Chapter Five

The Enterprise arrived at Starbase 54 on schedule and the delegates from the Security Council began to beam aboard. Data, Gemma and, of course, Worf were on hand to greet the two parties of six and the last of four. Worf and Data were both surprised to see they recognized one of the faces of the final four.

“Jenna...Flanders?” Data asked, recalling the names listed on the data PADD the captain had given him three days ago.

The woman who used to be Jenna D’Sora and Data’s first girlfriend, beamed as she walked down from the transporter. “Commander Worf, Commander Data, it’s wonderful to see you both again.” Jenna gave Worf’s arm a friendly squeeze, but when she came over to Data she grinned up at him and wrapped her arms around Data’s shoulders. Data leaned down, stiffly embracing her, very much aware that Gemma was beside him, watching.

Once Jenna released him, still grinning, she told Data how good it was to see him. “I heard how we lost you and Q brought you back. He may have given us hell before, but I’ll never think bad of him again. I was very upset when we thought you were dead, Data. I’m so glad we were wrong.”

Worf led the other three guests out of the room, to show them to their quarters, nodding as he passed Jenna.  This left Jenna, Data and Gemma.

“I’m going to help Mr. Worf, and let you catch up with your friend, Commander,” Gemma offered, feeling very much like a third wheel. Looking distinctly uncomfortable, Gemma ducked out of the room, making Data feel like a heel.

“That was our new second officer, Lieutenant Commander Gemma Corazon. She will be performing with me at the reception that we have planned together for tonight,” Data informed Jenna, pointing at the place where Gemma had been standing. He knew he sounded as nervous as he was.

“She was a bit abrupt, wasn’t she?” Jenna noted.

Data furrowed his brow, insulted on Gemma’s behalf. “She left because she did not wish to intrude. She is a very special person and an exceptional officer.”

“Okay, Data. Oh my God! Data, you’re upset. I thought I heard you installed your emotion chip but it later overloaded and didn’t work anymore?”

“It was also restored by Q. Perhaps I should take you to your quarters now?” Data suggested.

“Sure, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you, Data. I’m really happy to see you again.” She looked at him with a very serious expression on her face, but Data turned away to lead her out of the transporter room. Jenna sighed and followed along behind him. “You’re still the same Data,” she laughed calmly as she said this.

Data stopped and looked back at her. “What were you expecting?”

“I was hoping that over the years you learned to pick up subtleties.” Jenna came closer again and took his face in her hands. “I’m really glad to see you again. You’ve always mattered to me, and now I hope I can matter to you.” Without another word, she pulled Data’s face closer and kissed him on the lips. 

Data was so stunned by her kiss he was speechless. It took him a moment to recover his composure.

“Jenna, I feel it necessary to inform you that I have recently begun a romantic relationship with Commander Corazon,” Data advised her. “I will take you to your quarters now.”

“How long have you been seeing each other?” Jenna asked. She slipped her arm around Data’s so they would be walking down the corridor arm in arm. Data was uncomfortable with this however he was unsure how to discreetly remove Jenna’s arm from his.

“We have had two dates so far,” Data smiled as the memories of both evenings filled his mind.

“I see.” Jenna looked to Data. “She wouldn’t mind if two old friends spent some time together, would she? I’d love to have the opportunity to catch up with you. It’s been a while.”

“Perhaps the three of us could have dinner while you are aboard,” Data offered.

“I’m sure we would bore her, Data. We’d be talking about people she hasn’t met. That would be no fun for her.”

When they reached the guest quarters assigned to Jenna, Data started to excuse himself to leave.

“Data, I have never been on a Sovereign class ship before. Would you give me a tour after the reception, please.”

“I am sure I can arrange for you to be given a tour of the ship, Jenna-” he started.

“No, Data, I want you to give me the tour,” she insisted. “You know so much more about the ship than anyone.”

Data realized she would not take no for an answer so he agreed. “If you will excuse me, I must continue with the preparations for the reception.” Data sighed as he made his way down the corridor. He would talk to Gemma before the reception to let her know of Jenna’s request. He hoped she would understand.

