Chapter 5 Continued

Raygan cried in the bedroom for about an hour, periodically looking towards the door hoping Data would come in to comfort her. She forced the tears to stop before she left the bedroom. She was not surprised to find Data gone but it hurt her still that he was. She freshened up and went for a walk. She needed to get out of there to try to clear her head. She walked aimlessly through the complex before realizing where she had gone. She looked down the corridor to see two ensigns standing guard at the door to Lore's quarters. She stared at the door for what seemed like forever before she turned and walked away. She walked some more until she came to the temporary quarters of Counselor Deanna Troi. She reached out and rang the chimes.

"Come in," a voice from behind the door called. After the doors slid open, Raygan walked in with a distraught look on her face.

"If this is a bad time, I can come back tomorrow," Raygan said but her expression pleaded for help now.

"Raygan, please sit down. Can I get you anything - tea?" Deanna asked but Raygan shook her head. Deanna sat next to her, taking her hand. "Tell me what has brought you to me," she said in a soothing voice.

"Data - he's not even - I'm tired," Raygan was having problems collecting her thoughts. "He's reviewed his personal logs, talked to his friends and has felt our bond yet he doesn't believe any of it. He acts like he's afraid he's going to get some disease if he touches me. Why should I keep fighting to save my marriage if he isn't going to put in any effort?"

"Did something happen tonight, Raygan?" Deanna asked.

"I had dinner with Data and Lore this evening. Data was called away-" she started.

"Did Lore do anything?" Deanna asked concerned.

"No, Lore didn't do anything," she replied angrily. "He said some things but that was all."

"What did he say, Raygan?"

"The truth," Raygan snapped. "That Data doesn't want me but there are men out there who do."

"Raygan, I know you’re feeling rejected by Data, but you have to remember that he not only lost his memories of you, but of wanting to install his emotion chip. This is like getting emotions for the first time for him all over again. Add to that finding out he has a wife he doesn’t remember falling in love with, and you have a virtually insurmountable task of playing catch up ahead. He’s frightened right now."

"He may be frightened, but I can't even reach him. He's blocking me. He won't even let me near him. He barely spends any time alone with me. How can I to show him what we had if he won't let me?" Raygan started to cry again. Troi moved over to take her in a comforting embrace.

"Raygan, I know this is painful and impossibly hard to deal with so soon after your wedding, but don't give up hope. Give Data some time. Let him work through some of this before trying to push him. Let him take it at his own pace."

Raygan pulled stiffly away from the counselor and stood. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do. It may already be too late." Raygan turned from the woman and walked stubbornly from the room. She was again tempted to go see Lore, however this time, she did not resist.

Raygan walked down the corridor and was stopped by the two ensigns standing guard at Lore's quarters.

"Only authorized personnel from the cybernetics lab are allowed in," one of the ensigns told Raygan.

"I'm Lieutenant Commander Raygan Soong. I am authorized to enter," she stated.

The ensign checked his PADD and found Raygan's name listed. She rang the door chimes and entered when the door slid open. Lore looked surprised to see her.

"Raygan, I didn't expect to see you again so soon," he smiled. "Please, come in and sit down." He followed Raygan to the couch and sat next to her.

"Okay, Lore. What's your game?" Raygan stated.

"Game? I'm not playing any games," Lore responded.

"You want me to believe you would be attempting to seduce me if I wasn't Data's estranged wife?" she countered.

"You think I'm trying to seduce you, Raygan?" Lore asked, trying to look innocent. Raygan stared back at Lore, not buying into it. "Raygan, you are a very beautiful woman. You deserve to be with someone who appreciates what you have to offer. Data can't do that but I can. I don't want to come between you and my brother but he has made it quite obvious where you stand in his life, hasn't he? He put his future with you second to fixing me. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy to be here however, if the positions had been reversed, I never would have risked losing you to fix him."

"You didn't answer my question. Would you be saying all of these things to me if it were not for my connection to Data?" she asked again.

"I would be trying to get to know you much, much better if you had no connection to Data. I am very attracted to you, Raygan. You are beautiful, intelligent, so sexy, even when you've been crying," Lore smiled and caressed her cheek. Lore leaned over, kissing Raygan gently on the lips. Raygan did not respond but she did not push him away either, so Lore kissed her again, this time longer and harder. Raygan found herself responding against her will. Lore leaned back slightly, pushing the hair from Raygan's face. She stood up quickly.

