Jagger had gone above and beyond with his holodeck program of the lake he, and Naseema had loved to visit while they were on Earth.
By the time Geordi and Data joined them, they were already accompanied by Grandfather, Captain Picard, Commander Riker, and Counselor Troi.
Dusk was just beginning to fall, and the sky was aglow with brilliant ombre colors of blue, pink, and purple. The clear water reflected the cloudless sky in a gently rippling mirror image. The lake was enormous, spanning out in front of them to the barely visible silhouette of the tree line on its far side. A long, wide dock stretched out over the water, which lapped softly against its sides.
The group was at the far end of the length of weathered wooden planks, seated on benches around a moderately sized fire, contained in a large metal basin.
Naseema and Jagger were across the fire from each other, the light reflected in their eyes, making them shine as they enthusiastically played their instruments.
Naseema with her guitar, and Jagger, sitting cross-legged on the dock, a pair of hand drums nestled in his lap. The pair said little out loud to each other, communicating their song suggestions to each other telepathically while they performed a pleasant selection of twentieth century songs they called folk rock.
Picard had obliged Naseema, and brought his flute, and the tiny instrument provided the perfect complement to her acoustic guitar, and Jagger's bongos, as he called them.
The young male Feeonix had also brought a small, metal rectangular piece that he played by holding it up to his mouth, and blowing into it while covering parts of it with his hands. It let out a strange, whining sound, like a cross between an organ, and a harp. This he called an harmonica.
As Geordi and Data sat on the last empty bench, The two Feeonix were just completing one song, and quickly decided on a raucous, bouncy tune they named, Cecilia, as their next. They both sang as Naseema's small hands brilliantly manipulated the guitar, and Jagger kept pace with his drums, their feathers bouncing with their movements.
Picard came in with his flute at the perfect moment as the two Feeonix belted out the words, Oh Cecilia, you're breakin' my heart, you're shakin' my confidence lately, their voices perfectly meshing together as Grandfather laughed, and clapped his hands along with delight.
Everyone present had taken Jagger's suggestion to dress casually, even Data, although he wore his usual black, Starfleet issue trousers, had agreed to put on a plain, dark tunic of Naseema's choosing.
Jagger and Grandfather wore almost identical sets of loose-fitting pants and shirts while Naseema wore an equally loose short-sleeved dress, in a flattering shade of turquoise green.
She was seated on a small stool, her legs spread apart to accommodate the guitar across her lap, her dress hiked up, and draped over her knees. Her fair skin appeared warm, and tanned in the fire's glow, and her long hair was loose, cascading down her back, well past her waist.
The flickering light reflected off the scales of all three Feeonix, making them shimmer, and adding to the welcoming tranquility of the scene.
As Naseema and Jagger played on, the sky grew dark, and in a stroke of genius, Jagger had programmed the evening for a moonless night, causing the expansive sky to explode with tiny, sparkling diamonds as the blackness settled in around them.
Geordi slid himself down to sit on the dock, and reclined against the bench, stretching his legs out in front of him, removing his shoes, and rolling his pant legs up.
Riker and Deanna sat together with her resting her head on his shoulder. He was more akin to jazz but was finding he enjoyed the gentle melodies, and amusing lyrics of the folk music Naseema and Jagger loved.
Captain Picard sat next to Grandfather, and the two happily chatted away together during the intervals where Picard wasn't playing his flute. He was glad he'd let Naseema convince him to bring it. It felt good to integrate himself with his crew on these occasions, and Jagger was hugely impressed that Picard was a self-taught musician.
Data remained on the bench near Geordi, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, leaning back against his arms, watching the fire, and stealing the occasional glance at Naseema.
She was deeply involved in what Jagger kept calling their jam session, a term, he decided, that must have been popular in twentieth century music because Riker was also familiar with it.
The Feeonix youngsters played fantastically together, taking turns singing for some songs, singing in unison for others, and at times, simply complimenting each others leads. It was obvious that music was in the blood of these two aliens as they were as wrapped up in each other now as they had been in Ten Forward the first night Naseema had invited Data into her bed. Each wore a permanent smile of delight as they bantered back, and forth across the fire, arguing and laughing, occasionally poking fun at the other.
