Melina was miserable, and Data did not know what to do. He tried attempting jokes, allowing her to redesign parts of the Enterprise, and even bringing her things to repair. While she did her tasks as well as ever, she did not do them with the same cheerful spirit that she usually did them with.
"I simply do not know how to make her feel better." Data spoke to Guinan.
"Data, are you...worried about Melina?" Guinan couldn't help but chuckle.
"Yes, I guess I am worried about her." Data half-smiled.
"Well, if you're capable of being worried, I'm sure you're capable of finding a way to make Melina feel better. Good night Commander." Guinan cheekily walked away.
"Guinan-I-!" Data looked at his drink, which he hadn't touched.
How did he get into this situation again? Ah yes.
–
Melina was on Earth, stock taking supplies before their transport to the Enterprise repair station. Data was helping her out, trying to sing to raise her spirits.
"Sing us a song, you're the Piano Man!" He tried a 20th century classic. He knew that was one of Melina's favourite eras for music. But even that didn't seem to work. He hoped his surprise for her later would be more successful.
"Okay, everything looks fine here." Melina got up.
Data looked at her. "Yes, everything looks to be in order."
Then they were rocked.
"What the hell?" Melina cried.
"We ARE on a fault line." Data pointed out.
Melina looked out a window. "Bandits. Cheeky bastards will get blown out of the sky." Melina turned back to her work, when two of the bandits burst in and fired a Phaser at her.
It scored her left arm and her shoulder, but didn't do much damage. Data rushed to fire back, but the bandits dodged. One fired again at Melina.
"What the-?" Melina watched as a light burst from the left arm that she had thrown up in front of her face.
"I would say Doctor, that you have adapted." Data pointed out.
And so she had. Every Phaser blast was simply deflected from her left arm until the Starfleet Security came to grab the two idiots.
"Sorry about that. Every so often some dork gets it into his head to try and steal something. Hope no one was hurt." The officer nodded to Melina and Data.
"Nope. I wasn't hurt at all, how about you Data?" Melina smiled at her superior officer.
"Not a scratch Doctor." Data gave his half-smile back. Melina felt bad, she hadn't treated her dearest friend as nicely as she could have after the disaster with her family. It wasn't his fault they were prejudiced after all, and he couldn't help being who he was.
They both made their way back to the Enterprise after sorting everything out. Melina retired to her quarters, glad Sarah wasn't there. She had just lain back with a copy of "The Tech's Best Pal" loaded onto her pad, when Data appeared with a box.
"Data? What on-Oh my lord they are beautiful!" Melina squealed. For inside the box, were two kittens.
"I thought since your own family were mean to you, that you might like a new family." Data handed her the box. "You seemed very sad over the past few weeks, and I hope these two will cheer you up."
"Was my work slipping?" Asked Melina, setting the two rascals down on the table. One was a black and white boy, and the other was a tortishell girl.
"No. I was simply...worried...about you." Data said, sitting down at the table and watching the cats play.
"Data, you are incapable of worry." Melina laughed as she watched the two tumble out of the box and looked around.
Data watched the kittens. Melina's comment was factually correct of course, but then how else could he explain why he had done such a thing?
"If you like, they can meet Spot." Data suggested.
"Spot would do well to have some youth around her. I shall name the boy Noonian after your father, and the girl will be named Stripes, after Spot." Melina laughed as the little boy attacked her hand. "Thank you Data!"
–
"Oh aren't they darling?" Sarah cooed when she discovered her new bunk-mates. Noonian and Stripes had adapted well to life on the Enterprise, and Melina was often seen taking them for walks to see their beloved elder Spot, who throughly detested the kittens.
"I know. Data bought them for me." Melina said, not thinking much of it. Sarah stopped for a second. Data?
Meanwhile, Data was talking to Geordi about what he had done, and how successful it had been.
"You did brilliant Data. The cats will suit her well. They ARE the recommended treatment for Autism these days." Geordi said off-handedly.
"Autism?" Data asked.
"Yes, she's a Third Degree. Used to be known as Aspergers in the 20th century, although they dumped the name in favour of degrees in the 21st century." Geordi started rattling off his limited knowledge of the disorder, while Data was lost in his own thoughts. Autism? Third Degree? She must have been very determined to get in, anything over a Fourth Degree usually never gets in.
It explained why they got along so well.
"Anyway, did you tell her about her promotion?" Geordi asked.
"No, I did not. It will be good though, as she now has the kittens, and she will get her own quarters now." Data said.
"There's a spare room next to your quarters isn't there?" Geordi asked.
"There are lots of spare quarters around mine Geordi." Data pointed out.
"Oh well, I need to get ready for the ceremony. About five of them are getting promoted." Geordi smiled. After the Battle of Wolf 359, only five of the Ensigns had stayed back to help repair the Enterprise. Captain Picard thought that the only suitable reward would be to promote the youngsters, especially with many of their crew being scattered.
"As do I." Data nodded. The two friends parted ways and Data headed to his quarters, only to bump into Melina and the kittens.
"I'm getting my own quarters!" She said excitedly.
"Yes, that would be because you have earnt a promotion." Data said. "You and a few others."
Melina squealed (scaring the life out of Noonian and Stripes) and without thinking hugged Data.
"I'm sorry Sir!" She quickly pulled away, embarrassed.
"I do not mind Doctor. Feel free to express your emotions to me as much as you like." Data said. Melina smiled, and hugged him again.
"One day I must teach you how to hug properly." She murmured.
"I would enjoy that." Data said, trying to mimic the softness he had often heard in movies.
She looked up and grinned at him.
"My quarters are right next to yours! We can discuss physics all day long!" She grabbed the kittens, and the pair walked down the corridor.
"Not exactly, you need to get at least eight hours sleep per twenty-four hours." Data said.
"Data, sometimes teaching you is like keeping a Tribble." Melina groaned.
A/N: It's Autism Awareness month again. I was diagnosed with Aspergers when I was 18, and while it was hard work, I now have a great job, good friends and a wonderful fiancé. Here's to everyone on the spectrum who has worked through this "disorder" and made their life what they want!