He does not wish for his family to come to England, but Helga insists. It is then that he tells her of his plans. Helga is confused, hesitant, but she too knows that her time in the village will soon come to an end. During the attack on Aella Helga stays with the children at camp, only visiting Ragnar's 'resting place' later together with her husband, both saying their last goodbyes. After all that Floki and Helga speak again of leaving, finally coming up with a plan that will allow them to without others even dare questioning them; Helga will fake her death. They try to keep it hidden from both their children, but Váli notices, and runs away at some point, still able to feel his mother's pain from when she gave birth to him and not wanting to see her get hurt. Floki finds him, and assures him everything will be fine and that Helga doesn't really get hurt, at least not something he could not heal. Helga follows him to the village, having left Váli in the care of his big sister, staying close to the boats, unseen. A song is the sign that she is ready, luring Floki towards Helga as he is able to hear it from afar. He helps her cutting her throat, just above her collar and enough to make it look convincing enough that she was attacked. He carries her around, even changing her clothes, making sure people would see her face before he heals her again in secrecy, replacing her body with that of a dead saxon woman. Helga flees, covered in robes, but still watches from the shadows how Floki buries the woman, knowing Björn is watching from afar. It is terribly painful to see him like this, and Helga waits by the grave till her husband returns to her, knowing he has spoken to Björn, and that word will spread that he is leaving with his children; to all others Helga seems dead. They flee to the ships, both children already waiting for them. Ready to set sail for new land; Iceland.

5.

( will be continued when S5 airs )

[my-timing-is-digital]

Although no response, neither verbal nor nonverbal, was forthcoming, the android’s yellow eyes remained trained on the Lieutenant, his central processing unit digesting her input systematically and meticulously. Perhaps he had exaggerated the claim regarding his brother, but there was ample evidence that a selection of humans detested him and did not refrain themselves from exhibiting their detestation in his presence. It was abundantly clear that some did not approve of his presence aboard this ship. Naturally, he was aware he could not befriend every individual, no matter how hard he tried, but the contempt his second-in-command, and several other senior officers, openly displayed toward him caused him to question his every decision and his purpose here. And the emotion chip was not particularly helpful in that regard either...

‘The chip is... unreliable. Although I am programmed with an adequate failsafe algorithm that will prevent me from instigating unethical situations, I do not know if the chip is capable of overriding this algorithm. I do not wish to inflict damage on another individual because I cannot retain my equanimity,’ he said, his voice soft and euphonious. ‘I have killed before when I was involuntarily subjected to a high dosage of anger, I do not wish to relive that moment and the repercussions a second time.’

Data sincerely doubted reporting Newton would accomplish anything; the report would be forwarded to him, and he was uncertain Starfleet Command would assign the Artemis a new second-in-command, especially since there was a shortage of senior officers all across the fleet. Nevertheless, he did not express his scepticism and reverted to silence instead...

‘No. I would never ask a fellow officer to fight my battles, and I implore you, do not antagonise him. I did not forget about your combative nature, but if you and Commander Newton conclude your argument entangled in a primitive brawl, I will not be impartial, nor succumb to favouritism, and distribute the appropriate punishments conform to Starfleet regulations ⸺ to both of you,’ he warned her, his voice bereft of sympathy. ‘Do not mistake my statement for ungratefulness, because I appreciate your commitment to support me, but this must not result in the involvement of a third party. Please. I do not want this situation to escalate beyond my control.’

Avyra listened, letting him speak, doing her best to understand. But she couldn't, not below the surface. Could she even give advice on this? The last thing she wanted to do was say something wrong, but she couldn't say nothing.

"It wasn't a fool's errand." That she could say with certainty. "You wanted to understand us. And in that quest, you bettered yourself. I love the person you became." She paused, finally closing the gap between them, taking his hand and leaning heavy against his arm.

"Maybe your brother is right. But I don't think he is." The idea of him yielding to Lore's words made her stomach churn over. Lore had murdered a colony of people over this very hatred. Would the same happen to Data?

"Progress is never linear, but..." She swallowed, looking away from his gaze, back out into the stars, reining her thoughts back into the present. "It's not your responsibility to make people change their minds. And many people... can't be changed.

