Chapter 4

The Farragut was just entering orbit of Earth and already Starfleet Command was issuing instructions for the Enterprise’s senior staff to beam down once standard orbit was achieved. Data had said a private goodbye to Raygan in her quarters. It had been when he revealed the new portrait to her. He had saved it for then to ensure one of the last things he saw was Raygan smiling. It backfired though and she cried. They were tears of joy, however, showing how moved she was by his effort, so he was not too disappointed. They kissed long and passionately, agreeing to meet at the Silver household in three days when the inquiry was expected to be over. One more tender kiss and Data was on his own for three whole, long, tedious days.

 Raygan arrived at her parents' home a few hours after Data had left the Farragut. They had not seen each other in over a year so it was a very happy reunion.

"Raysa, let me look at you. My daughter - the lieutenant commander and department head. We are so proud of you," her father beamed.

"Now when are we going to meet your Data?" her mother inquired.

"Data has to attend an inquiry regarding the Enterprise-D. Once it’s finished, he is coming."

"Wonderful," her mother exclaimed. She then looked at the belongings Raygan had with her. "Raysa, what is this?" Her mother had spotted the unusual case in with Raygan's belongings.

"Let me show you," she told them as she undid the case and pulled out the painting. She turned it towards them so they could see it. "Data painted it. Isn't it beautiful."

"Oh Raysa, it is." Her father's voice was filled with emotion. He took his wife's hand, squeezing it. Raygan's father remembered the old saying about a picture being worth a 1,000 words but in this case that was not true. ~ This picture says four, ~ he thought, ~ they are in love. ~  And the expression on his baby girl’s face confirmed this belief. Her eyes were alight with the warm feelings she had for Data. She stared at the portrait long and hard. ~ She already misses him. ~

“Let’s get your things to your room, my girl. Your father can make himself useful and hang that wonderful portrait for you.” Nalla took one of Raygan’s bags and led her back to the room Raygan had spent many nights in before.

Raymond Silver did indeed hang the portrait Data had painted in Raygan’s room. Raygan fully intended to take the portrait with her when she left, but it was good to have this prized possession hung and safe. Raygan did not want to take a chance on anything happening to this wonderful painting. Raygan had the feeling she was going to spend a lot of time staring happily or longingly at this picture. Like right now, she very much wished Data were here and hoped all was going well with him.

The inquiry went even smoother than expected. They finished taking testimony in one day and reached a decision the next. They found no fault with any of the crew of the Enterprise and confirmed the transfers to the new Enterprise-E could proceed. Everyone was relieved when the process was over, especially Picard. This was a much different experience from the inquiry held into the loss of the Stargazer. The Enterprise-E would be ready to take on crew in six weeks. Shore leave was available for everyone. Data left most of his belongings with Geordi. He had a small bag packed and the painting he was going to give to Raygan's family. Data placed Spot in a cat carrier for the trip. He had not even asked Geordi to watch Spot for him and he knew there would not be any volunteers. Since Spot liked Raygan so much, he felt comfortable bringing her with him to Raygan's family home. He knew he was going to arrive a day early and he could not wait to see her. He missed her so much.

Raygan and her parents had gone for a walk in the neighborhood. They were stopped by many people who congratulated Raygan on her promotion. She was also told many times what a relief it had been to find she had survived the loss of the Enterprise.

As they approached the house, Raygan's father asked, "Who is that sitting on our porch?" As Raygan looked over at the figure, a huge smile came to her lips.

"Data!" she exclaimed and ran towards the house. Data stood up as Raygan threw her arms around him. "I've missed you," she whispered as she held him.

"I have missed you too," he responded. He was about to kiss her when Raygan's parents approached the porch. 

 They gazed into each other’s eyes for a few seconds before Mr. Silver gave a discreet cough to catch their attention. Raygan took Data’s hand and introduced him to her parents.

“So you are the man our little girl has not stopped talking about since she took her post aboard the Enterprise,” Nalla commented. Data looked stunned, but flattered. Raygan blushed and smiled.

“Mom!” Raygan scolded.

“Can I help you with your things, Data? We have a room prepared for you,” Raymond offered.

