Chapter 21

Picard and Riker exchanged worried glances as Data looked at the counsellor " That is not possible. The Baby is not due for exactly seven months." Deanna answered this. "Apparently according to Dr, Crusher, the mixing of Alex's DNA and Your components has had this affect on the child."

The Android had not heard this imformation, he was busy making his way to Sick bay. Beverly Crusher had met him at the door. "Data, Alex had a rough labor, her vitals are still very weak!"

Then Doctor Crusher smiled "How ever, on the bright side, Commander you are now the father of a healthy baby girl." Data looked at the Doctor in Awe, before he spoke softly. "May I see them?" Beverly smiled as she nodded.

The Android went to where the young woman lay. Beside her bed was a crib from which he could see tiny legs and arms. As he neared, Alex saw him and sat up slowly. "Data, Come say hello to our Daughter." Data looked in the crib then back to Alex.

"May I hold her?" The young woman nodded as the Android ginerly picked up the tiny cooing creature. Alex smiled at the night of Data who stood in awe of his tiny daughter who lay sleeping in his arms. "Well Mister Data What should we name our little Lifeform?" Data set the tiny bundle back in her crib. "I have always been patical to the name Jayden." Alex looked at Beverly then back to Data "Jayden?"

The Doctor smiled knowingly. "Jayden was the name the people of BarkonIV had called Data during a time he had had Amnesia. While he was on a solo mission on their planet. When he was back on the Enterprise he didn't recall any of his time there. It wasn't until I told him about it, was he made aware of the name.

The young woman turned back to Data "My Dear mister Data, I think that Jayden is the perfect name for this little one. In fact how does this sound? Jayden Tasha Soong? " Data looked thoughtful before he Stated " That would be Acceptable."

Data then sat down beside Alex and placed his arm about his shoulder. Gently he kissed her pale cheek. Alex lay back in the Android's embrace. Beside them, in her crib, their tiny newborn daughter slept peacefully.

Behind them came a wave of Ahhs! Data and Alex looked over and saw that a small group of people had gathered at the Sick bay door, It was the Captain and the rest of the senior Officers.

Picard smiled warmly as he approached his second officer. "Mister Data is this a private function or may any one attend?" the Android rose quickly as the Captain spoke again in mock seriousness "Mister Data . Report."

"Yes Sir! At 8:10pm Alexandra Hadley went in to labor. Precisely, One hour and five minutes later Alexandra..."

Alex laughed as she scolded The android teasingly "Data just make the intruductions. Or we will be here all night." The Android acknowledged this fact and then turned to face Picard and his fellow crewmates "Every one May I intruduce you all to our Daughter!" Riker smiled as he spoke, "Congratulations mister Data, Does the Enterprise's newest arrival have a name?"

Data proceeded to pick up his sleeping child as he replied "yes Commander, It is Jayden Tasha Soong"Alex laid back and watched as the man she loved tenderly held their child in his arms. "Not bad for a non feeling machine" She mused quietly to her self.

Captain Picard smiled as he tenderly peeked in the blanket"Welcome aboard the Enterprise,Jayden tasha Soong!" Alex smiled as the rest of the senior Crew gathered around Data and their new Daughter.

Suddenly a sharp almost piercing pain shot through her chest. Alex could not help wincing in pain and she closed her eyes against the pain. Doctor Crusher looked at the young woman with concern.Data placed his hand on Alex's pale cheek and asked inquiringly "Alexandra are you All right?" Alex smiled weakly as she sighed heavily "I am alright. Data really "As she spoke another sharp pain tore through her.

Doctor Crusher frowned "Looks as though your body disagrees with you." The Doctor cleared all of them out of the Sick bay. Only Data remained with his new Family.

Doctor Crusher then injected the young woman with a hypospray as she spoke"Alex I am giving you something to help with the pain and also to allow you to get some rest!" Alex sank back in the bed "Thank you Doctor" Then A thought crossed her mind. She looked at Data "Oh my god The wedding! Today was supposed to be our wedding day."

The Android put his arm about the young woman "Our marrage will wait until you and our Daughter are stronger! We have the rest of our lives." Alex agreed to this sleepily as he spoke againg "You need your rest Alexandra/" He kissed her lips tenderly.

The young woman smiled faintly as Data turned to leave. "Data!" He turned to face her Again she smiled "I love you Mister Data.:" Then she closed her eyes and sank in to a sound slumber.