Chapter Four

Gemma had planned her party for the following day, but she asked Data and Geordi to have dinner with her in her quarters the night before to get them to help with some of the things she would need. She had requested three cooking burners, so the men came to her door bringing them.

“Wonderful,” Gemma said as she welcomed them in. As Geordi entered, Gemma pulled his arm to give him a quick peck on the lips and as Data followed behind, she pulled him over for a peck on the cheek. “My heroes, right?” she said, with a questioning look directed at Data.

He was still trying to overcome his emotional reaction to her kiss, but did manage to nod.

Gemma led them over to a very long table where she intended to cook and serve the food the next day. She had added a statuette of Ordarin and other religious symbols. There were also flowers and more plants from her home world.

Gemma showed them both the outfit she would be wearing and Data had to suppress a gulp. It was a formfitting bodysuit that had lines of little cutouts that ran all the way down.

“Why?” Geordi asked, noting the cutouts.

“We call our markings the Tears of Howniya. She blessed us with consciousness with her tears and those tears left a mark as they flowed down our bodies. This shows the marks of love from her and all the gods for us. We wear this so our love is shown and it reminds us to show love for those special people who we have been blessed to know.”

Both Geordi and Data were moved by her words.

“Now, I have some food I want you to try and then I have something special for you, Data.” Before Data could ask, both he and Geordi had their mouths filled with some of her native cuisine. Both enjoyed the food and Geordi was given three more drinks to try that did not turn his stomach.

“Okay, Gemma. Data is dying of curiosity and I want to know too, what do you have for him?” Geordi asked, patting his friend on the back, with affection.

“Oh, let me get it,” Gemma hopped up from her seat and rushed to her bedroom. She came back out a moment later hiding something behind her back. She came over to Data and pulled out a small stack of paper. “It’s the sheet music you asked for Data. I was hoping you could practice them a bit tonight. This first one is a duet for the ooblet and tatteen but I think the violin would sound wonderful. Would you bring yours tomorrow and play this piece with me?”

 “Of course, Gemma. I would consider it a honor to play a duet with you,” Data smiled. “Thank you for the sheet music.”

Gemma tested four different desserts on her guinea pigs. Geordi had preferred the first two offered whereas Data had enjoyed all four. In fact, Data had yet to find anything he disliked about Krios. He greatly enjoyed the food, drink, music and sights of this planet that Gemma had introduced to him. He was however still struggling a great deal with his emotions regarding one specific Kriosian.

Data stayed for another hour helping test the food and equipment for the party before leaving for his quarters. He was unsure how he was going to make it through the party the next evening with Gemma dressed in that amazing bodysuit. He had taken Deanna Troi’s advice to avoid social gatherings if possible however this was one social gathering he could not miss. He sighed as he entered his quarters, resigned to the fact he would have to control his emotions the next evening. He also hoped Gemma would not drop her empathic shield over the course of the evening. At least this night, he had something to occupy his mind. He picked up his violin and music stand and began to look over the sheet music Gemma had given him. On the piece he would be playing with Gemma, he had the computer supply the ooblet’s part. He spent the night playing each piece of music. He could not help but be struck by the beauty of it.

Geordi only stayed for another thirty minutes after Data left. The awkwardness he had felt during their last date returned. Gemma lowered her shield when Geordi kissed her goodnight. She could sense a number of emotions from him but not the ones she would expect from someone who wanted to continue a relationship. She smiled at Geordi as he left but she had a feeling the next time she said good night to him the circumstances would be different.

The next day was very busy for Gemma as she made sure all of the smallest details were taken care of. She had been in contact with her mother who went over a checklist of things to do and there was only one thing Gemma still had left – cook but that would have to wait until just before her guests were to arrive. She decided to have another bubble bath so she could relax. ~ Thank you for introducing me to this luxury, Data, ~ she thought.

Once Gemma was dressed, she began to prepare the feast she had planned for her friends. She finished the second last dish when the door chimes rang announcing her first guest.

“Data, come in. Thank you for bringing your violin. What did you think of the sheet music I gave you?” Gemma asked warily.

“I played all the pieces last night. They are very beautiful,” Data smiled graciously.