"I should leave now," she said hesitatingly. Lore stood in front of her and put his arms around her, kissing her again. Raygan found herself returning his kiss as she wrapped her arms around him. Realizing what she was doing, Raygan pushed Lore away and stared at him.

"I can't do this. I can't," she told him, more trying to convince herself. Just then the door to Lore's quarters slid open and Data and Maddox stood in the doorway.

"Raygan, what are you doing here?" Data asked confused.

"Yes, Commander, how did you get in here?" Maddox asked but for different reasons than Data.

"None of your business." she said to Data "And I’m authorized to be here, Commander, so it's none of your business either." She looked at Lore, who was smiling at her, and then walked past Data, without even a glance his way, as she left.

"What was she doing here, Lore?" Data demanded, none too happy to have been spoken to by Raygan that way.

Lore looked displeased and taken aback. "My brother, you clearly heard the lady say it was none of your business. If I were to tell you what happened between us - that would be unethical. I like your wife, Data. I will not betray her. Not even to you."

As though nothing had been said between the brothers, Maddox spoke up. "I want you to come back to the lab now, Lore. I have further tests I want to run. This way." As though his word was law, Maddox turned, fully expecting Lore to follow.

"Lore," Data said, his tone, cross. "I want you to stay away from my wife," he commanded. Lore just gave Data one of his famous smirks.

"These are my quarters, Data. You need to tell her to stay away from me, if you can." Lore gave Data a challenging smile and headed for the door. The security detail followed closely behind.

Left alone, Data pondered what he had seen and not seen. And what he had heard. He had been able to hear Raygan saying she could not do 'this'. But Data had not been able to determine what 'this' had been. He feared his suspicions were correct, though, and that his wife was considering leaving him for Lore.

Leaving Lore’s quarters, Data headed to the place he had expected Raygan to go - their quarters. But would it be ‘their quarters’ in the morning? Data thought back to the only memory he had retained of Raygan from before the accident. He had enjoyed the time he had spent with her. She was intelligent, beautiful, shared interests with him. He had enjoyed their talk about Sherlock Holmes but Data was at a loss to define how he felt about Raygan. He was still not used to feeling anything. This was just too much for him, but one thing was clear to him. He did not want her to get involved with Lore.

Arriving at their quarters, Data was surprised when the door did not open for him. He pressed the identification PADD, but it still did not open. He was forced to buzz for Raygan.

“Who is it?”

“Raygan, it is Data. Please let me in. I wish to speak with you,” he asked, politely.

“Well, I don’t wish to speak with you. I’m tired and I’m going to bed. Leave, Data.” The comm clicked off and Data somehow knew that unless he used his command authorization to get into that room, this conversation was over. Not wanting to upset her more or drive the wedge between them any further, Data walked away.

Raygan stared at the door for a few minutes before turning for her bedroom. ~ Damn you Data, why won't you fight for us? ~ she thought. She lay down on the bed, crying, until she fell asleep with Spot curled up next to her.

Data returned to the lab where Maddox was conducting his tests on Lore. The first thing Data did was remove Raygan's name from the list of authorized personnel allowed access to the lab and Lore's quarters.

"You are back quickly, brother. Would she not talk to you?" Lore asked mockingly. "Would you like me to pass along a message to her?"

"That will not be possible, Lore. Raygan's access to the lab and your quarters has been terminated. You will have no further contact with her," Data glared at Lore.

"Now, why did you do that, Data?" Lore asked as he sauntered over to where Data was standing. "Are you jealous of me, my brother?"

"I am merely concerned for Raygan's safety. I do not trust you," Data responded.

"Let me ask you something, Data. If you had found Raygan in another man's quarters would you be reacting like this?" Lore questioned. "Or is it only because she was with me?" Lore moved next to Data and asked, "If Raygan had been alone with Ensign Sutherland, standing this close to him and you heard what you did, would you feel the same way? Or is it because it's me. Do you hate the idea of seeing Raygan with another man or just with me, Data? Do you hate me more than you care about her?"

"Lore, I need you over here," Maddox called. Lore smirked at Data and turned to walk away.

"Think about it, Data," Lore instructed his brother.

Data did not want to think about Lore's words, but he did. Winning the attention of beautiful females was something Commander Riker was proficient at, but not Data. Lore, who was created to be more at ease with humans, also possessed more charm and grace when dealing with the fairer sex. Even with emotions, Data felt as though he was fumbling with a Chinese finger puzzle again. He had no idea what to do, or how to act with Raygan. He was feeling an attraction to her, but it terrified him. The fact this situation would not even give Lore pause, frightened and angered Data.