Even though she was immersed in her guitar, she didn't ignore him, and met Data's eyes often during her performance, making him feel like he was the only one there, and she was playing just for him as she sometimes did when they were alone. She threw him a wink here and there, smiling lovingly at him, and as the humans dropped off, leaving only Geordi still present along with his android best friend, and the three Feeonix, Data moved over to claim the seat closest to Naseema.
Jagger noticed, but did his best to pretend he hadn't, and his brief flash of jealousy went undetected by Naseema.
He was doing his damnedest to accept Data as her mate, but he was still having difficulty understanding what she saw in the artificial life form who'd managed to achieve in only a handful of years what he'd been unable to accomplish in centuries...winning Naseema's heart, and making it glow for him.
Suddenly overcome with sentimentality, Jagger asked for Naseema's guitar, and after she'd given it to him, he began to play a simple, mournful song about letting go of a former love.
Naseema sat quietly, leaning forward, her arms across her knees, and listened to her friend tell her how much she meant to him, and how sad he was that she'd found another. When he'd finished, she reached across the fire, and accepted her instrument back, giving him a concerned look. "Jag, are you alright?" she asked.
He nodded. His eyes were shining with moisture, but he maintained his composure like a champion. "Yeah, I'm good. Just feeling a little sentimental is all," he replied.
Geordi noticed Grandfather looking from one to the other, a sympathetic expression on his face, and realized how deeply these beings felt their emotions.
While he was thrilled that Data's feelings for Naseema had finally been awakened, and they were now together in the way he thought they should be, he suddenly felt bad for Jagger too. The Feeonix's love for his female companion was most definitely real, and not nearly as shallow as he'd initially thought. Jagger's emotional turmoil had manifested into such ugly jealousy, and spite, those feelings had overpowered the more important ones buried inside the Feeonix.
Ultimately, it didn't matter how Jagger behaved, the outcome would have been the same. Data and Naseema were meant to be. There was no getting around a force so powerful.
Data also realized how hard this was for Jagger.
He didn't regret setting Jagger straight regarding how he expected the Feeonix to treat Naseema from now on, but he no longer blamed Jagger for hating him. He had taken something very precious away from the Feeonix, and he understood now that it would take some time for Jagger to adjust to the fact that the feelings the bold youngster had for Naseema would remain unrequited for all time. He knew what that felt like.
Geordi realized that Jagger was sitting on his side of the fire alone, and got up to move over, and sit on the dock beside him in a gesture of friendship, and understanding.
Jagger looked over at him, and Geordi smiled. "That was really nice, Jagger," the chief engineer said. "I just-I want you to know that it may not mean much to you, but I appreciate how hard you're trying to accept the outcome of the judgment gracefully, and make peace with Data."
Jagger gave Geordi a small, sad smile in return. "Actually, it does mean quite a bit to me., thanks, Geordi," he replied.
Grandfather grinned broadly at the exchange between Jagger and Geordi, proud that Jagger was finally displaying the appealing parts of his personality.
The young Feeonix caught the elder's thoughts, and looked over at him, gratefully.
"Thank you as well, Grandfather, for your patience, and your wisdom. Sometimes I need a good tongue lashing," he said, and then with his characteristic smirk, he turned his eyes in Data's direction. "Possibly a solid punch in the face as well."
The android's eyes widened a little, and he let out an embarrassed laugh before dropping his gaze.
Geordi's own synthetic eyes grew large as he realized what Jagger was getting at. "You punched him?!" he exclaimed, looking directly at his best friend with surprise. "Wow, Data, I don't know what to say!"
Grandfather laughed gently, and nudged the android with his elbow.
"Good for you, boy," the old Feeonix said with an amused grin.
"Oh thanks a lot Gramps!" Jagger joked, and echoed the old Feeonix's laugh.
Naseema laughed as well, and moved her hips to slide her stool over closer to Data. She reached out, and stroked his hair gently, looking at him affectionately.
"It was pretty awesome. No one has ever leapt to my defense like that before. It was extraordinarily romantic, and he was richly rewarded," she said with a wink, and a giggle.
Grandfather arched his eyebrow, and laughed heartily again while Jagger groaned loudly across the campfire.
"For crying out loud, Naseema, we're in mixed company!" he said, burying his face in his hand.
Geordi was floored by both Jagger's subtle revelation, and Naseema's saucy insinuation, and managed only a single, loud, bursting laugh in response.
Data threw his eyes skyward, and sighed, embarrassed by the group's attention suddenly focused on him. He rolled his eyes over to look at Naseema, hoping for sympathy, and perhaps another affectionate touch, but all he got from her was a second wink, and giggle.
