OPENING DOORS ^{© 2003-2007}

By Lessa and Takara Soong

Chapter 1

Raygan Silver was having a difficult time containing her excitement. Having just left the ready room of Gregory Hollison, captain of the USS Goddard, Raygan made her way to transporter room two. She still could not believe that today was the day she was being transferred to the USS Enterprise, the flagship of the Federation, as head of the Stellar Sciences Department. Even a week after receiving the news of her promotion, she was still convinced she would wake up and discover all of this had been a dream. She kept fingering the new pip on her collar in an attempt to convince herself this was all real.

When the green eyed redhead arrived at the transporter room carrying her things, the transporter chief turned to her.

"Sir, we have the coordinates set. We're ready."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," she smiled as she placed her belongings on the pad. "Energize."

 When she re-energized on the Enterprise, there was a small welcoming committee waiting to greet her. She had known someone would be there but she was not expecting this. She stepped off the pad to be greeted by a tall, handsome man with a beard.

"Welcome aboard, Commander Silver. I'm Commander William Riker, the ship's first officer and this is Lieutenant Commander Data, our second officer and head of Operations." Extending his hand to her, Raygan accepted his firm handshake.

"Thank you, sir. It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I am very happy and excited to be here," she said as she now shook Data's hand.

"Now you'll have to excuse me as I have to meet with Captain Picard. Commander Data will show you to your quarters and take you to Stellar Sciences for a quick tour. There is a briefing in the observation lounge at 1500 that you need to attend."

Commander Data turned to Raygan. "Please accept my congratulations not only for your transfer but your promotion as well. I am familiar with your personnel file and they were well deserved."

"Thank you, Commander. That is very kind of you to say."

"My statement is not motivated by kindness, it is a factual observation. However, I suppose it could be considered a compliment. But I assure you, it was not baseless flattery," Data said, half talking to himself.

Raygan could not stop a smile but held back a giggle. She did not want her first act to be offending a superior officer. Data, raising a hand towards the door, inclined his head, "Shall we?" Raygan nodded, leading the way out.

"Your personal belongings will be taken to your quarters which are located on deck two, section G."

"And Stellar Sciences is on decks sixteen through eighteen, correct?" she asked, knowing she was but wanting to make conversation. He had a nice voice, this Commander Data. She had read about the android second officer, but had not expected him to be this...she could not think of a word to describe him. Not yet anyway.

"Correct. The department encompasses three levels now, due to the recent upgrade. It is considered by most of the crew to be the most aesthetically pleasing area of the ship.”

“I can’t wait to see it. You sound like you don’t like it yourself, Commander. May I ask why?”

Data regarded her. “I neither like nor dislike it. I have no emotions, so it does not affect me as it does others. It is a superior design to what we previously used,” he offered, seemingly apologetic.

They entered the turbolift and proceeded to deck two. When they reached room 3661, she could see her name was already there.

"I hope you do not mind that your quarters are not in the same area as the other senior officers however there were no suitable quarters available for a department head."

They entered the room and Raygan was surprised at the size of her assigned living space. They were much larger than she had expected and contained an unexpected addition. She went over to the couch and stroked the head of an orange tabby that was making itself at home.

"Do all quarters come with their own pets?" she asked with a laugh.

Data saw his pet sitting next to Raygan.

"Spot! I must apologize for Spot's invasion of your quarters." He picked up the cat. "She has escaped my quarters on a number of occasions. Please excuse me for a moment while I return her to my quarters." Data stepped out of the room with Spot in his arms.

Raygan took this time to look around her new home which consisted of a large sitting/dining area, a larger than expected bedroom and the standard design bathroom facilities. She was surprised to see Data return so quickly.

"You're back. That was quick. I thought you said the officers’ quarters are located in another area?" she asked, peeking out of the bedroom.

"My quarters are located four doors down from yours. I needed quarters closer to the computer core so my computer console could be installed.” Coming across to her, he inquired, “May I ask for your assistance in restraining Spot?"

"Sure, how?"

"If you see her in the corridor or she invades your privacy again, please inform me at once."

"Of course. I take it she has been giving you some trouble?"

"I have tried attaching a locator device on her collar, but she removed it in hours. I have considered a sub-dermal locator, but I am reluctant to have it surgically implanted," he admitted, almost frowning.

“So it’s wayward cat versus determined science officer," she grinned as Data nodded in agreement. 

“Do you have any questions regarding your room assignment? Are they acceptable to you?"

"No questions. They're much bigger than I was expecting but it has a comfortable feel to it. They are very acceptable."

"Shall we proceed to Stellar Sciences?" he asked.

"Yes, sir. I’m looking forward to seeing the equipment as well as being very interested in hearing about the upgrades that were done."

As they headed for the lift, Data told her how Stellar Sciences used to be in another section but, with the new design, the department now required three decks. One could enter on deck eighteen at ‘ground level’ or on deck sixteen for the elevated platform. The latter accessed the main controls of the huge view screen that dominated the decks and provided the best view.

Data brought her into her new section on deck sixteen. He believed she would enjoy this as her first impression, if his past experience was to be believed.

It was correct. Raygan gasped as soon as she stepped into Stellar Sciences.

"This is amazing," she exclaimed. "I've never seen a design like this. And it's as impressive in function as in design?" she asked.

"Yes. Please follow me to the platform and I will demonstrate the design features."

Data sat down in the chair at the controls and proceeded to give Raygan a quick explanation and demonstration of what the station could do. She was very impressed.

"I'm definitely going to love it here," she said with great awe in her voice.

"It would seem to be a contributing factor to the success in acclimation to a new posting. If you are already pleased, you should have little trouble assimilating to your new position. However, should you have any difficulties, do not hesitate to inform me or Commander Riker."

"I will. Thank you, sir."

"The briefing in the observation lounge will be starting in eleven minutes. If you are ready, I will escort you there."

"Thank you, Commander, I am indeed ready." Raygan followed Data from the room, but could not help but give it a parting glance before the door closed. It was just so beautiful.

In the observation lounge, Data seated Raygan before taking his usual place at the table. After Data introduced them, Geordi welcomed Raygan aboard the Enterprise and wished her luck with her new assignment. He asked her about her previous assignment, her ship and who her captain had been. Just some basic small talk. Over the next few minutes the other members of the senior staff filed into the room. The last to arrive was Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Although she was familiar with his career and had been an admirer of his, Raygan was surprised to find he was even more impressive up close.

Picard did not take his seat as he would normally, but came over to Raygan, welcoming her warmly, but professionally. After all, a senior officer was not officially here until welcomed by the captain, or at least that was something Raygan had once read. The captain then took his seat, introduced her to the full senior staff and told them a little about her. He then informed her that her services were going to be needed at once. The Enterprise’s orders were to survey and chart an area of space that, until recently, had been unsafe due to radiation caused by the after effects of a star that had gone super nova.

"An area that hasn’t been visited, we assume, by anyone in a thousand years. Very exciting,” Raygan mused.

“I agree, but there still may be lingering pockets of higher levels of radiation, so Engineering will be monitoring the levels constantly to make sure everything runs smoothly,” La Forge told her.

"Sir, if the radiation levels are up, we will have to make some modifications to our equipment which may slow down the process. Once we know the exact conditions, I will let you know how long it should take to chart the area," she informed the captain. She continued by saying a recent paper circulating in the stellar sciences field outlined some suspected stellar phenomena in that system which she briefly outlined. After ordering her to prepare a more detailed report summarizing what they may find, the captain ended the briefing. 

As she raced out of the room to get her job done, Data and Geordi watched her go. "Jumps right in with both feet, doesn't she?" Geordi commented. Data nodded, absently. "Will you help me with the increase to the shielding that we talked about before, Data? I have a feeling this woman is going to push the envelope of safety limits and I don't like the after effects of that inoculation we have to get for radiation poisoning.” Geordi made a face, but Data just nodded again. The two men were on their way to Engineering a second later. 

After making her way to the Stellar Sciences Department on deck eighteen, Raygan found an office with her name on the door. This was all so exciting to her - a new assignment on the most sought after ship in the fleet, charting an area of space not visited in a millennia and her own office.

She sat down at her desk and began to prepare her report. She accessed the computer for any new information on the Katura System but finding none, she began her report. She went into detail on what the possible effects could be on the ship and crew as well as ways to remedy each situation. She went over the report with a fine tooth comb, looking for any errors, before seeking out the captain.

Picard was in his ready room when she rang the door chime.

"Enter," Picard called out.

"Sir, I have the report on the Katura System for you." She handed him a PADD.

"Excellent," he said as he looked over the report. "Please distribute copies to Commander Riker as well to Mr. Data and Mr. La Forge."

"Yes, sir."

“One other thing, Commander. I’ve been contacted by Starfleet regarding our next assignment. We have to leave this system in four days so the scans must be finished by then.”

After he dismissed her, Raygan went back to her office to forward her report as ordered. Then, sitting back in her chair, she looked out at her department and smiled. 

The mapping was proceeding on schedule, for the most part and while Raygan was already pulling double shifts, she loved every minute. She was getting to know her staff and they were learning what to expect from their new supervisor. It was a time of adjustment, but so far, so good.

“Raygan, I think you need a rest,” said Lieutenant Matt Palmer, coming up from behind her. He was an amiable young man who seemed to have a knack for putting everyone at ease. He also tended towards familiarity, but Raygan had liked him the moment she had laid eyes on him, so she had decided to just get used to it.

“I think you may be right. I guess it’s time to give you the reins, huh? I’ll be back after some food and shuteye. See you later, Matt,” Raygan said, stifling a yawn.

Entering her quarters minutes later, Raygan knew instantly she was not alone.

"Meow?" came a small voice from her bedroom door. 

 "Computer, raise lighting level to 75%." The lights came up and, sure enough, she had been paid another visit by the orange tabby.

"Spot, you've come to visit me again," Raygan said as she picked Spot up in her arms. As she stroked Spot's fur, the cat started to purr. "You're such a pretty cat but I bet someone is looking for you."

She carried Spot down to Data's quarters and rang the chime.

"Come in." The doors slid open revealing Data, on his knees, looking under his couch.

"I have something you may be looking for," Raygan joked.

Data looked up to see Raygan stroking Spot in her arms. He took Spot from her and admonished his pet for once again straying. After setting Spot down, he turned to Raygan.

"Thank you, Commander, for returning Spot. I apologize for her invading your quarters again however it would appear she likes you."

"You don't need to apologize. I don't mind. She’s such a friendly cat, how could anyone not like her visiting?"

"I am afraid Spot has injured a number of the crew who have attempted to care for her in my absence. In fact, you seem to be one of the few people she likes."

"Is that so?" Raygan asked, surprised by this piece of information. She kneeled down to cat level and was rewarded by feline attention. "I'm flattered, Spot. I like you too. Feel free to visit me anytime, but you should probably get your owner’s permission first.” She gave Spot a final scratch behind the ear before standing back up. She noticed the commander still looked apologetic.

 “Really, sir. I’m not bothered by her sneaking into my quarters. I was even tempted to let her nap with me, but I knew you’d be looking for her.” Raygan gave Data a reassuring smile, but just then her fatigue decided to reassert itself and she could not stifle her yawn.

“You were about to rest, I gather. You would appear to require it. I will keep a closer eye on Spot and see that she does not escape me this evening. While I cannot guarantee nothing else will disturb your rest, I can guarantee it will not be her,” Data said, with such seriousness Raygan could not help but grin.

“Thank you, Commander, and good night,” she replied, the grin still in her voice. “Good night to you too, Spot.”

“Sleep well, Commander Silver,” Data answered as she headed for his door.

Raygan decided food could wait. She was too tired to even think about eating. She quickly removed her uniform and crawled into bed, not caring that she still had not found her pajamas.

"Computer, lights out." By the time the lights had finished dimming, she was fast asleep.

"Palmer to Commander Silver."

The voice over the Comm woke Raygan with a start.

"Silver here. What can I do for you, Matt?"

"We need you in Stellar Sciences right away. We’re getting some strange readings and I can't make head nor tails of them."

"I'll be there in a few minutes."

Feeling very refreshed, she noted she had slept for seven hours. This surprised her, as she usually did not require that much sleep. Then again, she had been getting by on only three hours a night since she had arrived so this did make up for the previous two nights.  After getting dressed, Raygan ordered an apple from the replicator and headed out.

The scans were indeed strange. There seemed to be pockets of higher levels of radiation about 500 kilometers from the ship, but they seemed to be playing hide and seek. One minute the readings would be there, the next they were gone. When they would reappear, the radiation readings would be in the same place the scanners had verified they were not.

“Did you check the area for any stellar activities that could cause readings like this?” Matt nodded so she continued. “Check the readings again. Is there anything that indicates something could be acting as a masking force?”

"Some kind of dampening field?" Matt asked her, trying to work out her theory.

“Perhaps.” Raygan sat at a station, inputting commands.

"The sensors are detecting the presence of magnetic fields. The intensity seems to indicate they are being generated by..." The station’s monitor flashed and the location it was showing had changed. The view was now of a very small object. "...an asteroid. It’s radiating an intense magnetic field. It must have passed by this location recently. Judging from its trajectory, within the past two hours."

“I’m sorry, Raygan, I must have just missed it as it passed,” Matt noted from over her shoulder.

“We can compensate for the magnetic fields which should eliminate the anomalous readings.” Raygan inputted a number of commands into the computer. The readings of increased radiation were back again and it looked like this time for good. Raygan turned to Matt, smiling gently, “Don’t worry about it, Matt.  I’ll inform the bridge of the locations of these pockets and then I'm going to start going over the information we've collected so far. If you need me, I'll be in my office," Raygan informed her second. She had been studying the readings for an hour when Matt called for her.

"It’s back. I've tried to make adjustments to eliminate the magnetic field but it hasn't worked. Raygan studied the new readings. She made a few more adjustments to the sensors and then she found something. Her eyes went wide. Matt saw her face draining of color.

"What is it?" he asked.

“Silver to the bridge,” Raygan called as she rushed to her office.

“Bridge here,” Data, who was in command, responded.

"Commander, there’s a magnetic field which is masking more than radiation located directly in front of the ship. I believe it may be a plazreon field,” she informed Data. “I’ve transferred the information to Science Station One.”

Keeping the comm channel open, Data rushed to the station and began entering commands so the ship’s computer would scan the area for plazreon particles. As it existed mostly in sub-space and coming across it was very rare, plazreon was not among the particles the computer would ordinarily scan for. The computer immediately found a field of widely dispersed plazreon particles hiding just in front of the ship’s flight path. If the Enterprise had moved into this area, maintaining a warp field would have been impossible, however, the biggest threat these particles posed was to the life support systems. The cleansing agents, used to clean the air so it could be recycled, would have reacted to plazreon, leaving every oxygen-breathing life form dead in just hours.

At the first mention of plazreon, Raygan had heard Data order an all-stop. Now she could hear him ordering a course change to a position far enough away from the plazreon field so it would not affect the Enterprise.

"Well done, Commander,” Data commended on the still open comm channel. “A field of plazreon particles is quite rare and I believe many of your peers are unfamiliar with the phenomenon.” Data paused before continuing. “If you do not have any plans later, I would be most interested in discussing this matter further and in hearing how you came to your conclusion."

"Thank you, sir. This evening would be fine. The only thing I have planned is reading a research paper by Dr. Depar Radu that I haven’t had a chance to get to yet. I think it can wait a few hours longer."