Morning came and Raygan was not in a good mood. Data's side of the bed was still empty and he had not even left a message for her, however Lore had.

"Data has removed your access to my quarters and the lab, but there are other ways. If you want to see me, and I do want to see you, come to the arboretum at lunchtime. I'll be the one waiting to take you in my arms. Lore."

Raygan had work to do this morning in the Stellar Sciences Directorate of Starfleet Command, but everyone had to take a lunch.

Lore's guards were in the arboretum with him, but other than that, there were few others present. Lore was in the far corner, but rushed to her side when he saw her.

"I'm so glad you came. I have been thinking about you. In fact, I can't think of anything but you, Raygan." Lore's eyes were full of glee as he took her shoulders in his hands. "Come, they are guarding the door to make sure I can't get out. Come back behind these trees with me and we can have some privacy."

"I'm not sure about this, Lore. I wanted to see you, but I'm still not sure."

Lore led her by the hand to the tree grouping he had mentioned in an attempt to convince her. He pulled her into his arms, grabbed her ass and ground his groin against her. His mouth covered hers and his tongue plunged deeply into her mouth. Raygan could not help but moan. She could feel Lore's erection grinding into her, begging for release.

"Lore, please. Not here. Please," Raygan stammered. Lore backed away from Raygan taking her hand.

"Come, let's walk," he smiled. "Will you see me later, Raygan?"

"How can I? You said my access was removed," she answered confused.

"I can get you access to my quarters, if you want me to, that is."

Raygan opened her mouth but nothing came out. She nodded her head yes as Lore kissed her.

"Come to my quarters in a hour and wait for me," he whispered and kissed Raygan again. Raygan watched as he walked away with the guards. She stayed in the arboretum thinking, remembering, until a voice broke her thoughts. She looked up to see the smiling face of Deanna Troi.

"You look like you’re feeling much better today. Have you and Data spoken?" she asked.

"No. I'm feeling better because I've decided to move on with my life," she told Deanna before getting up. "I have to leave. I have an appointment I don't want to be late for."

Raygan left the arboretum and headed for Lore's quarters. Even with no guards outside his door, Raygan moved forward, unsure, until she stood in front of the door. When it slid open, she stood there momentarily before entering and sitting on the couch to wait. She had only waited for a few minutes when she heard voices outside. She stood up as Lore entered. After the doors had closed, Lore spoke.

"I'm so glad you came, Raygan," he smiled. He walked over to her and took her in his arms, kissing her passionately. Raygan returned his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him tightly against her. Lore broke their kiss and slowly undid the jacket of Raygan's uniform. He ran his hand sensuously over Raygan's shoulders to push the jacket off. He threw it on to the couch before taking Raygan back into his arms. As they kissed, he gently swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He lay her on the bed before lowering himself on her. He reclaimed her mouth as his hands roamed her body. Raygan moaned softly at his touch. Suddenly her eyes went wide from a realization she had just made.  ~ I was about to call out Data's name - not Lore’s ~ She pushed Lore away and jumped from the bed.

"I'm sorry. I can't. I have to go," she said as she rushed from the bedroom. Raygan ran past the surprised guards outside of Lore's quarters to the turbolift.

"Ensign Sutherland to Commander Data. Please come to Lore's quarters immediately. We've had a security breach."

"I am on my way," Data responded. He arrived quickly to Lore's quarters. "What has happened, Ensign? Is Lore still inside?" he asked.

"Yes sir. Lore did not try to escape. There was an unauthorized woman in his quarters. She ran past us but I believe it was Commander Soong."

Data stood there dumbstruck from the shock of Ensign Sutherland's words. He entered Lore's quarters to find his brother sitting on the couch.

"Hello, brother. What can I do for you? Wait, before you answer, can you do something for me? Those guards won't let me leave so can you return Raygan's jacket to her for me? She forgot to take it with her when she left." Lore smirked as he held out the uniform jacket.

"I told you to stay away from her, Lore." Data sounded angrier than Lore thought possible.

"Once again, dear brother, these are my quarters. Perhaps you should instruct her to stay away from me," he smiled.

Data grabbed the jacket from Lore and stormed from the room.

"If you see Commander Soong within twenty meters of him, I want to be informed at once. I want his quarters searched before he enters to ensure there are no further security breaches," Data ordered the guards as he exited Lore's quarters. Next, he contacted Maddox, telling him he would be out of contact and not to disturb him, no matter what.