The next two hours passed quickly as Data and Gemma saw to the last details. As it was a formal reception both were wearing their dress uniforms.

“You look very beautiful, Gemma,” Data complimented when they finally had a moment to talk.

“And you look so handsome, Data,” Gemma smiled as the blush in her cheeks subsided. “Is something wrong? Is there a problem?”

“Jenna has requested a tour of the ship after the reception. She has insisted that I conduct the tour,” he sighed. “I would much prefer to spend time with you...”

“It’s okay, Data. I understand,” she assured him.

The reception proceeded without a hitch. As far as Data was concerned the only problem was the lack of time he was able to spend with Gemma. As they were hosting the reception, both needed to mingle with the guests so they spent most of the evening apart. The highlight for him, as well as most of the guests, was the recital. The pieces Gemma had chosen were beautiful. The emotions expressed through the music moved almost everyone.

When the reception ended, Jenna immediately came to collect Data for her tour. She ushered him from the lounge so quickly Data was only able to give Gemma a woeful look as he was pulled through the doors.

Jenna insisted on holding onto Data’s arm as they began the tour. Data decided he would only show her what would be on the usual tour the captain or he would give guests, but Jenna seemed intent on having as much of his time as she could.

She talked about old times and asked him how Spot was. She told him how she had gotten married, but her husband, Ned, had been killed in the line of duty. That had been two years ago and she did not like the lonely nights.

“Perhaps you should get a pet,” Data suggested, knowing damn well what she was hinting at, but hoping he could feign ignorance.

“No, I don’t think that will be enough,” she purred. “I need a bigger body to keep me warm.”

“There are several types of dogs that are large, but make wonderful pets.”

Jenna put her hand on her hips and shook her head at him. “Are you angry with me for breaking up with you all those years ago?” she asked.

“No, your reasoning was sound. I missed the time we spent together after you left, but I adjusted quickly,” he told her truthfully.

She put her hands on his chest and looked into his eyes. “I didn’t want to do that, Data. I missed you too, but I wanted what you were not capable of giving. It was unfair to me and unfair to you to keep going. But now it can be different. You are capable of those feelings now and I realize I still have them for you.”

Data felt disconcerted by all of this. He knew Jenna had tried very hard to teach him about dating and what was expected. She had been patient and kind, and Data was thankful she had ended their relationship for the reason she had and not because he had been unacceptable in her eyes. She wanted more of him, but that part of him had yet to exist.

“Jenna, it is getting late. I should escort you to your quarters now. I have things I must attend to, but I am sure I will see you again before you leave the Enterprise. I hope you enjoyed the tour.”

Jenna could not deter Data this time. He took her to her quarters, but left quickly before she could even attempt to kiss him again. It was not as late as Data had tried to make it sound, so he headed straight for Gemma’s quarters, signaling her first to make sure she was still awake.

“What’s wrong, Data? Come in. Did something happen on the tour with your friend?” Gemma said all this as she pulled the distressed looking android into her quarters and led him to the couch. She kept hold of his hands, trying to comfort him, his upset was so strong.

“I dated her in the past,” Data told Gemma. “It was many years before my emotion chip and it failed because she wanted more and I could not give it to her. She wants to try again now!” Data blurted all of this out, as fast as he could to get it over.

Gemma did not even flinch. She knew Data was feeling guilt, but he was also feeling distaste and it was not directed at her.

“Do you have any interest in trying again with her, Data?” Gemma asked calmly.

“No!” he assured her strongly. “I have no interest, but I cannot seem to make her understand. I do not wish to upset or hurt her, but I do not want her to do anything which could damage my relationship with you. She kissed me today, Gemma. I did not expect her to do so. I am sorry.”

Gemma relaxed. Now she knew where the guilt was coming from. “Did you initiate the kiss?”

“No!”

“Did you kiss her later?”

“No!”

“Do you want to kiss her?”

“NO!”

“Do you want to kiss me?”

Data stopped. His eyes filled with a yearning. “Yes,” he said softly, hopefully.