"Excellent. Then we can meet in Ten Forward at 1700."

"I'll see you then."

Chapter 2

Raygan entered Ten Forward at 1705 and, looking around, saw Commander Data had already arrived and was sitting at a table in the far corner of the room. Having seen Raygan crossing to the table, Data stood to greet her. After taking their seats, Data picked up a PADD lying on the table, handing it to Raygan.

“This is the information you forwarded from Stellar Sciences. I must confess I am at a loss as to how you reached the proper conclusion from the data available.”

"I had been studying the results of the earlier scans as well as the unusual readings Lieutenant Palmer had reported when he brought the sensor reading from 1220 to my attention.” She returned the PADD to the tabletop, without referring to it. “I could think of only a few possible causes for the anomalous readings but none of their criteria matched except for one. I didn't want to believe it at first since plazreon is so rare but, as the old axiom says, 'if you rule out the impossible, what remains, no matter how improbable-'"

"-‘Must be the truth’," Data finished. "You are familiar with the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?"

"I’ve only read one of his Holmes’ stories but I did love it. I hope to have the time to read the rest one day but field-related studies and research papers, like the ones I have read on plazreon fields, have been dominating my reading time, I’m afraid. " She looked regretful, but this gave Data an idea.

"I have a book which features the complete works of Conan Doyle's Holmes. Although I do not wish to disrupt your field-related reading altogether, I would be pleased to loan it to you if you would care to read the others," Data offered, seemingly eager for her to accept.

"A book? It must be very valuable, Commander. I wouldn't want to roll over and fall asleep on it, tearing pages or something," Raygan admitted, hesitantly.

"The book was replicated. Even if it were not, it is too cumbersome to read lying down. If you do not wish to borrow it-" Data now seemed to be upset over her reluctance. He sure seemed emotional, this being who claimed to have no emotions. No matter. His expression was still having an affect on her.

"On the contrary, I would love to borrow your book,” Raygan interrupted. “Thank you, Commander."

Data's calm demeanor returned.

"May I inquire as to which story you have read?" Data asked.

"The Hound of the Baskervilles," she replied. "My roommate at the Academy told me the Holmes' axiom and I was curious. I’m looking forward to reading the others now, thanks to your gracious loan."

Data was pleased she seemed genuinely interested in the stories. He thought it would be pleasant to know someone who enjoyed the works of Conan Doyle as he did.

“I also have many of the works of William Shakespeare if you are interested in furthering your pursuit of leisure time reading material. I have often used Shakespeare’s plays in my attempts to emulate human emotional responses,” Data told her.

“Emulate, but not experience?” Raygan asked, softly.

“I am not capable of experiencing emotion, however I do try to mimic one’s typical responses in order to better understand and to help my fellow crewmates be more comfortable with me.”

“I guess you’re doing a good job then. I feel very comfortable with you, Commander.” Raygan gave him an easy smile.

"I am pleased to hear that. However, if we are to pursue a friendship, it would be best if you called me Data."

"Only if you'll call me Raygan," she responded, brightly.

"Would you like me to bring the books to you later?" he asked.

"You don't need to bother with the Shakespeare. The Conan Doyle book will be fine."

He looked a little disappointed when it seemed she did not share his interest in the great Terran playwright.

"Are you sure?" he quizzed. "I would be pleased to share..."

"Commander...I mean Data, I’m afraid when it comes to reading for pleasure, ‘m y endeavours have ever come too short of my desires’ ," she smiled.

"Ah, you are familiar with the works of Shakespeare already."

"I can honestly say I have read every word he ever wrote. Do you have a favorite?" she asked.

"I have been working on various acts from the ‘Tempest’ of late, but I am not sure I would characterize it as my favorite.” Data looked confused for a moment. “You have not ordered food or a beverage. If you are refraining on my behalf, you need not. I am not offended by others’ consumption of either in my presence.”

Raygan looked startled for a moment but recovered quickly.

“Actually, Data, I was just so absorbed in our conversation, I forgot about eating. I’ll order though, now that you reminded me. You can’t eat either?” she inquired. 

"While I do not require sustenance, I do sometimes ingest food. Would you feel more comfortable if I were to join you in consuming a meal?" he asked.

"You don't have to do that on my account," she replied.

The server then came to their table. Raygan ordered a pasta dish, salad and a drink. Data ordered the same.

"As it is a human custom to seal a friendship over a meal, I will join you," he informed Raygan. 

Raygan smiled, genuinely warmed by his thoughtfulness. When the drinks arrived, she lifted her glass to toast their new friendship. Now it was Data’s turn to look warmed.

~ No emotions, my ass, ~ Raygan thought to herself.

The meal was great, but the company was better. They continued to chat about a number of different topics - music, art, poetry. Raygan was impressed with how versed he was in all of them.

“I once wrote a poem about Spot. I could recite it for you later,” he offered.

She grinned and laughed. “I’d love to hear it,” she told him eagerly. “You are full of surprises, Data. Most men aren’t that sentimental.” 

No one had ever called Data sentimental before. He was pleased she thought that and even more pleased she had categorized him with men rather than androids.

"I will be performing in a music recital with Lieutenant Hanson and Lieutenant Smith tomorrow evening. I hope you will be able to attend. We will be performing selections by Mozart."

"I'll be there. What instruments do you play, Data?" she asked.

"I have been programmed to play many different instruments however I usually play the violin at recitals. Do you play any instruments, Raygan?"

"No, I don’t. Musical is one term that will never be used to describe me, I’m afraid. I do love to listen to many different types of music, including classical." She added with a humorous grin, "I can hum well.”

Data's expression lightened, coming as close as he ever did to a smile.

"Then I will be the more musical of the two of us in this friendship," he said, trying not to sound insulting.

"I can agree to that," Raygan grinned again.

After the meal had been consumed, Data believed this would be a good time to ask her if she would like to join him in going to his quarters so he could loan her the book they had discussed. However, she spoke before he could open his mouth.

"Well, Data, it has been a lovely evening, but I really need to get to that paper I mentioned. I'll catch up with you later about the book and the poem, okay?" She patted the back of his hand that had been resting on the table and left. 

Data found himself to be disappointed she had left although he definitely understood her reason for having to leave. He was familiar with the writings of Dr. Radu. The man was a brilliant scientist however Data thought he tended to babble in his reports which, coming from Data, really meant something. Data was certain anyone reading Radu’s papers would have to concentrate even more than normal in order to not miss the important parts. Captain Picard’s voice coming from his Comm badge brought Data out of his musings.

"Mr. Data, report to my ready room,"

"On my way, sir," Data responded. He had a very good idea what the captain was contacting him about. He had given Captain Picard a report on the plazreon particles and was sure the man most likely had more questions for him. Data had also recommended a commendation be placed on Raygan's file for her discovery of the danger that had lay ahead of the ship. 

Raygan headed for her quarters with a smile on her face. Dinner with Data had been much more interesting and fun than she had expected. She kept thinking how his reactions seemed emotional even if they were subdued.

Raygan decided to get ready for bed before reading the report as she thought she would be more comfortable reading in bed. By the time she finished, it was after midnight. She inhaled deeply to clear her mind, however, she found she could not stop thinking of Data. She grinned to herself before taking two more cleansing breaths and falling asleep. 

The computer woke Raygan promptly at 0500 hours as she had requested. She had slept well and felt even more refreshed after she got out of the shower. And then it was time for breakfast.

~ Breakfast, I haven't had a real breakfast in days. ~ She decided a little treat was in order for all her hard work over the past few days. Heading for the replicator, she ordered her traditional big breakfast before sitting at the table to eat. Once she finished, she threw on her uniform and headed down to Stellar Sciences. Her shift started at 0600 and it was never a good idea for the boss to be late. 

A very tired looking Matt, who arrived ten minutes late, apologized for his tardiness and got right to work. Other than that, the day went like clockwork. Raygan had dinner in Ten Forward with Matt and his girlfriend, Yalla that evening. She gathered from some of the things said that they had had an argument the previous night. ~ Must be why he was red eyed this morning, ~ she decided, putting that thought out of her mind.

Dinner had not been as good as the previous night, but dessert should be an improvement, Raygan thought with a smile. 

There was a special room that had recently been converted for plays and musical performances, so Data's recital was to be held there. Matt and Yalla were attending the recital as well so the three sat together in the front row and chatted while they waited for it to start. Captain Picard arrived a few minutes later with Dr. Crusher. The captain stopped when he reached Raygan.

"Commander Silver, it's nice to see you at the recital this evening."

Raygan stood to face the captain. "Thank you, sir. Commander Data told me about it last evening. I love Mozart."

"Data plays beautifully so you are in for a treat. The commander also briefed me on the events of yesterday. He was very impressed which means a lot coming from Mr. Data. I have entered a commendation on your file for your outstanding work. It looks like we definitely chose the right person for the job."

"Thank you, sir," Raygan managed, feeling flush.

"Have you met Dr. Crusher?" Picard asked, turning to give her a moment to recover.

"No, she hasn't because she hasn't been to see me for her physical since she arrived," Dr. Crusher injected. Picard introduced the two women.

"Are these seats taken?" the captain asked, pointing to the empty seats next to Raygan.

"No sir, they’re not," she told the captain, politely. "I promise to be in sickbay first thing in the morning, Doctor," Raygan vowed. Crusher gave her a confident nod.

"Yes, you will, Commander, and thanks for saving our butts yesterday," the redhead said with a pleasant wink. Raygan decided in that moment she liked Dr. Crusher.

A moment later, the doors to the ‘Playhouse’ opened and Data, Lieutenant Hanson and Lieutenant Smith entered, instruments in hand. The trio took their seats as the audience applauded in anticipation.

The concert could not be described in any other way but moving. When it ended, it took Raygan a moment to come out of her daze enough to join in the applause. How many were on their feet, Raygan did not notice, but she was quickly on hers, applauding the musicians.

Data looked her way as he took his first bow and something about that made her blush.

After the applause finally died down, people began going up to the musicians, congratulating them. Raygan shook the hands of the other two before moving on to Data. Data nodded at her as he had everyone else, but while he still had possession of her hand, he leaned in to whisper in her ear.

“Will you remain behind, Raygan? I wish to speak with you.”

"Of course," Raygan responded feeling the color rise once again to her cheeks.

Moving back to where she had been sitting during the recital to wait, she waved to Matt and Yalla as they left the room. She was looking around when she heard a voice coming from next to her.

"I told you you were in for a treat." It was Captain Picard. He sat down next to Raygan.

"It certainly was. He plays beautifully."

"Yes, he does. Now Commander...do you mind if I call you Raygan?" Picard asked.

"I don't mind at all, sir." She was a little flustered as his request surprised her.

"Good, so Raygan, how are you enjoying life on the Enterprise so far?" he asked.

Raygan and Captain Picard spoke for a number of minutes until Dr. Crusher and Data came over.

“I am pleased you were able to attend the performance this evening, Raygan,” Data said, once the two groups had joined together.

“I’m still overwhelmed. It was wonderful, Data. I’m going to make sure I don’t miss any of your future concerts,” Raygan told him with a bright smile.

Data’s expression made it clear he had an idea. “I could inform you in advance of all my performances. Do you wish me to inform you of Lieutenant Hanson and Lieutenant Smith’s concert dates as well?”

Raygan tilted her head to the side. “I think for the time being, I’ll just stick with the concerts of my friends.” She grinned and Data graced her with one of his distinctive “hmms”.

The four officers talked briefly before Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher excused themselves.

"Raygan, would you accompany me to my quarters? I thought this would be a good opportunity to provide you with the book we were discussing, if you are still interested?"

"Yes, I am still interested, Data. And I would also be interested in hearing your poetry as well," she smiled.

They walked to the turbolift together and went to Data's quarters to collect the book and have the poetry reading.

While talking in the corridor, Picard and Crusher observed Data and Raygan leaving the “Playhouse” together.

Beverly grinned and raised an eyebrow at Picard. “To quote Data, I find that intriguing.”

Picard gave her a disbelieving look. “Really Beverly. I hope you have not stooped to gossip monger.”

“No, but I can observe and hope. Data hasn’t really seen anyone since that Lieutenant D’Sora. How many years ago was that? I think those two make a cute couple.”

“She’s only just come aboard, Beverly. I hardly think Data has had time to-“

“Then we’ll just give him time. And hope Commander Silver does too.”

Spot wound her way around Data’s legs as soon as he entered ‘their’ quarters and stopped at his bookshelf. Data did not pay her any attention so Spot gave the female that had followed him in a try.

“I like what you’ve done with your quarters, Data,” Raygan said, picking Spot up to scratch behind her ear. Raygan’s eyes surveyed the room in detail before coming back to its owner.

"Thank you. Many people had told me my decorating style could best be described as sparse so I have tried to add items to counteract that opinion," he informed her.

"You did a good job then," Raygan smiled.

"Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable," Data said as he turned from his bookshelf. He had a large book in his hand. Raygan sat on Data's couch with Spot settling into her lap. Data placed the book on the table in front of Raygan before sitting in a chair. Spot's contented purring caught Data's attention as he still was fascinated at the ease in which Raygan had garnered Spot's approval.

"Is something wrong, Data?” Raygan asked, noting his scrutiny of the falling asleep feline.

“Not wrong, simply surprising. Commander La Forge has been my friend for as long as I have had Spot, yet she has never taken to him or to any of my other friends. You are the first one she not only likes, but seems to actively seek out.” Data studied his cat and then the owner of the lap she was resting in.

Raygan lifted the boneless seeming animal, looking her in the face. “So, you want to be pals, huh? Does that mean I’m going to have to write you poetry too?” Spot gave a well timed “meow” that Raygan took for agreement.

“Perhaps now would be a good time for the poem that has already been written about her?” Data asked his guest. Raygan lowered the cat back to her lap and gave Data her attention.

“Great idea, Data. I’m all ears.”

"I must warn you, Raygan. Many crew members have felt my poetry to be-"

"Data, if you don't mind, I would like to make up my own mind regarding your poetry. Now please proceed."

Data began to recite his poem ‘Ode to Spot’ to Raygan. When he finished, she smiled and applauded.

"That's wonderful, Data. Have you written any other poetry? I would love to hear it.” Noticing the look on Data’s face, Raygan asked, “Why do you look so surprised?"

"You are the first person who has indicated a liking for my poetry."

Raygan laughed. "I'm certainly not an expert on poetry but I know what I like and I liked that. Please recite another poem for me," she urged.

Data recited a poem he believed expressed, as well as he was able, the sense of belonging he had come to associate with the Enterprise and her crew. By the end, Raygan was in tears. She was quickly wiping the tears away and looking distinctly embarrassed, but she was not attempting to hide her feelings.

“That was very moving, Data. It must be wonderful to feel a part of a family that has chosen you.” Raygan’s voice broke twice as she spoke, but Data was still able to understand her words. Her meaning was a different matter.

“Chosen? I do not understand?” he confessed.

“Your poem spoke of belonging and acceptance, where before you have known only suspicion and ridicule. They chose to accept you and take you as family.”

Data contemplated this. Raygan was correct. The crew could have done as all of those in the past had done, treating him as a thing and not a person. He nodded his agreement, but also noted how tired she seemed.

"It is getting very late, Raygan. As much as I wish to continue this evening, I believe you do need to get some sleep as your shift begins at 0600 in the morning."