Data was so angry when he arrived at their quarters, he did not even notice the door again responded to his presence. Raygan was in the bathroom, washing her face and grumbling to herself.

"Raygan, I insist we speak – now," Data told her, as he entered the bathroom behind her. She was startled by his sudden appearance, however the tone of his voice and the furious expression on his face was worse.

"I agree." Raygan, seeing her jacket in his hand, grabbed it from him. "I think we need to have this out. If you want me to request a transfer, I-“

"I do not wish you to go anywhere. However, I do not want you meeting up with my brother again. How far did it go? Are you in love with him?" he asked as they walked out of the bathroom.

"No, I'm not in love with him." Raygan threw her jacket on the bed as she moved to the living room. “Why does that matter to you, Data?” she asked sarcastically.

Still angry, Data responded, "You are my wife, not his."

"Then perhaps you should start treating me as your wife,” Raygan retorted. Raygan watched as Data’s expression changed dramatically.

“I do not know how.” Data spoke so softly, so sadly that Raygan was not sure how to respond at first. Her own expression softened considerably.

"The first thing you should do is this," she whispered as she moved towards him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in to a desperate kiss. He resisted at first, but all the insecurities he had been suffering from were eliminated here in her arms. He pulled her slowly closer until fear and uncertainties rose up again, causing Data to pull away.

She grabbed his face and pulled him back into another very passionate kiss. The touch of her fingers on his face electrified him. His mind may not remember being with her, but it seemed as though his body did. His hands moved to slip under her shirt. When he found skin, the energy between them increased again. Raygan slid her hands under his shirt, running her hands over his chest. Data could feel moisture on his face. He pulled back to see Raygan was crying.

“Why?” he asked, brushed the tears away.

“Because I let this go on too long. I almost let both of us throw this away by letting Lore come between us. I’m sorry. I was so confused. You wouldn’t fight for us, you kept leaving and I needed you so badly. I need you so much.” She pulled him back, kissing him with surprising strength.

"Raygan, I came here to talk," Data stammered as he again pulled back from her. He walked to the couch and sat.

"Data, it’s time to stop talking and analyzing things and time to start feeling." Raygan moved to the couch sitting next to Data. "I love you. I want you. I need you. But every time I touch you, you pull away from me." She spoke with desperation in her voice. "Every time I need you, you leave. You are the one with the decisions to make, Data. Do you want me? Do you need me? Do you love me?" Raygan stroked his cheek softly before leaning over and kissing him gently. She turned towards him sitting on her legs, taking his face in her hands as she kissed him again a little harder this time. "Don't pull away from me, Data," she whispered. She maneuvered herself so she now straddled Data's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him hard and long. "Let go of your doubts, Data, please," she said before reclaiming his mouth.

Data pulled back and looked into her green eyes. He thought about the things Lore had said, what Raygan had said, and Geordi. Even Commander Riker had come in this morning to talk to Data. Troi had talked to him yesterday. They had all pushed at Data to deal with his feelings for Raygan, but he was so confused. He wanted her to be his, but he had no idea how to do this.

"I do doubt. I do not know how to do this. I doubt my ability to recreate what we had." He sounded so lost.

"Do you want it to end?" she asked, gently.

"No," he told her, sadly.

"What do you want?" she asked him.

Data met her eyes, but still could not find the words. Raygan tilted her head to the side, studying him, as a smile slowly curved her lips. She got out of his lap and with a bent finger, beckoned him into their bedroom.

"Take off all of your clothes." she told him, calmly as they stood next to the bed.

"What?" he asked, stunned.

"I've seen you naked before, Data. I'm your wife. Now, take off your clothes and sit on the bed with your legs folded and your hands in front of you." Raygan began removing her clothes as she told him what to do. Data’s eyes were riveted to every new inch of her body she revealed. He nervously complied with her request, noticing no resistance from his modesty sub-routine, and sat on the bed. Naked, Raygan sat just in front of him on the bed. She smiled encouragingly at him, but did not touch him.

"We are going to play a game. The rules are simple. We take turns touching each other in one place for no more than ten seconds. You go first." She told him with a wide grin.

Data looked uncertain again but, after a deep breath, he reached over and touched her knee, as it was closest. The special energy ran from his hand into her knee and back again, causing both of them to sigh gently. He pulled his hand back and waited for her to move. She opened her eyes, smiled and reached for his knee, but instead of simply touching him, she caressed his knee with tenderness. Again, they both sighed as the effect of their bond ran through their points of contact.