Gemma smiled and leaned over to kiss him. Data pulled her into his arms very quickly and kissed her tenderly and then sensuously. Gemma broke the kiss to look at him. “I trust you, Data. Empathically, I also know you’re being completely honest with me and I’m glad you came to tell me all of this.” She caressed his cheek, fondly. “I don’t want you to hurt her either, but telling her this is not a good time for you shouldn’t be too bad.” Gemma kissed him tenderly. “Go home, Data. I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t worry about any of this, but thank you for coming and giving me your sweet kiss before I went to bed.” She walked the dazed android to her door, kissed him tenderly once again and then watched him head for his quarters.

Data could not help smiling as he made his way to his quarters. The research he had done many years ago had indicated many women would have been angry with a man if another woman had kissed him. Gemma said she trusted him and he pledged to himself he would never do anything to betray that trust.

It was 0500 when the door chimes to Data’s quarters rang. He was not expecting a visitor so he had no idea who it could be. His first thought was maybe Gemma wanted to have breakfast together before their shift started. When the door slid open he discovered...Jenna.

“Well, don’t look so happy to see me,” she told the obviously disappointed Data. “I thought we could have breakfast together this morning, Data.” She gave him no choice as she pulled him from his quarters. Data resisted at first but then decided this would be a good opportunity to let Jenna down gently.

Breakfast was pleasant enough considering Jenna was doing almost all the talking.

“Jenna, I need to speak to you about something,” he told her when she finally paused to take a bite of her toast. “You have spoken numerous times since you came on board that you wish to rekindle a romance between us. I do not wish to hurt you, however, as I indicated yesterday, I am already in a relationship with Commander Corazon.”

“Data, two dates is not a relationship,” Jenna smiled as she took another bite of toast.

Data was about to respond when Captain Picard’s voice came over his comm badge ordering him to report to his ready room. After acknowledging the order, Data began to rise from the table.

“Jenna, you need to understand that I cannot offer you anything more than friendship. I am sorry if you find that to be inadequate.” Data then turned and exited the lounge.

When Data entered the ready room he was pleasantly surprised to see Gemma had also been summoned. After they gave Picard an update on their guests, the captain began to speak of the previous evening’s reception.

“I wanted to let you both know that I have received very positive feedback from the delegation regarding the reception. They have indicated the highlight of the evening for them was the recital. It was the highlight for me also. Well done!”

“Thank you, sir,” Gemma smiled.

“Thank you, Captain. I must confess performing with Commander Corazon was also the highlight of my evening,” Data added.

Data was relieved his duties kept him on the bridge most of the day. The few times he left, Jenna somehow managed to track him down. Gemma could sense the frustration Data was experiencing. When she suggested they have dinner together in the lounge that evening he happily agreed although he did request they dine in his quarters instead.

As the couple got off the lift heading for their respective quarters, Gemma stopped him. “Why don’t you want to eat in the lounge, Data?” she asked, touching his arm gently.

Data sighed heavily. “Each time I left the bridge today, Jenna somehow found me and did her best to keep me from my duties. She also came to have breakfast with me at 0500 hours this morning.” Data again sighed. Since Data’s quarters were just a few meters away, Gemma pulled him there, saying she wanted to talk to him privately for a moment before she went to change.

“You told me you thought of her as a friend, don’t you want to spend some time with her. I told you last night that I trust you. If that’s what’s upsetting you, there’s no need. I-“

Data ran a finger down her cheek, gently. “No, that is not it. I reminded her that I am in a relationship with you, but she insists two dates is not a relationship. She believes there is no reason I cannot see her as well.”

Gemma digested this. “How do you feel about her assessment? Do you agree with it?” She could feel anger coming from Data at once.

“I do not. I see no relevance in the number of dates we have had. While I am aware that many humans date more than one person at a time, I do not feel comfortable with that practice. I am dating you. I wish to continue to date you and I have no wish to date anyone else.” Suddenly Data wondered how Gemma felt about those topics. “What are your feelings? Do they differ from mine?” he asked sounding insecure.

Now it was Gemma’s turn to caress his cheek. “No, not in the slightest. So I think we should have dinner in the lounge.”

Data looked upset again. “She will interrupt our meal. I predict a 7.124% probability that she will not.”

“Then we’ll invite her to join us another time, but politely inform her that we are sharing a private meal.”