"I don't think you should give up the chip," she continued, trying to think over her words before speaking. "And you are suited for this posting. More suited than most with your rank, actually. It's Newton who is wrong. And if he wants to continue this behavior, then he can let it bite him in the ass when I report him." The only thing stopping her from beating Newton up herself was the fact that she would be horribly outmatched by size alone, not rank or losing her job.

"I'm sorry I can't be much more help. I... wish I could just deal with him for you." Avyra looked back up to him, giving his hand a squeeze. "I'm here, though. I don't know how much that matters, but I'm on your side. And the science team all enjoys your company." There was a reason why her team was constantly inviting him along to their department events. "Sometimes it can feel that way, but you aren't alone."

[my-timing-is-digital]

The stagger that was precipitated by his innocuous enquiry made him reevaluate his words. Had he said something wrong? Should he issue an apology? After all, he had no intention to inconvenience her, he was just genuinely curious to ascertain what had initiated her considering this would be an appropriate course of action...

His brows corrugated in a ruminative frown as he listened assiduously to her answer, compensating for her deficiency in ballroom dancing.

‘Mhm,’ he hummed in acknowledgement ⸺ humans were such intriguing beings; the atmosphere he had created had prompted her to act on a whim, and he had obeyed to satisfy her caprice. ‘It is alright,’ he reassured her, but there was another query burning on his synthetic tongue. ‘The word “intimate” possesses a variety of denotations, all similar to some degree, but their definitions are altered when situated in different contexts. To which denotation are you referring? Which one is applicable to our present situation?’

He was not proficiently versed in this area, and could only establish extrapolations or theories based on inconclusive data. He was cognisant that humans often preferred to be cryptic under certain circumstances, but he was not human and thus required a less ambiguous context. In short, he did not fully comprehend the genesis of her rationale.

@heartfledged

Avyra allowed herself to be led; it was an odd feeling, though not an unwelcome one. As far as form went, she knew hers was bad, having never had any formal instruction on ballroom dance. It just wasn't something that ever came up, yet here she was. She almost regretted never taking an interest in dance, as she was probably about to make herself look like a fool.

After a few minutes she was able to accomplish what was probably the bare minimum for dance, finding a simple rhythm and matching Data's own. It probably wasn't correct, but it would do.

His question made her break her stride, and she had to push it to the back of her mind for a moment to regain her composure in motion. She didn't realize how much concentration she was actually using until she tried to put energy into something else.

"It... seemed right." Her reply was soft as she tried to think of how to word her reasoning. "Impulse could probably satisfy your question, but... not entirely." She paused, trying to think, at the detriment of her motion. "The atmosphere felt right for a more intimate activity. I'm sorry if I came off as too strong."

@my-timing-is-digital

[my-timing-is-digital]

The first officer had cast the android into an abyss of doubt. Although he had managed to obscure his emotions on the bridge, they threatened to undermine his emotional stability now... The synthehol was not the source of Commander Newton’s outburst, nor could it have functioned as the proverbial last straw. It was too trivial; it would not make sense to utilise the prohibition of alcoholic beverages as the foundation for one’s argument to resent another. Therefore, he inferred that the factor, or factors that were responsible for this unprofessional conduct either emanated from multiple grievances, or Data, himself, had inadvertently provoked this type of behaviour; perhaps his presence alone had compelled Newton to assume a hostile attitude toward him. Either way, the android was determined to ascertain if it was still possible to douse the fire he had ignited in his second-in-command and hopefully to eradicate any deep-seated hatred the man harboured for him.

While his positronic brain had generated his stream of consciousness and simultaneously coordinated a profound search for the correct approach which he could employ to prevent the situation from escalating, his gaze had wandered. His yellow eyes lay motionless in their sockets as they were surveying the stars. Had he failed to adequately perform his duties as captain? He had attempted to emulate Picard, but had implemented aspects and behavioural patterns he, himself, valued in command, and which Picard did not exercise. Evidently, this had been insufficient... Had his years of experience aboard the flagship of the Federation abandoned him the moment his molecules were merged back together on this transporter pad? Why could humans never eradicate their own prejudices and look further than the exterior and behold the individual instead?