“Do we have to touch a different area each time?” he asked.

“Yes,” she told him with a sly smile.

Data took a deep breath and reached for her shoulder. This time, his touch was a tentative caress.

Exactly ten seconds later, he removed his hand from her shoulder. Raygan reached over softly running her fingertips over his shoulder causing Data to gasp at the sensation. When it was Data's turn, he gently caressed Raygan's arm inducing her to let out an audible sigh. Data expected Raygan to reach for his arm so when she ran her hand over his chest, he felt the energy surge within him and moaned. Raygan smiled as she removed her hand. Data reached across and hesitated before touching the top of her breasts. He nervously swept his hand across her cleavage as the energy ran through his body. He felt a stirring between his legs. He wasn't sure how much longer he could play this game. Raygan reached over gently caressing his cheek as Data closed his eyes. As Raygan's hand moved away, he tried moving his face with her hand, desperately not wanting to lose the softness of her touch. Data opened his eyes and smiled at Raygan before gently stroking her face with his hand. The ten seconds elapsed but Data did not move his hand. Instead he cupped Raygan's face with both hands, pulling her towards him so he could kiss her. He let go of Raygan's face without breaking their kiss and eased her back on the bed, positioning himself on top of her.

"I believe I now know the answer to your last question – I want you," Data whispered as Raygan pulled him in for a passionate kiss.

So much of his body was now in contact with hers that the sensations were almost too much for Data to process. He was fully erect and desperate to do something about that fact. Raygan's hands moved over his back, bringing her electric touch with her. His tongue touched hers, sending a bolt straight to his brain. Data was sure he would shut down as Raygan moved her hands to his chest and pushed him over to his back, quickly moving to straddle him. She traced circles around his nipples with first her fingers and then her tongue as Data moaned. When she lifted herself up, Data was about to protest her leaving him, until she lowered herself down on his rock hard erection. His words of objection became a garbled groan as an intense shiver ran through his body. As Raygan began to move, Data found his hands moving to grip her sensuous ass. She moved slowly. He tried to increase her speed, but she staunchly refused, but without a word. After a time Data could not measure as he had lost that ability, she leaned down to kiss him tenderly. He grabbed her face, trying to kiss her harder, but again, she pulled away.

"You want me to take you higher, Data?" she asked in a sultry voice.

"Yes," Data begged, breathlessly.

Her pace quickened and Data became sure he would lose all of his cognitive functions as this was too much to process.

"Too fast?" she asked.

"No," he said in a ragged voice.

Data moaned with pleasure as Raygan quickened her motions. Data moved his hands from her bottom, over her stomach and cupped her breasts. He kneaded them gently before leaning forward and taking one in his mouth. He ran his tongue around her nipple, sucking and nipping at it as Raygan moaned. He soon moved his mouth to her other breast as Raygan's moans increased. He ran his hands up to her face and pulled her down to kiss her, hard. He wrapped his arms around her, picking her up and moving her to her back without breaking their rhythm. Data was kissing Raygan ferociously as he thrust deeper and harder into her. She wrapped her legs around Data's butt forcing him even deeper inside her. They both moaned loudly as the voltage of their bond increased the closer they both came to orgasm. Raygan felt a shiver rush through her body as she arched her back, calling out Data's name as she experienced the rush of her orgasm. Data continued his thrusts until he too felt an incredible surge rush through his body as he exploded inside Raygan.

Raygan took Data's face back to kiss him savagely. “God, I’ve missed you.” She told him as she forced him to roll once again until he was again on his back. Raygan had not released him from her body and it looked like she did not intend to. She started to move with him again, kissing his face, his neck, and his chest. Data could not believe this wonderful pressure was building within him again. He ran his hand over her back and pulled her mouth back to his. His own aggressiveness shocked him. He thought this session with her looked more like a wrestling match than an intimate encounter. Data rolled her on her back again and pulled her arms above her head, pinning them there. He kissed her tenderly, but soon, he was kissing her harder and she only seemed to be urging him on. He continued to thrust into her, but here too, she used her legs to pull him in tighter and faster.

“Oh Data, More. Harder.”

“I will injure you,” he warned.

“No, my love. You did not access all you know about Rekellian women or you lost some, I can take it. Please, harder,” she begged him.

Data thrust harder and deeper into Raygan and was pleased she again moaned with pleasure and not pain but he was also surprised by what she was moaning.

"More, Data, harder," she gasped.

Data once again thrust harder into Raygan causing her moaning to grow louder.