"Yes, sir, Commander, sir." Raygan stood and saluted. Data looked puzzled. "I'm sorry I was just kidding around," Raygan apologized.

"No need to apologize. Humor is one area where I have great difficulty in understanding. Would you like me to carry the book to your quarters for you?"

"Thank you, Data, but I think I can manage." She moved Spot from her lap and stood up to collect the book. "Thank you for inviting me to the recitals - both the music and the poetry. I had a wonderful time. Good night."

"Good night, Raygan."

Data watched her go and even though he had been the one to send her away, he wished he had not needed to.

Data did not see Raygan Silver for another two days. He found he looked for her if he went to Ten Forward, or as he went to and from his quarters. But it was not until the evening two days after the concert that someone rang at his door and when Data answered, the door slid open to reveal Raygan. She was holding a book in her hand that looked to be in perfect condition.

“I brought you a book but I don’t want you to think I’m making fun of you, because I’m not.” Data noticed she was holding the book in such a way that she hid the title from his view. “You said the other night that you don’t understand humor and humor is just too much fun to miss out on, Data. So I hope this will help.” She handed him the book. Finally, Data could see the title – ‘The Psychology of Humor’.

"Rest assured, I do not believe you are trying to make fun of me. Please come in," he invited.

"Thank you, Data, but I can't stay long. One of my colleagues sent me a paper to review yesterday. She wants my comments before the end of tomorrow and I haven’t started yet," she shrugged, apologetically. It was obvious she would rather not leave, but had no choice in the matter.

"Have you had an opportunity to read any of the Holmes stories?" Data asked. There was almost an eagerness in his voice.

She laughed. "That's why I haven't started on that paper yet. I read ‘The Study in Scarlet’ last night and was completely spellbound," she admitted with a sheepish grin.

Data was pleased she enjoyed the story. He would have to invite her to join him in the holodeck when she completed the rest.

Spot noticed their visitor and wound around Raygan's legs until she paid the cat some attention. "Hello, beautiful girl. You being good for Data and staying put or are you getting into trouble?" Raygan let Spot rub her face against her and instantly Spot was purring loudly.

"The answer to your question is she has behaved badly. I was called to Lieutenant Ritter's quarters yesterday when Spot escaped mine again," Data informed his guest.

"Well, I think I'm jealous, Spot. You didn't come visit me," Raygan appeared to be pouting at Spot. Then she turned her pouting expression to Data.

"And I haven't seen you in two days either," she said, tilting her head to the side.

Data was at a loss for what to say.

"I have looked for you in Ten Forward recently but did not see you. I assumed you were busy with your reading. Last night, however, was poker night. It was Commander Riker's turn to host the evening."

"Do you play poker every week?" she inquired.

"Yes, we do. Would you care to join the game?" he asked, again showing signs of enthusiasm.

Raygan smiled. "I'm afraid I'm not very good. I have never been able to find a really good poker face," she confessed with a shrug.

"Ah, yes. I have discovered how important a poker face is. I have lost many hands to Commander Riker's bluffs. Should you wish to join us, you are welcome."

"Thank you, Data. You have made me feel so welcome here and I really appreciate that." Raygan reached over, touching Data’s face. But she was almost overwhelmed with the desire to do more. This feeling surprised her, causing Raygan to pull back sharply. Data noticed her reaction and seemed confused.

"I’m sorry. I'm just so comfortable with you. I forget you’re my superior officer at times. I guess I should go. I hope you enjoy the book, or at least that it helps. See you around, Data." She almost walked out with Spot still in her arms, but realized at the last moment and handed her to Data before going.

"Good night, Raygan," Data called as she left. She turned and waved to him. Data was puzzled, not by her reaction to touching his face, but his own. He had felt a sensation he could not explain. He tried to analyze it, but could not find an explanation for what this sensation had been. With his self-diagnostic indicating he was operating within normal parameters, he decided further analysis would be necessary. He wanted to read the book Raygan had given him first, so Data moved to the couch, sat and quickly scanned the pages.

Data finished his reading with his usual speed, and then decided to analyze what he had read, as well as the sensation that had occurred from Raygan's touch this evening. He also considered Spot's unusual behavior towards Raygan.

Having finished reading the paper and preparing her critique of it, Raygan was now trying to get comfortable on her couch so she could read ‘The Sign of the Four’, but she could not seem to settle in right as Data's face kept coming to mind. She would shake herself, trying to focus on her reading, but something would again remind her of him and it would start all over again. She finally gave up and went to bed.

The next day seemed uneventful to Raygan. Charting the system had stayed on schedule despite the problems with the plazreon field. The real work had been analyzing the readings and preparing the reports. With that now done, things were returning to normal in her department. Raygan was very impressed with ‘her’ people. They had done an excellent job charting the area and worked very well under pressure. She decided it would be a good idea to have a get together for everyone in Ten Forward. It would be a chance for her to get to know them better and for them to get to know her.

 She spoke to each member of the dayshift inviting them to join her that evening at 1800. She was happy ten people were going to be able to join her.

That evening, two tables were moved together and the fun began. Everyone was relaxed and seemed comfortable in her presence. After thanking them all for their hard work and dedication, Raygan shared with them a portion of a communication she had received from the captain commending her department. As she spoke, Matt kept nodding at her in a way that told Raygan she was hitting all the right notes with this group.

Data entered Ten Forward to meet Geordi and noticed Raygan was also there, surrounded by people from her department. She was the only one standing and speaking. Data also noticed Matthew Palmer was constantly nodding in her direction. Data was not sure why, but this stood out in his mind. He proceeded to the table where Geordi waited, but sat where he could look over at the other meeting in progress and observe.

As the evening progressed, Data watched how Raygan and her staff interacted with each other. There was much talking and laughter, not only through dinner, but after everything had been cleared away except the synthohol drinks they were enjoying. Geordi had noticed his friend's interest in the group at the other table.

"Data, you seem distracted tonight. Is there something you would like to talk about?"

"I have been observing the gathering of the Stellar Sciences personnel. I am impressed at how quickly Raygan...I mean Commander Silver has won the admiration and respect of her team. I believe her to be an excellent addition to the crew."

"Raygan?" Geordi asked, "Are you two friends, Data?"

Data was not sure why he was hesitant to admit that. He considered the matter for .025 seconds and decided admitting this was not something that should adversely affect his relationship with Raygan, so he nodded. “I have discovered she has an interest in Holmes mysteries. I loaned her my book of Holmes stories which I hope to discuss with her once she has read them all.”

Geordi grinned at his friend. “You know, Data. He wrote quite a few stories. She may not be able to remember them in the detail you can. You may not want to wait until she finishes them all if you want to discuss them with her.”

Data looked taken aback. He had not fully considered that aspect.

“Does she know you want to talk about the stories, Data?” Geordi asked trying to ascertain how close a friend this woman was so far.

“No. Perhaps I should rectify that omission,” Data said, again glancing in Raygan’s direction.

Geordi grinned and nodded. “Maybe you should, my friend. Maybe you should.”

"Geordi, there is something else I have found to be most fascinating. It has to do with Spot."

"That cat hasn't attacked her or something?" Geordi asked with a disapproving sigh. It was clear the man had yet to forgive Spot for the last scratches she had given him when Data had been away at a conference the previous month.

"No, Geordi, just the opposite. Spot likes Raygan. She seeks Raygan out for affection and has even crawled onto her lap to sleep. I know of no other member of the crew Spot has taken such interest in."

Geordi seemed almost stunned by this revelation. He had had many run-ins with Spot and found it hard to believe Spot was capable of such behavior.

“The she-devil likes her,” Geordi exclaimed. He covered his mouth from embarrassment over his outburst a second later. “Does the commander keep catnip in her pocket?” Geordi joked.

“I have not detected the scent of catnip on her person, Geordi...ah,...you were making a joke, were you not?” Data asked, trying to put some of what he had read in the book Raygan had given him to practical use.

“Yeah, Data, I was. I’m glad Spot approves of your new friend. I guess that means you won't have any incidents of a scratched commander stalking angrily from your quarters that way.”

The gathering at Raygan's table began to break up. Soon there was only Raygan and Matt left.

"This dinner was a great idea," Matt smiled. "They like you and so do I."

"And I like you too, Matt, and everyone. This is the most talented group of people I have ever worked with. You’ve all kept me on my toes. I really like it here," Raygan said with a satisfied sigh.

"Well, I hate to leave you by yourself but my lady awaits. See you tomorrow."

"Bright and early, Matt," she laughed, teasing him over being late.

Raygan was walking towards the exit to Ten Forward when she heard someone calling to her. It was Commander La Forge.

"Commander Silver, would you care to join us?" he asked.

"Thank you, Commander, I would like that. Hello, Data," she said smiling and nodding at the android.

As Data greeted her, Geordi took note that while he was ‘Commander La Forge’, Data was greeted by name. Data had jumped to his feet and pulled out a chair to seat Raygan. Data had it bad...for Data, Geordi decided.

"How has your evening been?" Data inquired, once he had retaken his seat. Raygan beamed at the question.

"Very satisfying. I had dinner with members of my department to congratulate them on a great first week. It was good to get to know some of them better. How was yours?” she asked, looking back at Data. “Oh and yours, Commander?” she added, remembering Geordi was also still at the table.

~ So the feeling is reciprocated. ~ Geordi thought, with a smile. ~ This could be very good or very bad. ~

"It was a productive day," Data replied. "Geordi and I were able to complete a number of projects in Engineering. Some of the modifications we made to the sensor arrays will benefit Stellar Sciences. If you have some time available tomorrow, I could come to see you about the modifications."

"Any time will be fine. I'm looking forward to hearing about them."

Geordi was definitely feeling like a third wheel. He knew his friend had wanted to discuss other things with Commander Silver, so he decided it would be best if he left the two alone.

"You two will have to excuse me but I have some reports I have to get to tonight. You will be okay without me I hope," he joked.

"I think we can manage. Good night, Commander," said Raygan.

"Good night, Geordi." Data was a little puzzled. ~ That's odd. Geordi had not mentioned any reports earlier. ~ Data returned his full attention back to Raygan. "It has come to my attention that I may have made an error in judgment, Raygan," Data told her.

"Regarding what, Data?" she asked.

"The Holmes mysteries. I had very much wanted to discuss them with you, so I intended to wait until you had finished reading all of the cases before I suggested this. Geordi indicated it may be prudent to speak to you now as your memory is undoubtedly not as perfect as mine." Data was apologetic, but Raygan just smiled.

"I would love to talk to you about the ones I've read so far. Do you want to talk here or somewhere else?" she asked him with an amiable smile.

"I would be happy to discuss them wherever you would be most comfortable, Raygan."

"Why don't we talk in my quarters," she suggested.

Once the door of the turbolift had closed behind them and the command given to go to deck two, Raygan turned to Data with a question.

"Data, if you have the time in the near future, would you give me a tour of the ship. Other than finding Stellar Sciences, the bridge, Ten Forward and both of our quarters, I don't really know my way around."

"I would be happy to show you around any time that is convenient for you." Data sounded pleased she had asked.

"Would tomorrow after our duty shifts be okay?" she asked.

"Yes, it would be...okay," he agreed, more than willing.

They left the lift and ambled towards Raygan's quarters. Raygan had finished “The Study in Scarlet’ the previous evening, so she suggested they begin their talk with that one. 

They had been discussing the story for some time when Data suddenly jumped to his feet.

"I believe I should bid you good night, Raygan."

Raygan came out of her relaxed place on the couch and sprang up, blocking his path to her door. The suddenness of Data’s action had startled her.

"Wait! Data, why are you leaving? I’m not boring you, am I?" she questioned, reaching out to take hold of his arm.

Data was completely confused.

"No, you are not boring me. I have thoroughly enjoyed our discussion, however, it is late. If I do not leave now, you will not be sufficiently rested tomorrow and I will not be able to take you on the tour of the ship."

"You're sure that's the only reason you’re leaving, Data?" she questioned.

"Yes, although I do not require sleep, you do. As it is now 2355 hours and your next duty shift is at 0600, I believe I have already kept you from getting sufficient rest."

"Okay, Data, you've made your point." Raygan stroked Data's arm. "I'm looking forward to the tour tomorrow. Good night." Her smile was again relaxed and warm.

"Good night, Raygan."

Data waited for her to release his arm before moving. She did not at first. It took a full five seconds for her hands to drop to her side. Data nodded at her and headed for the door. Before leaving, Data turned back to look at Raygan and, seeing that she had turned and was watching him, he nodded again and was gone. Left alone, Raygan sighed. She still felt a tightness in her chest from when she had believed she had been boring Data. She thought briefly about how Commander La Forge had left them in Ten Forward. She felt kind of guilty about that because she knew he and Data were good friends. Maybe the next time she ran into the commander, she could apologize for her rudeness. There was just something about Data she found appealing. She could not put her finger on it, but there was definitely something about him.

Raygan got ready for bed but her mind kept going back to Data. She had had such a great time with him that evening. She enjoyed talking to him about the stories. She was really looking forward to spending more time with him the next evening. She got into bed and shut off the lighting to her quarters.

Data was sitting at his computer working out a tour route that would be the most efficient and also emphasize areas of the ship he thought Raygan would be most interested in seeing. As he was working, he found he was replaying the events of the evening. Seeing her smile, listening to her laugh and her touch, Data was still puzzled by his response to her touch. He had felt that sensation again when she stroked his arm. Like before, it was not an emotional response but it was different.

Raygan had the hardest time first thing that morning once she arrived in Stellar Sciences. She kept thinking about how she would get to see Data that evening and it was impossible to concentrate. Finally, when Matt even commented on how distracted she seemed, Raygan excused herself. She went to her office and took a few minutes to meditate and clear her head of all her stray thoughts, most of which centered around a certain second officer.

Data and Geordi were installing an upgrade to the console that monitored the matter/anti-matter intermix. A few times when Geordi asked Data to hand him something, he was forced to ask twice. Data was also quiet unless Geordi asked him a direct question. Geordi let this go for a while, bringing up different topics, but nothing seemed to catch Data’s fancy today. Finally, with a hidden grin, Geordi asked Data how his evening with Raygan had turned out. Suddenly, he could not shut Data up.

"Raygan is a most fascinating woman, Geordi. We discussed ‘The Study in Scarlet’ and other stories for a number of hours. It was a most enjoyable conversation. She also asked me for a tour of the ship. I have been working on an itinerary. Geordi, do you think Raygan would be more interested in seeing nacelle control or the torpedo bay?"

"Whoa! Slow down Data. Nacelle control or the torpedo bay? Why don't you stick to the arboretum and the holodeck?"

"But, Geordi, she requested a tour of the ship. Should I not include areas such as nacelle control in a tour?"

"Do you think she would be interested in those areas at all, Data?" Geordi asked, turning to give his full attention to his friend.

"She did request I give her a tour, but she did not tell me specifics as to what she did not want to see other than excluding Stellar Sciences, the bridge, Ten Forward and both of our quarters as those are places she has already seen,” Data said, doing his imitation of a grimace.

"Maybe you should ask then, Data." Geordi grinned at his friend and turned back to his work. Once again, Data lapsed into silent contemplation but, this time, Geordi let him be.

After they had completed the installation, Data headed up to Stellar Sciences to discuss the upgrades that had been made to the sensor array. Raygan was in her office working on some reports when he arrived.

"Good afternoon, Raygan. I have come to discuss the upgrades. Is this a bad time?"

