Later on, when Geordie entered Charlotte's quarters, he was arrested by the sound of music. Glancing into the bedroom, he saw her playing an unfamiliar piece of music- on what looked like Data's violin.

Charlotte hadn't heard him come in, so when she finished, she was startled by his clapping. Turning, she found him in the doorway, smiling.

"Very good! I don't think I've heard that one before."

"I didn't play it at the concert. It's a new one. I've been saving it for a while. It sounds better with another instrument." She sighed. "There were so many songs I was gonna play when I came back. I was gonna replicate a violin of my own and we were gonna do duets…" Her lips trembled and she sat down quickly, not wanting to dissolve in front of Geordie.

He seemed to sense that, and tactfully changed the subject. "So, twelve years and you're only an Ensign? What've you been doing with yourself?"

Charlotte regained herself and laughed. "I didn't go to the Academy immediately. Papa wanted to travel, and he took me with him. We planet-hopped, visiting friends and family in the human settlements. Then he died, and I wondered what to do with myself. I figured that the only way to see Data again would be to join Starfleet and somehow get onto the Enterprise, which I finally managed to do- but I guess I was too late, huh?"

"How long have you been an Ensign?"

"This is my fourth year. Captain Logan figured that I was impetuous and need to learn to think before I act, so he decided to wait another year before bumping me up to Junior Lieutenant."

"Well, he's right about one thing."

"What's that?"

"You being impetuous." Geordie laughed. "Remember that time you kidnapped Wesley and stole a shuttle to go and rescue Data when the rest of us were out of it? Or when you stowed away on our away mission to escape your grandfather?"

"Every day," Charlotte answered quietly. She sighed again and stared at the floor. "How did you take it?"

"What?"

"Data's death."

"Badly." He sat down next to her on the bed. "Well, I had to put on a brave face, especially when Worf and I were going through his things. I mean, I couldn't cry in front of a Klingon! Inside, though, I was broken up. Still am, I think." He took a shaky breath. "So, what about you? How are you taking it?"

"I think the shock is starting to wear off. I'm just realising that that he's gone. I'm never going to see my Data again…" Tears spilled down her cheeks as she started to cry for the first time. "I thought that putting up a few of his paintings would make it seem like he's still here…" she gestured around the room, where Geordie could see a few familiar pieces of artwork propped up on tables and chairs. "But it doesn't. And the universe seems so empty now."

Geordie sat down and put his arm around her as she sobbed. "I know, I know. But you know what? I don't think he'd want you to go to pieces like this."

"He was ever the practical one," she choked, wiping her eyes. "I'll be fine."

"He wasn't always practical, you know." Geordie smirked, remembering. "I remember we installed an emotion chip and went to Ten-Forward to try it out. Guinen gave him a new drink and his reaction…" He laughed. "He hated the stuff! But he was so intrigued by the emotional response it produced that he kept asking for more!"

Charlotte laughed with him. "Thanks, Commander. For trying to cheer me up."

"No problem." Geordie stood up. "Now, I should probably get going. See you around."

"Yeah."

After he left, Charlotte picked up the violin again and stared into the distance, a smiled coming to her lips as her mind filled with fond memories. Putting the bow to the strings, she began to play.