Before Gemma could respond the door chimes rang again. Data sighed with relief that he would no longer be alone with her. She looked even more amazing in the bodysuit than he had imagined. Gemma welcomed Geordi and Worf to the gathering. Faalox arrived next, followed by the final guest, Captain Picard.

The only thing wrong with her turning to greet the others was this now allowed Data a view of the Tears of Howniya that could be seen running down the left and right of her backside as well. Data was unable to decide which view was more alluring and thinking about it flooded him with more guilt.

Gemma showed her guests to the table where many of the dishes were already prepared. The final one she prepared before them. The name of the dish translated to “dew of the morning” and was a hot fruit dish that was traditionally served to welcome returning or new friends.

Gemma said the prayer of joining over the food and then everyone dug in. The captain ate with curiosity, Geordi enjoyed the dishes he had liked the day before while Faalox sampled each, nodding and asking questions as she did. Data and Worf both seemed to eat like starving men, although Data showed a little more reserve than Worf.

Gemma told the story of creation from her planet, how the gods had tried in vain separately to create children to love and take care of, but each had failed. Finally, Howniya had called out to all the gods who wished to have children to love that they should all come together, combining their gifts. The others held back at first, but when Howniya began crying, her tears moved them and they all joined with her completely. As her tears washed over the lifeless bodies the gods had fashioned from the soil, their combined love flowed over them in her tears and awakened the newborn children, bringing joy to the gods and life to their children.

All at the gathering were moved by Gemma’s telling and by the passion in how she told it.

She had made the meal buffet style so people could mingle and she would have the chance to speak to everyone. But she found Data at her side most of the evening. They bantered back and forth with sayings that just happened to fit in with whatever they or another person they were speaking with happened to be saying. It caused everyone to laugh at their antics.

Picard and Faalox moved to speak with Geordi and discuss some of the new things they had learned about the Kriosian culture. As they spoke, they heard Data, Gemma and Worf laughing, but Gemma and Data were louder.

“I had noted some tension between Data and Gemma when she first came aboard,” Picard noted. “I’m relieved to see that has disappeared.”

“Yeah, they buried the hatchet a while back,” Geordi informed them. “I’m glad too, it had me worried for a while”

“Indeed,” Faalox agreed, looking over at the two in question. “The roles of the first and second officers are vital to the efficiency of a smooth running ship. If there is tension between them it could affect the morale of the entire crew. But I don’t think we need worry now. I see quite a fire in Commander Data’s eyes when he looks at the young lady. He tries very hard to hide it, but she will figure it out eventually.” The new counselor gave one of her huge smiles and moved back to the food table to sample some more.

Neither the captain nor the counselor seemed to notice just how stunned all that made Geordi.

Data and Gemma played the duet after the meal concluded. Gemma introduced the piece, noting the composer and how it was believed the gods had blessed her with her wonderful talent. The two musicians sat and, with the first notes, all in the room were touched by the power of the music. When the piece ended, the three other guests needed a moment for the trance the music had woven around them to dissipate before they all jumped to their feet applauding with great emotion.

The two musicians rose to take their bows and then Gemma turned to Data, bowing slightly and looking very moved herself, and just smiled at him, whispering two words.

“Oh, Data.”

The images from Data’s dream came crashing back on him and he found it hard to not lean over and kiss her right there and then.

Geordi seemed to notice this odd reaction from his friend and recognized it as attraction. Data tried to center himself but was only able to nod at Gemma, not trusting himself to move or speak more than that.

The party broke up soon after. Data and Geordi stayed to help her clean up and Data excused himself once that was done, believing he should leave Geordi and Gemma with time alone. He was right, but not in the way he thought.

Geordi led her to one of the couches and looked at her with a serious expression. But before he could open his mouth, Gemma shook her head.

“I know you don’t want to say it, but you’re right. You’re dear to me and I know you care for me too, but just not in that way. Please say we can still be good friends, Geordi. I don’t want to lose that.”

Geordi sighed to release the tension that had been building within him and smiled. “I don’t want to give you up as a friend for the world, Gemma.” They shared a warm hug and chatted for a few minutes before Geordi told her goodnight.

Heading for Data’s quarters, he had one more thing to do before he called it a night. Tell his best friend, who was denying his feeling for Gemma, that he no longer had to.

Geordi stood outside Data’s quarters for a moment before ringing the door chimes. Data was surprised to see it was his best friend who rang for admittance.

