Here we go, the first two chapters of my newest story. Set after Nemesis, Charlotte is still picking up the pieces and Data has command of the Enterprise. I couldn't think of a better title, but if anyone has any suggestions, go right ahead. Please R/R, NO TROLLING.

Oh, and i own nothing.

Captain Picard put down his bag for a moment and shook his new first officer's hand. "I trust you'll keep everything in ship-shape while I'm away?"

"I shall do everything in my power to comply with your wishes, Captain."

"I know you will." Picard smiled, picked up his bag and nodded to the crewman at the console. "Energise."

As Picard disappeared in a shimmer of blue light, a twinge of satisfaction ran through Data's circuits, closely followed by a little anxiety. He was now captain of the Enterprise. For one whole month.

It had taken quite a while to persuade Picard to take a holiday. CMO Ally Jenkins had insisted on it, and had actually gone to the extent of contacting Beverly Crusher at Starfleet Medical and Deanna Riker from the USS Titan. Beverly and Deanna, of course, had taken Doctor Jenkins' side, and faced by three stubborn women, Picard had reluctantly agreed. Another half-hearted protest had taken place when he heard how long they meant for him to be away for, but it was quickly smothered.

And now Data had the ship to himself. He had had a command of his own before (even if it was for just a day or two), not to mention the numerous times he had taken the night watch, but this was different. He didn't quite know how or why, but it was. And he liked it.

As the Bridge doors opened, Data ran through their mission: assisting Somelian trade ships through the sector. Somelians were well-known for their crafting skills, but were not a very technologically advanced race; hence, their ships would often malfunction or break down. Their cargo was particularly important, they had assured the Captain, and needed to be delivered to Mondaran 3 within a specific period of time. So the Enterprise was on hand to make sure everything ran smoothly. Not the most adventurous mission, but still.

Data took his place in the captain's chair and nearly sighed with contentment. "Conn, set a course to the Kolaras system and proceed at warp 6."

There was no answer.

"Conn?" He leaned forward, studying the girl at the conn. "Lieutenant Hope, I gave you an order."

"What?" The girl snapped out of her reverie and frowned. "Sorry Da- I mean, sir. I didn't hear you. What did you say?"

"I said, set course to the Kolaras system and proceed at warp 6."

"Yes sir. Warp 6."

As the Enterprise jumped to warp, Data opened his mouth to remind the girl about the rules regarding daydreaming during shift hours, but stopped himself. Lt. Hope had been very sombre since her double's death a few months ago, and was often prone to getting lost in her own thoughts. It was understandable, considering the circumstances that had preceded it.

Charlotte tried to clear her mind and focus on her task, but found it to be impossible. Just the fact that she was back in uniform was disconcerting- it gave a sense of finality to the events that had taken places a few months ago. She was no longer living a borrowed life; everything was now hers. She had officially replaced her double, and it bothered her.

It also didn't help that she was purposely avoiding Data, as if by avoiding him she could also avoid the guilt that followed her around like a cloud above her head. Oh, she knew it was illogical to feel guilt over something that she couldn't have prevented. She knew that letting C2 go instead of her had been the more reasonable thing to do. But that didn't make her feel any better.

Charlotte sighed and checked the chronometer on her console. There was two hours left of her shift. She could handle that as long as she stayed out of her own thoughts…