The arboretum was a special deck on the Enterprise. Combining nature and holographic technology, it was made to look like a primeval forest.

Data and Qoyana went there, one afternoon. The entered and began walking on one of the paths.

Data stopped at a bush. "Camda-berries." He picked one and gave it to her. "Try one."

She ate it. "Very tasty, Data."

They continued on. He next stopped at a small tree with unusual red leaves. He plucked one and gave it to her.

"A plarith tree. Its leaves are edible. Try it, Qoy."

She put it in her mouth and chewed it. "It tastes like lemon."

Thus they continued. They occasionally stopped to admire a plant and sometimes even sample it. At last, the trail went to a babbling brook.

"Data, let's wade in the water."

"With our boots on?"

"No, silly! We'll take them off, first."

"All right."

They took their boots and socks off and rolled their pants legs up. Carrying their boots, they stepped into the creek.

"The water is cold, yet strangely refreshing."

"You're right Data. Come."

They waded in the direction the water was flowing. At a bend, there was a large silt deposit. Data walked into this.

Qoy smiled. "Data!"

"The mud feels most pleasant on my feet. Join me, Qoy."

She walked to where he was. "Yes, it does feel nice."

She put her arms around him, and they kissed. Then they waded back in the clearer water and continued on.

Suddenly, Qoy tripped and fell into the water!

"Qoy!" He knelt down by her head. "Are you all right?"

"I guess so. I stepped on a sharp pebble."

"I will attend to it."

He walked over to her feet and knelt down. "Which foot is it?"

She wiggled her right toes. "This one."

He picked the foot up and began massaging it. She winced when he rubbed where the pebble was.

"I am sorry, Qoy."

"It's OK. That feels better, thank you."

"I have just realized something: we are sitting in water with our uniforms on."

"Yes, we are, Data!"

"This is a first for me."

"Me, too." She got up. "But I think we should be going now. Thanks for the massage."

"I will massage your feet whenever you require it, Qoy."

She smile. "I'm sure you will!"

He also got up. "I feel chilled."

"That's because our clothes are wet, Data!"

"Yes, of course. Oh, here are your boots.

They were in the water; she dropped them when she fell in. He picked them up and gave them to her.

"Thank you, Data.

They sat in the grass for a while. Then they put their boots back on and began walking back.

Along the way, they met William and Deanna. They said hi.

"Deanna put her hand on Qoy's wet shoulder. "What happened to you?"

"We had a little accident," she said.

"We waded in the creek. Qoy tripped on a stone and fell in," Data explained.

Deanna smiled. "I see!"

They talked a little longer, then they said goodbye and parted ways.

"Our little Data is in love!," said William.

"They make a cute couple!," said Deanna.