Data considered this. “An intimate dinner, a special evening together. It would not be a lie as I feel every moment I spend with you is special.”

Gemma blushed. “You’re embarrassing me, Data,” she scolded him, looking towards her feet. He lifted her chin with a finger. “Okay, I’ll stop blushing, but you have to stop making me blush. Have we agreed to go to the lounge?” she asked.

Data sighed again. “I will acquiesce to your suggestion.”

Gemma giggled at his glum expression. “If you stop pouting I’ll put my hair up for you,” she offered, tilting her head to the side and grinning at him.

Data slowly smiled, liking her kind of bribery. Gemma stood on her toes to kiss his nose, but that was not enough for him. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her on the lips.   

Gemma left him a moment later, rushing to her quarters to change. Data rang for her twenty minutes later. He was breathless with surprise when she answered the door. Her auburn hair was piled on top of her head, leaving her beautiful neck bare. She wore a printed sheath dress, which featured a draped neckline that plunged in the back.

Data grinned at her, but was also having trouble controlling his emotional state. The trails of tears that Gemma’s dress and hairstyle revealed were more than appealing. She came towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“I think you like my dress,” she noted grinning knowingly at him.

Data could not resist. As he lifted his arms to return her embrace, he let one hand touch her bare back. The memory of Captain Picard telling Data how touch could have such a powerful affect on humans and connect them to an item came back to the android. Data still did not understand this in relation to inanimate objects, but here and now, Data understood how much closer to Gemma he felt each time they touched or kissed.   

Her lips were inviting as he kissed her now. The feel of her wonderfully soft skin as he ran his hand over her back overwhelmed him. He lost all interest in dinner, but he knew the one and only woman he was dating needed to eat, so reluctantly Data broke their kiss, took the arm of his beautiful lady and escorted her to dinner. 

The level of activity in the lounge was lower than normal. A number of challenges had been received from personnel on Deep Space Seven so many crewmembers were busy honing their skills for the various tournaments that had been planned for when the Enterprise arrived. Data led Gemma to a table at the back of the lounge that was next to a large window. The view was very calming but Gemma suspected Data had chosen this out-of-the-way location in case Jenna decided to make an appearance. If that was Data’s plan, it did not work. He and Gemma had just placed their orders when Jenna sat down to join them, not waiting for an invitation.

“Hi Data. I thought about that kind invitation of yours for the three of us to have dinner and decided to take you up on it,” Jenna smiled. She then turned to Gemma, “So you are the Enterprise’s second officer. You look so young to hold such a position. I hope you don’t find this too presumptuous, but how old are you?”

“Jenna, that is not an appropriate question-” Data started.

“It’s okay, Data, I don’t mind answering,” Gemma reassured him. “I’m 27, Jenna.”

“My goodness. Five years out of the Academy and you’re already a lieutenant commander. That is amazing. You must know some important people in high places to have risen so quickly,” Jenna laughed.

“Jenna, if you are implying that Gemma has not earned her promotions you are very mistaken. She is-” Data had more than a trace of impatience in his voice.

“Oh, I was only joking.” She turned from Gemma to Data. “You have always had difficulties in recognizing humor, haven’t you, Data?”

Their dinner order arrived before Data had an opportunity to reply, so he let it drop.

“So Data tells me you two are an item,” Jenna said to Gemma.

“An item?” Gemma asked, puzzled.

“Data, I thought you told me you two were an item. Did you stretch the truth?” Jenna asked.

“I don’t understand what you mean by an item.” Gemma turned to Data, “What does that mean?”

“It means we are involved in a romantic relationship,” Data smiled fondly at her. Her confusion once again reminded him of his own in past situations like this one.

“What a strange term,” Gemma said as she shook her head. “Yes, Jenna, Data and I are an item.” Gemma’s eyes were fixed on Data as she spoke.

“So is this officially your third date or doesn’t it count since I’m here too?” Jenna smirked.

“Whether it’s two dates or three is inconsequential, Jenna,” Gemma smiled. “Emotions indicate when it’s a relationship, not numbers.”