“Geordi, what are you doing here? I thought you would be spending time with Gemma.” Data was worried by the serious look on his friend’s face. ~ What if Geordi knows how I feel and wants to end our friendship? ~ The thoughts were racing through his head at a speed no human could possibly comprehend.

“I wanted to talk to you, Data, about Gemma.” Geordi moved to sit down on Data’s couch. Data did not move for seventeen seconds as a feeling of dread overtook him. It was not until Geordi called for him to sit that Data broke out of his trance-like state.

“I do not understand, Geordi. Why do you wish to talk to me about Gemma?” Data asked nervously.

“I wanted to let you know that she and I...well, we aren’t dating any longer.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “Gemma and I spoke after you left and we agreed that we both care for each other but as friends, nothing more.”

“I am sorry, Geordi.”

“Don’t be, Data. It’s okay, I’m okay,” Geordi reassured him. “There is something else I wanted to talk to you about. You’re attracted to Gemma, aren’t you?”

Data stared back at Geordi absolutely horrified by his friend’s words. “Geordi, I-I would never betray you or our friendship,” he sputtered once he regained his ability to speak.

“Whoa, I know you wouldn’t and you haven’t. I don’t know how long you’ve been holding in your feelings for Gemma, Data. I do know that during the time Gemma and I were seeing each other you didn’t do anything that would have jeopardized our friendship. In fact, I think our friendship is even stronger now. You buried your feelings for her because you wanted me to be happy,” Geordi smiled.

“Your happiness is very important to me, Geordi. You are correct in your assessment of my feelings for Gemma. However, if my feelings for her played any part in your decision to end your relationship I will not be able to forgive myself.”

“Data, I give you my word that only my feelings influenced my decision. I think she and I both knew after our last date the spark wasn’t there but it wasn’t until tonight that I realized how you felt. If it hadn’t been for something Faalox said I might still be in the dark,” he grinned.

“Faalox?”

“Yes, it would appear our new counselor is very good at reading people. She said she had noticed a fire in your eyes when you looked at Gemma.”

“Geordi, I do not know what to say,” Data was again at a loss for words.

“You don’t have to say anything. Let me do the talking. I want you to ask Gemma out on a date.” Geordi could tell from the confused look on his friend’s face that he needed to elaborate. “I don’t want you to deny your feelings because you think it will hurt me if you start seeing Gemma. Your happiness is important to me too, Data, and it would really hurt me if you turned your back at a chance for happiness because of me. Now, tell me you will ask Gemma for a date.”

“I will, Geordi,” Data smiled. “I am very fortunate to have you as my best friend.”

“So am I, Data,” Geordi agreed. “I better get going. Early day tomorrow. See ya later, Data.”

“Good night, Geordi, and thank you.”

Data was once again pacing his quarters, but this time his anxiety was quite different. While he was sorry Gemma and Geordi had ended their association, he was very glad they would still be friends. Still, while he was left free to pursue a relationship with Gemma, Data was a nervous wreck over what to say to her, how to say it and that her answer, no matter what he said, could be no.

During his next duty shift, Data led an away team down on Igtorianus’ Dream, an ill-named planet that seemed to be overrun with outlaws of every kind. Gemma, Worf and Lieutenant Cooper assisted in the rescue of fifteen more of the abducted women. Sadly, they found the bodies of three who had been killed by “customers” and five more from poor treatment by their captors and the abhorrent living conditions.

Gemma was very shaken when they found the bodies. Seeing her distress, as they were gathering the other women into formation for beam out, Data came over and put a hand on her shoulder. When she looked up him, he gave her a weak smile.

“We are making a difference here, Gemma. Stay focused, Commander. We have a duty to perform.” He nodded at her when she seemed to come out of her gray cloud.

“Aye, sir.” Gemma nodded and helped another girl into position.

It took another week until the true leaders of this operation were uncovered, but once they were, all the senior staff slept better, except Data.

Geordi asked him each morning if he had asked Gemma out for a real date, but each time Data looked embarrassed and shook his head.

“I cannot. What if her answer is to decline?” Data looked heartbroken as he said this. Finally Geordi came over to his friend and decided it was time to light a fire under him.

“Data, what if she would have said yes, but you waited so long, someone else asks her first?”