She finally helped him out though, picking up her guitar again, and beginning to play another amusing folk song.
Jagger joined in, and Data realized the two were teasing him as he listened to them sing about a bad man named Leroy who sees an attractive woman at a bar, says the wrong thing, and gets beat up by her husband.
Once they'd finished playing, and chuckling to each other, Data looked at Naseema with an arched eyebrow and a smirk. "Yes, that was very...cute," he said.
Geordi laughed from across the fire. "Data, did you just use sarcasm?" he asked, astounded.
Grandfather spoke up from his seat. "I believe he did just that, Mr. LaForge," the old Feeonix replied with a grin.
Data smiled, and shrugged. "I suppose I have learned a thing or two about humor in the last few days from these two," he added, motioning towards Naseema, and then Jagger.
The two younger Feeonix exchanged raised brows, and pointed at each other accusingly.
Geordi laughed again, "Naseema, I don't know what it was you did to him, but I like the results!"
She tossed Geordi a lascivious look, and arched her eyebrow in response, eliciting more laughter from the chief engineer, and another loud groan from Jagger.
Data lowered his eyes shyly again, and if he could have blushed, he would have. As embarrassed as he was by the attention, he found he really did like the fact she was more than willing to show everyone that she was pleased to be with him.
After a couple more songs, Geordi got to his feet with a sigh, and bid the three Feeonix, and his best friend goodnight.
They watched Geordi call up the exit, and once he'd gone, Grandfather turned to Jagger.
"I will be departing in the morning, my child, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the ship's tavern for a nightcap?" the elder asked.
Jagger glanced over at Naseema, and he knew Grandfather was trying to get him to stop mooning over her as well as letting her, and the android be alone for awhile so he agreed.
"Certainly, Grandfather. Lead the way." He picked up his drums, and tucked them under his arm as he followed the older Feeonix out the same exit Geordi had used, throwing one last glance at Naseema.
Once their companions were gone, Data reached over, grabbed a hold of the stool Naseema was seated on, and pulled it over so she was right next to him.
She looked at him, bright-eyed, the fire still reflecting off her scales, making them shimmer wonderfully. The feathers along her hairline shivered gently in the warm breeze Jagger had programmed.
The peaceful scene the handsome Feeonix had created was fantastically enchanting, and Data surmised that Jagger had likely engineered it to use in his own attempt to seduce Naseema. He found he felt a little guilty for using it to his own advantage, but not enough to ask her to leave with him. They had spent plenty of time in his re-creation of his favorite place on Earth, and he wanted to spend time enjoying Naseema's with her.
"Shall I play something for you?" she asked, and he nodded.
"I would enjoy that very much," he replied, resting his elbow on his knee, and his chin in his palm.
She smiled sweetly. "What would you like to hear?"
He suddenly furrowed his brow. "I do not know," he answered, disappointed with himself. "I am unfamiliar with your brand of music."
She patted his knee reassuringly. "Then I will think of something you will like," she said, and thought for a moment before her eyes lit up as she came to a decision.
"Ah, I have always liked this song, I find it speaks to me." She sang for him as she strummed, a sweet song about a girl who finds the exciting life she longed for brings disillusionment so she instead seeks peace, and happiness in a simpler existence. Then she sang him another gentle song where a man reminisces about his first love, and the times they spent together in the American South.
Once again, she had captured his undivided attention, and when she finished her song, she realized he was staring at her with a look of total devotion.
"Play me something else," he begged, and she smiled delicately.
"Why do we not sing something that you enjoy, together," she suggested. "You have a wonderful voice, and you know plenty of Gilbert and Sullivan do you not?"
His eyes lit up, and he raised his head.
"I believe I like that idea," he smiled, enthusiastically.
So they lay on their backs next to each other on the dock, looking up at the stars, and sang the entire score to the HMS Pinafore. She couldn't play her guitar along, but she knew all the words just as he did, and they got lost in their fun, inflecting their voices to bring the different characters to life, and motioning dramatically in the air when it was called for.
After the final song, they lay there for awhile longer, and she listened to him tell her about the stars above them as he pointed out the various constellations, and explained their significance. He finally turned to her, and asked if she was tired of listening to him yet.
"If you are, you should probably inform me, as I am sure you are aware that it is unlikely I will run out things to say," he told her with a grin.