“I definitely agree,” Data smiled while reaching for Gemma’s hand across the table.

“Data, be a dear and get me a glass of water,” Jenna instructed Data. He reluctantly left the table leaving the two women alone.

“Okay, Gemma. I’m going to be blunt with you. I don’t believe you and Data are in a relationship. I want him back and I’m going to do everything in my power to get him back. You may as well back off now so you won’t be too hurt when he breaks up with you,” Jenna advised.

“Jenna, if you keep pursuing Data like this you will be the only one who is hurt,” Gemma gently replied. “I know how Data feels about me and how he feels about you.”

“You do, do you? And how do you know that?” she asked sarcastically.

“I’m empathic. I can sense Data’s emotions,” she related.

Jenna sat quietly for a moment, stunned by this revelation. Data, having returned with the glass of water, immediately knew something had happened during his absence.

“Data, it doesn’t bother you to be dating what is basically a worm with a pretty shell?” Jenna asked, trying a new approach.

“I do not understand what you are asking. Gemma is not a worm.” Both Data and Gemma were confused by this remark.

“Well, isn’t that basically what a Trill is?” she stated as if it should be obvious to him.

“Gemma is not Trill, Jenna. She is Kriosian. Furthermore I find your description of the Trill to be repugnant. They are a noble species. You could learn much from them,” Data stated. “Now, if you will excuse us, we have heard more than enough here.” Data rose, holding his hand out to Gemma. They started to walk away from the table when Data stopped.

“Gemma, please wait here,” Data requested. “There is one more thing I need to tell Jenna.” He walked back to the table, looking down on this woman he had once dated. In an authoritative tone he spoke, “In future you will show the proper respect to a superior officer or I will be forced to report you for insubordination.” Data returned to Gemma and, taking her hand, the two left the lounge.

The couple headed for Data’s quarters, but as soon as they walked through the door, Data stopped in his tracks. Gemma could now feel he had been controlling his emotions, but here in his own quarters, he felt free to release and express them.

“I do not believe I will be able to maintain a calm expression in Jenna’s presence should she pull another stunt like that again!” He was bubbling over with anger.

Gemma just wanted to soothe him, but some of his words confused her. “Pull another stunt?” she repeated. “Does that mean behave badly?” she asked him.

Data looked over at her and found the anger was draining away. He smiled gently down at her. “Yes, it does. I am sorry I lost my temper.” He brought his hands to her face and looked at her with great fondness.

“Don’t be. We all get angry, Data. You have the same right to get angry as the rest of us do. I will warn you that I don’t think she’s going to give up just yet.” Gemma shrugged helplessly.

Releasing her face, Data turned from Gemma and sighed, feeling the anger and frustration return. “How do I convince her I have no interest in her advances?” he growled, walking aimlessly into his living room. Following behind him, Gemma took a seat on his couch and let him walk out some of his anger.

“Why don’t you tell me about your prior relationship with her, if you want to. I could try and help, unless you think this would be better for the counselor to do?” Gemma asked, unsure of what she was saying.

“No,” Data said, dismissing this suggestion. “While the new counselor is quite capable, I would prefer to discuss this with you.” Now it was his turn to stop short. “If you do not mind hearing the details of my dating relationship with Jenna?”

Gemma looked a little uncomfortable, but stipulated, “If you leave out any very private moments, I don’t mind.”

Data raised an eyebrow, thinking. “If you are referring to sex, you need not worry. I did not engage in intimacy with Jenna.” 

Gemma blushed. “Oh, okay. Go ahead then.” She looked away, still blushing, but she was smiling too, so Data did not worry.

Still pacing, he told Gemma how the relationship started, how far it progressed and how it ended, only a few weeks later. “I simply was not able to give her what she wanted,” Data concluded, shrugging but still fuming.

“But now you can and she wants you,” Gemma observed.

Data stopped his pacing, feeling better just from talking to Gemma. He sat down next to her and took her hands in his. “I do not wish to give her anything but friendship. You, however, I wish to give more.” Data leaned in and kissed her. The anger he was feeling seemed to transmute instantly into wanting. He released her hands and wrapped one arm around her as his other hand cupped her cheek at first, but moved into her soft pulled up hair.

