I would like to apologize for not updating in so long. Between the holidays, work, and other personal matters. The story got held up. I hope that my readers have had happy holidays and a great start to your New Year.
Weeks passed relatively peacefully. It was now December according to the ship's time and calendar. There were so many holidays this month! Christmas is tomorrow. I had already gotten Data tickets to a cybernetics conference. I know he enjoyed going to those. I hope this time, I would be able to go with him. The key speaker was Commander Maddox. I knew of what Commander Maddox had once tried to do to Data, but I also knew that Data had forgiven him and they continued to write to each other. I supported Data in his choice to correspond with him as long as Commander Maddox didn't try anything like that again.
Tonight, Christmas Eve, there was going to be a service for Christians and those who followed The Way on holodeck four. I wanted to ask Data if he would like to come with me to the service and then spend Christmas Day together. We hadn't been able to see eachother much because our schedules ended up clashing a bit. Finally we were on an away mission to help some colonists set plans to begin building on Melona IV.
"Data!" I called as I pushed a cart of heavy survey equipment toward the transport room, he was just a head of me.
"Emma." he turned and grinned at me. "May I help you?"
"That would be wonderful, Data, thank you. My arms have just about turned to jelly." I told him as he took over pushing the cart with ease.
"I do not understand how your arms could turn to jelly by pushing this cart." he looked at me quizzically.
I gave a small chuckle and shook my head, "When I said my arms were turning to jelly, I meant that they feel tired."
"Oh" he replied with a small nod.
"Data, there is going to be a Christmas Eve service on holodeck four today at 20:00 hours. Would you like to come with me?"
"Yes, I would like to come with you. This will be a new experience for me. I look forward to it."
"Thank you, Data. That really means a lot to me."
"I would also like to make a request of you."
"Oh, what would that be?"
"Emma, I would like to invite you to dinner in my quarters tomorrow."
"Of course, Data. I wouldn't miss it for the universe." I smiled and lightly touched his arm. "I've got to get this survey equipment down on the planet. I'll see you down there." I took over pushing the cart into the transporter room and up onto the platform. "Energize" I told the ensign and I was enveloped in white light and then suddenly I was on a lush green planet. I looked up and I didn't see a cloud in the sky. If I were to settle on a new planet, this would have to be it. It's so peaceful.
Alright, now to find out exactly where this stuff is going. I thought as I put my hands on my hips and looked around. I spotted Dr. Crusher talking with someone. Perhaps she knows where I need to take this stuff.
"Doctor Crusher!" I called to her as I pushed the cart toward her. "Do you know where I am supposed to take these things?"
She looked over the items on the cart, "Yes, half of those things are going to come with me. I was just about to go to where they would like to build the hospital. We'll need this," she said as she grabbed a PADD off the cart, "to go over the schematics. Come with me."
As I got the equipment set up where she told me, Doctor Crusher took readings of the surrounding areas. The area for this new settlement was breathtaking. Everywhere there was thick green grass, the trees were mils high, and the field were walking through had the most lovely white and purple wildflowers. About an hour later she turned to me "Let's go give this information to Commander Riker and find out about where this other equipment is supposed to go."
"Alright" I answered and followed her.
"Will? Carmen?" Beverly called to them, "Emma and I have been going over the schematics for the hospital. The location seems fine."
"When the Enterprise comes back tomorrow, we'll get a crew started on that." Commander Riker told her. All at once there was a loud rumbling and the ground began shaking. "Carmen, have you got construction started I didn't know about?"
"No," she shook her head.
I felt immediate dread. "Commander Data, do you know what that is?" I asked while he made his way over to us. There was clear worry on my face.
"I do not recognise the sound. I believe it is coming from above."
"Data, what's our best bet for cover?" Commander Riker asked with some urgency.
"Subterranean caverns to the east, sir. Doctor, Emma." Data turned to us and we all began to race toward the caves. We could hear people behind us with Riker and Carmen yelling for people to stick together. At one point I heard Commander Riker called out for Data.
"Keep running!" Data commanded. "I will be back."
I nodded and although I knew that I had to keep going, I wanted to be sure Data was safe. We all made it into the cave system and down through the long dark tunnels we shuffled until we reached an area large enough to hold everyone. I was so dark and all I could hear was crying.
Dear Lord, please keep us safe. Amen There was a loud noise of rock crumbling and crashing. A cave-in? No!
"Data!"
"It is alright Emma." A voice whispered directly behind me.
I screamed and jumped a foot in the air. "Oh Data, please don't sneak up on me like that!"
"I did not mean to scare you, Emma. I am sorry."
"It's alright Data. I'm just glad you're safe. Was there a cave-in?"
"No, there was not a cave-in. Commander Riker and I sealed off the entrance." he told me and I was so relieved.
"Let's hope there's enough air in here." I hear Beverly say in the darkness.
