The BLTS Archive - The Righted
by Ken Parker (parkekn@okstate.edu)

---

Author's Note: This is the events from my story "Righting Wrongs" as
seen from Tasha's perspective.  I wrote it both to help me get a
handle on her character, and because I thought it was worth telling.
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.*

Disclaimer: Paramount owns everything in this piece except the plot,
such as it is. That came from my own warped brain, so blame me.

This story (most of it, at least) takes place between seasons one and
two of *The Next Generation.*

---

"This is pointless."  Tasha couldn't believe the creature's
stubbornness, but it wasn't going to stop her.  "We have people in
there who need help."

She strode forward confidently, past the black figure that had
identified itself as Armus, intent on assisting the Counselor and her
pilot.  She had not taken three steps, when there came a sudden
fleeting sense of searing pain, and then...

Nothingness.

---

Slowly, Tasha drifted back to awareness.  She became conscious of the
fact that she was lying down on something soft, and that she felt
stiff.  *Must have been stunned.*  Tasha opened her eyes and struggled
to focus them on something.  She beheld a ceiling, but it was not that
of sickbay.  Confused, she began casting her gaze about for some
identification of her surroundings.  Her confusion was not satisfied,
but rather magnified when her eyes fell on Captain Picard.

"Captain?"  she asked, perplexed.  "Where am I?  What happened?"

The Captain started, and called Doctor Crusher for a medical emergency
to his ready room.  *So that's where I am*, thought Tasha, *but what's
wrong with the Captain?*  She began to sit up to try and help him in
whatever way she could, but he guided her back down.

"Relax, Tasha," Picard stated gently.  "All will be explained very
soon."

*Explained?*  Tasha wondered.  *Why do I get the feeling that this
day's about to get a whole lot weirder?*  She mentally shook herself.
*Focus, Tasha.*  "Captain, have Counselor Troi and her pilot been
rescued yet?"

Picard appeared indecisive for a moment.  "Yes, Lieutenant, all is
well."

"What about the away team?  And that creature?"  Tasha tried to
remember her duty, knowing it would surely help her through the
strangeness she could sense approaching.

The Captain didn't hesitate this time.  "The away team is safely back
on board, and Armus has been left trapped on the planet, helpless to
harm anyone else.  It's all been taken care of."

Tasha steeled herself.  *Here goes.*  "And what happened to me?"

Picard looked stricken for a moment, but was saved from answering by
the ready room doors opening to admit Doctor Crusher.  She stopped
upon seeing Tasha, and turned to the Captain with a shocked look on
her face.  "Captain?!"

Picard was all business.  "Full medical scan, Doctor."  This snapped
Crusher out of her frozen state, and she immediately began running her
tricorder's sensor over Tasha.  She looked skeptical and amazed at the
same time as the scan progressed.  "Diagnosis?" asked Picard.

Crusher sounded confused.  "She appears to be in perfect health,
Captain.  Do you mind telling me..."

Picard cut her off.  "Beam her directly to sickbay and conduct all
possible tests."

The Doctor appeared surprised, but quickly conceded.  "Aye sir.
Crusher to transporter room, medical override, two to beam directly to
sickbay."  Crusher placed her hand on Tasha's, and both were whisked
away before Tasha could ask any more questions.

---

A few minutes later, after undergoing numerous tests and having
Beverly stubbornly ignore all her questions, Tasha was glad to see
Captain Picard enter the private examining room.  *Maybe now I can get
some answers...*

The Captain regarded her with a sharp gaze.  "Name, rank, and serial
number."

Surprised, Tasha replied automatically, "Natasha Yar, Lieutenant,
767-6938C.  Sir, what..?"

He continued undaunted, "Current assignment."

"Chief of Security, U.S.S. Enterprise."

"Place of birth?"

"Turkana Four Colony."

Picard paused, apparently steeling himself for something.  "What did
the gangs there do to you when they caught you?"

Tasha recoiled as if shot.  When she spoke, it was through teeth
clenched with barely contained rage.  "They raped me repeatedly until
I could escape.  You know that, *sir*."