Gemma broke their kiss after Data pulled some of her hair down with his exploration. She was blushing a deep crimson and looked uncomfortable. “Data, I can feel what you’re feeling – I-I’m just not comfortable with-” she broke off, unable to continue.

Data lifted her chin gently. “I am sorry. I have no wish to cause you distress.”

“I know that. This is not an area I have a lot of success talking about. Non-Kriosians just don’t seem to understand. But I think you can if...Data, I have a copy of the Yehvengot, the book of happiness. It will explain much better than I can how we are taught to view intimacy. Will you read it?”

Data took her hands again. “I would be honored.” Data had heard of the Yehvengot but it was not in the Starfleet database, so he had not been able to read the spiritual book of the Kriosian people.

Gemma grinned at him, pleased. She stood, gave him a quick hug and told him she would return with the book. Gemma kept it in her bedroom, beside her bed, so she could read from it often. She grabbed the book and headed back to Data’s quarters, once she fixed the damage done to her hair. With a laugh, Gemma left her quarters.

Turning the corner, coming upon Data’s door, Gemma saw that Jenna stood in front of it, talking to an upset Data.

“She did not leave, she is right there,” Data was saying and then pointed at the approaching Gemma.

“What’s going on?” Gemma asked, clutching the book to her chest, as though for strength.

“I saw you leave. I thought I would visit with Data since you were gone,” Jenna explained, with a shrug and a glare for Gemma. “You’re bringing Data a book? Not much of a date if you’re just going to read, is it?” she questioned, sighing at Gemma’s assumed foolishness.

“It is a very important book, Jenna. If you will excuse us now, we have a date to continue.” Data reached out for Gemma and pulled her into his quarters past Jenna. With a dismissive nod to Jenna, he ordered the door shut and secured, just in case.

As the two moved back into Data’s quarters, Gemma could feel he was at a full boil again. She handed him the book and he scanned the contents before handing it back to her. She could feel he was struggling with his anger in order to better assimilate what he had just read, but was not having much success.

“Data, sit down beside me. I’m going to help you relax like you helped me.”

“If you are thinking of employing muscle manipulation, it will not help. I have no muscles-“

“No, I wasn’t.” Gemma grinned and patted the space beside her. With a skeptical expression and a sigh, Data sat. She moved them so they faced each other and brought her hands up to his face as she closed her eyes. Curling her fingers in, she caressed the sides of his face in a downward motion. Bringing her hands back to his temple, she repeated this motion.

A moment later, Data could feel a calm settling over him. His anger slowly evaporated and a peaceful happiness replaced it. The happiness grew stronger and seemed to also include a joyful excitement. Data felt slightly disoriented from this experience, but clarity returned to him and with it came the certainty these were not his feelings.

Opening his eyes, Data saw Gemma open hers as well. She smiled with the excited joy Data could feel. She nodded, answering the question in his eyes.

“You told me you could sense my emotions, I was not aware you could also project yours to me.”

Gemma smiled, still entranced by what she was feeling from him. “I didn’t know either, until just now. Oh, Data, you have the most beautiful soul. Your emotions - they speak to me.”

Data was startled by her choice of words. “You find anger to be beautiful?” he questioned.

She laughed, still caressing his face. “All of our feelings have a purpose. I want to get to know all of you. Your joys, fears, what makes you happy, sad, angry. You did not abandon me when I was upset about the slave traders. I will not abandon you for being angry.” Her tone was soothing and peaceful, further helping Data to release his anger and embrace the calm she offered him.

With a final sigh, Data relaxed. He opened his eyes again and pulled Gemma’s hands from his face, bringing each one to his lips to kiss with gratitude. He could feel his desire for her return, but he ordered it back, better understanding her feelings on the matter now.

In the Yehvengot, Data learned that casual sex between members of the empathic race was distasteful. If there were no deeper feelings between a mating pair, each would know and it became just an act of using the other. This was detrimental to the psyche, they were taught. However, a formal commitment could not be made before the pair knew if they were compatible sexually. Intimacy was seen as a vital part of a committed relationship and it was to be treated accordingly. There was almost a checklist of what needed to be present in a relationship before this next step should be taken. Data could see that while he and Gemma were actually following the correct path, by her beliefs, they were not there yet.