“Thank you, sir. Perhaps just this, as it is a gift for you and Mrs. Silver.” Data handed the man the painting, wrapped in a cloth. Raymond Silver threw a glance at his wife, who came to stand beside him as he opened the cloth. The painting of Raygan in Stellar Sciences was revealed with a gasp from both of the older Silvers. Raygan grinned at Data as she gave his hand a squeeze.

“I think they love it, Data.” 

Nalla's eyes were starting to get teary as she stared at the portrait.

"We do, it's stunning. Thank you so much, Data," Raymond sounded choked with emotion.

Nalla wiped the tears from her eyes and approached Data. She gave him a hug as she thanked him for the exquisite painting.

"I am glad you like it. I enjoyed painting it as I find Raygan to be a very inspiring subject."

"Yes, we have noticed that," Raymond smiled.

Data looked a little confused until Raygan told him they had seen the other painting. Nalla then noticed the cat carrier on the porch.

"And who is this?" she asked while looking in the front of it.

"That is my cat, Spot. I hope you do not mind that I brought her. I have difficulty in finding anyone to watch her when I am away."

Nalla opened the cat carrier to pick Spot up.

"You are such a pretty cat," Nalla said to Spot while scratching behind Spot's ears. Raymond joined his wife in giving Spot even more attention. Spot began to purr loudly.

"It would appear Spot likes your entire family, Raygan," Data noted with a grin. 

"Maybe Spot is trying to tell you something, Data," Raygan suggested with a bright smile. Data looked perplexed.

"What?" he asked, studying his pet for clues.

"Never mind, Data. Come on. Let's go in. I'll show you your room and- well, I'll show you the room." She pulled Data into the house and down the hall.

Raymond Silver handed his wife into the house just behind the young pair and watched them disappear into Data's room. Raygan's parents gave each other a knowing look.

"You're right, it's love. I think we've lost our little girl," Raymond observed.

In Data's room, Raygan threw her arms around Data's neck, pulling him into a kiss. Data let his bag drop to the floor and wrapped his arms around her waist. It was very good to be reunited, Data decided. 

There were still enjoying their reunion when there was a knock on Data's door.

"It's time for dinner," Raymond called. Raygan led Data to the dining room as Nalla was setting the last of the dishes she had prepared on the table.

"I hope you'll like Rekellian food, Data. I wanted to do something special for your first dinner here. All of Raysa's favorites," Nalla smiled. They sat down at the table and enjoyed the wonderful meal. Raymond and Nalla had a number of questions for Data although they did seem to know quite a bit about him already, he noticed. After dinner, Data offered to help clean up but Nalla refused his offer, suggesting he and Raygan go for a walk instead. 

"I think my folks like you, Data," Raygan told him as they walked hand in hand down the sidewalk.

“May I ask what leads you to this conclusion?”

“Well, the silly grins on their faces was an indication, Data. You’re nervous, but you’re still charming and you tickle my mother. Something I can understand since you tickle me too.” Raygan laughed when Data turned and, in fact, tickled her on the ribs. The tickling led to Raygan grabbing at Data’s fingers, Data pulling them away and walking them around her waist until his arms encircled her. With a grin, Data pulled her closer and found her lips with his own. They kissed passionately until they heard a noise. A neighborhood pet had knocked a plant over. Raygan noticed a few of the neighbors were looking out their windows at them.

"Data, the neighbors are watching us," she laughed.

"Then we should give them more to see." Data surprised Raygan with another passionate kiss. Raygan and Data continued on their walk until they came to a park at the end of the street. The park had a large duck pond with benches around it. They sat down and Data put his arm around Raygan.

"Raygan, how long did you want to visit your parents?" Data asked.

"I'm not sure. Why, Data?"

"I was hoping you and I would have an opportunity to spend some time alone before we are due on the Enterprise-E. If you do not think that is possible-"

Raygan placed her index finger softly on Data's lips. "I would like that a lot, Data. Since Spot seems to like my folks, maybe she’ll consent to stay with them while you and I get away for a bit. A romantic getaway, what a wonderful idea, Data."

"Thank you," he replied, grinning. The wind was blowing strands of Raygan's hair across her face. Data reached over to brush them back, gently. He ran his fingers through her hair, enjoying the feel of it.

~ Is this love? ~ Data wondered again.