"Yes, Data, yes," she moaned over and over. Data found himself more and more affected by her moans. Each gasp, each moan pushed him closer and closer to the edge.

Raygan dug her nails into Data's back as she arched her back, calling out his name while in the throws of climax. This drove Data on more and more until Raygan called out again. She grabbed Data's face kissing him hard until Data broke the kiss to call out her name as his volcano erupted.

Raygan lay panting from exhaustion beside Data. They had been in bed for hours, involved in a wild sexual frenzy. She had pushed him harder each time and he had complied, shocked she could take this much. He pushed a lock of hair from her face and kissed her temple.

“I think you should rest, my wife,” he told her.

“Only if you stay with me. Please, Data, I don’t want to sleep without you again.”

Data found himself smiling down at her. He caressed her satiny soft cheek. “I do not wish to leave you. Will I disturb your sleep?”

“Only if you leave.” She pushed him back down and rested her head on his chest, running her fingers over him. Data smiled and rubbed her back, tenderly.

“Data, I love you,” she told him, cautiously. When he did not respond, she lifted her head to look at him. He had a contemplative expression on his face.

“I do not know if I love you, Raygan. You excite me. I am highly attracted to you. I enjoy talking with you, but you also make me very nervous,” he admitted.

“What about me makes you nervous?” she asked, stunned he would say that.

“I am not charming like my brother or Commander Riker, I-“

“Stop there. No, you are charming like you,” she reflected. “You are sweet and honest and gentle and I have never met a man I have respected more.”

Data caressed Raygan's cheek before kissing her tenderly. "You need to sleep, Raygan." Raygan smiled. She knew Data needed to process all the sensations he had experienced with her. She rested her head on Data's chest again, holding him tightly to make sure he could not slip away from her while she slept. Data watched Raygan drift into sleep. He watched her sleep for twenty-three minutes before he began to think about the events of the evening. He thought of everything his friends had been saying to him about Raygan and their relationship. He wondered why he was having such a difficult time believing he was worth loving. He kissed Raygan's forehead gently before activating his dream program.

Data was Sherlock Holmes. He was entering the sitting room at 221B Baker Street. Raygan, dressed in period clothing, stood in front of his window looking ravishing. Her dress hugged the curves of her body, causing Holmes to feel very un-Holmes like feelings. Holmes took a cleansing breath to center himself as he moved to his chair.

“Mrs. Soong,” he greeted her. She turned to face him with a far away expression.

“How are you this fine day, my good sir?” she asked.

“I am well, but I am afraid I have not the time to waste on pleasantries. Your husband sent you to me so I could determine if you have been truthful with him. Please have a seat.” Holmes watched as she moved with exquisite grace to the high backed chair facing the one he had selected.

“Now, tell me how you can prove your claim that you love your husband? He is a most difficult man to love, is he not?” he asked.

Raygan looked at him, insulted. “How dare you, Mr. Holmes. My husband is a gentleman of high moral standing. His character is unimpeachable, he is a noble creature among barely civilized men. I dare say he could match wits with you, my good sir, and come out victorious. If my good husband has doubts about my love, I would hope he would come to me with his concerns and speak his heart.”

“I am sure he will. For now, tell me what it was that first caused you to take notice of him?”

“His charming manner.”

Holmes looked doubtfully at her. “How can a being without emotions be charming?”

“I am surprised you ask me that question, Mr. Holmes, as many have commented that you are a charming gentleman yet you appear emotionless at times yourself. I will answer though. My husband is very charming by way of his honesty, his gentle nature...” she again took on the far away look.

“You find these qualities attractive?” he asked.

“Eminently so. I also find him to be-“

Data woke as Spot jumped on his chest and curled up against Raygan, just under her chin. Data sighed. His dream had left him with one certainty. He needed to talk more with his wife and to speak his heart to her.

Data lay next to Raygan until she awoke in the morning.

"Good morning," Data whispered as her eyes slowly opened.

Raygan looked up at Data with a beautiful smile on her face. "Good morning, Data." She moved closer to him and kissed him tenderly. "I was afraid you weren't going to be here when I woke up."

"I am here, Raygan," he smiled.

"But for how long?" she asked.

"I must be at the cybernetics lab at 0900 hours," he responded.

"That's not what I meant, Data. These quarters are so empty without you. Are you going to stay here, Data, in our quarters?" she asked.

"I will stay, Raygan. However, I still believe you and I have much to discuss," he told her.

"We can talk about anything you wish. What's on your mind?" she asked.