Data’s eyes went wide in horror, “I will ask her today,” he assured his friend.

“Come on, Data. Let’s go to work,” Geordi said, heading for Data’s door.

Just before they parted, Geordi took his best friend by the shoulders and looked him in the eyes. “You’re gonna do fine, Data. Now ask her today,” Geordi urged him.

Data nodded and tried to smile, but he was very nervous. As the android headed for the bridge, he had a million thoughts running through his head. Gemma was already at ops when he arrived. Her hair was braided back, something Data had not seen her do before. The trail of tears that descended the sides of her neck was visible. He decided this style was much more appealing than when she just had the front of her hair pulled back in a clip.

It was not easy, but Data managed to keep his mind on his duties during his shift, but once it was over, he waited for Gemma to head to the lift. She stopped to speak with Lieutenant Copper and while Data did not intend to, he found himself watching and listening to them. They chatted about whether the performance of the new console was measuring up and other things that could be considered ship’s business, but during their entire conversation, they smiled and laughed.

A fear gripped Data so tightly, he decided he had to get off the bridge and away from the two of them this very minute. Cursing himself in one hundred and seventy-two languages, Data entered the lift, wondering if he should try and find Geordi or call Counselor Troi. When he turned around to face the door of the lift, he came face to face with Gemma. And she had a very worried expression on her face.

“Pardon me, Gemma, I did not notice you entering the lift.” Data felt frozen with dread. He tried to get a lock on his thundering emotions, but they would not quiet. “Deck two?” he asked, trying to sound normal. She gave a nod and he ordered the lift into motion.

“Computer, halt,” Gemma ordered a second later. Still staring at him in a way that made Data very uncomfortable, she stepped closer. “Data, I told you that I have trouble blocking out very strong emotions. I know there’s something you want to ask me, ask now.”

Data felt as though in that moment he would rather face having to fire at the thalaron intermix chamber again than be forced into this, but he had no choice. He opened his mouth, but his voice simulator must have been malfunctioning, since he could not convince anything to come out. After the third time he had done this and still no words came out, Gemma shook her head at him, but oddly she smiled.

Taking another step closer to him, bringing her too close, she leaned closer and to Data’s astonishment, she kissed him on the cheek. It was a very slow and tender kiss.

Emotions flooded Data once again and this time even Data had trouble sorting them all out. He closed his eyes and let the feel of her soft lips touching his cheek wash him away. It was the most wonderful thing he had ever felt. He was so lost in this he almost missed the fact she had moved slightly and was now whispering in his ear.

“Ask me now, Data,” she told him.

“Gemma, will you go on a date with me?” he finally managed to whisper back.

Pulling back, looking him in the eyes and smiling brightly, Gemma nodded. “Computer, resume.” 

When the lift doors opened, Data walked with Gemma to her quarters.

“Regarding our date, would you be available to have dinner with me this evening, Gemma?” Data asked hopefully.

Gemma thought for a moment before replying with a grin, “There's no time like the present, except I do need time to change though.”

“I could return at 1730 if that is acceptable.”

“I’ll see you then,” she smiled as she entered her quarters.

Data felt as if he were walking on air as he headed to his quarters. He fed Spot before heading for his closet, trying to decide what he should wear for dinner. He pulled out a pair of pants and shirt that he thought were not too dressy but not casual either. After changing, Data made his way to the living room area when a flash of light greeted him.

“Ah Data, all dressed for your date, hmmm?” Q grinned.

“That is correct, Q,” Data replied.

“Data, I have come to you now so I can confess my sin.” Q frowned although he did not sound apologetic. “I lied.”

“Lied? I do not understand?” Data answered.

“Well, maybe not lied but stretched the truth,” he offered.

“Q, please explain.”

“When I brought you back to the Enterprise, I told you I had placed a treasure on board when I really hadn’t,” Q explained nonchalantly.

“Are you saying that Gemma is not my treasure?” Data was shocked by what Q had said.

“No, Data, I’m not saying that. I’m only saying that I did not place her on board the Enterprise. You recommended Miss Corazon long before I became involved in things. I told you what I did so you would be open to the possibilities of romance. I had no idea you would fall for your replacement although it is rather ironic in a way,” Q grinned.

“How so?” Data asked.