When he and Raygan returned to the house later, Raymond Silver took Data to his study for a talk. Data decided this would be a good time for a question.

"Sir, how did you know you were in love with your wife?" Data asked once they were seated across from each other on two love seats that faced one another.

Raymond Silver looked momentarily startled, but recovered quickly.

"You want to know if you love my Raysa?" he asked Data.

"Yes sir. I have very little experience with emotion at all, but as love is considered the most desirable of emotional states, I wish to be certain that is what I truly feel before articulating this to Raygan.”

“You’ve not told her? Well then, you care for her, I can see that. You respect her?” Data nodded. Raymond thought for a moment. “Is her happiness important to you?”

“Vitally so, yes.”

“More so than your own happiness, Data?” Raymond asked. “Her safety and happiness.”

Data did not even pause. “Yes, sir.” Raymond Silver smiled at Data brightly.

"I can remember so clearly the moment I realized I was in love with Nalla. We had gone for a walk and decided we needed to stop for a rest. There were some benches and we sat down on one and talked. I found myself staring at her and thinking about the way she smiled, the way she brushed her hair from her face, the way she moved, her laugh, so many things. I knew she was the most important person in my life. Her happiness, her safety were more important than mine. I wanted to spend every possible moment with her and hated to be apart. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. That, Data, is how I knew I was in love with Nalla," Raymond smiled. Data could see that the man’s feelings for his wife were unchanged after their years together by the look in his eyes and the smile on his face as he talked about her. "Do you mind a little relationship advice from a happily married man?" Raymond asked.

"Please, sir, I would appreciate any advice you can offer," Data responded.

"I have found that one of the most important things Nalla and I did was accept each other for who we are. It’s easy to love a person's good traits but it is a lot more difficult to not just accept but embrace the not so good. Doing that and maintaining good communication between the two of you will help your relationship flourish. Now Data, I have a question for you. What are your plans for the future?”

Raymond Silver proceeded to “grill” Data for over forty-five minutes before the ladies came in. Raygan sat on the arm of the couch next to Data as Nalla went to sit next to her husband.

“Okay Dad, I think you’ve had enough time in here. I’m surprised you didn’t pull out the cigars,” Raygan teased her father as she took Data’s hand.

Data looked over at her with new knowledge in his eyes. He was in love and now he knew it.

It was around midnight when Raymond and Nalla decided to head for bed. Raygan slid down next to Data in the love seat.

"I hope my father's questioning wasn't worse than the inquiry." She smiled and took Data's hand.

"Actually I found my conversation with your father to be most fascinating and enlightening," Data replied.

"Oh? And what were you two talking about that was so fascinating?"

"Love," Data smiled and kissed Raygan. "Your father provided excellent guidance and advice for me and now I know I was correct in my assessment of my feelings for you, Raygan."

"Your feelings for me?" she repeated. Data moved some strands of Raygan's hair from her face and then gently caressed her check.

"I love you, Raygan Silver." 

Data leaned in to kiss her soft lips once the words passed his. But when his lips met hers, he found them trembling. He also felt moisture on his cheek. Data pulled back to look at Raygan.

“Are you upset?” he asked. Raygan shook her head and sniffed. “Happy?” he ventured. She nodded, grinning through her tears. “Very happy?” Data asked, hopefully. Raygan suddenly laughed and gasped as though she had been holding her breath.

“Happier than that,” she told him. Taking hold of his face, she looked him straight in the eyes and said, “I love you too, Data. I love you too.” Now she kissed him with great passion. This kiss held great promise as well and Data was intrigued as to what it promised.

Their kiss was interrupted when Spot jumped in Raygan's lap. Data gently caressed Raygan's cheek.

"It is getting late. Are you tired?" Data asked.

"It has been a glorious day that I don't want to end but yes, I am a little tired."

Data walked Raygan to her bedroom, kissing her tenderly at the door. He did not want to go in Raygan's bedroom as he knew he would not want to leave. After Raygan closed the door to the bedroom, Data went into his and lay down on the bed. Spot jumped up next to Data and began purring contently as Data stroked her fur. He was feeling quite content himself. He activated his dream program and went to sleep.

