Chapter 7

Stretched before her, as far as she could see was the lushest wooded parkland she had ever seen.

" Oh wow!" she breathed" Data, This is so amazing!" She took in all the sights. There were huge trees of every kind, all sorts of wildflowers of every colour and size. Above her, birds chirruped and sang as they flew by. It was beautiful. When she was a child, her parents had taken her on picnics, but not to places as wonderful as this. She wondered around for a while, Data stood back watching as Alex made her way back to where he stood. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement.

When Alex reached the Android's side she slipped her arm in his. "Thank you, Data for showing me this program of yours. Also for thinking that I was special enough to share it with. I love it!"

The Android smiled and replied " I am glad you like it. Alexandra. I had hoped you would." He paused and looked at her. "I do come her often. To me, this is the one place where I feel almost human. The reason I wanted to share it with you is be cause being with you has made me feel human. I can not explain it . But it would seem that i feel an attraction to you which i have never experienced before.

Alex blushed slightly at this, as Data took hold of her hand and raised it to his lips and gently kissed it. They started to walk together in silence.

As they walked along, Data showed her the different sights. She took it all in. It was amazing that this was all on a Starship's Holodeck. It all seemed so real.

They came to a huge oak tree which stood by a running stream. Data spoke "Computer, May I please have a picnic blanket." At once a blanket appeared. Alex started at Data in amazement.

Together they sat down on the blanket which Data had placed under the great tree. Alex leaned against the Android's broad chast. Data made no attempt to move. Instead he tentatively and stiffly placed his arms around her.

He could not help wondering what had drawn him to this young earth girl. Was this what it is to feel love for someone? Was it love that he was indeed experiencing? The only time he had ever been with a woman physically had been with the late Tasha Yar. The reason for the encounter was caused by an Intoxicating virus which had infected the crew.

Finally when they were cured of the virus, Tasha had insisted that she wanted them to forget that it ever happened. Her death had left a void in his life, He considered Yar one of his closest friends. He kept a holograph of her from her memorial service among his belongings.

He knew he could not possibly love Alexandra in the way she migh want or need. He had designed a love program once before. He had dated a fellow Crew member, Jenna D'sora. However, once Jenna had realized that Data's "Feelings" were Artifical, she had broken off the relationship. He did not however have such a program now with Alexandra. None of these relationships had given him the feeling he was experiencing now with this young woman.

It was true that he did a attraction to her. Could he actually be in love with her/ She did seem to bring out his emotions almost naturally. For the first time, Data felt a unique sensation coming from within him.

As she sat there with her eyes closed, Alex felt his arms about her. It made her feel very safe. Being with Data made her also feel very content.

Since her parent's death she had almost forgotten what it was to be happy. It felt good. Back in own century, she had been lonesome, Before Data, She never really dated. She just wasn't the type guys went for. She was concidered a plain jane. She never truly experienced a relationship with Data before.

Alex looked at her compainion and thought that fate must have brought her to this wonderful place in time. She also felt very flattered that Data chose to show her this place . She could see why he would feel human here.

Data's voice broke her train of thought."Are you alright Alexandra? You seem very quiet and thoughtful." She turned to face him, she smiled warmly and replied " I haven't felt this peaceful in a long time."

Again she looked distant for a moment "Data, I'm not sure I want to leave the ship." She paused and looked at the Android shyly" Or you. When they do find out what brought me here do i get to chose?/ If did chose to stay what would it mean to you?'

Data looked at her thoughtfully and replied "What of your life back on earth? Your family?" Alex felt her eyes fill with tears as she spoke softy "My parents were killed in a Car Accident by a drunk Driver. They were both killed at the scene. They were my only family. As for friends, I was what you might call a wallflower. And before you ask . Wallflower means that i wasn;t very popular in school. Since my parents died, I have felt very alone." She wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled "That is untill i got here and met you and the others."

Alex reached in to her toteback and took out a Old Polaroid Instant camera that had been her father's "Data, In case i do go back I know a way to remember our time together. Would you please take my picture?"

She handed him the camera. Data looked at the device with curiosity. It was a very primitive object compared to the holograms of the 24th century. Alex posed as Data took the picture. Data handed her back the devise. "Now I will take a picture of you. Smile MISTER DATA."

Data smiled calmly as Alex snapped the picture, Then she handed the picture of herself to the Android. "There, Now I have a picture of you and you'll have one of me."

Data looked at the picture of the girl. He thanked her for it. He glanced at her again "Alexandra, Whatever you do chose, it is up to you." he paused and looked in to her eyes. "But if you do chose to stay i would be glad, But again it is your choice."

Alex stared at him. Did what he said mean that he wanted her to stay on the Enterprise? Did he actually have true feeling for her? Or was it just her imagination? Or was it just wishful thinking on her part?

They sat in easy silence, Alex closed her eyes and soon felt so relaxed that she soon fell asleep. Data quietly rose to his feet. gathered Alex in his arms and softly spoke." Computer End program. and open door." The door to the holodeck opened. Data took the sleeping girl back to his quarters.

As the Android carried the young woman, he looked at her face as he spoke softly to her " I do not know what it is that you have awaken in me. But i would like very much for you to stay on the enterprise and also in my life.."