Chapter 2. Acquaintance
I switched on my personal computer and decided to copy some files, install programmes for further work. Time flew by. Somebody rang to the doorbell.
«Come in». It was Data.
«You are already working?» he asked.
«I want just prepare my workplace. I don't like when, if necessary, I will not have the customized tool at hand.»
«Same as me» Data noticed. «Do you want eat something? We arranged dinner.»
«Oh! It sounds tempting.» I noticed.
«Some members of senior command staff want getting acquainted better with you. Are you ready? Or need more time?» Data asked.
«I want to change my bathrobe. It will take just 2 minute. Can you wait me on the coach, pkease?»
«Sure.»
«Just a moment.»
I went to my bathroom where were my jacket and jeans. I love such type of closing because it is convenient, practical and emphasizes my chiseled figure. :)
I went out from bathroom.
«So, lets go.», I said.
Data gave me a long, silent look from head to toes.
«Is it suitable for dinner?»
«Absolutely.» Data answered. «By the way, you look great.»
«Thank you.»
We left my quater and went to common room. Here was buffet table and some members of command officers: capitan Jean-Luk Picard, the first officer William Riker, Councelor Deanna Troy, chief medical officer Beverly Crasher and two or three more. Everyone was dressed in ordinary clothes. Only Data didn't change his gold uniform. I should admit it fits him perfectly.
«Good evening, mrs Helena», captain greeted me. «Is your quater is comfortable.»
«Thank you captain. The quater is very convenient and spacious. I received all what I need. Mr Data took care of everything.»
«Very well», captain said. «Let me introduce you my first officer William Riker and chief medical officer Beverly Crasher.»
«Hello, nice to meet you».
We all gathered in a small circle.
Captain continued:
«So, we got an trilling message a month ago about your significant scientific researsh from fleet command. I also know that a few more ships are involved in this mission and your colleagues have been assigned there.»
«Yes, that is right.» I confirmed.
«Please, explain to us what it is all about?»
«Professor Thomas Artwood and I discovered and developed a very interesting mathematical, cybernatical and physical theoryat the same time. We called it theory of chaos. Because it describes how system can be formed from chaos, which minimal conditions and parametres need for this and how system can evolve to very complex state. All it can be formalized mathimatically. It is very important because it can be programmed and, consequently, calculated and predicted. Well, it is to say in a few words.»
«Yes, and now this theory needs some practical confirmation.» Data said. «It can be applied to the wide range of areas».
«Data are you interested in this topic?» Riker asked curiously.
«Yes. I am interested in developing cybernetical aspects of the theory.» Data explained. «The artificial Intelligence especially.»
«Oh, I see», said captain. «That's why you showed such a lively interest.»
«Of course», Data continued rather passionately. «And because the destiny gives me such a unique opportunity to meet one of the creator of this theory, captain, I asked for your permition to cooperate with mrs Hudson and help her, if necessary.»
Captain frowned for a second. «Why not. I give the permittion. Lets try»
«Great!» Data exclaimed and continued «Mrs Hudson, what do you think?»
«It would be nice. I agree and I think, I will need some help.»
We chatted a little bit and ate some food. Evening was continuing. The urgency of first acquaintance began to wane. Actually it was always quite difficult to me to establish the first contact, the first meeting. It always takes too much of my inner energy. That's why I tried to catch proper moment and find a quiet corner to be alone with my own thoughts. I did that. I was sitting alone deeply in my thoughts when Data approached me.
«Helena, why are you sitting here all alone?» There was a hint of concern in his voice. «As your guide I should not leave you like this. I'm sorry.»
«No Data, it is ok. I wanted to be alone a little bit.»
«Well, ok. How do you feel now? Can I join?»
«Of course. I had one idea about my theory and needed some time to think it over. Now it is ok.»
«Great.» Data was silent a few seconds. «You know, we together with captain decided to arrange dances in the end of the evening. Do you like this idea?»
I was surprised. «Definitely!»
«I'm glad to hear it. So…» Data smirk «I want this first dance with you, Helen.»
I looked into his golden eyes. They were sparkling mischievously. I took a deep breathe.
«I agree.» Data nodded and calm slow music began playing. We went to the middle of the room. He led gently but confidently. He pulled me quite close that I could feel his breathing. I felt calm and secure in his hands. My body and mind relaxed. Deanna and Will joined us, and captain with Beverly started dancing also.
«Helen» he started, «you know, I've read your works and biography. So I quite respect you. Maybe I was a bit intrusive. We just met after all…» Data fell silent choosing words. I feel like there were too many words. And he couldn't find this one but right phrase to explain his true.
Than Data looked straight into my eyes and said seriously «I think, I want to be your friend.»
«Data, sure» I answered calmly. «I also want to behave that way because I know many remarkable things about you and your service in the Starfleet. It is honour for me to meet you and work with you»
He half-smiled. «Good».
Soon the evening was over. I said goodbye to everyone and ask Data to accompany me to my quater. I don't know why, but I don't want to part with him, I wanted to be with him a little more. Maybe because I felt calm and secure with him?..
We left the common room and went into turbolift.
«Deck 3» Data said.
«The evening was wonderful» I noticed «Thanks for dancing. By the way, what will we do tomorrow? I prepared short review report for crew»
«Good. Lets start with it tomorrow.»
We came to my quater.
«So here we are» I said. «till tomorrow»
Data looked into my eyes: «Yes. Good night, Helen.»
«Good night, Data».