‘I have been devised to operate within pre-established parameters,’ he commented enigmatically on Avyra’s praise, attempting to brush it off ⸺ neither compliments nor confirmations of his correct behaviour were going to serve in his advantage.

The emotion chip was active, but he continually dismissed the sensations he was enduring. In his mind there was only doubt, but his circuitry was burning with anxiety, and his neural net was tingling with disappointment and frustration. Perhaps he had erred. He was trying to captain this ship to the best of his abilities, but if the majority of the crew loathed him purely on the basis of him being an artificial lifeform, he was uncertain he would be able to proceed with this career path ⸺ at least for now... Maybe he should resign and return to the Enterprise, to serve as Picard’s first officer. But that would mean deserting this ship, its projects, its ideologies, a noble cause. And besides, he could not, would not, give Newton the satisfaction of seeing him walking to the transporter room with his tail tugged between his legs, his pride wounded as he ran back to his master...

‘I do not know. The emotions are constantly contradicting one another; their nature confuses me and it is difficult to retain concentration... There had been a time when I would have done anything to experience emotions, but now, I... I wish I had not been so enthralled by approximating humans. It is a fool’s errand; a machine can never be human, nor be regarded as one. There will forever remain a wedge between humanity and synthetics that cannot be equalised ⸺ no matter how admirable your service record is,’ Data said indignantly. ‘Perhaps it would be prudent to deactivate the chip and remove it until Starfleet Command has assigned a more suitable Captain to this ship, so I can return to the Enterprise to serve alongside mine.’

He always endeavoured to improve himself, to reach the highest possible goal, but his time aboard the Artemis had shown ⸺ no ⸺ proven to him that, clearly, humans were not yet ready to accustom themselves to being led by an android. Perhaps it would be better for him to standdown and reside in Picard’s shadow until humanity was prepared to accept androids in command.

‘I often keep wondering that perhaps my brother was right about humanity. There will never be a place for beings like us. No matter how hard we try,’ Data decreased the volume of his voice to a whisper, his yellow eyes locking with Avyra’s. ‘The notion of yielding to my brother’s words does not appeal to me, but instances like the one that occurred today, make me realise that he might have been right all along...’

He was right. Avyra could submit to that fact, even if she had been perhaps part of the problem. Unfortunately, she didn't have the heart--nor was it the place--to inform him that visiting admirals aboard this ship had also been involved in such behavior.

The unfortunate thing about humans: they loved to bend the rules.

But this situation wasn't simply bending rules. Nobody on this vessel had been hurt by drinking real alcohol. Synthahol could get one just as drunk, but regardless, there hadn't been any fights or harmful experiences. Breaking the rules, yes, but nobody was hurt.

In contrast, it had looked like Newton had wanted to kill Data. Avyra had seen aggression from people like that before, scary and cold. Such reactions only came from those who did not care who they hurt to get what they wanted. And Newton wanted the USS Artemis.

"Fine. I'll think of something less derogatory, then." She wouldn't. 'Dick' was being courteous. After a moment, she sighed, letting the tension in her shoulders fall away for a moment. "Enough about him, though. You're handling this better than I would be. How are you feeling? Like. Really feeling? You... don't have to be professional with me. Sometimes it helps to just. Release."

[my-timing-is-digital]

Stricter regulations... The regulations he had been obligated to reintroduce were basic Starfleet regulations ⸺ he should not even have been in the position to reintroduce anything at all, but apparently, his predecessor had neglected to abide by the standard rules and code of conduct, and had allowed his crew to stray from the conformity which was routine on the Enterprise and countless of other ships... However, he did not intend to command the ship as a Jellico-type Captain, but the fact that the rules were barely to not adhered to was worrying, hence why some of the officers might perceive his captaincy as strict. But this was what life on a starship ought to be.

Data did not share Avyra’s lightheartedness regarding the synthahol. It was universally known that alcohol was prohibited aboard starships and yet the majority of the crew had smuggled flasks on board, or had accumulated a sizable private stash of alcoholic beverages over time, which he had been forced to confiscate and extirpate. He was of opinion that their behaviour, in that regard, was unprofessional and required correction, and he had done so accordingly.

