Chapter 2

It had been 2 weeks since I last spoke with Data. I knew he said he couldn't forget me and I assumed that he had things he had to do being a bridge officer, but I was still curious as to how he was. I knew he and Commander LaForge were friends so I inquired about him before I left my post for the day.

"Excuse me Sir, I had spoken with Commander Data two weeks ago. He had a question for me that I didn't answer. Do you know how he's doing? I don't mean to pry and if you can't tell me then, that's alright, but I…"

"Ensign, it's okay. Data is Data. He's alright, just busy. I'll let him know you asked about him."

"Thank you, Sir. I really don't mean to be a bother."

"It's no bother at all." he said with a smile and touched my arm. I pulled my am away slowly and focused on my breathing and tried not to look terrified.

"I'm sorry, Ensign." he looked at me quite concerned.

I shook my head, "It's...you didn't know. If Commander Data would like to find me, I'll be in holodeck 4."

"Alright, I'll let him know."

I turned and walked away as quickly as possible without trying to cause anymore suspicion.

Data met Geordi in 10 Forward later that evening.

"Ya know Data, Ensign Young was asking about you today. She said you had a question for her that she hasn't answered yet."

"That is correct. I would like to know how she could 'understand what I am going through.'"

"You still haven't asked her?"

"I have asked her, but she has said that she will tell me 'in time.' I have been trying to give her that 'time' she required."

"I see, well. I think what she meant was that she wanted to get to know you first. Having one conversation doesn't allow a human enough time spent with another person to reveal personal information. Like how you and I got to know each other. It takes lots of talking and spending time together." Geordie sighed.

"What is wrong, Geordi?"

"Data, I think I might have scared her. I don't know how, but when she was asking about you, I tried to reassure her and I touched her arm, just some friendly contact. She suddenly froze and looked terrified. I tried to apologize, but I don't think I got through to her. Talk to her for me, please? I don't want her to be scared of her commanding officer."

Data cocked his head and became concerned. One of his duties was to the wellbeing of all of the crew and another of his duties was being a friend to Geordie; he would talk with Emma about the incident.

"I will do as you ask, Geordie."

"Thanks, Data. She said she would be in holodeck 4 this evening."

Data made his way to holodeck 4. For the second time, he saw there were privacy settings engaged. "Computer, tell Ensign Young, Commander Data requests entrance." A moment later, the door opened and again he found her in a holodeck with no program running. He looked at her and she was holding a book and appeared to have been crying.

"Emma, what is wrong?" If Geordie had hurt her, he would have to report it and take her to see Dr. Crusher.

"Oh, Data," I replied wiping the tear stains from my face, "I was just about to head home. Would you like to join me there?"

"That would be acceptable." he replied and offered his arm to me. I smiled and linked my arm with his.

We were almost to my room when Data said, "Geordi told me about an incident that happened between the two of you. He said you looked terrified. If he did something to you, that was unacceptable. I would like to know."

"Data, are you asking me this as a friend or as my commanding officer?"

"It is both."

"Then please, come in." I said as we reached my door. "This conversation is not meant to be held in the hallway." I gestured for him to go in first and as he did, I dropped the book I was carrying. My heart stopped as the contents within the book flew out. Data, faster than I could comprehend, picked up the book and the single photo that floated to the floor.

He stared at the photo, a newborn baby boy with curly brown hair had tubes coming out of his mouth, nose, and arms. He had wires hooked up to him monitoring his life signs. Data's eyes widened. "A Christian Bible and a photo of an infant. Emma, who is he?"

I had crossed to my couch and sat down. "I hadn't meant for you to see that yet. His name's David. Take a moment to find out about King David from the book you're holding." Data did his rapid eye blinking thing to access the information she asked him to.

"David, King of the Israelites. Killed a giant called Goliath, made many mistakes, but was still considered a man after God's own heart. Name meaning…" Data looked at me then and whispered, "beloved." He handed me back the book and photo "Lal's name means 'beloved' as well."

"Data, please sit down." he did, "You have questions that need to be answered, but I need to answer your question about Geordi first. No, he didn't hurt me. I have what you would call PTSD. More often you hear about people having this from being in a war zone. It's like being stuck in a memory loop that isn't able to be fixed. The experience and the pain is just something I've had to learn to live with. My reaction to Geordi is a reflex from the pain that past experience has caused. Maybe one day, I will tell you the whole story, but right now I can't. Even after all these years, I'm still fragile."

"I believe I understand. In my past experiences, I have found that when a friend is in need of comfort, a hug is usually an appropriate response. Is that the same in your case?"

"Yes, Data."

He moved closer to me and gave me the most awkward, but meaningful hug. I couldn't control myself. I clung to him and wept. He became very still, "Emma? Emma, have I hurt you in some way?"

I shook my head 'no.' I didn't have the words at the moment.

"Emma, I must have a verbal confirmation or my ethics program will require me to leave."

I clung to him tighter. I didn't want him to leave. "No, Data. I just haven't been hugged in six years. I forgot how comforting it was."

"Have you been alone for six years?" he asked me.

I had cried myself out and sat up. "There is a difference between being alone and being lonely, Data. Have I been alone for six years? No. Have I been lonely for six years? Yes."

"I do not understand."

"Data, if something terrible were to happen to you and you never came home, you would be missed dearly. If something like that were to ever happen to me, no one would even know I'm gone."

"That is not true. I would know."

"Thanks, Data. Come by holodeck 4 same time next week and I'll answer the question you first asked me. I think we just took a major step in our friendship tonight."

"I am glad to be counted among your friends, Emma. I think of you as one of mine as well."

"Friend." I corrected, "Data, you are my only friend."