One week had passed. Data had done his best to teach her. He didn't expect her to understand everything but because she never talked or even looked into his eyes he couldn't know how much she understood.

They sat in Ten-Forward, trying various drinks. Maybe one was to her liking.

She put the glass to her lips and took a sip. Her eyes went wide and she began coughing.

Data went around the table and carefully patted her back until she stopped.

"I believe we should try something else," he stated more to himself.

"Thank you."

Data's eyes widened. "Did you just speak English?"

She nodded.

"And you can understand me when I speak English?"

She nodded again. "I believe so."

"But only one week ago you could not understand a single word."

She shrugged. "I am a quick learner."

"It would appear so. But be that as it may, what is wrong? Why did you choke? Are you alright?"

"The baby. It…kicked. Ouw! And it still does," she whimpered.

He helped her up. "I will help you to sickbay."

Dr. Crusher smiled at the tricorder readings. "It is alright. It's going to be uncomfortable but it is normal." She waited for Data to translate.

Instead Katharina nodded. "Thank you, Dr. Crusher."

The doctor looked at the android. "She understands us properly and even talks?"

"Yes. I too was quite surprised."

"Amazing. Well, it would be best if you get her to her quarters. She needs to relax."

So Data accompanied her to her door but before he could leave she called him back.

"Would it be inappropriate to ask you to stay? I feel…lonely and lost."

Data considered it. "It is not inappropriate. I will comply gladly if it makes you feel better."

They stepped inside and she put on a wide, long nightgown.

He led her to her bed and covered her with the blanket. Then he took a chair from the kitchen, carried it into the bedroom and sat down next to the bed.

"Thank you, Commander. For everything."

"You are welcome. Shall we talk until you fall asleep?"

She nodded but grimaced.

"The baby?"

"Yes."

He reached out to touch her but reconsidered. In her culture no one but her husband was supposed to touch her.

"You want to feel it too?"

Data looked confused. As an answer she took his hand and placed it on her belly.

Now he felt it. The child was very restless.

"Marvelous."

"Yes, it is a little marvel," she said with a small smile.

"Indeed."

"What happens to us when the child is born?"

"I do not know. But we will make sure that you are not alone."

He looked at their hands. His hand lay on top of her stomach and hers over his hand.

He took her hand in his and gently rubbed the back of it with his thumb.

She closed her eyes and sighed. "That feels nice. It's the first time some one's so gentle."

"Your husband is not?" Data asked. He knew from the letter that that man didn't treat her well but even men who beat their women could be gentle every now and then.

She shook her head. "He doesn't have to. As long as he gets me pregnant he can do it however he wants. When we created the baby it…hurt a lot."

"He did not pleasure you or gave you time to become aroused?"

"I don't know what pleasure and arousal feel like so I can't tell. We just did the act and that's the end of the story."

Data couldn't believe his ears. "How can a man treat his own wife like this?"

She frowned. "He has the right to do so. I'm his." She looked away suddenly.

"What is wrong?"

"I just thought about what happens when he finds us. I'm…scared." Her voice sounded like she was close to crying.

He thought for a moment. "Do you know what a hug is?"

"Yes, my great-grandfather sometimes gave me one," she sobbed.

"Would you mind if I hug you? You appear to need it."

She looked at him in surprise but then stood up. He did the same and carefully took her into his arms, stroking her head and back as he had seen humans do it often. He felt her arms going around him and heard her trying to keep her tears in check.

"You do not have to hold back. I know that you are not allowed to express your feelings in your culture but here you can. Cry if you need it."

Her shoulders shook as she began to cry openly into his shoulder. He kept stroking her.

She pulled back after a moment. "Thank you."

"You are welcome. Are you feeling better?"

She nodded. "Yes, Commander. Much better."

"Please just call me Data. It is more appropriate in this context."

She smiled a little. "Then would you mind calling me Katharina? I don't need the title anymore if I'll never return to my home."

He smiled back. "Alright, Katharina."

"May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"What are you? You don't smell like blood and sweat like your comrades. You smell…neutral."

Data nodded. He had heard about the sensitivity of her nose.

"I am an android. A machine like the ones you have seen…"

"No. You're not like the other machines. You are a really nice guy. No matter what you are made of."

He half-smiled. "Thank you. That is the nicest thing a woman has ever said to me."

She smiled brightly. "You are welcome." She kissed his cheek.

"Why did you do that?"

"I have read that it is a sign of affection and gratitude. I like you, Data and I am very grateful for you spending time with me."

He tucked her back into her bed. "No problem. I will be there whenever you need me."

She took his hand after he had sat down. "What are we going to do tomorrow?"

"We will talk to the captain. Now that you speak our language we have some questions for you."

She nodded. "I will answer them as good as I can."

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Now sleep. You need it. I will be still here when you awake."

She smiled and closed her eyes. "I believe the right phrase is: Goodnight, Data."

He smiled. "Pleasant dreams, Katharina."

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