“Her name, Data. Ask her what her name means,” Q laughed. “Now I really must be going. I have a play date with some old friends. Bye now.” Q vanished in his customary flash of light leaving Data to think over what had just happened.

Data waited until exactly 1730 to ring Gemma’s door chime. When the door slid open, Gemma stood before him, dressed in a cropped beaded jacket and pants with a matching shell, all made of silk in a terracotta color. Her hair was pulled all the way up, revealing the pigmentation that Data found so alluring. She looked beautiful.

“You look so handsome, Data,” Gemma commented with a glowing smile. “I’ve never seen you out of uniform before.”

Data grinned. He was happy he had chosen the linen pants and silk shirt to wear.  He offered Gemma his arm. “If you are ready?”

“I am. Let’s go.”

This was one of the few times in his life that Data had no idea who else came into the lounge, Gemma was all he could see. They talked of music, art, poetry, and more Earth sayings. He found himself laughing so often he was sure he was disturbing some of the other diners, but Data could not help himself. He discovered Gemma’s silly side and she seemed to have found a way to bring his back out again. Data was sure the last time he had been this foolish he had been pretending his tricorder could talk. He told her about that and she laughed so hard she almost fell out of her chair. This caused Data to laugh again and kept the continuous giggles the two had been beset with going.

“We have to stop this, Data. I can’t breath,” Gemma said between chuckles.

“Do you wish me to show you how?” he said in a comical voice. Suddenly Data looked around at the others in the room and seemed embarrassed.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I am enjoying this evening more than I have any other, but I have behaved and caused you to behave rather foolishly and we are the first and second officers of this ship.”

Gemma reached across the table for Data’s hand. “I’m having a wonderful time too, and as an empath, I can tell you that no one here thinks less of either of us for the display we’ve put on,” she did blush when she said this. “As far as what they think of me, I’ve impressed a few by getting the reserved Commander Data to loosen up - a lot.” She giggled again. “But if you want to call it an evening, I understand.”

Data put his hand over their two. “No, I do not wish it. Since we are finished with dinner or were forty-seven minutes ago...” he chuckled here. “Perhaps we could go to the holodeck for a little while?” he asked, his eyes taking on that sweet pleading expression he had.

“Can anyone say no to you when you look at them like that? That expression could be a dangerous weapon if wielded properly. Let’s go.” Gemma grinned at him.

Arm in arm, Data and Gemma walked to the holodeck and Data loaded a program he thought would be relaxing. It was a beautiful night by an ocean shore. The sky was filled with stars and there was a cool breeze coming off the water. The sound of the waves was almost hypnotic but the best part was just about to begin. Data led Gemma to a blanket far enough away from the waves that they would remain dry. Her expression was one of uncertainty when she saw the blanket.

“I do not wish to sit in the sand,” he explained, wrinkling his nose at the thought. She laughed and allowed him to help her take a seat. He sat beside her and told her to look in a certain area of the sky. A moment later it began. It was a meteor shower and it was beautiful.

“On Earth they used to refer to them as shooting stars,” Data explained.

“It’s fantastic, Data.” She could not take her eyes off the show. After a few minutes, Gemma pulled her knees up to her body and squeezed them to her.

“Are you cold?” Data asked, concerned.

“Just a little. But the breeze is wonderful.” She turned to look at him and smile.

Wondering if she would allow him, Data moved closer. Coming up from behind her, he sat bringing his arms around her and his knees up on either side of her. To his delight, Gemma leaned into him, enjoying his warmth.

They sat like this for nineteen minutes of bliss. Data hated to spoil this with words, but Q’s question was burning in his mind and now was the perfect time to ask.

“Gemma?”

“Yes, Data?” she asked, softly.

“What does your name mean?”

She pulled his arms tighter around her as the breeze kicked up briefly and Data reveled in this. “I was told by my roommate at the Academy that in the Earth language French, Gemma means jewel and Corazon is Spanish for heart.” She laughed.

“Jewel of the heart,” Data mused.

“Yes but in my language it means something much different.”  

“And that is?” Data prompted.

“Second chance.”

“You have a beautiful name no matter what the language although I believe I prefer the Kriosian translation to that of the Earth one,” he concluded.

“You do? I’m curious why you do?” she inquired.