An extremely pained look came over the Captain.  "I am sorry, Natasha,
but the circumstances require me to ascertain your identity with all
possible certainty.  That will be the last question of that nature, I
assure you."  At this, Tasha visibly relaxed.  "Now, what is the last
thing you remember before waking in my ready room?"

"I was on the planet, walking past the creature to reach the shuttle
and offer assistance.  Then I blacked out, I assume I was stunned
somehow.  The next thing I remember is asking you where I was, sir."

Picard sighed and turned to Crusher.  "Doctor?"

Beverly shook her head.  "As far as I can tell, she is Tasha Yar, down
to the smallest detail.  The DNA matches exactly, as does the
transporter trace.  And all scans concur with her last physical."

And what is your opinion, Doctor?"

"Well, she's just as impatient as I remember, so I'd have to agree
with the scans," Beverly smiled.  "Somehow, this *is* Tasha Yar."

*I can't take any more of this.*  "Captain?  What happened to me? 
Please don't pull any punches, I'm sure I can take it.  I just want to
know what's going on here."

The Captain thought for a moment, then spoke, hesitantly at first.  "I
suppose the easiest way to tell you is to just come out and say it.
You never returned from that planet, Natasha.  At least, not alive.
Armus didn't stun you, he killed you."

Tasha's eyes grew to saucers.  When she spoke, it was quiet.  "Killed
me?  Then how am I here?"

He sighed yet again.  "I'm not sure of that myself.  If I am to
believe my senses, you were resurrected by an alien race, just now."

Tasha nodded mutely, still trying to process this information.
Suddenly, a possible reason for the Captain and Doctor's reactions
crystallized.  "Sir," she asked shakily, "how long have I
been...dead?"

Picard paused before answering, then spoke softly.  "Over a month,
Lieutenant.  We've all just now begun to adjust to the loss."

Tasha was silent for almost a minute, and neither Picard nor Crusher
dared speak, lest they shatter her obviously strained composure.  Then
she seemed to collect herself, and drew up to a more erect sitting
posture.  Tasha took a deep breath, then spoke in a perfectly
collected voice.  "Well, I guess you'd better start filling me in on
what's happened while I've been away."

---

After about half an hour, Tasha'd had enough of the official mission
reports being expounded on by the Captain, with occasional smirking
embellishment from Doctor Crusher.  "Captain?" she ventured.  He
stopped in mid sentence.

"Yes, Lieutenant?"

Tasha smiled slightly.  *He is a great man, trying to fulfill my
request the best he can.  He just doesn't quite know how to talk about
what's really important.*  "With all due respect, sir, I can read the
mission logs for further detail on the official ship's business.  What
I really want to know is how have the senior staff been doing in my
absence?  How have...my friends been doing?"

Picard looked sheepish.  "My apologies, Lieuten-...Tasha.  I'm afraid
I'm not the best at these sorts of situations."  Crusher smiled at
this.

Tasha felt better already.  "I know, sir.  But you're trying, and
you're still a great man for that."

Picard smiled slightly.  "Well, far be it for me to argue with my
security chief."

She was surprised.  "Sir?  I thought Worf had taken over..."

"He was named acting security chief.  Since the regular chief has
returned, the position of acting chief is no longer required, is it?"

Tasha sat stunned for a moment, then replied matter of factly, "No
sir, it certainly isn't."

Picard turned to Crusher, who had been silently smirking at the entire
exchange.  "Doctor, when will Lieutenant Yar be able to return to
duty?"

"Well, Captain sir, I'd say that's up to her.  She's in perfect
physical condition, as always."

Picard nodded.  "In that case..."

"Captain?" came Data's voice from the main sickbay room.

The Captain shook his head, "Of course.  His curiosity.  Pardon me,
ladies, I will return shortly."  He walked out to deal with Data.

Beverly turned to Tasha.  "How do you feel about all this?"

