Once again, Dr. Crusher employed Data to give massages to her female clients. And once again, Ensign Qoyana Klix visited him.
"Hi, Data."
"Hello, Qoy. Would you like another foot massage?"
"Yes, please."
"Coming right up!"
She took her boots and socks off and lied down on the table. As he began his massage, he noticed something: Her toenails were painted gold.
"Your toes are a very pleasing gold color."
She smiled. "Thank you, Data. I did them last night."
"But there is something I do not understand."
"What?"
"Why go through the trouble of that when you wear boots that hide them?"
"Oh. Well, you see, I like to wear sandals, when I'm off duty."
"Oh, now I comprehend."
"Do here, please." She pointed to a spot on her left foot. He massaged it. "That's better."
"I have been thinking about what you said to me, when you were here last."
"You mean about love?"
"That is correct. I would like to try an experiment. And I want you to participate with me."
"All right."
"I would like you to go out with me on a romantic encounter."
"A romantic encounter?"
"That is what I said."
"Do you mean. . . a date?"
"Is that the expression commonly used for this?"
"Yes."
"Well then, that is what I mean. Let us call this a 'teaching date.' You will teach me how to behave, during such an encounter-what to do, and what not to do."
She thought for a bit. "Data, I can certainly teach you these things. But I can't teach you how to experience love. That's something you'll have to learn on your own."
"I am aware of that, Qoy. But perhaps I will begin to feel the emotion of love, while we are doing this."
She nodded. "All right, Data. I will do this with you. How about tomorrow night at 1900 hours. I can meet you on the bridge."
"That sounds acceptable. It is, as they say, a date!"
She smiled. "Yes, Data!" Then she stood up and began putting her boots and socks back on. "I've got to be going, now. See you tomorrow."
"Thank you for agreeing to do this with me, Qoy."
"I told you I'd help you, didn't I?"
"Yes, you certainly did. Goodbye, for now."
"Thanks for the massage."
"That is what I am here for."
On her way out, she saw Dr. Crusher.
"Data and I are going on a date, tomorrow night!"
She smiled. "You lucky girl, honey!"