“When I look at you I am reminded of how lucky I am to have been given a second chance by Q. I will be forever grateful to him for everything he has done for me,” Data related.

“Oh Data, that’s beautiful,” she sighed. “Your father was human, wasn’t he?”

“Yes, he was.”

“What does Data mean to humans?”

“One definition is factual information, as measurements or statistics, used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation. Nothing romantic I am afraid.”

“Don’t be so sure. The Kriosian translation of your name is quite romantic,” she smiled.

“What does it mean?” he questioned. He found it difficult to believe his name could mean something romantic in any language.

“In our language, it means beloved.”

Data leaned his head forward and whispered in her ear, “I much prefer that translation. I have discovered much about Krios since meeting you and everything I have learned has been wondrous.”

They stayed in the holodeck for a further fifty-two minutes before reluctantly leaving. Data took Gemma’s hand in his as he walked her back to her quarters. They stood outside her door for another twelve minutes trying to say good night. Finally, Data raised his hand to gently caress her cheek. He then leaned forward kissing her gently on the lips.

“Good night, Data,” she beamed.

Data took Gemma’s hand in his, raised it to his lips, kissing the back of it softly. “Good night, Gemma.”

Gemma stood transfixed in her doorway, watching Data slowly walk to his quarters, down the corridor. He looked back several times to wave at her and each time, Gemma waved back. She waited until he was out of sight before the spell was broken and she could move again.

Walking back to her rooms, Gemma remembered to breathe again. In a way, she felt guilty. Her dates with Geordi had been the first she had gone on in quite a while, and they had been fun. However, when compared to what she experienced with Data on their date - just sitting with his arms around her, talking under the shooting stars - it had been magical.

So much of the evening, Gemma felt so aware of him. Not just because he was holding her, or at the table with her, but his emotions, she had peeked a little and had been pleased by what she found. Data had been thinking about many things, just like he always was, and reacting to them all, but tonight his emotional reaction to her was much easier to pick out.

He was radiating them the strongest, and each one Gemma knew involved her was very flattering. It was a very odd feeling for her that overcame her now. She was more relaxed than she had ever been in her life, yet she felt energized and was sure sleep would be impossible tonight. She was just too happy.

Finally she decided to record her thoughts about Data in her personal log and then take a nice bubble bath. This helped her to relax, even if she could not get Data out of her mind, not that she was trying very hard. The eeltot seemed to be intensely effective tonight, stemming from her heightened peace of mind, no doubt.

She was near euphoria when she settled into bed. Gemma’s dreams seemed to reflect her happiness, much to her delight.

Geordi was eager to see Data in the morning. While his friend had not told him about getting a date with Gemma, ship’s scuttlebutt had gotten to the chief engineer and Geordi had even seen the pair just before they left the lounge together. Geordi had been sure the two were blissfully unaware that anyone else was even in the room for most of their evening. He was a tiny, tiny bit jealous of this, but the look on Data’s face...

Geordi met with Data in the lounge this morning. The android was uncharacteristically late.

“Are you okay, Data?” Geordi asked when his friend sat down.

Data looked very embarrassed. “I am sorry for my tardiness, I was painting. I wanted to get the star field just right before I departed. It took longer than I anticipated.”

Geordi let go of his worry and sighed. “Is there going to be anything in the star field, Data?”

“Nothing but shooting stars in the field, but under it will be Gemma...and me.” Data looked reluctant to say this as though he did not want to brag.

Geordi gave him an easy smile. “I saw you two here last night. You both were laughing so hard I thought they’d be able to hear you back on Earth. I’m glad you finally asked her out, Data and I’m glad you had a good time, too.”     

A bright grin overtook Data’s face. “I did. Thank you, Geordi. I cannot begin to express how much I appreciate your understanding in this matter.”

“I didn’t do anything, Data.” Geordi gave a little snorting kind of laugh. “All I did was get out of your way.” Geordi laughed, but saw that Data did not find it exactly funny.

“Geordi, I-“

“Data, I’m sorry. That was a poor choice of words. Gemma and I just didn’t click, but you and she have. I’m happy for you, I promise.”

“You are sure?” Data asked.

“I’m positive. Now, tell me what you two did, the non-private stuff,” Geordi said with a grin.

Data grinned too and told his friend about the wonderful evening he had shared with Gemma.