"I wish to know why you would choose to love me in favor of an organic mate?"

Raygan wrinkled her nose at the thought. "Well, most are too fragile. I had never found a man I had much in common with, or who intrigued me as much as you do. You have a certain mystery about you and I have enjoyed learning about who you are. I've also never met a man I have greater respect for...well, maybe my father. He has been able to keep up with my mother and that's a feat. But, you - everyone respects you, likes you. There are quite a few people on the Enterprise who love you. I was impressed by you from the moment we met and really shocked you weren't already taken. I took care of that as soon as I was sure where this was going and that you wanted to go there with me." She blushed slightly as she said this. "I have a question for you now, Data. You seem to think you are not worthy of being loved. I don't understand why you feel that way?" she asked.

Data could tell from her expression Raygan was genuinely puzzled.

"I am an android," he started to say but Raygan interrupted him.

"No! No! No! I won't accept that as a justification for you not being worthy of love," she told him. "Data, you have told me you think of some of your crewmates as being your family, correct?"

Data nodded his head in agreement.

"And they feel the same way about you?"

Data nodded his head again.

"Would it be an accurate description to say that you are a family of friends who love and respect each other?"

"I believe that would be an accurate description, yes," Data agreed.

"Now, Data, if you can accept that your friends love you, then why can't you accept that I am in love with you?"

Data opened his mouth to respond, but realized what he had been about to say was not a good answer. Slowly, Data just smiled.

"Got you, didn't I?" she asked with a grin.

"I am a machine. A chip allows me to experience emotion. None of that troubles you?" he asked, still unsure.

"Should it?” she asked. “We are all machines of one type or another. I think you are going to have to face it. I love you. It’s not a joke, a lie or an exaggeration." She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Pulling back, she repeated, "I love you. Will you accept that, please?"

Data sighed. "I will try. I still do not understand you," he admitted.

"Sweetie, I'm a woman and you're a man. You're not supposed to."

At 0850 hours, Geordi La Forge was just about to leave for the cybernetics lab when Commander Maddox arrived at the door to his quarters.

"Where is Commander Data?" Maddox demanded.

"Commander, what's the problem? He isn't due at the lab until 0900 hours," Geordi responded.

"I left a message here last night with instructions to report at 0830 - that's what the problem is."

Geordi looked around and saw no sign that Data had been there recently. "Computer, locate Lieutenant Commander Data."

The computer voice responded, "Lieutenant Commander Data is in his quarters."

Geordi smiled as he knew that meant Data was with Raygan.

Maddox glared at Geordi and stalked off towards Data's quarters without even a word of thanks. Arriving at Data and Raygan's door, he stabbed at the chime signal.

"Enter," came the sound of Data's calm voice. When the door opened, Maddox found the couple sitting at their table enjoying a nice breakfast.

"Commander Maddox, would you care to join us for breakfast?" Data asked, politely.

"I'd like it if I knew where to send your messages. I wanted you to meet me in the lab at 0830 hours, but you did not go where you said you were going."

Data and Raygan exchanged a look that was meaningless to Maddox.

"It would appear I am tardy." Data, pushed in his chair, got to his feet and leaned over to kiss Raygan goodbye. "I will see you this evening."

"You bet you will," she told him and pulled him back for a second kiss. Maddox sighed with impatience, but Raygan could not have cared less.

After Data and Maddox had left, Raygan sat down to finish her breakfast. The door chime rang again.

"Come in," Raygan called out. "Geordi, what a pleasant surprise. Would you like some breakfast?" she offered when the doors parted to reveal the engineer.

"No thanks. I have to get to the lab."

"You just missed Data. He and Commander Maddox left less than a minute ago."

"Actually I just stopped by to bring Data's things. Actually, he only brought this with him to my quarters." Geordi smiled as he handed the holo-frame to Raygan. "I have to go now." Geordi started out the door before turning to look at Raygan. "I'm really glad you two are back on track. See ya."

"Bye, Geordi. And thank you for everything," Raygan smiled.

Raygan cleared off the table before making her way to the Stellar Sciences section. Raygan was actually a little excited about her workday. Although the Enterprise-E was still a week away from being ready, her department was going to be given a tour of the Stellar Sciences area. It would be her first look at her future home.

Raygan met Matt just down the corridor from where they were to meet their group. He was the only person from her section with whom she had shared the goings on of her home situation. Before they joined the others, she filled Matt in on how Data had come home last night and stayed there. Matt gave her an excited hug and told her how happy he was for her. Together, they joined their group to start the tour.