Tasha glanced at her.  "A little overwhelmed, but not too badly.  I
mean, for me, it was not an hour ago that I was on that planet.  I
shudder to think how everyone else is going to react.  You watched the
hologram, didn't you?"  Crusher nodded.  "Oh my.  I'll never hear the
end of it from some of them..."

Beverly stopped her.  "Tasha, I think everyone will just be glad to
have you back.  It hasn't been the same for any of us since
you...left," she finished uncertainly.

Tasha took Beverly's hand.  "It's okay, Bev.  I know it's going to be
awkward for everyone for a while..."

"Tasha?" came a quiet voice from behind her.

Tasha turned and smiled, *This must have been a very strange
experience for him, and it's just getting stranger.  Let's see if I
can still throw that billion credit brain off track...*

"Hi, Data.  Did you miss me?"  The corners of Data's mouth  curved
upward ever so slightly, and Tasha smiled wider.   *Look at that, he's
practically grinning!*

He proceeded to recite some nonsense about having no emotions, and, as
always, it amused her to no end.  This time, she decided to let it
show.

Tasha laughed out loud, "Ah, Data. It's good to know some things
haven't changed."  The Doctor laughed just as loud, and even the
Captain couldn't hold in a few chuckles.

*I really am glad Data came through this all right.  I wouldn't want
to be on the Enterprise without him.*  He proceeded to ask the Captain
some administrative questions, and Tasha didn't pay too much attention
except to watch them interacting.  Until she heard the word
"promotion," that is.  Then she gave the conversation her full
attention.

Presently, the Captain sent Data back to the bridge, and he gave Tasha
a parting glance as he left.  She obliged by smiling at him one more
time.  *Yep, same old Data.  Open book to anyone who knows where to
look.  He really did miss me.*  That knowledge instantly made her feel
ten times better, though she wasn't sure why.  *Just glad to have my
friend back, I suppose,* she mentally shrugged.

Captain Picard faced Tasha again.  "Well, Lieutenant, are you ready to
return to duty?" he asked lightly.

Tasha squared her shoulders.  "Aye, sir.  All I need is a duty
uniform."

"Doctor?"

"I'll get one from the replicator in the main room. Captain, don't you
think we should at least inform the senior staff before Tasha starts
roaming the ship again?  Better her friends hear of her return from
*her* rather than the ship's grapevine."

"Yes, quite right, Doctor.  Please go get Lieutenant Yar a uniform,
and I'll call the senior staff here when she's properly attired."

"Yes sir, Captain sir," Beverly smirked.  As she walked out the door,
she threw over her shoulder, "I just hope you're planning on giving
her some privacy to change..."

Picard ruffled.  "Beverly!"

Tasha tried desperately to contain her mirth.  *Security chiefs do not
giggle!* she admonished herself.

The Captain turned and fixed her with his gaze, and she lost it.  She
nearly fell over laughing, all the time worrying what the Captain must
think of her now.  When she finally got herself back under control,
she was surprised and relieved to find him smiling slightly at her.

"Don't worry, Lieutenant.  I will give you all the privacy you need.
But I think the Doctor may not like the lack of privacy in the brig."
His eyes sparkled with amusement.

With an attempt at a straight face, Tasha replied, "I'll prepare a
cell, sir."  Just then, Doctor Crusher walked back into the room
carrying a uniform.  Tasha broke down laughing again, and the Captain
struggled mightily to maintain his composure.  Beverly handed Tasha
the uniform, shot a look at Jean-Luc, and dragged him out of the room
by the upper arm.

Once she got herself under control again, Tasha began changing into
the duty uniform.  *Better get myself ready for some more shocked
people.  Coming back from the dead...only on the* Enterprise.  She
smiled, and prepared to meet her public.

---

On the way to the bridge, Tasha tried to grasp it all once more.
*Dead.  I was dead.  And now I'm alive.  That's something I bet not
many people can say.  I certainly wouldn't want to go through this
again.*

Her reunion with her friends had been...interesting, to say  the
least. First, everyone had just stood there, shocked, when  she walked
into the main sickbay from the private room.  Then Deanna had started
forward to hug her, crying, but Worf had pulled her back, growling and
demanding to know what treachery this was.

