Chapter 3 Continued

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? ~