"Four hours at the most, sir. Yes. I can narrow it down but not by much. La Forge out."

the hum of the ship's engines grew louder as Geordi made his way back toward the huge cove to work. Data stood, obviously distracted, in front of the

window, punching buttons.

"Data, you ok? You look like you got something on your mind." His friend asked. Data nodded.

"I am wondering if I have made a mistake already..." He said. Geordi frowned.

"What d you mean? Sam's fine. From what you told me she's doing great now."

Data had stayed with Sam as she fell asleep, just a few hours before, and had wondered if his decision to not allow the hearing implant procedure was the

right choice. He had a feeling there was something he should have done first before making that final decision.

"Geordi...may I ask for your advice? I believe you are the only person who can really help with this." Data asked, now really worried. Geordi nodded, concerned.

He was one of the very few people who supported the idea, 100% of Data adopting Samantha, in fact he was proud of his android friend for it.

"Of course, go ahead."

"Dr. Crusher spoke to me about an implant which allows humans who are deaf to hear. I told her I did not wish to pursue it. Have I made the wrong decision?"

Geordi frowned.

"Did you talk to Samantha about it first?"

That's when Data realized his mistake. he shook his head.

Geordi sighed. He thought for a moment, and said,

"Data...if you want my advice, I think you should at least sit with Sam and talk to her about this. I know you're probably worried she'll think you want her to

have it done, so you don't have to 'deal with' her deafness, but I'm telling you, that may or may not be the case.

"Speaking to you as someone who knows what it's like being without one of the most important senses, I can tell you, she's probably hoping,

and dreaming for that. Just tell her it's her choice, and that no one is forcing her, that you are giving her the option to have it done."

Data nodded.

"I believe I will. Thank you, Geordi."

So, later that day (it was about one thirty in the morning at this point) Data took Sam for a walk, and brought her to the holodeck. A simple

program of a mall from the year 2013 was installed, but Data left out the other costumers, knowing Sam's discomfort around strangers.

He brought her to a ''Food court" and got a small frozen yogurt for each of them. He enjoyed watching her face "light up" when she tried it.

"It's yummy! I've never had anything like this back at the orphanage." She told him. Data smiled, and said,

"You may have as much as you like," he said.

As they ate, Data introduced the subject he wished to discuss.

"How old were you when you lost your hearing?" he asked. Sam thought for a moment.

"I'm not sure. I think...I was about three. There was a camping trip...I think. All I remember was lying on a bed, surrounded by trees, and...flames. The crackling

sound was the last thing I heard. I guess...I must have gotten hurt, because I don't remember anything for a while after that."

"Do you...wish to be able to hear again?" Data asked. Sam sighed and rested her chin in her hand.

"Yes and no."

This surprised Data.

"Why?" he asked.

"Well...I would like to...hear your voice. But...I'm afraid I'll lose my...I don't know how to describe it...the abilities I have, reading lips,

and...being able to read people really well."

Data didn't understand this, but he knew he needed to at least lay the cards out for her.

"Dr. Crusher has offered a chance for you to have implants placed into your ears, to allow you to hear. this is why I have asked. But the choice is up to you."

Sam's face was unreadable for a moment, then she looked scared.

"What...would you say if I declined?" she asked. Data reached across the table and took her hand in his, looking her in the eyes.

"I would respect your decision. I will not treat you any differently than I have. I have and will always accept you, as you are."

Sam's eyes filled with tears and she blinked. She stood up and moved to Data's side of the table, wrapping her arms around him in a hug.

Data smiled and hugged her back.

"Thank you. I...think I would like to have the implants."

Ok, here's the deal...this past Monday, there was a huge fire in my hometown, three huge apartment buildings (36 apartments) and a hundred people homeless. Last night, ANOTHER fire, four buildings, DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY APARTMENT! So my anxiety is spiked right now. I am writing like hell, just haven't posted much yet.