Prologue

Data-

Stardate 2386.313

Captain Data was in his quarters on Starbase Armstrong in San Francisco, going over some scientific schematics. It has been quite a relief for the android to take a break from all the action in space. The downside of all of this was that two years stuck on a Starbase, was a little too nerve-wracking. He was still waiting on another command from Starfleet since his previous ship; the USS Enterprise-E had disintegrated. Data wondered if they were going to build another Enterprise or assign him on another ship. His thoughts were interrupted by a chime. Someone was at his door.

"Enter."

A slightly older woman in her mid-50's entered the room. She was average height, middle-weight with blue eyes and graying, blonde hair. She had on the same color uniform as Data except she had 6 pips instead of four; representing the ranking of an Admiral. The woman looked at Data and smiled.

"Hello, Captain." She greeted.

"Admiral Janeway," Data responded, standing up. "To what do I owe this visit?"

"I just wanted to see if you were enjoying your vacation."

"It has been very relaxing but I now feel like, to quote the human expression: 'an old man'."

Kathryn Janeway laughed at the Android's colorful comment. She has known Data for well over 20 years, since he was Lieutenant Commander serving aboard the USS Enterprise-D under the former Captain Jean-Luc Picard. It amazed Kathryn that this artificial life form was just a simple-minded android who wanted to be human. Now, he is a respected Starfleet officer and everyone recognizes him as a real sentient being.

"Well," She announced. "I have news for you that might rejuvenate your spirits."

"Really?"

"It's about your new assignment."

Data sat down on his couch to listen intently to what Janeway had to say.

"Would you like to sit down?" He offered.

"Thank you." Kathryn smiled. "Mind if I have some coffee?"

"Of course." Data went to the replicator. "Coffee. Two Creams and Four Sugars and Green Tea. Hot." Two cups appeared in the replicator. Data grabbed them and gave one to Kathryn.

"Thank you, Captain." She thanked.

Data smiled as he sat back down. "So, what have you come here to tell me?"

Kathryn took as sip of her coffee before making her big announcement: "Starfleet has commissioned a new starship. A new Enterprise."

"A new Enterprise?"

"I won't lie to you, Data. There was some debate in the matter; another ship with the name Enterprise. But in the end, we thought Starfleet without the Enterprise just won't be the same."

"I agree. So what class is it?"

"It will be Explorer-Class."

Data sat up with a curious look on his face.

"There has not been an Explorer-Class starship commissioned in 35 years." He remarked. "Not since the Horizon. Why has Starfleet decided to commission one now?"

"Because there are still civilizations and life-forms out there, waiting to be discovered," Janeway explained. "But the galaxies are so many light-years away; we don't have enough starships to specialize in that. You have the Titan taking care of the Neutral Zone, the Argonaut sailing in another nebula; you do understand my point, Captain?"

"Of course, Admiral." Data smiled. "So who have you decided to command the USS Enterprise-F?"

Kathryn looked at Data and smiled slyly. "Who do you think?"

Data's smile quickly faded when he realized who she was talking about. "Kathryn," He began. "You are not suggesting that I-"

"Why do you think I came to your quarters first? You became highly recommended, not only by Jean-Luc Picard, but by Capt. William Riker and Admiral Naima Shaman. You did exemplary work commanding the Enterprise-E, and you're one of the most highly decorated officers in Starfleet. I don't see any objection."

"My crewmembers and my Senior Staff from the Enterprise-E have already been reassigned. It is hard for me to….start from scratch."

Kathryn shrugged. "You're a very smart boy, Data. You can figure it out. Besides, you're not scheduled to ship out for another three weeks. You can find a good bridge crew by then."

After moments of thoughtful consideration, Data stood up and nodded: "I gratefully accept the command." He said.

"I knew you would." Kathryn smiled. "The Enterprise-F ships out in three weeks; I expect a full roster of your crew by then."

"Yes, ma'am."

When Admiral Janeway left his quarters, Data placed his head in his hands. This information was too much for someone to take in, even for an android like himself. But this was an opportunity too great to pass up. In his 46 years of existence, Data had never experienced something quite surreal like this.