Raygan smiled at Data. "It's never a bad time for you to stop by. Please come in."

Data sat down and they discussed what work had been done to the sensor arrays and how this affected Stellar Sciences. Raygan was very pleased by the upgrades. When they had finished their discussion, Data got up from his chair. He stopped at the door of Raygan's office and turned to face her.

"Raygan, I was discussing the tour I have planned for you with Geordi. He thought there may be areas of the ship that would not be of interest to you."

She rested her chin on her hands, her elbows propped up on her desk, studying him. "Any area you have something to tell me about, I'm interested in. I’ll follow your lead, Data. All you have to do is lead." She grinned at him and it almost seemed that Data grinned back.

"I will return to begin the tour after my shift ends. Will you want to eat dinner first, or after the tour?"

"I can wait until after. If it runs long, we can stop and pick the tour up after. Okay?"

"Agreed. I will return," he promised and, with a nod, he left.

"And I'll be waiting," she told the space where he had been.

Raygan was trying hard to finish her report but was having some difficulties in maintaining her concentration.

~ I can't believe how many times the word ‘data’ is used in these reports ~ she thought. Every time she read that word, her mind would wander to her tour with Data that evening. She finally finished the report she had been working on shortly before the end of her shift. Matt stopped by and stuck his head in her office.

"It's almost quitting time. Would you like to join Yalla and me for dinner in Ten Forward tonight?"

"Sorry Matt, not tonight. Commander Data is giving me a tour of the ship this evening." Matt smiled and wished her a good evening. Raygan was tidying up her desk when Data arrived. Peeking into her office, he seemed unsure if he should enter until Raygan looked up and beamed at him.

"Data," she exclaimed louder than she had intended, but she had been looking forward to this all day.

"If you are not yet ready, I-"

"Believe me, Data, I am more than ready." The words were out of her mouth before she really had the chance to think about how they sounded. She cringed inwardly, but if Data had found her words unsettling, he gave no indication of it.

"Then we shall begin," he said, leading her out of her office and department.

Data had decided the best place to begin was at the top and work their way down. Since decks one and two she was familiar with, they began on deck three with the upper level of the main shuttle bay.

Data pointed out many of the features of the main shuttle bay from their position above. Data was impressed by the questions Raygan was asking regarding the shuttlebay. She seemed to have a knowledge greater than usual for someone in the sciences departments regarding these matters. Their next stop was deck five and the science labs. Over the course of the next couple of hours, they also visited the battle bridge on deck eight and the gymnasium, arboretum and holodecks on deck twelve.

“Data, would you mind if we take a break to feed the poor organic life form?" Raygan asked as they walked towards the turbolift.

"Of course not. Would you like to dine in Ten Forward?"

"Sure, but we can't stay too long. I want the rest of the tour," she smiled.

"I do not wish to embarrass you, Raygan, but I find you to be a very fascinating individual. Your wide range of knowledge and abilities are intriguing." Data spoke with obvious fascination.

"Thank you, Data. That means a lot to me coming from you. I find you to be very fascinating as well."

They reached Ten Forward in a few minutes and Raygan was able to order immediately. They discussed the tour to that point as Data wanted to make sure she was satisfied with his choice of destinations so far.

"How many people have you given this tour to, Data?" she asked between bites of food. Data looked taken aback.

"I have given tours of the Enterprise to 189 individuals over the years, but I have never given a tour of this nature to anyone but you. I designed this tour with you in mind," Data told her.

"Oh," she answered softly, wondering why she felt a flush rising to her cheeks.

"May I ask you a question?" Data said, after a moment of silence between them.

"Sure."

"Of what you have seen of the ship thus far, what is your favorite area?"

The flush came back to Raygan's cheek because the first thing that popped into her mind was Data's quarters.

"I don't know if I could pick one area as being my favorite so far. The whole tour has been incredible. You’re a great tour guide." She smiled and reached for Data's hand, which was on the table, squeezing it slightly with hers. "While the arboretum is very beautiful and I can't wait to try the holodecks, I found the information you gave me about the main shuttlebay to be fascinating."

"You are not just saying that so as not to hurt my feelings. As you are aware, I do not have emotions therefore you may be forthcoming with your opinions and I will not be hurt by them."

Raygan looked Data in the eyes, "Data, I would never lie to you."

Data looked at her for a moment in silence. He cocked his head to the side, studying her face. He finally raised an eyebrow. "An exaggeration?"

Raygan laughed. “You sound like you’re suffering from self doubt, Data. I am not lying, exaggerating, or in any other way not telling the whole, complete and unaltered truth...except for one tiny little omission,” she admitted, obviously reluctant to do so. Data leaned forward, his interest piqued. Raygan sighed. “If you’re going to make me tell the absolute, honest truth, my favorite place on the ship was not on the tour,” she admitted with a guilty grin.

Data looked confused. “A place we have yet to go?” he asked but she shook her head. “Your own quarters?” She shook her head again. “The bridge?”

Raygan laughed. “No, Data. Your quarters.“

"My quarters?" he seemed puzzled by her admission. "I do not understand. While my quarters are functional, I do not believe them to be as aesthetically pleasing when compared to other areas of the Enterprise."

Raygan smiled. "It's not a matter of functionality or aesthetics, Data. It's about spending time with someone I consider to be a wonderful friend."

"And I consider you to be my friend, Raygan," Data agreed, his eyes wide.

"That makes me very happy to hear that."

As soon as Raygan had finished her dinner, they resumed the tour. Next stop, deck thirteen and the cetacean ops area and cargo bays.

The pair made their way from the cargo bay to the saucer section's torpedo bay. They spent quite some time there before moving on. There was not much to see in cetacean ops, so they moved on to the location where the captain's yacht was stored.

"Wow!" Raygan exclaimed when she saw the ship. "I didn't expect it to be so sexy."

Data looked almost startled. "You think the captain's yacht is sexy? Is that due to the design of the ship itself or are you attracted to Captain Picard?" Data asked, hesitantly.

"The captain? Oh no, I respect the captain but I’m not attracted to him. It’s the design of the ship. How did you put it, Data?"

"Aesthetically pleasing?" he supplied.

"That's the one, exactly." Raygan put her hand on Data's arm and gave it a squeeze, smiling at him warmly.

Data did not think there would be a problem with showing Raygan the interior of the captain's yacht so the two boarded it to take a look around. Data pointed out many of the features the captain's yacht had that other crafts did not. After looking around, Data led Raygan to the photon torpedo launchers. They spent another thirty minutes there before heading to Engineering on deck twenty-six. They had been in Engineering for almost an hour when Geordi appeared.

"You're still conducting your tour, Data? Maybe you should have considered an abridged version," Geordi joked.

Data seemed concerned.

"Do you believe the tour has been too extensive, Raygan?" Data asked.

"No, Data, I don't. I've enjoyed every moment of it," she assured him.

"So what did you like best - the arboretum, the holodecks?" Geordi inquired.

"While I did enjoy that part of the tour, I would have to say the most interesting areas have been here in Engineering, seeing the captain's yacht and the torpedo bays," she responded.

Geordi looked like he was about to swallow his tongue. "Captain's yacht and the torpedo bays?" he repeated with disbelief.

"Data told me just about everything one would want to know about the launch sequence, maintenance, payload, distance. He is a fount of information and I just can't seem to get enough." Raygan looked over to Data, smiling fondly at him.

Geordi watched Data to see his friend's reaction. Data's features softened and he was giving Raygan his best impersonation of a smile.

~ This is worse than I thought possible, ~ Geordi thought to himself. This woman seemed totally enamored with Data and Data was not unaffected.

Lieutenant K'cabmi approached Geordi.

"Sir, we’re having a problem with one of the consoles."

"Data," Geordi turned to his friend, "would you mind taking a look for me?"

"Of course not, Geordi." Data turned to join Lieutenant K'cabmi at the console to find the problem.

"Commander La Forge, I would like to apologize to you for being so rude last night in Ten Forward. You shouldn't have had to leave," Raygan told him with regretful sincerity.

"No need to apologize, Commander, but please call me Geordi."

"Thank you. Please feel free to call me Raygan."

"I asked Data to look after that because I wanted to talk to you for a moment...about Data." 

Raygan looked startled. “What about Data?” she asked. Geordi motioned for her to follow him to a more secluded area of Engineering. He turned to give her a compassionate look.

“You understand Data is not capable of emotions like we are?”

“Yes, he explained that the first day I was aboard. Why?” she asked, confused.

“Then you understand he can’t return your feelings like you may want him to.”

Now Raygan looked almost angry. “What are you talking about? I understand you and he have been friends for years. Why would you think he isn’t capable of friendship?” 

"Yes, we’ve been friends since we first came aboard the Enterprise but for Data, friendship is familiarity. His positronic net becomes use to someone being around and he programs responses based on his familiarity with that person. He can't be emotionally hurt by another person's actions but you could be unintentionally hurt by his," Geordi explained, compassionately.

"I appreciate your concern, however I need to point out two things. Number one, Data and I are friends, you make it sound like we're dating or something, and number two, I'm a big girl."

"Forgive me if I’ve stuck my nose where it doesn't belong but I just felt you should know the score before...well, know the score anyway. I hope this won't affect our becoming friends."

"Any friend of Data's is a friend of mine, Geordi," Raygan said with a smile. 

“Ditto,” Geordi said, returning her smile, but when Data came back to collect Raygan and continue with the tour, Geordi’s smile faded. He was just not convinced there was not something going on between those two.

Once Data and Raygan finished with viewing the antimatter generator, the tour was over. It was late, but Raygan was off duty the following day, so she had told Data not to worry about how long the tour ran. Judging her comment about his quarters as significant, Data guided her back there. They found themselves plunging into a long and thoroughly enjoyable discussion of ‘The Hound Of Baskervilles’. Data was surprised at Raygan’s stamina. Even at 0232 she was still going strong and the conversation gave no indications of even slowing down.

“You are certain I am not keeping you from your rest?” Data asked at 0314.

“I’m sorry, Data. I’m boring you, aren’t I? I’ve monopolized you since yesterday evening. I’ll go.” She got to her feet and moved reluctantly towards his door.

Data moved to stop her, employing his superior reflexes. “No, you misunderstand me, Raygan. It was not my intent to ask you to leave. I simply wished to be sure I was not monopolizing your time.” 

"You're not, Data," Raygan laughed. "I’ve enjoyed every moment we have spent together."

"Raygan, may I ask you a personal question?" he said, remaining near to her.

"Ask me anything, Data."

"You had indicated you read ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ a number of years ago." Raygan nodded her head in the affirmative as Data continued. "You appear to have a superior memory compared to most humans."

"I see where you're going with this, Data. I think the easiest way to explain it would be to tell you that my father is human but my mother is Rekellian. I have inherited many of her Rekellian traits such as having superior and instant recollection.  I also don’t require as much sleep as humans so you don’t have to worry about me staying up late. I’ll be fine."

"Hmm," Data responded. She thought that was so cute when he said that and smiled. 

"I better go," she noted. "I’m a little hungry so I guess I’ll head to Ten Forward for some breakfast. I know your shift starts soon and you probably have lots-. " Raygan had cleared her expression, putting on her best Data face as she tried to sound like she was not suggesting anything.

"Raygan”, Data interrupted, “May I join you?"

Raygan grinned and then caught herself. “Sure, Data. Let's go," she said, trying not to sound as eager as she felt.

In her office, two days later, Raygan was recording her commentary on the odd particle densities they had found of rabium. Matt needed the exact particle count for section A-29 and Raygan had been doing that and the count for A-12 and B-8 as well. She was also thinking how much she missed Data. She had not seen him since the evening...morning after the tour and she wanted an excuse to see him again - any excuse.

"Raygan, where's the data?" Matt asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Data? I imagine Commander Data is on the bridge, since he is on duty at this time. Why are you asking me?" she said, defensively.

"What? Commander Data? Raygan, I was asking for the particle density data. Sounds like someone has a crush on a certain second officer," Matt teased, grinning wildly. He had seen the two together a few times and had noted Raygan talking about the commander.

"Oh please, Matt. We're friends. I'm almost finished with the particle density counts so be patient." Matt turned to go back to his station. "Oh and Matt, I'm the boss remember," she teased back.

"Aye, aye ma’am," he saluted.

Raygan thought about what Matt said and chuckled to herself. ~ A crush on Data. I don't have a crush on Data, ~ she decided with a huff. The whole suggestion was preposterous.

When her shift ended, Raygan headed back to her quarters. When the turbolift doors opened on deck two she was surprised to see who was waiting to catch the lift - Spot. Raygan picked Spot up in her arms.

"Where do you think you're going, Spot?" She scratched behind Spot's ears as she spoke. She pressed the comm panel. "Computer, locate Lieutenant Commander Data." The computer reported Data was on the bridge. Raygan brought Spot with her to her quarters and instructed the computer to notify her when Data arrived at his. She brought the Holmes book out and decided to read another story while she waited. Spot leapt into her lap and was purring contently as Raygan stroked her fur and read ‘The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle’. 

 Data returned to his quarters and immediately knew Spot had escaped again. She would come to greet him almost like a dog when he came in 91.12% of the time. She did not come. When Data called, she did not answer. Data resigned himself to a hunt for her, but on an impulse tapped his communicator.

“Data to Commander Silver.”

“Silver here. Missing someone?”

“I believe I am,” Data replied.

“Should I come there or will you come and retrieve her?”

 "I will come to you if that is okay, Raygan."

"Just come on in then. No need for the chime."

Data arrived a few seconds later to see Spot fast asleep in Raygan's lap while she had the Sherlock Holmes' volume in front of her.

"Hi, Data. Please sit down. Can you stay and talk for a while?"

Data sat on the other end of the couch from Raygan.

"I haven't seen you in a couple of days. How have you been?" 

"I have been well. I hope you have been well."

Raygan looked over to study the golden eyes of the man beside her. He seemed unsettled.

"I've been busy, but good. You seem distracted. Are you okay, Data?"

"I am. However, I have a question for you."

"Okay. Ask."

"I have a very small role in a play that will be performed before the crew in three days. My role will be concluded approximately five minutes into the play. I intend to view the remainder of the play with the rest of the audience. I was curious as to whether you would be interested in sitting with me." 

"I would love to sit with you, Data. I'll make sure to save you a seat."

Data seemed relieved as if he thought she would turn down his request.

"Thank you, Raygan. I am looking forward to sitting with you." He looked over at the book to see what story she was reading.

Raygan smiled at Data, "I've just finished reading ‘The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle’ if you would like to discuss it."

"I would be happy to discuss the story with you,” he smiled.

Chapter 3

The play was to begin in five minutes and most of the seating was gone, but Raygan had yet to arrive. Data could find no logical reason for his constant looking out from backstage to see if she was there yet, but he found himself looking anyway.

"Is there something wrong with the curtain, Data?" asked Will, coming to stand next to the android.

"No, Commander. The curtain is in perfect condition," Data answered factually.

"You don't seem to be. If I didn't know you better, Data, I'd say you were nervous." Data looked almost insulted.

"But you do know better. I cannot be nervous."

“But something is bothering you. You can't forget your lines. You only have five and you can't forget anything, so it can't be that. What is it, my friend? Is it fair or foul that troubles your mind?" Will asked, grinning one of his famous grins.

"Commander Silver had indicated to me she would be attending the performance this evening but she has yet to arrive. As the curtain will be raised in less than four minutes-" Data's words were cut off by Will.

