Data contacted Counselor Troi through the computer.
"Yes, Data."
"I was wondering if I might see you about something, right now."
"Sure. I'm not too busy, at the moment."
"I will be there in exactly 2:36."
She smiled. "All right."
It was actually closer to three minutes!
"I am sorry I am a little late. There were a lot of people in the elevator."
"That's OK. So what's up?"
"Why, air is what is up. It is composed of 20%-"
"-No, Data! I mean what did you want to see me about!"
"Oh, I see. I would like you to help me with an experiment."
"An experiment?"
"Yes. In an effort to be more human, I am learning new things. 30:15 ago, I learned how to massage a person's feet. I would like to try it on you, if you would be willing."
"Well. . . All right, Data. Come with me."
She led him to a nearby couch. They sat down, and she removed her boots and stockings. Then she laid down and put her feet in his lap, and he began massaging them.
He worked very fast, and he applied too much pressure. She pulled her feet away with an "Ouch!"
"Did I hurt you? I am sorry."
"It's OK. Don't do it so hard, please."
She put her feet back down, and he continued. Within just one minute, he was finished.
"How was it, Counselor Troi?"
"Well. . . ."
"Are you going to say something negative? It is quite all right."
"Data, how long did it take you to learn massage?"
"22 seconds. I searched all pertinent records from the computer."
"I thought so. Data, something like massage needs a 'human touch.'"
"A 'human touch,' counselor?"
"Yes. For example, you hurt me when you started doing it."
"I am sorry."
"I told you, that's OK, it's your first time. And also, you were too quick. A good foot rub can go for 10-30 minutes, perhaps even longer."
"I see. So I should do it longer, and not exert so much pressure."
"Yes. Oh, and I have an idea:"
She got up and went over to her replicater.
"A jar of Dyona lotion, please."
"Yes, Ms Troi."
A few seconds later, it was ready. She picked it up, walked back to the couch, sat down, and handed it to him.
"Apply this lotion to my feet before massaging."
"All right."
Once again, she lied down and put her feet in his lap. He opened the jar, and poured the entire contents of it over her feet! A lot of it ended up in his lap!
"Uh, Data, not so much, next time~ You only need a little bit."
"I am sorry. I guess I am making a 'mess of it,' if you will excuse the expression."
"It's OK. Like I said, you're learning."
He began his massage. This time, he worked slower, and without so much pressure.
"That's much better, Data."
"Thank you."
He continued for a few minutes.
"Data, would you mind stopping, now? There's some work I've got to finish."
"All right." He got up. "Perhaps I will massage the captain's feet."
"Uh, I would advise against that, Data! Most men would prefer a woman to massage them."
"I see. Perhaps Dr Crusher would like a foot massage."
"Perhaps she would."
"Thank you for your advice, Counselor."
"Thank you for the massage, Data."
He left.
A few minutes later, Riker came in. They said hi. Noticing her bare feet, he said "Uncomfortable shoes?"
"Data just massaged my feet."
He smiled. "And how was it?"
"A little rough at first, but it was nice when he got the hang of it. Oh, would you get me a towel, please?"
"Sure, Dee."
He went to the bathroom, got a towel, and gave it to her. She wiped the lotion off her feet and the couch, and briefly told him what happened. He smiled even more!
"Maybe he'll start a new career!," he said.
"Maybe he will! Oh, that reminds me, perhaps I should 'warn' Beverly about it."
"Good idea!"