Morning came and Raygan found the door to Data's room open because Spot was sitting right there in the doorway keeping it open. Raygan looked over to the bed and the sleeping Data. He was lying on his back, with one arm across his waist and the other at his side. He had a very sweet smile on his handsome face. The temptation was too strong to resist. Raygan tiptoed into the room and crossed to the bed. Leaning over him, she moved in for the kiss, but just before she made contact, Data's eyes flew open, causing Raygan to let out a startled cry and then an embarrassed laugh.

Data, sensing the opportunity, grabbed her. She gave another startled peep, but came into his arms very willingly.

They laid on the bed, passionately kissing until the sounds of movement in other areas of the house could be heard.

Data and Raygan got up from the bed and headed to the kitchen to start preparing breakfast. The Silver kitchen had a replicator but it was also designed for old-fashioned cooking. Data examined a number of fresh ingredients stored in the kitchen before asking Raygan if he could prepare a special breakfast for everyone.

"What are you going to make?" she asked curiously.

"It will be a surprise now you must leave the kitchen. I believe there is an old Terran axiom that indicates an abundance of chefs mars the soup stock," Data told her as he nudged her to the other room. "If I cannot find something, I will request your assistance."

Soon the wonderful aromas from the kitchen brought Raymond and Nalla to the dining area where they saw Raygan waiting. She had convinced Data to let her set the table but had been unsuccessful at peeking at his culinary delight.

Data called the family in to the dining room to finally partake of the food that had been causing them all to salivate with hunger. It was wonderful. When they finished, Raygan’s parents insisted on cleaning up, thanking Data again for preparing the wonderful feast. They then instructed the couple to go enjoy the beautiful day.

Data asked Raygan to show him around as he had never been to this area of Earth before. The Starrock area of Barbados was a very historic area featuring many buildings built centuries earlier. The area was lined with beautiful beaches that lead to the sparkling clear water of the ocean. As they walked, Raygan pointed out different things she thought Data would find interesting, including a few of her favorite places from when she grew up. There was one shop in particular that sold homemade ice cream in 150 different flavors. Raygan told Data the best ice cream she has ever had comes from that shop so the two went in so Data could have a taste of this rare treat.

They took a walk in an area that ran right next to a heavily forested area after the ice cream. They were talking about how they needed to ask Raygan’s parents about watching Spot so they could go off alone and they were brainstorming about where to go. For some reason, Raygan stopped walking and looked deep into the woods. Data asked her what was wrong, but all she did was give Data an evil grin before running into the woods.

“Catch me if you can!” she called back to him. Data was astonished at this unusual action, but he was coming to expect the unexpected from the woman he loved. Resigning himself, Data headed into the woods after her. Raygan proved to be astonishingly elusive and managed to evade him for longer than he would have believed possible, but he did finally capture her when they were deep into the forest. He held her by the arms as she grinned teasingly at him.

“Now that you’ve caught me, Data, what will you do with me?” She even went so far as to raise her eyebrows at him suggestively. She pulled her hands free and wrapped them around him. She kissed him with great feeling and Data had no inclination to resist. The kisses deepened and grew more passionate. Data ran his hand down her back and, pulling her closer, ran it back up. In doing so, he accidentally got a hand stuck under her blouse and made wonderful contact with her silky soft skin. This touch was too much for Data. He knew this had to stop as he was beginning to react to this intimate contact. Raygan did not seem inclined to stop although she had taken notice of Data’s reaction and was pressing against him, urging him further. Data pulled back, but it took quite an effort to do so.

“We must cease this activity, Raygan. This cannot continue,” he warned her. Raygan pulled him back and kissed him again.

“Raygan, I want-“ he stopped this sentence, but she picked it up.

“So do I, Data. Make love to me,” her passion touched voice urged him.

Data had already turned his internal chronometer off, but he was still at a loss to explain how it was that they were suddenly kneeling before each other in a bed of leaves. They continued to kiss until Data realized that Raygan was removing his trousers. He was gripped by hesitation and great desire at the same time. He decided to go with the desire and helped her out of her lower garments as well. She unbuttoned, but did not remove her blouse, but that was enough. She was perfect.