"No need to be concerned, my friend. I see the fair maiden yonder," Will joked. Data turned quickly to see Raygan enter the room. She looked over towards the stage and, seeing Data, gave him a quick wave. He waved back. Will looked at his friend and began to wonder exactly what type of relationship Data had with the new head of Stellar Sciences.

Raygan had been able to find two seats together and waited for the start of the play. With Data's part quickly concluded, he came over to join her in the audience for the rest of the performance.

Once he was seated, Raygan leaned over to whisper, "You were terrific, Data." She gave his hand a squeeze as she spoke.

Data was pleased with her compliment, but he was again distracted. Raygan still had a hold of his hand and Data found he was not looking forward to the moment when she let go. Looking down at their hands, Data analyzed his thought processes that had involved Raygan lately. He had found himself eager to discuss Sherlock Holmes, but he had not wished to discuss it with Geordi as he had in the past, Data had wanted to discuss it with Raygan. Why? Data could have asked anyone to save him a seat. Even the captain would have been happy to do so. But Data had not wanted to ask the captain. He had wanted to ask Raygan. Again, why?

Data was reminded of the moment when his daughter, Lal had learned about expressions of affection and had taken hold of Data's hand from the back, as Raygan was doing now. For reasons that were similar, but not the same, Data again turned his hand over and took hold of Raygan's hand. Raygan turned back to face him again, giving him a soft smile. Data looked back at the play when he noticed she was again watching.

Deanna Troi had been enjoying the play when she noticed Data had come to sit next to Raygan. She watched as Raygan had placed her hand on Data's and whispered to him and she saw Data's reaction to this action. She had difficulties sensing what Raygan was feeling but she knew she was feeling something. You did not need to be an empath to read the look in Raygan's eyes when she looked at Data.

After the performance, the audience slowly started to leave. A few people had stayed behind to congratulate their friends on a job well done. Deanna saw Geordi speaking with Will so she joined them. She congratulated Will on his performance before changing the subject to their mutual friend.

"Geordi, what do you know about Data's relationship with Commander Silver?" She had a hint of concern in her voice.

"I have been meaning to speak to you about that, Counselor," responded Geordi.

"I was wondering about that myself, Geordi," Will confided. "You should have seen him before the play. He seemed truly agitated that Commander Silver had stood him up. He was watching for her." The other two took this in.

Geordi volunteered: "I spoke with her the other day while Data was giving her a tour of the Enterprise. I told her Data could not return her feelings but she insisted the only thing she felt was friendship. I don't buy it though," Geordi said with a grimace.

"I tend to agree with you," Deanna agreed. She touched her chin, deep in thought. "I had trouble sensing her, but her expression was not difficult to read at all. Surprisingly, neither was Data's."

"Data's?" both men chorused.

"He even took hold of her hand. I saw it," Deanna asserted. "Geordi, do you know how much time they are spending together or what type of activities they do together?" Deanna was trying to pump Geordi for information.

"I would say they spend quite a bit of time together. They don't see each other everyday. I can see a difference in Data's behavior if he hasn't seen her the day before. He gets quiet. You have to almost force him to talk to you unless you bring up one subject and then you can't get him to stop."

"You mean Commander Silver?" Deanna asked.

"Exactly. I know Data has lent her a book of Holmes' stories that they discuss and they spend quite a bit of time talking. If you are asking if they have become intimately involved, Data hasn't said anything but I don't believe they are." 

"I'll give him this, Data has good taste in women," Will said with an evil grin. Deanna rolled her eyes at him.

"You're not helping," she said, drolly.

"Helping what? You two talk like this is a threatening super nova. Data is a big boy now. He's not a wet behind the...okay, so he's not that experienced, but he's not as innocent and helpless as you two seem to think. She likes him, he likes her. What's the problem?"

"Data has no emotions," Deanna reminded him.

"And Raygan does," Geordi added. 

"Whatever type of relationship they have, she did go into it with her eyes wide open but if you're so worried about this then why not talk to Data about it. Deanna, you and he have talked about relationships before, haven't you?"

"Yes, we have. I think I'll ask Data to come and see me tomorrow."

Data and Raygan were oblivious to the discussion of their relationship. They had left as soon as the play had concluded, going to the arboretum to talk about the performance. 

"How long have you been acting, Data?" Raygan asked him as they entered an already occupied, but quiet area of the arboretum.

“I have been performing in plays with various members of the crew for nearly two years. I have also spent many hours in the holodeck under the guidance of Captain Picard attempting to better understand and emulate human emotions.” As Data spoke, the pair strolled through an area that was moderately forested with numerous varieties of trees.

“You wish to emulate them even if you don’t feel them?” Raygan questioned.

“I have noted that if my reactions vary dramatically from my fellows, it sets me apart in a way that makes me seem to be cold and unapproachable. I do not wish to be set apart.”

Raygan stopped walking in order to give Data her full attention.

“I can understand that, Data. We all want to be accepted for who and what we are.”

"You have had difficulties being accepted in the past?" Data asked.

"Yes, I have. You sound like you don't believe me."

"As you have said you would never lie to me, I do not believe your statement to be untrue however when I witness your interaction with your crewmates it seems surprising that you have had difficulties in that area."

"When I was growing up I didn't fit in very well. My schoolmates were all humans. I think many of my Rekellian traits made them uncomfortable but I’ve always been very proud of both my Terran and Rekellian heritages. It was very difficult trying to find acceptance when those around me constantly told me I was different. At the Academy, there were so many different species that I didn’t stand out as much but it wasn’t until I was assigned to the Goddard that things started to change. As good as it was on the Goddard, it’s been even better here." 

“Things changed for me once I was posted aboard the Enterprise. While I was pleased to be allowed into the Academy, I was not accepted by most of my classmates. I believe it could be said that I was seen as a walking computer and no more. Perhaps not a totally inaccurate view, however-”

“Data, that is not true. You are a person. The fact you came into being in a different way than just about everyone else is irrelevant. It makes a difference how you will be treated if injured. It should not make a difference on how you are treated otherwise.”

“Thank you, Raygan.” Data tried a smile here.

Raygan grinned back. “For what? Stating the obvious? How could anyone spend more than ten minutes in the same room with you and not like you?”

Data had spent enough time among humans to know that was a rhetorical question.

"I believe the same can be said about you."

"So here we are, Data. Two people who desperately wanted to fit in who have found a home on the Enterprise."

"That seems to be a correct assessment of the situation," Data responded.

They sat down on the grass around a small pond in the center of the arboretum. Raygan leaned back on her arms a little and turned to Data.

"Tell me about the plays you've been in, please, Data."

Data told her of the plays and when asked, went on to talk about the different works he had studied in order to better understand humanity. Raygan mentioned being hungry, so they headed to Data's quarters so she could eat and Data could feed Spot.

When Data and Raygan arrived, there was a message waiting on his terminal. Data excused himself as Raygan agreed to get something to eat. He had the computer open the message, noting it was from Counselor Troi. The message indicated she wished for Data to see her after his duty shift the next day. It did not, however, include a reason why. 

As Raygan was standing at the replicator, Spot was busy circling her legs waiting for her dinner.

"Data, would you like me to replicate something for Spot?" she called to him.

"Thank you, Raygan. I would suggest feline supplement #64."

Raygan ordered Spot's dinner and placed it on the floor for the hungry cat. Raygan replicated at plate of Berami and a glass of water. She asked Data if he wanted anything but he declined. She sat down on his couch, placing her plate on the table in front. When Data joined her, he was curious as to what she had ordered.

"This is a Rekellian snack food called Berami. Help yourself if you would like to try some," she offered, picking up a piece. 

Data picked one up from the plate to study the odd blue color. Looking back at Raygan, he could see her eat another while giving him an encouraging smile. Data carefully placed the morsel in his mouth and tasted. He was able to quickly analyze the ingredients that went into making this dish, but he, of course, could not enjoy the flavor.

“It is an interesting combination of ingredients,” he told her, looking apologetic.

“You don’t get a heck of a lot out of eating, do you, Data?”

“This area seems to be one of the few that others have the most difficulty accepting,” Data noted. Raygan sat back as though she had been insulted.

“I can accept it, Data. I just think it’s sad. Food can mean so many different things to different people, but to you it means nothing at all, but a separation. Another way you’re different. It’s too bad, because food can be so... oh, never mind.” Raygan looked away, embarrassed.

“Why? What were you going to say, Raygan? Please tell me.“ Data looked so earnest in his request.

Raygan found herself answering almost against her will. “Well, food can be many things including sensual.”

 "Sensual? How so?" Data asked.

"In so many ways, Data. The food itself can be sensual."

"As in an aphrodisiac?"

"Yes, and in other ways too. Visually, for example. Also, it can be what you do with the food. It's difficult to explain but the act of feeding your partner can be very sensuous or using certain foods while having sex." Raygan was getting a little embarrassed talking about this.

Data accessed his databanks for references to food and sexual intimacy.

"Ah, I see," he said once he had completed his accessing. “For example,” he said as he lifted up another piece of the Berami. He leaned closer to Raygan, offering her the piece. Raygan was not sure what else to do, so she took a bite. Leaning even closer, Data brushed a strand of hair from her face with a finger. His finger brushed her cheek, causing a shiver to run through Raygan’s body. He looked into her eyes, the corners of his mouth swept upwards just slightly.

“Is that close enough?” Data asked, his voice almost lyrical.

“Close? You were thinking of closer?” she asked.

“I do try to perform my approximations as closely as possible. Did I fail in my attempt?” he asked, innocently.

"You did well, Data.”  ~ Too well. ~ “Do you see how sexy food can be?" she asked.

"I understand the concept of food as a stimuli however I do not know if I will ever truly understand unless I am able to experience the emotion brought about by the stimuli."

"I hope you do, Data. I better get back to my quarters. It's getting late."

Data stood up and accompanied Raygan to the door.

"Thank you for coming to the play tonight, Raygan, and for spending your evening with me."

"I had a wonderful time, Data. I hope we can spend some more time together soon." She squeezed his arm and then left for her quarters. 

Data watched her go. Slowly walking into his quarters, he replayed every moment of the evening in his mind. He was walking, but not really paying attention to where he was going, except that he was avoiding walking into a wall. When he reached the wall, Data put his reverie aside to take note of the place where he had ended up. Before him, in a dark glass and mirrored case, a little piece of technology floated in a protective field. Data stared at the spinning item and, not for the first time, considered. 

The emotion chip Data's father had created held a new allure for Data. When he had considered installing the chip previously, he had weighed the pros and cons based on his desire to fit in better with his crewmates. This time it was different, there seemed to be more at stake. Data stared at the chip, wondering whether he would be able to experience the things Raygan had described that evening. He also wondered if he would be capable of having the type of relationship where he could experience the sensuality and love of a partner...of Raygan?

Data’s thoughts regarding Raygan were confusing. He had friendships with a number of people but his friendship with her was different. He thought about Counselor Troi wanting to see him the next day and decided it would be a good idea to speak to her regarding his confusion.

Raygan made it the short distance to her quarters without collapsing and that was a miracle. She entered, going straight to the water basin to throw water on her face. “What’s the old remedy for completely inappropriate feelings like this? Cold shower?” Raygan stared at her face in the mirror. She was very angry with the person who owned that face. That person could have ruined a perfectly wonderful friendship this evening. “Food can be sensual, Data. Feeding your partner can be sexy. Using food during sex. Why didn’t you just...kiss him,” Raygan groaned and rolled her eyes. “That would have been just about the worst thing possible. Kissing your superior officer. Great career move. He’d have me on report or something.”

Raygan changed out of her uniform and into her nightgown before collapsing on the bed. She was still angry with herself but now she was confused as to why she was angry. Was it because she had wanted to kiss Data or because she did not act on that desire?

 ~ Just friendship. I only want friendship. ~ She hoped if she kept repeating this to herself she would believe it, but she did not. She eventually drifted off to sleep but she could not escape these feelings, even in her dreams.

Meanwhile, Data had decided the only way he would be able to stop replaying the events of his friendship with Raygan would be to deactivate his cognitive functions and activate his dream program.

Data was walking down a long corridor. He walked to the end and, seeing a door there, went through. In the room, there was a man. The man had dark hair and was the same height and build as Data. He smiled when Data came in, but Data just blankly returned his stare.

A door to the right opened and Raygan walked in. Her hairstyle was different and Data decided the change was aesthetically pleasing, but Data did not have the chance to tell her. The other man took hold of her hand, smiled warmly at her and when Raygan responded to him, he told her she looked beautiful this evening. Data opened his mouth to speak to Raygan but, in that instant, the pair vanished.

Confused, Data went towards the door Raygan had entered only to find himself back in a room with the same man. This time the man grinned, giving a pleasant, but not mocking laugh.

Raygan again entered. Data moved quickly to her, but this man was equally agile. He gently took Raygan's arm and leaned to whisper in her ear. Whatever he had said made Raygan smile and laugh as well. Data again watched her disappear. This scene played out many times and each time Data could not seem to gain Raygan's attention. The final time this played out before he awoke, the room only had Raygan, but the room was much longer and he could not seem to get closer no matter how fast he ran. Data called to her, but Raygan could not hear him, no matter how loud he called.

Raygan tossed and turned in her bed as she dreamed. She was walking along a long corridor. She looked behind her and could see Ten Forward but she was not on deck ten. She kept moving down the corridor when Geordi La Forge called to her.

"Raygan, where's Data? Why isn't Data with you?" He began to laugh.

She continued walking when she saw Matt. "Raygan, you're all alone. Why isn't Data with you?" He, too, began to laugh.

Raygan began to walk quickly down the corridor, passing person after person. All of them were laughing at her and calling out, "You can never have him, Raygan."

"You're nothing but a programmed response, Raygan."

"He doesn't care, Raygan."

She now began to run and found herself outside her quarters. Spot was standing at her door. She bent down to pick her up when Spot started to laugh at Raygan too. "Programmed response - nothing but a programmed response."

Raygan had not been able to sleep after her dream of Spot and the crew taunting her. She was trying like hell to get it out of her mind and concentrate on her work, but her eyes hurt and the words on the monitor kept blurring. She sighed, closed her eyes and rested her head in her hands for a moment.

"You okay, Raygan?"

Raygan looked up suddenly to see Matt in her doorway, looking worried.

“I didn’t sleep well last night. Bad dream,” she said with an embarrassed smile.

“Then take off. It’s one of the perks of being the boss. Go to sickbay, get something to help you sleep,” Matt encouraged her.

Raygan found herself walking down the corridor moments later. But sickbay did not sound like the right answer.

Raygan’s wanderings lead her to deck eight. She was standing in front of the office door of Deanna Troi, ship's counselor but she was hesitant to go in. She stood there for a few minutes before she finally reached out and rang the door chime. There was no answer. She waited a moment and rang again. Still no answer. Raygan could not help but smile at the irony of this situation. She had never gone to talk to a counselor before and now, when she finally goes to see one, the counselor is not there. Raygan went to deck ten instead of going back to Stellar Sciences. She went into Ten Forward, as she knew it would be virtually empty at this time of day. She ordered a drink before moving to the giant window at the back of the room. She was staring out into space when she heard a voice beside her.

"You look like you're a million miles away." Raygan turned to see a woman standing next to her. "I'm Guinan. I manage Ten Forward."