Before the day ended, Data contacted Raygan asking her if she would care to join him for a dinner Commander Riker was hosting in his quarters that evening.

"Is Will expecting me to attend?" Raygan asked Data, confused as to why Will had not called to invite her himself.

"I believe he wished to ensure we attended together. He instructed me to invite you, rather firmly, I might add."

Raygan laughed. "I think everyone wants to see us back together."

"I agree." Raygan could hear Data sigh happily. "Will you join me, my wife?" he asked.

"Yes. I love you, Data. Should I meet you there?"

"No, please meet me in our quarters at 1730 hours."

"I'll be there," she promised and signed off.

Raygan arrived a little early and changed out of her uniform into a form fitting sleeveless yellow dress that was a little low cut in the front but not too low cut. When she heard the door open, Raygan came out of the bedroom. She smiled at Data as he stared at her.

"How do I look? Do you think this is okay to wear to dinner?" she asked.

"You look stunning," he finally managed to stay. Data walked over to Raygan and kissed her. He had to kiss her and could not find an explanation for why other than an overwhelming need.

Raygan responded to him at once. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and lowered her hands down his body until she came to his butt. She put one hand over each of his cheeks and gave them a squeeze. Pulling away for a moment, she grinned mischievously at him.

"You have the sexiest ass I’ve ever seen. Perfectly shaped and oh so pinchable." She pinched him to prove her point, leaving Data gasping in shock. He gave her a disapproving look for only a second before using a hand placed at the back of her head to guide her lips back to his. Enjoying the feel of their marriage bond tingling through him everywhere her skin touched his, Data moved his hands down past her waist to give her the same attention she had given him. He gave her bottom a playful squeeze before running his hands over the delightful curves she had here.

"You don't seem terribly interested in the dinner, my love."

Data realized his kisses had moved from her mouth and were traveling down the line of her low cut dress towards her abundant cleavage.

With an abortive sigh, Data straightened his stance and looked his wife in the eyes.

"We must go, Raygan. We are expected, but perhaps we can leave early. Would you object to that?" he asked.

"Not one damn bit. Well, the sooner we leave, the sooner we can come back.”

Data and Raygan were almost to Will's quarters when they met up with Captain Picard.

"It is wonderful to see the two of you together and smiling," he told them.

"Thank you, Captain. It feels wonderful," Raygan smiled.

When they entered Will's quarters, Deanna, Geordi and Beverly had already arrived. After the exchanging of pleasantries, the group stood and chatted while Will finished preparing the dinner. Deanna took Raygan off to the side for a private chat.

"Deanna, I need to apologize to you. I was very rude to you the other day in the arboretum. I am so sorry," Raygan apologized.

"I understand perfectly, Raygan. You are a very strong individual. I don't know of many people who could have handled this situation as well as you did," Deanna told.

"As well? I was an absolute wreck."

“Maybe, but it looks like things are working out now,” Deanna observed. Raygan looked Data’s way and caught him looking at her.

“Yes. He’s still a bit unsettled that he has a wife he can’t remember asking to marry or even dating, but he’s coming around.

“I know Lore was doing his best to confuse you, from what Geordi told me. Just remember, Lore and Data may look alike, but where in counts, they are nothing alike.”

Raygan smiled with guilty eyes. “I’ve learned that, Deanna. And that is a lesson I don’t intend to ever forget.”

“I was very glad to see your lovely bride on your arm again, Data. I was afraid I was gonna have to marry her myself if you two broke up. And from what I heard at my house, I think you’d be a hard act to follow.” Will winked at Data, thus giving the android a clear message as to what the commander had overheard.

“You would marry Raygan, Commander?” Data questioned.

“Well, truthfully, Data, I noticed her when she first came aboard – who wouldn’t. However, it was obvious very quickly that she only had eyes for you. And you, my friend, even before the chip, had it bad. And since you have been stealing glances at her the entire time I’ve been speaking, I’d say you’re got it bad all over again.”

Data continued to look at Raygan while contemplating Commander Riker's words. Captain Picard had now joined Raygan and Deanna in conversation.

"Commander, when Raygan and I stayed with you in Alaska, was our behavior appropriate?" Data asked.

"Yes, Data, it was very appropriate for two people very much in love," Will smiled. "To be honest, I envy you. I have never met two people who belong together more than you and Raygan. You are a very lucky man."

With Beverly and Geordi joining Data and Will, the conversation soon turned to other topics but everyone noticed Data's frequent glances at Raygan.