Chapter 10

A little while later Alex woke to find that she was alone in the bed. She looked sleepily about the room for the Android. She rose from the bed, put the thick white terry cloth robe that had been placed for her on a chair beside the bed.

As she did, Alex noticed that a light was on in the living room. She went to the replicator. " Computer, may I please have a cup of hot apple cider please."

Instantly a cup of steaming cider appeared. Taking the cup in her hand, Alex went to the living room.

Data was seated at an easel, Painting. Alex went to where Data was sitting and placed a hand on his shoulder. He was clad in a Sherlock Holmes type dressing gown, She leaned over to gently kiss his cheek "Good Morning Data.: He looked at her, and tenderly placed his hand on hers. "Good morning, Did you sleep well? " She nodded "I haven't slept that well in a long time."

She glanced over at the painting he had been working on. she felt like she was looking into a mirror. Data had painted a portrait of her. The Android studied her face for her reaction to the painting.

The girl smile at him warmly, her eyes filled with tears of joy. Before he could inquire about her reaction to the painting. the young woman placed on the Android's lips another kiss.

She spoke softly"I love it Data! No one has ever painted my portrait before." Data replied "I am glad you like it Alexandra. I did it as i watched you sleep.'

They sat together as Alex watched the Android finish the painting. her eyes wandered around the room. as she did her eyes caught sight of a few painting in a pile next to the wall.

Alex rose from her seat to go over to take a closer look, She picked each one up. There were beauitful landscapes, full of vivid colours.

One however was a portrait of a young woman. Alex looked at it for several mintues. "That is a picture of my Daughter Lal." Data said as he came over to where the young woman stood. He placed his arms around her waist." She is lovely, Data. Where is she now? " Lal was Android like myself. I created her. She lived for only two weeks. She died of a fatal System-Wide Cascade failure several years ago.

Alex vaguely remember seeing That episode about Lal. She also recalled how sad it was. Alex then looked at the man who now had her heart. It now ached for him . But all she could think of to say was " I am so sorry Data."

Alex set the painting down and placed her hands on Data's Arms which were still about her waist. Data gently kissed her cheek as he whispered"Lal lives in my memory. Alexandra Do not be sad for me."

Alex wiped away her tears as the Android spoke . She turned to face him."Have you ever thought of creating another?"

Data looked thoughtful "I have thought about creating another lifeform. First I wanted to ..." he paused, Looking at her. "I wanted to first find someone to share in the experience of creation with."

Alex looked at him with admiration as she softly asked " Have you ever found that person/" Data looked at her shyly and said even softer" Perhaps, However I am still making inquiries." He drew her close to undo the belt of her robe and and the robe slipped over her shoulders and fell to the floor,

Hungerly they kissed and once again Data scooped her up and returned her to his bed. Once again together, As their bodies met and mated, the Young earth woman and her Android lover went beyond the stars.