Respecting her wishes because he cared for her and because he found the guidelines in the Yehvengot quite practical, Data vowed he would not push her in this area until she told him she was ready.  

“You have a very beautiful culture, Gemma. The more I learn about your beliefs, about you, the more I want to learn. I want to know everything.” Data gently caressed her cheek as he spoke.

“I want to know everything about you too.” Gemma’s expression became a little more serious as she looked at Data. “We haven’t talked about our families, Data. You once mentioned you have a brother, Lore. Tell me about yours, please.”

“There is not much to tell. I was created by Dr. Noonien Soong on Omicron Theta. I have no memories of my time at the science colony other than being found by the crew of the Tripoli. I only met my father once, shortly before his death. He was a brilliant man. I have also only met my mother once. She left my father when they were living on Terlina III, after the attack of the Crystalline Entity. She has since remarried and is living on Atrea IV. I recently discovered the existence of my brother, B4. After I was lost, Starfleet Command ordered he be transferred to Starfleet Research. He was a prototype my father had created and was far from sentience. Captain Picard was unable to stop the transfer. I have communicated with him and he is progressing well.” Data paused for a moment, hesitating to continue. “Lore was created prior to me. He had perpetrated many terrible acts before I was forced to fire upon him. He was shut down and disassembled.” Data paused a second time. “I find it very difficult to speak about my brother,” he said as his voice trailed off.

“I understand, Data,” Gemma spoke softly.

“I did create an offspring. Her name was Lal however she suffered cascade failure and did not live long. She did greatly enrich my life during our brief time together.”

Gemma could sense the pain Data still felt from the loss of his child. She reached for Data’s hand, squeezing it gently, wishing she could take the hurt away.

“Now please, Gemma, tell me about your family.”

“I was very lucky to be raised in a home filled with love,” she began. She told Data about her parents and how their spirituality had guided the family through good times and bad. Now it was her turn to pause. “It seems we have another thing in common, Data” she sighed. “We both have brothers who have brought us shame. My brother, Thierry, is a government official on Krios. He is willing to do anything to advance his career, he cares only about himself.”

Data put his arm around Gemma, pulling her close to give her a comforting hug. Gemma turned her head, her gaze penetrating his eyes as if she were looking to the very depth of his being. He kissed her gently on the forehead before wrapping his other arm around her.

“Your embrace has such a powerful effect on me, Data. I like that,” she said as she cuddled in closer to him. They stayed in each other’s arms until it was time for Gemma to return to her quarters.

Data was expecting to be happier the next day when the Enterprise reached Deep Space Seven. The Federation Security Council members disembarked, but not before Jenna took Data’s hand in hers and rose on her toes to kiss Data’s cheek, right in front of Gemma. Data did not bother to suppress the sigh of impatience as the woman walked to the transporter pad.

“Energize,” Data ordered the chief petty officer. As the shimmering began, Data added, “Before I am forced to put my fist through something.”

Gemma looked from Data to the chief, without any expression on her face. “You are dismissed, Chief. Return here in fifteen minutes.” While her order confused the man, he did not dare question it. Once the door closed behind him, Gemma ordered it sealed and brought her fingers to Data’s temple. He closed his eyes and allowed her to work her magic with his state of mind.

“I should not require your help in this way,” he sighed.

Gemma chuckled softly as she continued to caress his face. “You’re dealing with a great many things right now, Data. Maybe this evening you should spend some time alone or maybe with Geordi,” she suggested.

Data’s eyes popped open and Gemma could feel his tension levels rise again. “You do not wish to be together?” he sounded hurt.

She smiled up at him, fondly. “That’s not it at all. I think I’m causing some of your tension and you just may need a break from that. I don’t want to take over your life, Data. I want us both to still have friends and spend time with them. Mark missed our last poker game and asked if I wanted to get together with him, Faalox and two nurses from sickbay tonight. I was going to ask if you wanted to come with me, but I think you need something that does not involve females you are dating or have dated for an evening.” He still did not look happy. “Did the captain give you tomorrow off?” she asked, closing her eyes again and trying to distract him.