Data explored her mouth with his tongue as his hand explored these new areas of her exquisite body. Lowering her to the ground, he insinuated himself between her legs and tested to see if she was ready for him. He was surprised as to just how ready she was as he slowly and deliciously penetrated her. The sensations were almost too much for him to bear, the feel of her skin against him, her sweet kisses and being inside her. He had never experienced anything to compare.

Raygan moaned with pleasure as Data thrust deep inside her. Her reaction helped ease any self-doubt he had because of the newness of this situation. She held his face in her hands kissing him with great passion before locking her fingers behind his neck. She wrapped her legs around his waist to encourage him to penetrate her more deeply.

There was another, deeper moan that Data slowly realized was emanating from him. He also recognized that this was the first time in his life that he was thinking of almost one thing. He was only thinking of, analyzing, experiencing and sensing Raygan. Her touch, her taste, her scent and the sounds that she was making as he moved within her. Slowly, Raygan began to unbutton Data’s shirt, that in their haste they had forgotten to remove. Once undone, she pushed it off his arms. She then began to run her hands over his chest. Every touch gave new meaning to delight. Her moans and gasps became more frequent and she urged him on with her legs. Data quickened his pace, but all of the sensations he was experiencing seemed to be overwhelming him. But he wanted to please her, and wanted this astonishing pleasure to continue. Raygan broke their kiss to cry out in orgasm and Data was delighted he could pleasure her so. He knew he could now stop, but something prevented him from doing so. Something he did not understand was building within him, pushing him to move faster, penetrate her more deeply. Raygan did not seem to object in the least. She still clung to him. She kissed his neck and ears and then down to his chest as the strange feeling grew in intensity. Data was moaning loudly now, he could not stop himself. He cried out her name over and over until Data felt his whole body was suddenly awash with intense sensation. He was not certain he could process all he was feeling. Raygan was also crying out again.

Raygan held on to Data tightly as her body quivered from the intensity of her second orgasm. Data withdrew from Raygan and lay on his side next to her and started to pick a few leaves out of her hair. His mind was still racing with the sensory information he had gathered. His emotions were still reeling from the climax she had given him.

"I believe it is time to return to your home," Data suggested, reluctantly. "Your parents may start to wonder what happened to us. I would hate to have your father come looking for us."

The image of Raymond Silver walking in the woods and coming upon Data and Raymond's near naked daughter caused Data some alarm. Data sat up and suggested to Raygan, "Perhaps we should get dressed..." but Raygan interrupted him by pulling him back down beside her and kissing him.

"We have time," she whispered. "You always try and rush off after making love, Data?" Raygan asked, running her fingers through his hair.

"No, I do not wish to rush off, I simply do not wish to be discovered in this state of undress," he swallowed with discomfort. His modesty sub-routine was causing him some problems. While they were making love, it had remained silent, now it was warning Data that he should be properly attired.

Raygan tilted her head to the side, seeming to realize that there was something wrong. She questioned him and Data admitted to the sub-routine. She shook her head, grinned and handed him his pants. Data sighed with relief and dressed. He helped her to her feet after she had also dressed. They spent a few minutes plucking leaves out of each other’s hair and off their clothing. Hand in hand they returned to the park, heading home. As they walked, Raygan noted that Data was oddly quiet.

“Is something wrong, Data,“ she finally asked once they had returned to the house. He looked hesitant to even meet her gaze. Sensing there was something wrong with her lover and determined to know what it was, Raygan pleaded quietly, “Please tell me what’s wrong, Data.”

Data looked almost frightened to face her. He looked around to see where the Silvers were before answering in a very small voice.

“Tomorrow, will you regret what we just did? Will you reject me?” Data had to fight the fear that clenched his chest to even say these words. The image of Tasha denying she had even been with Data still haunted him. He did not wish to lose Raygan in the same way. Would she abandon him as Tasha had?

"No regrets, Data, not today, tomorrow or ever," Raygan spoke softly. "I love you." She kissed Data hoping to reassure him. "Why did you feel you had to ask me that?" she asked. "Do you have doubts about us?"

"I have no doubts regarding our feelings, Raygan. You are the second woman I have been intimate with. It was my previous experience that caused doubts to arise." Data quickly told Raygan about Tasha and how she only wanted to be with him because of the Psi 2000 virus and how she had later told him ‘it never happened’.