Raygan introduced herself. She recalled Data mentioning Guinan a few times. He had said she was a very wise woman with extraordinary listening skills.

"You're Data's friend, aren't you?"

"Data and I are good friends," she nodded.

"You look like you could use another friend right now. I am available should you wish to talk about whatever’s bothering you. I am a very good listener."

Raygan nodded and thanked Guinan. They made their way to a table and sat down.

Raygan sighed as she looked at the casing of the window. “You referred to me as Data’s friend. May I ask why?” she asked, slowly lifting her eyes to meet Guinan’s.

“I listen. I’ve also seen the two of you together here a time of two. Am I incorrect in calling you his friend?” Guinan asked, her face still the picture of serenity.

“No, but I wonder about the things you’ve been hearing. Have people been... Have they...” Raygan stopped to sigh heavily.

“I have heard you are Data’s new friend,” Guinan told her.

“That’s all? I mean, they didn’t say that I was foolish or anything?”

“Have you done something foolish?” Guinan asked.

Raygan looked startled for a moment and then looked sadly back at the window casing. “Yes, I think I just may have.”

”I am a very good listener" Guinan reminded Raygan.

"I'm losing control of my emotions, Guinan. I have thoughts going through my mind that I shouldn't and I can't stop them. I had this dream last night..." she shook her head.

"This is about Data, isn't it?"

"Yes," Raygan admitted in a whisper. "I feel things for Data that I shouldn't. Commander La Forge has already made sure to point out that Data's responses are based on familiarity and are programmed to my actions. That's what my dream was about. Everyone was laughing at me and yelling at me that he doesn't care and that his responses are part of his programming. I don't want to jeopardize my friendship with Data because I can't keep my feelings under control."

"And why must you keep your feelings under control?" Guinan asked.

Raygan looked aghast. “Because he can’t really feel anything for me. It’s all just programmed responses, isn’t it?”

Guinan smiled, gently. “Has Data ever asked you to do something with him?”

“Yes,” Raygan answered.

“Well, I’m his friend, but he has rarely invited me to do anything with him and I’ve known him for years.”

Raygan looked down again, even more confused. “I just don’t know if I’m hoping for more than he has to give.”

“Maybe you should ask?”

"Ask? What do I say to him? I can't just go up to him and say 'Data, I'd like us to be more than friends. What do you think,' can I?" She was still feeling confused as she looked at Guinan.

"Why not? Have you ever thought he might want the same thing?"

"Do you think that's possible?" Raygan was a little stunned by her comment.

"I've seen the way Data interacts with you. It's different from how he interacts with his other friends. I think others have noticed that too. Why else would Geordi have spoken to you?" Guinan paused momentarily before continuing. “No one would want this to go badly for either of you, but if you listen to Data and he listens to you, it may surprise you what he is capable of."

Raygan looked up and finally smiled at Guinan. "You're right. Just like any other relationship. Just talk to him." Raygan laughed softly at her own foolishness for missing the obvious. Data had never been closed minded or even standoffish. Why would that change? If he did not want this, he would simply say so. It may hurt, but it would still be Data, honest.

Raygan thanked Guinan and even felt compelled to give her a hug before leaving. Guinan smiled as she watched her go, silently wishing Raygan peace of mind.

As Raygan made her way back to Stellar Science, Data had been called to Engineering by Geordi. They were again having problems with the console the two had upgraded the other day. As Data and Geordi worked on fixing the problem, Data turned to face his friend, telling him of the message he had received from Counselor Troi the previous evening.

"I do not know why she wishes to see me however the timing of her request is most fortuitous," Data informed Geordi.

"Why's that, Data?" Geordi inquired.

"I had wished to speak with her as I need some advice regarding relationships."

“Oh? Are you having trouble with a relationship, Data?” Geordi asked, trying not to sound too obvious.

“I do not believe trouble would be the correct word. Uncertainties would probably be a more accurate description,” Data decided.

“Anything you want to talk about?” Geordi offered. He hated seeing Data in turmoil.

Data again looked uncertain, and hesitant. “It concerns Raygan.”

“Oh? What about her, Data?”

“I am not sure. That is the problem. I find myself dwelling on thoughts of my time with her. If I think of something I wish to do in my off duty time, I invariably think of sharing it with her. I hope you are not offended by that, Geordi,” Data added, looking concerned over hurting Geordi’s feelings.

"I'm not offended, Data," Geordi assured him. "Go on."

"Take the play, for example. I could have requested that you or Captain Picard or anyone save a seat for me, however I only wished to ask Raygan and when it was almost time for the curtain to rise and she had yet to arrive I was distracted from the play. And last night..."

"What happened last night, Data?" Geordi was a becoming worried.

"I activated my dream program and had a very unsettling dream."

"Would you like to tell me about it?"

"Not at this time, Geordi. I am still trying to analyze its meaning. I am hoping Counselor Troi will be of some assistance as well."

They finished repairing the console just before their duty shift was to end. Data left Engineering, making his way to deck eight to see the counselor.

“Come in, Data,” the counselor said as her door slid aside to reveal him.

“Good evening, Counselor. I hope you are well. You wished to see me?” Data asked, taking a seat when she pointed to one.

“Yes, I was wanting to see how you are. I understand you have a new friend. Someone you are spending a great deal of time with?”

Data was taken aback. He had not expected that Deanna had wanted to speak to him about Raygan, but she was obviously who the counselor was referring to.

“Raygan Silver. Yes, Counselor. I had actually wished to speak to you about her. But, did you have something you wished to say?”

Deanna smiled. “Not right now. You go ahead, Data. What did you want to say?”

“I have noticed that since Raygan came aboard, I have enjoyed the time I have spent with her and wished to spend more time with her. I find I have begun to prefer her company to that of my other friends. I am not sure I understand why. And there was also my dream.”

"You had a dream about Raygan?" Deanna asked.

"Yes, Counselor. It was most unsettling." Data proceeded to tell Deanna the details of his dream. The counselor listened intently but was not quite sure what to make of what Data was telling her. If he was human and had emotions, she would be certain he was in the beginning stages of falling in love but he did not have emotions and he was an android.

“What part of this dream did you find most unsettling, Data?” she asked, probing for answers.

“That Raygan did not seem to notice me. It seemed as though the other man was able to interact with her faster and more efficiently. My attempts to gain her attention were inadequate.” Data sounded dejected as he said this. He was getting better at emulating this emotion.

“Why do you think your attempts were inadequate? This dream seems to be important for you, Data. What do you think it was trying to tell you?”

Data grimaced and looked up at the counselor. “I believe the dream was telling me I am not capable of what I wish.”

“And what do you wish, Data,” Deanna asked, becoming alarmed.

“To pursue a relationship of a romantic nature with Raygan."

Deanna sat back in her seat, studying Data's demeanor. She knew Data and Raygan were close but she had not expected this.

"Do you believe you are incapable of pursuing a romantic relationship with Raygan, or any woman for that matter, Data?"

"As you are aware, Counselor, I have made only one attempt at a romantic relationship."

"With Jenna D’Sora," Troi nodded.

"Yes, and I was incapable of meeting her emotional needs. I do not believe I could meet Raygan's emotional needs...or my own."

"Your emotional needs?" Troi was confused.

"Yes, Counselor. The most important thing for me would be to meet the needs of Raygan however I would like to know what it feels like to be loved and in love," Data explained.

"Data," Troi gasped, "are you considering installing your emotion chip?"

"I have been considering it, yes," Data admitted. "I found myself very seriously considering it just last evening after Raygan left my quarters."

"Did something significant happen last evening?” Deanna asked. She was hoping more information would give her a clearer view of Raygan Silver’s feelings for Data.

“Many things occurred last evening, however, I believe the most significant would be our discussion of the sensuality of food.”

Troi did her best not to gulp in air audibly. She was fairly certain her surprise was registering on her face, though.

“Did talking about this trouble you, Data?”

“No, however my reactions did. She spoke of how feeding one’s partner could be a sensual act. I wished to experience this. I offered Raygan some of the food she had been eating and she took it from my fingers. I could see my actions were having an affect on her, Counselor. I too was affected.”

Deanna leaned forward. “How did it affect you, Data?”

“It left me...wanting.”

"Wanting? Wanting what, Data?"

"To feel, to love."

Deanna was dumbstruck. She had never seen Data like this.

"I can understand your wanting to experience these things. Do you know how Raygan feels? Have you spoken to her about this?"

"No, Counselor, I have not. I do not know how to proceed."

“I think you will do fine if you’re honest. It is one of your strengths. She has seemed eager to spend time with you, correct?” Deanna asked.

“She has yet to decline an invitation from me.”

“Does she seem reluctant to leave you, Data?”

Data’s eyes moved in the way that told the counselor he was accessing those memories. “She does not seem eager to part from me. Yes, she does seem reluctant to leave at times.”

Deanna smiled. She got up from her seat and came over to sit next to Data. Taking his arm, she gave it a squeeze. “Talk to her, Data.”

"Thank you for your advice, Counselor. I will speak to Raygan." Data got to his feet and was gone. Deanna could not help but smile as Data left. She hoped Data would find what he was looking for.

Data returned to his quarters to feed Spot. He asked the computer to locate Raygan. Since she was in Stellar Sciences, Data decided to go there to see if Raygan would join him for dinner. 

Before he was able to leave, Spot finished her food and decided it was time for the ‘wild cat act’. She raced through their quarters and knocked over several items, including breakables. Data was forced to amend his plans to first include cleaning up the mess his roommate had caused. Data was just finishing cleaning up the remains of the final victim when his door chime sounded.

“Enter, please,” Data called from his position behind the couch where he was kneeling to clean glass shards. The door to his quarters slid open and Raygan hurried in.

“Data,” she called, looking around. Data stood up, the task he was performing no longer important.

“Raygan, I am here.” He moved to her, laying down his portable cleaning unit. Raygan came across the room to him. When they were only two feet apart, she looked away and blushed. She took a deep breath before looking back at Data.

“I need to talk with you. Can I talk with you? Are you busy?” she asked, sounding nervous.

“I was going to- No, I am not busy. Would you like to sit down?” he asked, leading her towards the other side of the couch. Data wondered what she had to say. Did she know he was interested in broadening their relationship?

They had just sat down when there was the sound of glass breaking coming from another area of Data's quarters.

"I do not know what has gotten into Spot this evening. She has been quite destructive in her behavior."

"Let me help you clean it up, Data," Raygan offered.

Upon investigation, Data saw that Spot had knocked over a glass sculpture he had received as a gift from Jenna D'Sora years earlier. Data and Raygan silently began to pick up the pieces of glass.

"Damn!" Raygan exclaimed as she looked at her hand. There was a small amount of blood on her palm from where she had cut it on the glass.

"You are injured. Do you need to go to sickbay?"

"It's just a small cut, Data. I'll be okay." Raygan wanted to kick herself. She had so much on her mind that she had not been paying attention. Data finished cleaning up the glass before leading Raygan back to the couch. He got a small first aid kit from a drawer to clean the cut. Raygan could not help but sigh at the gentleness of his touch. The cut was not bleeding anymore so Data decided not to insist she see Dr. Crusher. Raygan smiled at Data while he still held her hand. Data had seen Raygan smile many times but this time it seemed different.

"What is it, Raygan?" Data asked.

"I was just thinking back to when I was a kid and I would cut myself. My mother would clean the cut, like you were just doing, and then she would always kiss it to make it better."

Data had still been holding Raygan's hand. He looked at her, then raised her palm and kissed the area where the cut was.

Raygan decided telling him this may have been a very bad idea. When Data lifted his head and looked back at her, she had the most overwhelming desire to grab his face and kiss him so hard it would knock his boots off. But that would not be appropriate. But he was so damned cute. So damned sweet and, android or not, she had to admit she wanted him. Now all she had to do was admit it.

“Perhaps you should be taken to sickbay, Raygan. You have lost most of the color in your cheeks. Are you ill?” Data asked. Helping her to a stand, he touched his hand to her forehead, checking for elevated temperature. ~ Don’t check my pulse, Data! ~ she mentally warned him, knowing it was racing like her heart.

“Data, I really need to talk to you. Can we sit, please?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“If you wish. I had actually wished to speak with you as well, Raygan.” Data followed her back to the couch and this time Spot did not interrupt.

But now Data’s comment was getting in the way. “You wanted to speak to me? What about, Data?”

"Our friendship," Data replied. Raygan was sure any color left in her face had drained. Her self-doubt consumed her. ~ What if he wants to end this, ~ her mind screamed. She tried to sound calm as she spoke. She had a nervous smile on her face.

"What about our friendship, Data?"

"I wish to discuss with you the possibility of expanding the parameters of our friendship," Data explained.

"Expand the parameters?" Raygan repeated.

"In human terms, I wish to date you, Raygan."

"Yes!" Raygan almost shouted. “I would like that.” She knew she had a silly grin on her face, but she could not convince her facial muscles to relax. Her stomach was also doing flip flops, but she decided she had never felt better in her life.

“I am pleased to hear you say that, Raygan. But I did not wish to interrupt what you wished to speak to me about. Please, proceed.” Data looked so open and interested. It made him all the more charming to her.

Somehow her grin got wider. “Actually, I was going to ask you the same thing.” She laughed. “So, what do we do now?” she asked, still unable to stop grinning.

“Perhaps it would be wise for you to consider the ramifications of this decision, Raygan. You do understand I do not have emotions. I cannot-“ Data unexpectedly rose from the couch and looked over at the mirrored case.

Raygan got to her feet, following Data as he made his way to the case. He stood before it staring. She came to his side and put her hand in his, giving it a squeeze. “I take it there is a down side to this chip,” she said.

“Possibly. I need to tell you about my brother, Lore.”

They walked back to the couch where Data told Raygan about the encounters with Lore. How Lore had stolen the emotion chip meant for him and how it had later been damaged when he had fired his phaser at Lore to disable him.

"I was going to destroy it however Geordi stopped me. It has been in that case ever since," Data recounted.

"Data, are you considering installing the emotion chip?" Raygan asked.

"Yes," he replied, his eyes transfixed on the glass case.

"Promise me you won't do it because you think I want you too."

Data looked stunned. “You do understand that-“

“Data, I care for you just as you are. I spend time with you because I want to get to know who you are, not what you could become if you used that chip. You’re worried about it. What is it that worries you?” she asked, again reaching for his hand. Data laced his fingers with hers as he had seen many lovers do and looked down at their hands.

“There is the possibility that, with emotions, I would change. Dramatically.” He looked in her eyes. “You and others may not like the changes. There is also the possibility I could become like Lore or the chip may not work at all.”

“You think it could hurt you?” she asked.

“There is the possibility as it was damaged. By installing it, I too could become damaged.”

“Then don’t install it. It’s not worth the risk.”

Data again glanced over at the floating chip and then back at the woman whose hand held his. “I am not certain I agree. There is an element of risk involved in everything we do. Commander Riker once told me that with risk come rewards. I want to feel for you what you feel for me, Raygan. If there is the slightest possibility of achieving that by installing the chip then I am willing to take that risk."

"Please make your decision carefully, Data. Have you spoken to anyone else about this? Geordi?" Raygan asked.

"Counselor Troi did ask me today if I was considering installing the chip however you are the only person I have discussed this with."

"Please, Data, talk to Geordi. I don't want you to be damaged."

"I will have no choice but to discuss it with him, Raygan. He will be the one to install it. Do not worry. Should I decide I wish to proceed, we will take every precaution."