She laughed gently, and sighed. "I do not believe I will ever get tired of listening to the sound of your voice," she replied, and rolled over to lay on top of him. She gazed into his clear eyes, the flickering fire making them glitter. "This is certainly more fun than the last time we were on the holodeck," she added. She folded her hands on his chest, and rested her chin on them.
He brought his hands up to caress her shoulders. "I am glad you had a good time," he smiled. "It is late, would you like me to escort you back to your quarters?"
A confused expression crossed her face. "Are you not going to stay with me?" she asked, slightly alarmed. "I could come to your quarters if you prefer?"
"Of course I will stay with you, I just did not want to be presumptuous," he replied, stroking her hair. "I have no desire to ever spend another night without your company."
She smiled happily, and kissed him.
"I have no such desire either," she said, tracing his lips with her fingertip. She then asked, "Do you mind if I have a quick swim first? It has been awhile since I have had one at night."
He shook his head. "Not so long as you do not mind if I remain here."
She laughed gently again. "Of course not. I know it is not your favorite activity. You can be my life guard," she replied, patting his chest before getting to her feet.
He sat up, and with a smile said, "That, I can do very well."
She removed the long earrings she was wearing, and placed them in his open hand. She walked to the end of the dock, and he stayed where he was, quietly watching her as she shrugged her dress off her shoulders, and let it slip down her body to the ground before stepping out of it. She glanced over her shoulder as if to make sure he was still there.
The dying light from the fire accentuated her lovely, soft curves, and made her naked flesh seem to glow as she raised her arms, and dove into the dark water with barely a splash.
He was not surprised by her lack of undergarments this time, and in actuality, he found it was a quirk of hers he rather enjoyed. It was something he alone knew about her, a silly secret they shared between only the two of them. The truth was, he wasn't particularly fond of wearing undergarments either, and her continued lack in that department made him more comfortable going without them as well. He couldn't help but be reminded of the erotic dream he'd had about her the previous morning, and suddenly wished she would come out of the water so he could hold her close. A part of him was worried that the feelings he had now would fade, that the intensity of their bonding would begin to wane, and the incredible connection that had formed between them would be diminished. Even though he'd considered marriage before her, he'd always had to face the reality that he would outlive any partner he would have, possibly by centuries. That was not the case with Naseema. It was likely she would outlive him, and he was looking forward to spending his lengthy existence exploring the universe with her. He wondered what she would say if he asked her to marry him one day. Their intimacy was so new, only a few days old, but he felt as if they'd already been together for an eternity.
"Data?"
Her musical voice shattered his mental wanderings, and he jerked his head to look down towards the end of the dock.
She was still in the water with her arms folded across the dock's wooden edge, resting her chin on them. She smiled when his eyes finally met hers.
"What were you thinking about?" she asked him as he stood up, and came towards her. As he reached the dock's end, he crouched down, and picked up her crumpled dress, tossing it across his shoulder.
She looked up at him, her eyes shining in the dark, and he held his hands out to her. She accepted, and he easily pulled her up out of the water into his arms. Her wet hair clung to her glistening skin, and he offered her clothing to her, but she didn't immediately put the dress back on. Instead, she held it against her front with one arm, and leaned into him, slipping her other arm around him.
"You have not answered my question. I watched you for several minutes, and you were very lost in thought. Is everything alright?" She was gazing at him intently, her large blue eyes bright, but concerned.
"Yes," he replied, and kissed her forehead. "Everything is alright. I was just contemplating...perhaps you should see for yourself."
She nodded, and her eyes unfocused briefly as they did when she entered his thoughts. She scanned his face as she went, her brow furrowing, then relaxing, and a small smile crept across her face.
"I feel the same intensity, Data. I am not going anywhere. We want the same things," she told him, and lowered her gaze shyly. "I want to feel you against me all the time too." She returned her eyes to his, and brought her hand up to touch his face. "I need you more than you could ever know."
All his fears melted away in that instant, and he swept her up into his arms, and carried her back over to the fire. He sat down, keeping her in his lap, holding her tight to him, still naked, and clutching her damp dress against her. He kissed her like he had in his dream, deeply, eternally, and she met him with the same enthusiasm. He had no idea that the events that would occur within the next few weeks would threaten everything he was trying to hold onto, and once again shake his faith in everything he believed in.