"Data, I'm not Tasha. I love you so much." She wrapped her arms around him and whispered in his ear, "I love you. Never forget that I love you."

A single tear slipped down Data's cheek. Raygan, seeing it, kissed it away.

"Raygan, I love you. I have one more question."

"What is it, Data?" she asked, gently.

"When we go away together, can we make love again?" He had such a sweet desperate expression on his face. Even so, something about just hearing him say the words had a dramatic affect on her. It made her want to grab his arm and pull him to her bedroom.

"Data, if we get this time alone, I may be hiding your clothes for the whole thing and doing my best to keep you so busy your modesty sub-routine has no time to complain," Raygan wrapped her arms around the now widely grinning android.

A few minutes later, Raymond and Nalla entered the living room, PADD in hand.

"Look at this." Nalla handed the PADD to them as she and her husband sat in chairs opposite the couch. They had downloaded images of various vacation areas into the PADD.

"Raysa, your mother and I were talking. We think with everything that’s happened recently that you and Data need a real vacation. You don't want to spend all of your time here. Don't these places look lovely. Pick one and go. Spot can stay with us and you can visit us after you're rested."

Raygan and Data exchanged looks and began laughing. Nalla and Raymond waited for them to stop to ask what was so funny. Raygan was still sputtering laughter, so Data told them.

“Well, what is the old saying? ‘Great minds think alike’? You two pick a place and go in the morning. I’ll take you to the shuttle port.” Raymond handed the PADD to Data after getting up from his chair. He and Nalla returned to the kitchen to start the evening’s dinner. Data and Raygan studied the destinations on the PADD for a short time before deciding on England. The ancient ruins there were interesting and the weather would be cool. Raygan did tell Data not to get too excited about the sights there as he would be seeing more of the room than anything else. Data could only grin.

Dinner was excellent once again. Nalla Silver was very good at preparing a wide variety of not only Rekellian cuisine but Terran as well. When everyone was finished, Data and Raygan cleaned up the dishes while the elder Silvers relaxed. They could see into the kitchen and found themselves smiling as they watched the interaction between Raygan and Data.

"Nalla, Starfleet has been very good to the Silver family over the years, has it not?" Raymond was reminiscing about his own days as a Chief Petty Officer in Starfleet and his fateful meeting with the beautiful Rekellian woman he would later marry.

"Yes, Raymond, it has," she said as she squeezed his hand.

Once everything was cleaned up, the four sat in the living room for a while, chatting. Raymond and Nalla told Data and Raygan of places to see in England until Nalla suddenly realized they were wasting their time. Very little of England would actually see these two when they got there, beyond the hotel staff. The conversation turned to stories of Raygan when she was a child. Data got to see just how proud of their child the Silvers were. This caused Data to wonder if his own father would have still been proud of him and what he would have thought of his son’s choice of a potential mate.

He was deep in thought regarding his family when Raygan leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"You look lost in thought, Data," Raygan commented.

"Hearing the stories about you made me think of my father. I wish you could have met him, Raygan. I sometimes wonder whether he would still be proud of the paths I have chosen in my life."

"Data," Raymond looked very serious, "I never met your father but I can say with 100% certainty that he would be very proud of you."

"How do you know this?" Data asked.

"Because if you were my son, I would be."

Data was very pleased by this comment. While it was true a bright grin now graced his face, he still seemed very far away. Raygan took her hand, turned his head to face her and with an understanding smile encouraged her introspective lover to go for a walk. Data nodded, agreeing this sounded like a good idea. He nodded at Raymond and Nalla as he stood. He held out his hand for Raygan, but she shook her head.

“I think you need some time alone, Data. A lot has happened in the last few weeks and I don’t think you’ve really had the time to work through it all. You go ahead. I’ll come find you for a good night kiss before I go to bed.” She brought his hand to her lips, kissing it before placing it back at his side. Data nodded and went outside for a walk.

Data started walking aimlessly but ended up at the park he and Raygan had stopped at during one of their walks. He sat on a bench and began to think about recent events. He thought of Raymond's words and his mind drifted back to his father. Watching the happy reunions after the crash had brought back the pain of his father's death. Seeing Raymond Silver's special relationship with Raygan, at times, seemed to intensify Data's sense of loss. He was deep in thought when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He stood up quickly in surprise only to see Raygan there with a look of concern on her face.