"What are the dangers, specifically?" Raygan moved closer to him and held his hand tighter as she asked.

"The location where the chip would be installed is a vital area. If it were to cause a power surge or to malfunction...there are a multitude of possibilities. There is also the chance it will function perfectly." Data studied the eyes full of concern that faced him.

"That does not sound very encouraging, Data. You're saying this could possibly kill you, aren't you?"

"I cannot predict what will happen with any certainty as there are too many unknowns, but there is that chance. Yes."

To Data's surprise, he saw a tear roll down Raygan's face.

"Then don't do it, Data. It's not worth the risk," she urged him.

"Ira Graves once compared my existence to a walking purgatory. I am beginning to agree." Data wiped the tear away from Raygan's cheek. "I exist, Raygan, but, more and more, I am discovering I do not live. I want to experience the emotions that come with a simple act such as holding hands."

"Whatever you decide Data, be careful. I just found you. I don't want to lose you."

Data stood in front of the glass and mirrored case again. Raygan had left thirty-eight minutes ago after giving Data a hug, squeezing him tightly. She should have been happy, Data told himself. He wanted to make her happy. He did not wish to worry or frighten her.

Data replayed the moment when he had told her how he wanted their relationship to change. He knew she had been embarrassed at her own response but, for Data, it confirmed it was indeed what she wanted. Raygan wanted him. But, like Jenna and Tasha, would she find that having was not so pleasing a thing as wanting?

Data did not think this was the right time to speak to Geordi. He wanted to wait until Raygan was calmer.

Raygan did not see Data the next day. She had received a request from Admiral T'Vel, the head of Starfleet Command's Stellar Sciences Directorate, for a detailed report on the Enterprise's activities over the past three months. A Vulcan's concept of a detailed report was a little different from most and, of course, he wanted it in three days. Raygan was disappointed she would not make it to Lieutenant Worf's promotion ceremony. Although she had only met the Klingon on a few occasions, she had wanted to attend if only to see Data in the replica uniform the officers traditionally wore. She thought he would look so sexy but thoughts like those were not helping her with the report.

The promotion ceremony went off without a hitch, until it actually began. Commander Riker uttered one ‘wrong’ word and the plank under Worf vanished. It was intriguing to see the expression on the Klingon’s face as he plunged into the water. Data, however, made a rather large error in judgment following that moment and, in an attempt to be spontaneous, he pushed Dr. Crusher into the water as well. This had not gone over well. The attack on an observatory had gotten him out of hot water for the time being but, later, Geordi suggested Data stay out of sickbay for a while. Data found himself again pulled towards that glass case. But this time, with Geordi there, and since they had the time, Data did more than just look. Geordi was not sure about doing this, but Data knew how to be persuasive when he needed to be.

Data had no way of being prepared for what he was about to face. The emotions were so strong. The next few days were such a blur to Data, he was actually relieved Raygan was so busy working on the report for Admiral T'Vel that she did not witness the turmoil he was going through. He found he was unable to control the emotions he was feeling. The uncontrollable laughter, the profound fear, the terror when the chip fused to his neural net but, mostly, the guilt over what had happened to Geordi on the observatory.

When the Duras sisters had attacked the Enterprise, Data did his best to focus on his duties but the chip was still causing him problems. The events surrounding the warp core breach all happened so quickly. Data was finally able to get his emotions more under control until the explosion pushed the saucer section of the Enterprise through the atmosphere of Veridian IV, hurtling it towards the planet below. Data was scared, not for himself, but for Raygan's safety.

The saucer section was mostly in one piece, but there had been extensive damage and hundreds of injuries. Data managed to find a moment to access the current list of reported injured just as a name was added - Raygan’s. Very few patients actually had their injuries listed, there simply were too many in too short a time for this to be done. This listing was only so those found could be recorded. Data had much work to do in helping with the search. His strength was needed. Data was working with Deanna, using a tricorder to locate the missing when they came to Stellar Sciences. The room was a frightening sight. The raised platform had been destroyed. It had crashed down into the room, taking out all of the workstations beneath it.

As Data and Deanna picked their way through, many other people became evident. Data spotted Lieutenant Palmer and called to him.

“Lieutenant, are there any personnel unaccounted for in this section?”

“No, sir,” Palmer turned with a bright smile to face Data, but he did not come over. “Hey!” he called, gesturing to his right for someone to come towards him.

Raygan came out from under some rubble a second later.

“Raygan!” Data exclaimed. She locked eyes with Data and he found he was moving towards her but he could not recall deciding to do so. She looked fine. She was dirty, perspiring and her uniform was torn at the shoulder, but Data thought she was the most beautiful person he had ever seen in his life.

Raygan smiled up at him and Data could not contain his joy or wait another second. Reaching for her, he pulled her immediately into his arms and kissed her. The emotions that raced through him were numerous, strong and very welcome. When Raygan wrapped her arms around him, Data was propelled to heights he had never imagined.

Data had to return to the search for more wounded while Raygan stayed in what was left of Stellar Sciences to sift through the piles of debris. She was amazed there had been no reported fatalities in her section as she looked around at the destruction. Matt was helping her see if there was anything salvageable in the wreckage when he came across a destroyed PADD on what was left of Raygan's desk. He turned to her and smiled.

"Do you think Admiral T'Vel will understand why your report will be late?" They both laughed. She needed to laugh at that moment otherwise she would have started to cry at the destruction around her. 

“You can not only blame the ship crashing, but you can say that a certain lieutenant commander has been keeping you too busy to worry about goofy things like reports,” Matt smirked at her.

Raygan blushed. Data’s reaction to seeing her had been something Raygan was trying not to think of. If she let her mind wander for a second, he was there in her mind’s eye. She needed to stay sharp now, so she did not have the luxury of thinking about Data right now, but when she did, she wanted to do more than just think about him.

Raygan was very happy to hear there had been no fatalities and that most of the injuries were not serious. She would have felt guilty for feeling so good at her personal situation when others were suffering. Later when she saw Data holding Spot in his arms, she could see tears streaming down his cheeks. She went to him and wiped the tears away and kissed his still damp cheek. Together they tried to find a way back to deck two to see if they could salvage any of their personal belongings.

Spot let Raygan take her as Data pushed open the door to her quarters. The place was a shambles as expected. Raygan handed Spot back to Data and headed into her bedroom. She returned with a holographic photo-frame.

"My parents," Raygan told him. "Hope I get to introduce you to them one day, Data."

Data smiled. "I would like that as well, Raygan."

"Let's head for your quarters. I hope your paintings are intact."

Unfortunately most of Data's paintings had been destroyed so he gathered up the ones he felt could be salvaged. Raygan looked around and saw Data's violin sitting on a chair. It was in perfect condition. She smiled and brought it to him.

"I would love to hear you play later," she told him.

Raygan found a few of Spot's toys that were still intact while Data was relieved to find three of his prized possessions undamaged - the book Captain Picard had given him years earlier, his medals and his holographic image of Tasha.

"Are you sure you have everything from your quarters, Raygan?" he asked as they walked past the still open door. Raygan stared in at what was left of her belongings.

"Yes, Data. Everything else can be replaced," she smiled.

Data's communicator chirped at that moment, so he tapped it. "Data here."

"Commander, the Farragut has arrived to take us back to Earth. They are signaling their readiness to begin beaming people aboard. The captain wants you to organize the effort from transporter room three."

“Acknowledged. I am on my way. Data out.” Data sighed as he looked back at Raygan.

“I’ll see to your things and Spot for you,” she offered.

He nodded and turned to leave. Thinking better of it, he came back over to her and, caressing her cheek, said, “I wish to spend some time with you when we are free to do so. A great deal of time.”

Raygan grinned, flushed. “I’ll hold you to that, Commander. And that is one of the things I’d like to do too,” she said with a wink.

Data grinned and began to chuckle. “Humor with a romantic twist. I love it.” He winked back and turned to go, still chuckling.

"Before you go," Raygan kissed Data on the cheek. Data smiled and then made his way to transporter room three.

Once Raygan was on the Farragut, she took Data's things to the guest quarters she had been assigned until he could collect them. She had already programmed the replicator with some of Spot's favorite supplements and had fed the hungry cat. Now she sat on the couch with Spot laying contently in her lap, purring, as Raygan stroked her fur. Raygan looked out the window to see they had gone to warp. She hoped Data would come by soon but she knew he would probably be unavailable for some time due to the events of the day. Briefings, reports and conferences would probably keep him busy for a while.

The day was catching up to her so Raygan ordered the computer to allow Data access to her quarters. She lay down on the couch with Spot curled up beside her and went to sleep.

Data was relieved when he was finally released, along with the rest of the senior staff, after giving his statement. The taking of statements would get the ball rolling for the formal inquest that always took place following the loss of a ship. Data did not believe anything negative would come of it and this also was the consensus among the rest of the bridge crew. With another sigh, Data put thoughts of the upcoming events out of his mind and went to find the woman he was dating. He liked thinking about that. He liked it a lot.

Data located Raygan’s new quarters and headed there. As Data approached her door, he was startled to see the door slide open for him. ~ She has given me access, ~ he realized. Just this caused Data to smile brightly, but the sight of Raygan and Spot asleep on her couch caused him to absolutely beam. He found he was moved by this sight.

Raygan, sensing his presence, opened her eyes. “Hi, handsome,” she said with a happy grin and a yawn.

Data looked on either side of him, but could see no one else in the room. “You are referring to me?” he asked, a twinkle in his amber eyes.

“You bet your comm badge, I am.” She sat up and held her arms out to him. “Kiss me.”

Data sat next to Raygan on the couch and kissed her.

"Are you sure my presence is not disturbing you. You were asleep. If you wish, I can take Spot and go to the quarters I have been assigned."

"No, Data, I'd like you to stay, talk to me. What's going to happen next?"

"We will reach the Sol System in six days and a formal inquiry will be held, however it should be just a formality. Captain Picard has already been informed he will be assuming command of a new Sovereign class starship, which has been re-designated as the Enterprise-E. As well, all senior bridge officers will be transferred to the Enterprise-E," Data informed her.

"What about the rest of the crew, Data?"

"Some members of the crew will be re-assigned to other Starfleet vessels." Data could see a look of concern come over Raygan's face. "However," he continued, "Captain Picard has assured me you will be transferred to the Enterprise-E to head the Stellar Sciences Department." Raygan sighed with obvious relief. “You were concerned?” Data asked.

Raygan pulled her legs off the couch, dislodging Spot, who protested with a yowl. She patted the now vacant area, asking Data to move closer. “Of course I was worried. I’ve just met the most wonderful man I’ve ever known and I don’t want to be separated from him.” She slipped a hand into his.

“Just met. You are referring to the person I became when I had Geordi install my emotion chip?” Data asked, cocking his head to the side and studying her face.

“No, Data. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks and I'm still getting to know you, but I've liked everything I’ve discovered. I know almost nothing about the you with the chip.”

Data smiled. He had been worried. He was not sure what he was worried about exactly, but he just needed to know she had cared for him before the chip.

"Data, I think we need to take things slowly. You’re still becoming accustomed to having emotions and we have to get to know each other again too."

"Agreed," Data said as he moved his arms around Raygan. She leaned her head against Data's shoulder. She felt so comfortable and safe in his arms that she fell asleep. Data decided he did not want to risk waking her up so he did not try to move Raygan. Plus, he found he liked watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful and happy. Data realized he too was happy. His emotions were still comparable to a whirlwind within him, but they were calming and becoming more understandable to him. He took time to study her face and every detail there before moving to her hands. She had such strong but graceful hands. He had especially found her hands compelling when she touched him. Data reached over and touched her left hand with his right. At his touch, she moved her hand towards him. Even in her sleep she seemed to know it was him and linked her fingers with his. Data smiled a giddy smiled. He made sure she would not fall should she move, closed his eyes and allowed his own dream program to run. 

Data's dream started the same as his previous one about Raygan. He was walking down a long corridor. He walked to the end, seeing a door there and went through. The room was empty until a door to the right opened and Raygan walked in. He smiled warmly at her and, when Raygan responded to him, he told her she looked beautiful this evening. Data moved quickly to her and, gently taking Raygan's arm, leaned to whisper in her ear. Raygan smiled and then laughed as well. Then the scene shifted to another room with Raygan in it. The room was much longer than the other and Raygan was standing at the other end. Data started walking quickly to Raygan, but unlike his previous dream, she smiled and walked towards him. When they met in the middle of the room they kissed with great passion. It was then that Data's internal chronometer indicated it was time to wake up. 

The trip to Earth would take another five days, but today the captain, Commander Riker and Data were scheduled for further interviews regarding what had happened before the destruction of the Enterprise-D. Data was scheduled first, so he was forced to awaken the woman who had slipped down in her sleep until her head was resting in Data’s lap. Raygan’s fingers were still laced with his, so he brought her hand to his lips, kissing it to wake her.

Raygan woke up with a start, sitting up quickly and looking around the unfamiliar room. Finding she had been sleeping on Data caused her to gasp and bring a hand to her mouth.

“Is something wrong?” Data asked her.

“I‘m so sorry, Data. I can’t believe I fell asleep. That must have been so boring for you.”

“No, I watched you sleep for a time before engaging my dream program.”

Raygan laughed and blushed. “Great,” she laughed again. “We slept together,” she said with an amused sigh.

“Was it good for you?” Data asked with a bright grin.

 Raygan and Data shared their first laugh together.

"I must go soon to be interviewed regarding the destruction of the Enterprise. I believe it should not take long and then we can spend the remainder of the day together, if you wish."

"I wish."

Data kissed Raygan before leaving for the interview. Raygan decided to take this opportunity to go to the ship's stores. She wanted to get a few items of clothing to tide her over until they reached Earth.

Deanna Troi was there when Raygan arrived. Raygan had only met the Betazoid twice before, so she really did not feel comfortable with the woman yet. Deanna, however, greeted her warmly.

“I understand you were injured in the crash, but I never did find out what happened to you,” Deanna told her. Raygan was sure she did not have to guess where Deanna had gotten this information.

“I was lucky actually. A beam fell and I jumped out of the way just in time. I would’ve been a goner if I hadn’t been warned by Lieutenant Palmer. My leg was gashed from a piece of rubble that I fell on, but other than that, I was okay,” Raygan said with a shrug. “Came to get some clothes since I lost everything.”

“Me too,“ Deanna admitted. “I’m glad you made it through all right. Data was very concerned about you.”

“I was concerned about him too.”

"Would you mind if I join you. Data has told me so much about you and I'd like to get to know you better. I mean that as Data's friend, not as ship's counselor," Deanna smiled.

"I'd like that, Counselor," replied Raygan.

"First thing then, I'm Deanna. May I call you Raygan?"

"Please do, Deanna."

The two women started their quest for some new clothes. 

Raygan and Deanna scrolled through the many selections with Raygan taking note of the style of clothing her companion preferred. Raygan found she and Deanna had similar tastes although some of the Betazoid’s choices were a little more flamboyant than anything she would have chosen. When they finally came to nightwear, Raygan decided she wished to select something special just in case Data...Raygan realized with the counselor being Betazoid, even thinking this was not a good idea. Raygan could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. Raygan pushed back her embarrassment when an item that struck her fancy scrolled by.