Commander Riker replied, "There's got to be a ventilation source somewhere. We need some light. Data I need your help."
Data gently gives my shoulder a gentle reassuring squeeze before he goes to help Will. Outside the cave all we hear is devastation from whatever it is out there. I hear the sound of phasers and then I start to see the ceiling glow. Brilliant! Now that we're not running into each other, I can easily make my way to Data.
"Data, is there anything that I can do to help this situation?" I ask.
"The air supply is unknown at the moment. The best thing to do is try to keep everyone calm."
"How are the others?" Will asks Beverly.
"Just scrapes and bruises, I think. I'll check further." she replies, "Where's Carmen?"
A flash of sadness crossed Will's face. "She didn't make it. She was trying to save an old man who'd fallen."
"I'm sorry." I say along with Beverly and she smiled sadly toward him.
"I think we're going to be alright in here. I'm not sure about the air supply, so stay put, don't move around. Don't expend unnecessary energy. With any luck, we'll be able to wait this thing out." Commander Riker announced.
"Riker to Enterprise. Riker to Enterprise." he tried hailing through the comm badge.
"Commander, the refractory metals in the rock strata may also interfere with communication." Data told him.
"Data we've only seen the Crystalline Entity once before. How do you know these metals will protect us?"
"I am not entirely certain they will, sir."
I turned to stare at Data wide eyed before quietly going to find a place to sit down. The terror outside made me wonder if this is the last few moments I'll have with him. We're trapped in a cave that may not protect us, and it's Christmas Eve. I started wishing for more time. More time with Data, more time to tell him I love him, more time to tell him about Jesus and why I believe in Him.
Data came to sit beside me. "Emma, are you alright?"
"Considering the circumstances Data? Yes, but I don't know if we'll live to see tomorrow. Data, I'm terrified that I'll lose you. This Crystalline Entity is a destroyer of worlds. I am having a very hard time holding onto hope."
"Emma" Data gently pulled me into a hug. "I have studied Christmas and what it is you believe. Christmas is the beginning of the story of hope. Jesus is hope and He was born into the world to bring that hope and peace. I know that it does not seem hopeful or peaceful right now, but remember why Jesus was born in the first place. He was born to save your soul. Emma, I do not know if I have a soul, but I believe that you do."
I started to protest, but Data held a long slender finger to my lips to stop me. "Emma, we cannot debate this right now. As I do not use air in the same way you do, you must conserve your energy. When we get through this, then you may debate whether or not I have a soul. I care for you Emma. I always will. You are dear to me. If we face certain destruction, I am glad I will face it with you."
The air was getting thinner and breathing was becoming more difficult. "Data" I whispered and I saw concern on his face. He knew I was having a hard time breathing. "I love you." I struggled to get those words out. He had to hear them before my eyes fluttered closed. The last I heard was him calling for Doctor Crusher.
I felt weightless.
I felt movement.
I felt cool air rush into my lungs.
My eyes opened.
I saw the face of an angel.
My eyes closed again.
Beep
Beep Beep
Beep Beep Beep
"If this is Heaven, why is there beeping?" I thought. "Where did that angel go?" I looked around me, there was nothing. The beeping became more clear and I could hear a voice calling out to me.
"Emma, open your eyes."
I wanted to find that angel. More importantly, I wanted to see Jesus and David. I heard a voice calling out to me again.
"I'm here. Are you the angel who brought me here?"
"Emma, you believe me to be an angel? Open your eyes, Emma. It is Data."
The voice belonging to Data became clearer. I felt my eyes twitch and heard the beeping once more. Blinking, I looked around me again to find I was in a room with medical equipment. A woman with red hair was holding the beeping machine over my head. Holding my hand was a tall pale gold man with eyes that shone like the sun. He had a kind face, one that was trustworthy. The woman was pricice in her movements and her face was full of determination. I looked more around the room.
"Doctor Crusher, how is she?" the golden man asked.
"She's alright Data, but remember her brain was out of air for nearly 8 minutes. She may be disoriented, there might even be some memory loss."
Data
Doctor Crusher
"Your names are familiar. Why do I know your names?" I ask timidly.
"Emma, do you know where you are?" Data asks me in a calm voice.
"I'm on the Enterprise. I work in engineering under Commander Geordi LaForge." I answer.
"That is correct. Do you know who this is?" Data gestured toward who I was now remembering was Doctor Crusher.
"Yes, I was in here last week to get my initial physical completed before we left earth. You are Lieutenant Commander Data. What I don't understand is why I'm here is sickbay and why you are holding my hand."
I began to become worried that I had messed up something in engineering and nearly caused myself to die in my first week in space. That would've sucked. Data dropped my hand and I felt myself wishing for that warmth back.
Data's POV
I looked to Doctor Crusher, "Doctor Crusher, how has her memory reverted that far back?"
"Data, I need to see you in my office, now please." She left and I followed.
