Data spent the entire night analyzing and reanalyzing the day and evening through his mind. He found himself drawn to Summer, and until
just a few hours before he was due on the bridge, he couldn't figure out why.
She'd told him about her life, and why she was in the situation she was in. It was her people's way, and while she was human, they raised
her, and therefore, she owed them.
This is not right, Data thought. She is a living being. She should not have to be forced to marry someone whom she does not love. Especially
given how young she is.
If he were human, the thought of that man, in any way, touching her, would have made his blood boil. As he was, he simply vented his anger
by painting.
After a while, he started figuring out the truth.
"I believe I am falling in love." He finally said aloud. This made him feel a little better. But to be sure, he decided to ask Counselor Troi when he
got the chance.
"Counselor, do you know of Ambassador Vacton's plans for today?" Data asked her as they broke for lunch. Troi eyed him suspiciously. She
sensed his strong dislike for the man, but brushed it off. He wouldn't hurt anyone, she thought.
"I believe him and his fiance have planned another tour of the ship." Troi said.
After his shift ended, Data made a beeline straight for Counselor Troi's office, to talk to her again.
"Enter," She called as he rang her doorchime.
Taking a deep breath, Data stepped forward and the doors opened.
"Data," Counselor Troi greeted him. It wasn't very often her android friend came to see her, but since he'd had his emotion chip installed, a
little over a year ago, he'd been around more often.
"I need to speak with you," he said. Before she could say it, he made himself comfortable on the sofa. Clasping his hands, he started.
"I believe I have fallen in love with someone." He decieded to keep to himself who that was.
Counselor Troi was a little surprised. while she could sense this from him, he was also filled with confusion, uncertainty, fear, and the usual
curiosity of a new emotion. she got up from her desk and sat next to him.
"What do you wish to do?" She asked. Data thought for a moment, and said,
"I wish to tell her how I feel, but I am afraid she will reject me." He said bluntly.
"And,"he added, looking down at his hands, "I do not know how."
Counselor Troi sighed and put a hand gently on his shoulder.
"Data, when it comes to stuff like this, it comes naturally. Now that you have emotions, instinct will take over. That means you will know what
to do, or what to say."
Summer was wearing a lovely midnight blue ensamble today. Data observed her as she walked down the corridor, accompanied by him, and
Data's good friend, Geordi LaForge. He was leading Pim, Summer, and a group of other guests on a tour of the ship. The Chief Engineer spoke
animatedly about the ship, and every time Summer asked a question, she would recieve a cheerful answer from Geordi, and a glare from her
fiance.
After about a half hour, he became annoyed. Data watched as Summer's face registered hidden pain as Pim gripped her arm tightly, pulling her
back away from the moving crowd.
"Perhaps it is time for you to retire for a nap, darling. You had quite a tedious evening, and still look tired."
Out of the corner of her eye, Summer spotted Data, and nodded in agreement. She was aware that Pim's extreme jealousy was nearing it's
breaking point, and she needed to warn Data.
Kissing her cheek quickly, Pim bid her goodbye and carried on with the rest of the group. Carefully, Summer made her way to the opposite end
of the corridor, where Data was standing, partially hidden by a wall.
"I need to speak with you, please." Data whispered. Summer sighed, glancing behind her.
"Can we go someplace quiet?" She asked. She wanted to break the news to him gently, and not have an audience. Data nodded, and lead
her down the hall, toward the Holodeck. Placing a lock on the doors as they closed, he turned to face her.
"I have been thinking-"
"I can't see you anymore-"
They both spoke at the same time. Data blinked. Summer's eyes welled with tears instantly.
"Excuse me?" Data spoke first. Summer's hands began to shake.
"Pim...is very jealous. Very jealous. He...became angry when he found out about last night..."
"You did nothing wrong!" Data exclaimed. He did not see what was wrong with her staying in the Ten Forward, and enjoying the company of
her newfound friend.
"Data, I'm engaged. I'm engaged to a man who expects me to be a certain way. I can't keep hanging around people who may-"
"Make your husband angry? Are you even allowed to have friends?" Data could feel anger boiling in the pit of his stomach. And he hadn't even
told her what he needed to. Taking a deep breath, he started.
"I understand your situation. I also appreciate the risk you have taken, simply standing in the same room with me." Summer shifted
uncomfortably.
"Data-"
"Please, let me finish." Data gently took her hand in his.
"I...have had my emotion chip for a year. And, until I met you, I never imagined I would ever feel this way, but...I do. I cannot describe it
exactly. But...There are so many things about you that I...love. I can also sense that you have more potential in you. More than what you are
being allowed to show."
Summer stared up at him, her lips trembling slightly. Data lightly touched her cheek, his face inches from hers as he stared into her emerald
green eyes.
"I am not ashamed to say it; I love you. Make of it what you will, but just know that." He said softly. This time, Summer didn't hold it back. A
single tear rolled down her cheek. Data gently wiped it away with his thumb.
"I cannot give you beautiful clothes, such as these, or diamonds and gold. But I can give you something you have not had. Something you
deserve. Love. And I would not ask for anything in return."
This was too much for the young woman to handle. She swallowed the lump in her throat, and gasped. Stepping away from Data, she said,
"I can't-we can't see each other anymore. I'm sorry." She left without another word.