Chapter 6

It was 0800 when Data’s internal chronometer indicated it was time to wake up. Sitting up in his bed, his eyes quickly focused on the portrait hanging on the wall across from him. He smiled slightly at the image before him and at the memory it represented. He found it difficult to believe that thirty years had passed since he had painted that portrait of Raygan and himself. So much had happened since that day on the Farragut. Data was brought out of his musings when the door to the bedroom slid open.

“Data, you need to start getting ready. My parents will be waiting for us to beam down soon and we’re supposed to meet Lore and Sasha in less than an hour.” Raygan stood at the foot of the bed, shaking her head but smiling.

Data rose from the bed and made a quick move towards his wife, trapping her in his arms. Pulling her close, he kissed her passionately.

“We don’t have time for what you have in mind,” Raygan teased.

“I know but you cannot blame me for trying,” Data teased back as he headed for the shower. He liked the fact that he and Raygan still felt that incredible need to be with each other. Their bond seemed to get stronger, not weaker, with each passing year. 

When he had finished dressing, Data joined Raygan on the couch.

“I wish Noonien could be here,” Raygan sighed as she snuggled into Data’s embrace.

“As do I.” Data squeezed his wife’s shoulder as he spoke. “However, as Noonien has just received his new command, he cannot leave the Trudeau at this time.”

“I know,” Raygan sighed again. “I’m so proud of him,” she smiled. “And so happy Starfleet didn’t make him wait as long as you did to become a captain.”

Data could not help but smile. The day he had received his first command was the highlight of his career. Now, with his son’s promotion, there were two android captains serving in Starfleet. And today, two more Soongs – their daughter, Nalla and their nephew, Arik - would be joining the ranks of Starfleet officers with their graduation from the Academy. 

“It is time to go,” Data grinned as he stood and pulled at his wife’s hand. He felt so content. Before he had met Raygan, Data had been certain he would always be alone. There were still times when he thought he would wake up and all of this would have been an elaborate dream. But this was not a dream. It was real. This was his life and he was determined his door to happiness would always remain open.

Chapter 6 Original Ending

When Data awoke the next morning he was alone. He looked around his quarters almost disappointed, trying to shake off the powerful affects of the vivid dream he had just had. They had been getting more involved of late and Data found it a most intriguing trend. He got out of bed and made his way to a cabinet across the room. He stared at the emotion chip in its case for a few moments until Spot interrupted his thoughts by rubbing on his leg. He was no longer staring at it, but his thoughts still centered on his emotion chip and the possibilities.

Data made his way to the bridge, reviewing the tasks he had for the day. He found he was looking forward to greeting the new head of Stellar Sciences when she arrived from the USS Goddard although he was uncertain as to why. ~ Lieutenant Commander Raygan Silver, ~ Data thought as he reviewed the information he had stored about her in his memory. ~ Impressive woman. ~ He recalled his dream had oddly chosen to include her, but shrugged this off. It was not possible - she would not...

Data and Commander Riker were waiting to greet their newest crewmate. As she stepped off the transporter pad, Commander Riker moved towards her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He looked over at Commander Silver. He had been mildly surprised her manner was so similar to how she had acted in his dream, and while their conversation had progressed as he remembered it - no, it would not be the same. Something would be different, after all, he was not precognitive. He was just an android.  

Data raised a hand towards the door and inclined his head. "Shall we?" he asked leading the way out. Data related information to Commander Silver regarding her quarters and Stellar Sciences. Data found he was intrigued by his new crewmate's black hair and shimmering green eyes. If any male were asked to describe her, he was certain the word beautiful would be included in the description.

They entered the turbolift and proceeded to deck two. When they reached room 3661, Data turned to Commander Silver, "I hope you do not mind that your quarters are not in the same area as the other senior officers however there were no suitable quarters available for a department head."

Raygan made her way to the couch, sat down and laughed, "Do all quarters come with their own pets?"

Data saw his pet sitting next to her.

"Spot! I must apologize for Spot's invasion of your quarters." He picked up the cat. "She has escaped from my quarters on a number of occasions. Please excuse me for a moment while I return her to my quarters." Data stepped out of the room with Spot in his arms. Commander Silver’s laugh and her bright smile had affected him. He still was not sure what to make of his dream and the reality of this woman, but he could not deny a certain level of anticipation. Lifting Spot to eye level, he spoke gently to her. "Spot, normally I would chastise you for leaving our quarters however, as I am greatly intrigued by our new neighbor, I hope you will find your way to her quarters again." Spot meowed in reply and, satisfied, Data found himself looking forward to his return to Commander Silver’s quarters. Perhaps this could be the beginning of a promising friendship. Data certainly hoped so.