Once we were in the privacy of her office, I asked again. "Doctor, how is it that her memory has reverted so far back? She has been on board for years and we've been dating for eight months and thirteen days. How can I help her regain her memories?"
"Data, the mind is a delicate place. It is something that medicine just hasn't perfected yet. I can tell you what I know. I know that this isn't permanent. Given time and medication, she will regain her memories, but how long that takes is up to her. When her mind is ready to take in all of the changes in her life in the past year, she will remember who she is and who you are. You can help her by being her friend. You were her friend before you started dating, you need to be her friend again."
"I understand." I nodded. "God, Emma's God, If there is something You can do to help her remember who she is and who I am, that would be appreciated. Thank you. Amen"
Doctor Crusher and I walked back out into the room where Emma was praying. I had seen her take this posture several times, hands folded, eyes closed, and head bowed. Beverly was about to interrupt her but I motioned for her to wait. Six point two three minutes passed before Emma raised her head.
"Data, I remember."
If I had emotions, I know I would be feeling joy.
Emma's POV
"Data, I remember." I told him.
He came to me and smiled my favorite crooked smile and held my hand again.
"How did I get here from the cave?"
"I carried you." he replied simply.
"It was more than that." Doctor Crusher chimed in. "He ran with you in his arms to the transport area and I had to make him leave to finish his work. You missed quite a lot. It's Christmas day now."
"Thank you, Data. I love you."
"You are welcome. I care for you deeply as well."
"Ahhhh!" I groaned, "I missed my favorite part of Christmas Eve service."
Doctor Crusher smiled at me, "What part is that Emma?"
"At the very end of service, we light candles and sing Silent Night. I know the German lyrics and everything. That's okay though, Data. I still have to give you your gift. It's back in my rooms though."
"Doctor, is Emma required to stay in sickbay?" Data asked Beverly
"No, but it would be a good idea for her not to be alone." she answered.
"As it is a holiday that I am observing this year, I have been granted today off duty. I will be with her." he informed us both.
I smiled and reached for Data to help me off the table. We mozied our way arm in arm out of sickbay and back to my rooms. Once there, I told him I was going to shower and change my clothes. I asked if he would wait on the couch for me. He agreed and told me to take my time. I went to my dresser first and took out clean undergarments and then to my closet and found a green sweater dress with a black belt hanging amongst the rest of the uniforms and other civilian clothes.
After a hot shower, I dressed, straightened my hair, and brushed my teeth. I padded my way back to Data and found him staring at my wall.
"Is the wall that interesting?" I teased as I sat next to him.
"I am running a self-diagnostic, among other things." he informed me before he turned to me and said, "You are more aesthetically pleasing, Emma."
"Thank you. You're looking good too." I winked at him and patted his leg. "I'm going to go get your gift. Do you want to open it now or at dinner?"
"It is 1832 hours. It is time for dinner."
"Well then, we have a date to get to don't we?" I replied as I walked into my room to get the gold envelope with the tickets inside.
"Indeed we do, however, I thought you would not want to continue with our date since you were just released from sickbay."
"Data," I said as I returned to the sitting area, "I never want to miss a date with you. Spending time with you is one of my love languages. Let's go on our date." I said as I pulled at his hand, knowing that I wouldn't be able to even do that if he didn't want me to.
Data and I sat in his dining area with lowlights and simulated fireplace on his viewscreen. "Data, dinner was lovely. How did you know that I liked roasted root vegetables?"
"You had mentioned it one time at one of our dinners in 10 Forward."
"Your memory is amazing. I am sorry to learn about Doctor Marr." I told him as he handed me a dish of cherry cordials.
"She is a grieving mother and in her grief she had made a mistake that cost her her career."
"I wish I could have talked with her, helped her somehow."
"I think you would have liked her."
"Data, would you like your gift now?"
"Yes as long as it is given with many kisses."
"I have an ornery boyfriend." I smiled and pulled out the envelope and kissed him. I admired his long fingers as he opened the envelope.
He grinned, "Thank you, Emma."
"You're welcome."
"Emma, your gift is two parts. Come with me to the sitting area." Data took my hand and led me to his couch and then he lit a single candle on the coffee table. His guitar was on a stand in the corner next to a chair. He picked it up and brought it to the couch and began to play and softly sing.
"Stille Nacht! Heil'ge Nacht!
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hoch heilige Paar.
Holder Knab' im lockigen Haar,
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!"
My eyes welled up with tears as he finished the last line. "Data, that was beautiful. I knew you could play, but I didn't know you could sing. Thank you." I said brushing the tears from my eyes.
"You are welcome, Emma. That was only part one of my gift."
Data's POV
As I had rehearsed many times. I placed my guitar back on the stand and in one smooth motion retrieved her second gift from my inner jacket pocket. I kneeled before her and presented her with her gift.
"Emma, will you marry me?"