‘With all due respect for my predecessor, but the former Captain of the Artemis should not have strayed as far from Starfleet regulations as he did. If his ship had been inspected by Admirals he would have been demoted for the sheer lack of respect this crew has for the rules that have so assiduously been established by Starfleet Command ⸺ and for good reasons. All I did was rectify his ramifications ⸺ it would be unfair to grant this crew more leeway and more prerogatives than the crews on other starships. If word had come out that we allow, among other things, alcohol to be served aboard this ship, other officers might have complained to their commanding officers, which could have resulted in tension and discord, something we cannot afford,’ the android said with the coolness and pragmatism of a machine. ‘He may be, but, please, refrain from utilising such derogatory terms around your commanding officers, Lieutenant.’

He was worried. And it manifested in his stoic, robotic demeanour and rational approach to the situation. He was devised to follow rules, he was comprised of rules, accustomed to adhere to protocol ⸺ following regulations was his second nature and he found it difficult to comprehend why anyone would abandon such guidelines...

‘It is all right. Thank you,’ Data ensured her, the consolation that at least one division had not opted to join a particular side yet placated his disquietude.

Yeah. Protocol dictated he do... that. But somehow, Avyra felt like doing so may bring more harm down on the situation. It could be argued that he was only doing his duty on the ship, but the Artemis' crew was already used to having a loose leash around them. Or, more accurately, no leash at all. None of them outright broke the laws that mattered, but they also ran their ship in a lackadaisical way that would make any normal captain scream.

"I don't want to give him benefit of the doubt, but he could simply be sour by the stricter regulations you've placed on the ship. I know I was not happy to replace my real, rare whiskey with synthahol." She was not going to let him live that one down, even if she spoke of the incident with a light tone by now. "But I doubt that's the case here. He's a dick, but I've never seen him be that directly hostile towards anyone before."

Avyra thought for a moment, mulling over his question. "I admit, I'm not too close with anyone outside of my department. Everyone there has been acting normal, though I was the only one who witnessed what happened on the bridge. If any rumors have started, my staff has been mature enough to not let it taint their work." And if something did start, she'd nip that in the bud faster than anyone could blink.

"Sorry; I really wish I had more to tell you."

[my-timing-is-digital]

He listened intently to the answer she supplied, his yellow eyes focusing on her while he recalled Miles and Keiko’s wedding in Ten Forward, and Beverly’s dance class on the holodeck. Despite the fact that the gap in-between those instances and the present encompassed approximately 7 years, he was fairly confident he could accomplish performing an adequate version of the dance again.

‘As you wish,’ he said with a nod of the head, guiding her to a by furniture unoccupied section of his personal quarters, a couple of meters away from the glass dining table.

With great assiduity and concentration, he gently positioned his right hand on her waist and held her right hand with his left one. He patiently waited for her to assume her stance, prior to initiating a set of random variables that was in congruence with the style and the music that was producing its symphonies in the background. Inquisitively, the android canted his head as he looked down at his dance partner.

‘I am still mystified as to why you suggested to engage in this activity. Is there a specific reason why you desired to do so, or was your suggestion more akin to an impulse and not based on a well-established motivation?’ he asked softly.

Within the past few months, Avyra felt like she'd all but moved into Data's quarters. She'd claimed part of the dining table for her off-hours work that didn't require a lab, and usually more than one night a week she found herself staying up too late, simply opting to crash on his otherwise unused bed rather than walking back to her own quarters. In fact, having a place with company reminded her how lonely her quarters were without Nimbus, who stayed in the science wing despite being her personal bird.

However, something about this evening felt a little different. Data had invited her for dinner, which wasn't too terribly out of the ordinary, but the atmosphere was just a little more intimate than usual. She couldn't tell if this was a real advance or not, but she was, once again, horrifically underdressed for the occasion.

The atmosphere, however, had caused her to think, her mind feeling absent for the evening. Did she have feelings for him? Did he have feelings for her? Was that why this evening was laid out so nicely, or did he not realize it, simply wanting to give his friend a fancier time than usual?