“Yes, he called me into his ready room just this morning,” Data told her.

“Me too. Do you think I could convince our very handsome first officer to spend some time with the second officer of the Enterprise tomorrow?” she asked, coyly.

Data sighed again, but this time he sounded happy. “I would like that very much.” He sighed a third time but this one was laced with disappointment. “We had better get back to the bridge. The captain will want a report.” Feeling in control of his emotions again, Data opened his eyes as Gemma let her hands fall to her sides. He leaned over to kiss her on the forehead. “Will you have breakfast with me tomorrow morning?” he asked.

“I take it you want to start early. Have plans for tomorrow already?” she asked, doubting it.

“Only to spend that time with you.”

Gemma grinned at him. She ordered the door unsealed and they walked out together. “I was thinking we could look around the station and maybe invite Geordi to come with us. I’ve never seen one of the deep space stations before.”

“I think that is an excellent idea. I will ask him this evening, while you are refusing to see me.”

“Ah!” Gemma exclaimed, indignantly. She looked over to see him grinning at her. She was glad to see a happy expression on his face. She purposely collided with him, nudging him and laughing herself.  They made their way back to the bridge to complete the rest of their shift in good spirits.

Data talked to Geordi and the two agreed to get together that night for a holodeck adventure. As “Holmes” and “Watson” ambled down the corridor, Geordi could tell his friend’s thoughts were elsewhere.

“Are you looking forward to your shore leave tomorrow, Data?” he asked knowing the answer.

“Very much. Gemma and I were hoping you would join us.”

“I don’t know, Data. I’d just get in the way.” Geordi sounded very unsure of this idea. The thought of being the third wheel was not too appealing.

“You would not get in the way. We would both be very disappointed if you did not join us. Please, Geordi.” The expression on Data’s face made it impossible to refuse.

“Okay, I’ll come with you two but if I think I’m getting in the way I’ll head off on my own. Deal?” Geordi told him.

“Deal,” Data agreed as they entered the holodeck to begin the evening’s mystery.

Gemma had met up with Mark, Faalox and nurses Soonlee Hovaczek and Peter Smyth in the lounge.

“Gemma, you’re alone,” Mark said surprised. “I thought Commander Data would be with you. You didn’t have a fight or anything?”

“Data made plans with Geordi for tonight. Why would you think we had a fight?”

“There is no stopping ship gossip, I’m afraid,” Faalox started. “Someone started a rumor the commander had started seeing his former girlfriend, that woman who was with the delegation.”

“Yeah, what was her name?” Mark asked.

“Lieutenant Jenna Flanders,” Gemma sighed. ~ She’s probably the one who started the rumor. ~

“She didn’t cause any problems for you and Commander Data, did she?” Faalox asked.

“No, no problems. Would you mind if we changed the subject though?” Gemma requested.

“Of course not but if either of you need to talk you know where my office is,” Faalox reminded her.

“So who has shore leave tomorrow?” Mark asked.

As it turned out, Mark was the only one who did not. They discussed the various activities that were planned. Soonlee and Peter were on the sickbay Parrises Squares team that had been challenged by Deep Space Seven’s sickbay personnel to a match. Faalox was going to cheer them on as she had never been to a match before.

“It’s tough being the new guy in sickbay. I’m the lucky doctor who has to remain on duty,” he sighed.

Gemma left the group in the lounge at 2130 to head back to her quarters after being notified there was an incoming communication from Deep Space Seven for her.

“Kaylith Scott!” Gemma exclaimed as the view screen came on. “I had no idea you were on DS7.”

“I’ve only been here for a couple of months,” Kaylith smiled. “Look at you, second officer of the Enterprise. I’m so proud of you, Gemma, but then I always knew my former roomie was going to be a success. So I hope we’ll be able to get together tomorrow. You do have shore leave I hope.”

“I do. What time is your shift tomorrow. We have to get together.”

“As it happens I have arranged to have tomorrow off. Call me in the morning so we can make some plans. I’ve got to go now, Gemma, it’s poker night.”