"At ease, Mister Worf!" the Captain had commanded.  Riker had
recovered his senses next, and asked the Captain for an explanation.
Through all of this, Geordi just stood there with his jaw on the
floor, as though he couldn't believe what his VISOR was telling him.
After a short recap of events from the Captain and the Doctor, Worf
apologized, and everyone got down to the business of welcoming her
back.  And now, here she was with Captain Picard, Worf, and Geordi, in
a turbolift on the way to the bridge.

*What a day.  And it's not over yet.  What will the Captain tell the
rest of the crew?*  She shook her head, and remembered his orders.
Just follow his lead, and it would all work out.  *He has to know what
he's talking about.* she told herself.  *After all, he's the Captain.*

They arrived at the bridge, and she was pleased when the crew present
gasped momentarily and then returned to their jobs.  *Maybe this'll
work out yet.*  The Captain ordered a shipwide commlink, and she
obliged with a smile, understanding his motive.  *Easiest way.  Just
come out and say it.*  She shook her head, *That's why he's the
Captain.*

His speech made her feel like everything would be all right after all,
and she completed the rest of the shift without incident.  When it
ended, Captain Picard called her down in front of his chair.

"Lieutenant Yar, you have the next three days off.  It will take us
that long to rework the duty schedule to reflect your return.  In the
meantime, I want you to review all the logs of what has transpired in
your absence."

"Aye aye, sir.  I'll be back up to speed the next time I'm on duty."

"I know you will, Lieutenant," he smiled slightly.  "Hopefully soon
you'll be advanced in rank as well."

"Yes, sir."  *Why do I feel I'm forgetting something?  Quarters!  Oh
no...*  Tasha started to ask, when Picard spoke again.

"Mister Data," he called, "Please assign quarters to Lieutenant Yar
immediately."

Data rose from his station, his shift ending too.  "Aye, sir.
Quarters assigned.  Please follow me, Lieutenant."

Tasha nodded, but held up a hand for him to wait.  "Captain, thank you
for your help through this."

Picard smiled slightly, and gently said, "You're welcome, Natasha.  I
would do no less for any of my officers.  Or my family."

Tasha was infinitely warmed by this comment, but outwardly she only
nodded at the Captain, as she knew he would want.  He dismissed her,
and she followed Data to her quarters, her mind a jumble of the day's
events.  *Just this morning everything was normal, by the middle of
the day it's been a month, I've been dead, and everything's strange,
and by the end of the day, everything's back to normal again.  More or
less,* she smirked.  She wondered what quarters she'd end up with, and
was surprised to find herself being led to her own (*old?*) quarters.
*I would have thought Data would have reassigned these by now, with
his usual efficiency.  Will wonders never cease.*  She thanked him,
and turned to enter.

"Lieutenant?" came Data's voice.

*What can he want?* she wondered.  She turned back to face him.  "Yes,
Data?"  He looked pensive, and she wondered what he was going to say.
Stranger still, she had a feeling she wanted him to say something
specific, but had no idea what it was.  She waited anxiously, until
finally...

"...Welcome back."  He looked...confused.

She smiled.  *Same old Data, ever polite and unsure of human behavior.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.*  "Thanks, Data. It's good to be
back. See you on the bridge tomorrow."

It seemed simple enough, similar to how their previous interactions
had gone.  And it felt good, as always, to speak with her android
friend.  He bade her good evening, and was gone.  She entered her
quarters and saw that everything was as she had left it, only this
morning from her perspective.

*It really is odd that he didn't have it cleaned out.  I"ll have to
ask him about that later.*

She smiled, anticipating his inevitable questions on humanity,  and
was glad she was around to answer them.  *Well, Tasha,  you died, came
back to life, and everyone took it more or less in stride.  Another
typical mission on the Starship* Enterprise.

She smiled once more, and wondered what the future would bring for
them all.

---

The End