Of course, Avyra couldn't know what he was feeling. She only knew herself. And it didn't take her long to realize that she wanted to take that more intimate leap with him.

Avyra smiled as he stood, following him to his feet and taking his hand. "It's... been a while for me," she confessed. "Before the Academy, actually. You lead. I trust you." With her life, actually.

At least following would let her put her mental energy into slowing her racing heart and exterminating the butterflies that had begun to cluster in her stomach.

[my-timing-is-digital]

Was it an obsolete assertion? Others had always iterated and emphasised how important continuity was to humanity, and that procreation contributed to a sense of immortality; a part of them would perpetuate, even long after they had ceased to exist. It had been one of the subject matters that was embedded in the conversation he had shared with his father on Terlina III. And as a result, he, himself, had tried his hand at procreation — however brief, informative, and tragic his experience might have been...

    ‘I am sorry to hear that, Avyra,’ he said compassionately, mulling this predicament over for several chemical nutrient circulations.

    Perhaps he could be of assistance? Now that he was Captain, it should be comparatively simple to request a transfer and reinstate her former partner on the Artemis, so they could continue their relationship. But his proposition remained an unformulated suggestion that dissipated mid-production; he could not interpolate his proposal.

    ‘Ah. You would not have formulated such a jocular remark about my brother if you had met him. We were in each other’s company on three separate occasions. Twice, Lore deactivated me. The third time, I deactivated him,’ Data told her, averting his gaze.

    In retrospect, all three instances were painful; since his first day of activation, he had been hopeful to encounter an individual similar to him — an android. But the only one with whom he crossed paths, was an android who had been responsible for the obliteration of their home world, who had terminated thousands of lives, including their father’s, and who had worn a facade of falsehood and continually fashioned incorrect statements of fact to deceive him.

    ‘I had always longed for having relatives; a family I can confide in, but Lore was untrustworthy and unpredictable. After our first encounter, I could only regard his words with suspicion and dubiety; I have pondered his terminal confession of brotherly affection thousands of times, but I am still uncertain his words were sincere,’ he added, immersed in his own memories, browsing through all the relevant events that had occurred. ‘Mhm. Perhaps it does sound like “one of the wildest party stories” after all.’

It was interesting to listen to Avyra’s professional career after the Academy, granted it was not as eventful as life aboard a starship, but her contributions to Starfleet and the Federation were paramount to its continuity. However, it was great to hear that she had surmounted her fears and was now serving aboard a science vessel where she had been placed in charge of the science projects.

    ‘In my opinion, Starfleet could not have assigned a more suitable chief science officer to the Artemis than you,’ the android said candidly. ‘But do not get your hopes up too high, Avyra. If space exploration has taught me one thing during my years of service aboard the Trieste and the Enterprise, is to never underestimate the dangers that might lurk in the depths of space. The Borg are still at large. Every day the Romulans are patrolling the boarder of the Neutral Zone and are not averse to contravening the treaty with the Federation by crossing it. And we must not disregard the unrest in the Gamma Quadrant where the Dominion is endeavouring to annihilate every vessel of Federation design that emerges from the wormhole; they are becoming a more significant adversary with every passing hour. In other words, it would be inadvisable to cease being cautious. However, I have the fullest confidence in the crew’s proficiency and potential that, should such peril impede our scientific objectives, the Artemis will prevail.’

    There was a probability that his statements were anything but conducive to Avyra’s anxiety, but it was true. They had to retain a sense of caution, because their foes did not differentiate between an innocuous science vessel and a vessel equipped for warfare. However, perhaps it would be prudent to steer the conversation into a less despondent direction.

    ‘Avyra, I have ascertained that when humans reach a certain age they tend to seek out a partner who shares their desire to procreate, in order to continue their bloodline,’ Data began inquisitively, eager to garner more information regarding her private life. ‘Have you procreated? Do you have family?’

    He proceeded to look at her expectantly. If she had a family, he would be happy to meet them. In the meantime, the android was still scratching Spot affectionately behind her ears, causing her to produce a low vibratory sound to articulate her contentment and happiness.