"You've been gone for hours. I was worried about you," she hugged Data tightly.

"I did not mean to alarm you. I was thinking."

"Do you want me to go?"

"No, Raygan, do not go. Please sit with me for a few minutes."

Raygan sat, watching the man she loves stare off into the distance. “I have been thinking about my father and my brother. You have a wonderful family to share your life with. I do not.”

“What about your mother, Data? Are you in contact with her?”

Data looked at her. “We have not spoken since the mission to Altrea IV.”

Raygan tilted her head and raised an eyebrow at him. “Not since then? Not even a communication to let her know you survived the crash?”

Data grimaced, realizing he had been remiss.

“Data, relationships are what you make of them. Put in some time and effort and, most of the time, you get that back tenfold. Does your mother like you?”

“Yes, I believe so but...” Data hesitated, still looking disturbed by something.

“But what?” Raygan asked.

“Mr. Tainer does not care for me, but I have not been able to determine his reason for feeling this way. My mother denies this to be true.”

“Sounds like you guys need some work. You’ve been avoiding her since then?”

Reluctantly, Data nodded. “I did not understand how to deal with this type of conflict. Avoidance seemed the most practical solution at the time,” Data told her.

“And now?”

Data looked into her eyes. He reached over and caressed her cheek. “I believe my mother would want to meet you.”

"I would like to meet her some day too." Raygan smiled and kissed Data.

"When I see families like yours, I feel envious of that relationship. I feel alone."

"You’re not alone. You have me. You'll always have me. My parents love you. You're a part of our family. Let's go back to the house."

They returned to the house just as the Silvers were heading for bed. Raygan kissed her parents good night and Data wished them well.

Her mother pulled Raygan close before going off. "Get some sleep, Raysa. I have the feeling with what you are planning for tomorrow, you're going to need it."

Raygan blushed as her mother walked away with her father. Data had heard, but was trying to look like he had not.

Raygan chuckled. "Well, she is right, isn't she?" she said, slipping her arm through his.

“Can I pretend that was a rhetorical question?”

Raygan kissed him goodnight passionately. "I wish I could invite you into my room again. I missed getting to cuddle with you after we made love. That was so wonderful, Data. You're quite cute under those clothes," she told him, with a very flirtatious look in her eyes. Data looked flustered so Raygan kissed him again before sending him to his room for the night.

Data decided he would not activate his dream program until later. He was accessing his databanks for all available information on their destination. He wanted to make sure the time they did spend outside their hotel room would be interesting for Raygan. It was almost 0400 when Data heard his bedroom door open. He thought, at first, it was Spot but realized it was not when he saw the outline of Raygan standing just inside the doorway.

"Data, are you awake?" she whispered.

"Yes, I had not yet activated my dream program."

"I couldn't sleep. Hold me, please," she asked as she crawled next to Data on his bed. He wrapped his arms around her.

"Thank you, Data." Raygan instantly fell asleep in Data's arms.

Data found it difficult to think of anything but Raygan with her here in his arms. They were lying on top of the blankets and he was still fully dressed while Raygan was in a nightgown. Data hoped her parents did not object to them being in this state in their house. Still, since Raygan had fallen asleep so quickly, there was nothing to do but join her. Data kissed her on the forehead, ensured she was secure in his arms, closed his eyes and shut down his cognitive functions.

"Look," Nalla beckoned her husband to the half opened door of Data's borrowed room. Raymond looked into the room that was just beginning to be lit by the rising sun.

"I especially like the tail across Data's chest," Raymond said with a grin.

"Come on, Raymond. Let's let them sleep in. They look too happy to disturb." Nalla pulled her husband to the kitchen and the couple began breakfast.

Data and Raygan slept until Nalla woke them for breakfast. Data was relieved Nalla was not angry with him for having Raygan on his bed. Breakfast was a feast prepared by Raymond with Nalla's assistance. After breakfast, Raygan had a quick shower and changed before her father took them to the shuttle port. Data and Raygan exchanged hugs and a kiss with Nalla before leaving. Data also reminded Spot to be good. Raymond saw the couple off at the shuttle port wishing them a great trip.