Raygan chose a sexy blue silk chemise and replicated it. Deanna's comment that she thought the selection would look beautiful on Raygan made her smile. When they had finished their shopping, Deanna invited Raygan to join her and Dr. Crusher in the Farragut's version of Ten Forward for lunch. Raygan accepted the counselor's invitation as she wanted to get to know Data's closest friends better. 

The two women had a lot to talk about and, oddly enough, it all seemed to center around Data today. Raygan knew this was for her benefit and was pleased. They eventually began to share old stories about him, and Raygan found it interesting how funny Data had always been, even without emotions. She was delighted to discover the women shared her view of him in many respects. They too thought he was a wonderful man. 

"Raygan, I know you care a great deal about Data. It would be obvious even if I weren't empathic," Deanna laughed. Raygan was a little worried as she sensed a ‘but’ coming on but there was not. "I think Data is very lucky to have found you," Deanna continued. Raygan smiled, thanking the counselor for her warm words.

"Speaking of Data," Beverly interrupted. "Here he is now."

As Data entered the room, he immediately saw Dr. Crusher waving to him. Data approached the table the three ladies were seated at.

"I do not wish to interrupt. I can return later if you prefer," Data said.

"No, Data, we were just leaving, weren't we, Beverly?" Deanna smiled. "Raygan, we must do this again soon."

"I'd like that very much," Raygan smiled.

After the doctor and counselor had left the table, Data sat down to join Raygan. 

"You are certain I was not interrupting? The three of you appeared to be involved in a conversation until my presence was noted.” Data looked worried. Raygan took his hand and gave him a comforting smile.

“We were talking about you,” she admitted. Data still looked worried. “It appears the three of us agree that you’re one hell of a guy. I missed you. How did the interview go?”

Raygan watched Data as he reacted to all of the things she had just said.

“I think all of you are unique and interesting individuals as well. I missed you too. And the interview went well. I have been released until we reach Earth. I wish to know- I was thinking we-”

“Spit it out, Data. The answer is yes to whatever you’re trying to ask.”

“Yes? But you do not know what I was going to ask?" Data was confused by Raygan's response.

"I'm sure whatever you have in mind I will enjoy as long as we do it together," she smiled.

"Ah, I see. I wanted to ask if you would sit for a portrait. I very much wish to paint you, Raygan, as you inspire me greatly. I would suggest a nice meal to follow."

"I would be honored to have you paint me, Data."

Data offered his hand, which Raygan happily took. They chatted about possible poses as they made their way to Data’s temporary quarters. Just before they arrived, Data made an unusual sound and turned to grin at Raygan.

“You have an idea?” she guessed. Data, still grinning, pulled her along faster.

“Yes, I do.”

Data had Raygan pose standing behind his couch with her hands touching its back, looking at him. Data turned his canvas so she could not see a thing. They talked about the latest Holmes mystery Raygan had read the whole time. Data did not really need to have her stand there, but he did not want her to see what he was painting until it was complete.

“Finished,” he announced after one hour, three minutes and forty-two seconds of painting. Raygan came over as he beckoned and was astonished at his work. She was standing with her hands holding the railing of the now destroyed platform in Stellar Sciences. The star field of Sector 001 was behind her. The whole portrait was breathtaking.

"Data, it's absolutely incredible," Raygan exclaimed.

"I would like to paint you again some time, if you are agreeable?" Data smiled, pleased with her reaction to his efforts.

"I would love it, Data," Raygan's eyes were still glued to the portrait.

"Will I be meeting your parents when we arrive at Earth?" Data asked.

"If you would like to. I would love for you to meet them." She was touched he had asked.

"Good. I would like to give this portrait to them as a gift. Do you think they will like it?" he asked.

"Data, they will love it and they’ll love you." She kissed Data gently on the lips.

Data was overcome by many emotions when Raygan kissed him. He could tell she truly was pleased by his effort and this delighted him. He was thrilled she wanted him to meet her family, but he was a little nervous about it. Telling your family you are dating someone is one thing, telling them he is an artificial life form, is another. Lastly, Data was emotionally warmed by her kiss. He decided he wanted to prolong this kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Raygan seemed only too willing to continue.

She locked her fingers together around his neck as they continued this passionate kiss. When the kiss ended, they stayed wrapped in each other's arms. If he had needed proof his decision to install the emotion chip was the correct one, this kiss would have done it but then each kiss he shared with Raygan was proof to him.

“Raygan, have you told your parents about us?”

“Not that we are dating yet, but I have told them about you. From what I said and how I said it, I’m sure they will not be surprised. I actually pulled up the first letter I sent them from the Enterprise the other day. I talked about you or things you and I had done together for virtually the whole thing.”

Data was pleasantly surprised by this. “May I ask when that letter was sent?” he asked.

“I’d been on the Enterprise just over a week. You made an impression on me very quickly, Data. And you haven’t stopped yet.” She caressed his jaw line for a moment before kissing him again.

Data could not help but smile although he was still concerned about her parents' reaction to him.

"Would you like to have dinner now?" he asked.

"I'd love too, Data."

Although the replicators on the Farragut did not have as great a selection programmed, they were able to find what they wanted. Data was enjoying his dinner so much more than before. He decided it was a combination of his chip and the company he was keeping.

The crew of the Farragut had put together a night of entertainment in honor of the Enterprise crewmembers aboard. After a wonderful dinner together, Raygan and Data joined the crowd. Geordi was there as were Captain Picard, Dr. Crusher, Commander Riker and Counselor Troi. There was music, dancing, some short skits and the evening proved to be a much needed release for everyone. The stress of losing the ship and their belongings evaporated, if just for a few hours. Of course, Commander Riker had to join the band, playing his trombone. No one minded when he missed that one elusive note he could never quite get. As a number of couples were dancing, Data invited Raygan on to the dance floor. They stayed there for a number of dances before deciding to call it an evening. They walked, arm in arm, in blissful silence back to Raygan’s quarters. Data came inside for a moment to kiss her goodnight in private.

"I had a wonderful time, Data."

"As did I," Data replied. "If you are available tomorrow, the captain has invited us to join him in the holodeck to participate in his favorite program."

Raygan was surprised but delighted about the invitation. She knew how close Data was to Captain Picard and was pleased she would be included in their activities.

"I'm available, Data. What type of program is it?" she asked.

"It is a program featuring the fictional mid-20th century private detective Dixon Hill. The computer has a number of stories available should you wish to familiarize yourself with them."

"I will," Raygan promised.

Data could not resist his urge to kiss Raygan any longer. They shared a passionate kiss that would have lasted longer except the computer interrupted them by indicating Raygan had an incoming transmission from Earth. Data bid Raygan good night, quickly kissing her again before leaving for his quarters.

Trying to bring her breathing under control after kissing Data, Raygan opened the channel. Both her mother and father were sitting before her on the monitor.

“Raygan, are you all right? You look flushed dear?” her mother asked at once. Raygan chuckled.

“I’m fine, Mom. I just got in from a rather invigorating evening. Food, entertainment and dancing – I had a wonderful time with Data,” Raygan confided, still glowing.

“You talk about almost nothing but Commander Data in your letters. I know the two of you are friends, Raysa,” Raygan’s father began, using a nickname he had used since she was a baby, “but is there something we should know?”

Raygan looked down, blushing. “Yes Dad, I guess there is. Data and I are seeing each other. I mean, dating. I like him very much and he likes me, very much.”

"Raysa, we can see from the glow on your face how happy you are but your mother and I are a little concerned. You said he likes you too but are you sure? We thought your commander did not have emotions."

"No need for concern. Data installed an emotion chip his father had created for him. I am sure," Raygan smiled.

"Then tell me when are we going to meet your lieutenant commander?" her mother prodded.

Raygan beamed at the knowledge her parents wanted to meet Data.

"We should be getting to Earth in less than a week. Data is looking forward to meeting you too. I know you'll love him. He’s so amazing."

They talked for almost an hour before ending the transmission. As their view screen went blank, Raygan's mother smiled at her father. "It would appear our little girl is in love, Raymond."

"So it seems, Nalla, so it seems."

Raygan went from her talk with her parents, straight to pulling up stories featuring Dixon Hill so she would be ready for the holodeck adventure tomorrow.

The next morning, Raygan arrived at Data’s quarters for breakfast. Raygan sat at the table while he replicated their meal.

"That transmission I had last night was from my parents. They're looking forward to meeting you, Data," she told him as he joined her at the table. Data smiled. "I also read a number of the Dixon Hill stories after. They are quite interesting. I guess I'll need to replicate the appropriate clothing for the period. Who else will be there?"

"Dr. Crusher, Counselor Troi and Commander Riker will also be joining us," Data informed her.

“What will you be wearing?” Raygan asked. Data licked the jelly he was eating with toast off a finger and rose from the table.

“I will show you,” he said and disappeared into his bedroom. He returned a moment later, holding a cement white suit with matching fedora. Raygan smiled, but also looked a little distracted.

“May I ask what you are thinking?”

Raygan’s focus came back to Data. “I’m just imagining you in that suit. It’s a nice image.” She beamed up at him, but Data looked confused. “You’ve not done a lot of this dating stuff, have you, Data?” she asked, suddenly putting things together.

“Once before. It did not go well,” he told her, gravely.

“Once? You mean all of your life you’ve only had one woman want to go out with you? You must have been surrounded by women with no taste,” she said, sarcastically.

Data looked helpless. Raygan stood up, took the suit from his hand and marched him into his bedroom. She laid his suit across his bed before pulling him towards his mirror. “See that person in there? He is one amazing man. How in the world did no one else pick up on that? Well, I guess I’m glad, in a way, that no one else did since you’d have been taken.” She slipped her arm through his and gave him a kind of sideways hug.

“I am not taken,” Data noted reassuringly as he turned to face her.

Raygan shook her head. “You are now.”

She kissed his cheek lightly as Data continued to look in the mirror. He was memorizing this image in his mind.

"Let's finish breakfast," Raygan nudged him gently. They sat down to finish eating.

"Raygan, you are taken now too, correct?" Data asked hesitantly.

"Oh yes, Data," she smiled and reached across the table for his hand. "Definitely."

Data, grinning, reached over to lace his fingers with hers. They continued to grin at each other for several minutes before returning to their food.

Raygan left Data’s quarters to find the proper attire for the trip to the holodeck while Data cleaned up from breakfast and got himself properly attired. Data had agreed to meet Raygan, along with the others, at the entrance to holodeck one at 1000 hours. Riker and Picard were already waiting when Data arrived at precisely that time. Dr. Crusher, Counselor Troi and Raygan arrived a moment later. Dr. Crusher was wearing a lovely pastel blue dress while Counselor Troi was a soft pink and Raygan was wearing deep burgundy. All three ladies’ figures were greatly flattered by the high heels and form fitting dresses.

Data approached Raygan and kissed her on the cheek.

"You look very beautiful, Raygan. The attire from this era is most becoming on you," Data said.

"Thank you," Raygan smiled. "You look just as I imagined you would."

Dr. Crusher cleared her throat causing Data to look at her.

"Oh, Doctor, you look very nice too. As do you, Counselor."

"Thank you, Data" Dr. Crusher laughed.

Captain Picard and Commander Riker also complimented the ladies while they returned the compliments to the men.

"Shall we begin?" Picard suggested. The doors to the holodeck opened to reveal a neighborhood from 1936 San Francisco. As the group entered, Picard noted the holodeck simulation was not quite as good as on the Enterprise but it would suffice.

"This way, my friends, my office is just down the block." Picard gestured down the street. When they arrived, Dixon Hill's secretary greeted her boss, telling him there was a client waiting in his office. The group entered to be met by a gentleman whose appearance indicated he was definitely of San Francisco high society. The gentleman appeared confused by the number of people in Hill's office until Hill introduced them as his colleagues. The gentleman was Howard B. Hirst. He wanted to hire Dixon Hill to find his daughter. The young woman had been kidnapped while shopping. She was last seen being forced in to a car by henchmen of the infamous underworld criminal Big Cal Malone. Hirst explained the police were in Malone’s pocket and were doing nothing to help. He was desperate. When Hill agreed to take on the case, Hirst paid a retainer and the adventure started.

They spent most of the day in the holodeck working the case until they rescued Madeleine Hirst. Each participant had found vital clues to her whereabouts and everyone had had a great deal of fun. When the program ended, Captain Picard invited everyone to his quarters for dinner. "No need to change. Just come as you are," he told them, so the group left the holodeck in great spirits from a very fun day.

Data took Raygan’s arm as they left the holodeck as he had at every opportunity during the adventure. Riker leaned over to Counselor Troi and Dr. Crusher, whispering, “Think he likes her? Does that mean I don’t stand a chance?” Will had his famous sparkle in his eyes as Beverly poked him in the ribs and rolled her eyes at him.

“Leave them alone. I think they’re cute. Look how happy Data is,” Beverly admonished the commander.

“Okay, but if Data drops the ball-owf!” Will laughed at the slug Beverly had given him. “He does look like he’s on top of the world, doesn’t he?” Will amended, rubbing his now sore arm. “Never tick off a doctor, they know just how to hurt you.”

Being a captain always meant having a few extra privileges. Picard was not the type of man to take advantage of the privileges however he did this time to make arrangements to have an authentic 1930's San Francisco dinner prepared and delivered to his quarters. He had been lucky to discover one case of Chateau Picard that had not been destroyed in the crash and opened a bottle. When everyone had a glass, Picard proposed a toast, "To old friends and new". Raygan felt wonderful that Data's closest friends were making her feel so much a part of their group.

Still in costume, Data led his lady back to her quarters for the evening. The couple walked slowly, arm in arm, talking about the wonderful day they had just had. They were oblivious to the stares they received from passersby.

Once the doors of Raygan’s quarters closed them off from the rest of the ship, Data pulled her into a kiss. She wrapped her arms around Data’s neck to kiss him back. This time, nothing interrupted them. The taste of the captain’s wine was still on her lips. Her mouth opened slightly, inviting him to further explore.

And explore he did. He had never kissed a woman like this before and the sensations were greater than he had anticipated. With Raygan’s assistance, Data was discovering the meaning of passion. They kissed for four minutes and thirty-three seconds. Data could feel a stirring within him. It surprised him because this had never happened to him before but he knew what it meant. He looked at Raygan. He knew this was not the right time or place to go to the next level of their relationship.

"I must go now," he whispered and kissed Raygan again. "Good night."

"Good night, Data," Raygan smiled. "Breakfast here tomorrow?" she asked.

"I would like that. I will see you in the morning," Data took a step towards the door before turning to kiss Raygan again and leaving.

Data sighed as soon as he left Raygan’s quarters. He took a moment to collect himself. So, this was sexual desire. It was much more powerful than Data had expected. Feeling a little more in control of his emotions, Data proceeded to his quarters.

Once he entered, Data went to his painting of Raygan and uncovered it. He ran his finger delicately along the brush strokes that defined her lovely face.

“If we become lovers, Raygan, will you then reject me?” he asked her image. He wondered about the answer for some time.

After staring at the painting for a number of minutes, Data then set up his supplies to paint another portrait. He combined the image he had memorized earlier of the two of them at Data's mirror with how they looked in their period costumes. He set to work with this new image in his head and painted. It took two hours before he was happy with his work. He had managed to capture that look on Raygan's face as she had rested her head against his shoulder, her arm holding his. Data analyzed his feelings for Raygan. There were so many wonderful emotions he was experiencing with her. He began to wonder ~ Is this love? ~