Star Trek the Next Generation
Poisoned Artificial Rain
Chapter 1 A Want:
Lt. Commander Data was in the Turbo lift on his way back to the Main Bridge just getting done from his break from duty. Once he got to the Bridge, he asked if he could speak to Captain Picard.
Picard nodded then got up from his command chair and the two walked into the Ready room.
The Captain walked to his desk, sat down, then asked, "what can I do for you Mister Data?"
"Captain, it has been two years since we have been to E2…"
"You miss her, don't you?"
"It is not a matter of missing her, Captain, but more of a want to see her. I may be able to remember everything about her, but it is just not the same."
"If you like, I can schedule you for shore leave?"
"I would like that, Captain."
"But you're going to have to wait a few more months before we can take you to her planet. We're going to be very busy out in this region of space."
"Understood, sir. Thank you, sir."
Captain Picard nodded once and smiled.
Data turned to walk back out to his station, but stopped suddenly. Picard noticed this. "Is there more, Data?"
"I wish she was able to leave her planet, so we could be together."
"But you know that's not possible. She'll malfunction if she even tried to leave that world."
"I know, sir. I just wish there was a way to get around that."
"There might be one day."
"It is still puzzling to me on why her and her peoples creators programmed and forbid them not to be able to leave and have more of a free will."
"You got me on that one. Maybe their creators are just too scared to let them roam alone and worry about them getting damaged in someway? But they can do whatever they want on E2. Just like you, they can fall in love with whomever they want and start families of their own."
"Yes, that is true. But not for Dana and I."
Captain Picard walked over to him and laid a reassuring hand on Data's shoulder. "If only there was something I could do to allow you two to be together. I don't want one of my officers to be unstable and unable to fill out his duties."
"I will try my hardest not be that way, sir."
"Good. Now get back to your station."
"Aye sir."