You float along the hull of the saucer section of the Enterprise D. It takes you a minute to get your bearings before you realize you are on the underside. You drift past the ship's designation. Written in massive black characters it reads "NCC-1701-D." You know this from memory. As you travel along the hull, you can only discern the "NCC." The rest is obscured by your small size and the natural curvature of the saucer. In your periphery, the anomaly sends another shockwave of electrical energy pulsing through the nebular. You look into a crew quarter to see Geordi looking out. He shakes his head.

Bathed in the soft yellow light, Geordi adjusts his visor and says, "Man, there it goes again. My visor is picking up unusual electromagnetic activity."

Data is standing over a table, arranging several brown glass bottles. He looks at Geordi and states, "Yes, the anomaly has pulsed seventeen times in the last two hours and thirty-seven seconds. The electromagnetic interference is most likely the ionization of helium particulates in the nebula." He picks up a bottle. "Geordi, would you like a cold one?"

Geordi walks over to the table to accept the bottle. He rolls it around in his hand.

Data clarifies, "It is a beer. By cold one, I am referencing the fact that I am offering you a single bottle that has been chilled to approximately four-point-four degrees celsius."

Geordi chuckles. "Thanks, Data. Is this the real deal?"

Data looks down at the now five bottles of beer. "It is not synthesized if that is what you are referring."

"Wow, must be a special occasion." Geordi takes a swig. "Whew! That's got a nice kick to it."

Data nods. "You are welcome. I procured them-" The door chimes. "Enter."

"Hey guys," Wesley offers a small smile. His eyes are darkly rimmed and his shoulders slump just enough to betray his usual perfect posture. Data peers down at the neatly arranged beer bottles, selects the one closest to Wesley, and offers it to him as he slumps into a chair. The bottle is pleasantly cool and heavy. Wes turns it around before taking a gulp. "Data, this is real beer."

"That is correct. I was explaining to Geordi that I received six units from an exporter at our last outpost." Spot the cat, a black and white tabby, weaves between the bottles nearly knocking them over. Data scoops him up. Spot purrs at the attention, rubbing his head on Data. "No Spot. You have consumed the required amount of calories for the day." He places Spot aside and continues, "The exporter's name was Samuel Adams. He was from Earth. A place called Boston. I have been saving it for a special occasion." He and Geordi join Wes at the table.

"Thanks. I don't know how special this is, but I appreciate the sentiment." Wes takes a deep drink. Geordi follows suit. He lets out a guttural burp that fascinates Data. Wes chuckles. "Nice one."

"So what's going on Wes?" Geordi wipes his mouth on the sleeve of his uniform.

"Excuse me," Data interjects, grabbing a beer, and raising it. "I believe it is customary for the host to toast the guest of honor in this circumstance."

"Oh right," Geordi raises his glass. Wesley does as well.

Data raises and says, "To our friend Wesley. May he have much success in his Starfleet career."

"Here, here," Geordi says with gusto. The three clink beers and drink. Geordi slams his down and grabs a second one. "That's good stuff."

Data to Geordi, "You were saying."

"Yeah, so what's going on, Wes? You don't seem..." Geordi takes a quick drink.

"Are you not finding success in the project? I am available to review it anytime after my shift." Data places the beer neatly with the others. Wesley shrugs.

Geordi points at Data. "I bet it's that quantum computer. Those units can be a bear."

Wesley shakes his head. "It's Anna. She's… she's difficult to work with."

Geordi leans in. "How so?"

Wes rubs the back of his neck. "The thing is I kinda got the impression she liked me. You know, we really connected on the shuttle ride. She's a super nice person, and she was really honest with me. We shared a lot, but, I don't know, maybe I got the wrong idea."

Geordi nods. Data's face is pensive. He begins to offer a suggestion, but thinks again. Geordi leans on the table and rubs his chin. He touches his visor and says, "She is a beautiful woman. Maybe you just need to be more bold. You know, go for it."

Data's eyes dart quickly from the table to Wes, "There is evidence to support the successful mating habits of alpha males. For instance, a long term study of Klingon canines showed that more aggressive males procreated at nearly double the rate of beta males."

Wes chugs the beer and motions for a second. Data, closest to the beer, skillfully slides one across the table to Wes' waiting hand. "Anyway, it's real good to see you guys. It's been lonely at the academy."

Data frowns in thought and then adds, "the most recent demographics of Starfleet academy do show a 51 to 49 ratio of female to male, so the odds are certainly in your favor."

Wesley nods. "I can't stop thinking about her. She's like infected my mind, my dreams. I close my eyes and all I see is her. What does that mean?"

Geordi pats Wes on the shoulder. "You know what? Just get through this assignment. Focus on the work, and if it's too much you can talk to us."

Data adds, "I do believe that Counselor Troi is better equipped to handle these types of issues. After all, she does specialize in human behavior."

"Data," Geordi shakes his head vigorously, "Wes needs his buddies not a counselor." He points a wavering hand at Wes. "Don't worry, man, we got your back."

The door chimes. Data looks at Geordi and Wes. "I am not expecting anyone else." His attention turns to the door. "Enter."

Anna stands in the doorway in standard issue Starfleet red with her arms crossed. She is holding herself as if caught in a chilly gust. Wes notices Anna's full, strawberry-red lips. Her brow creases in comprehending the scene before her. "Wesley," she breaths.

Data rises. "Can I help you?"

She looks past Data and continues, "I thought you were going to take me out. Show me around this ship that you love so much. I was looking forward to it."

Wesley thinks a moment, crosses the room and asks, "How did you locate me?"

"Excuse me, but I'm your direct report. I'm privy to your whereabouts. It's standard procedure." She shakes her head. "It doesn't matter. I'm sorry I intruded."

Wesley bites his lip, "Anna…"

"No, truly I am. I didn't mean to be a disturbance." She nods at Geordi and Data. "Gentlemen, I apologize for the intrusion. Wesley speaks very fondly of you."

Quickly Wes says, "Anna, we did not discuss any plans for tonight."

She nods. "Have a goodnight, Wes."

The door closes abruptly with a finality that takes over the room. Wes closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Data references Geordi for a response. He says, "I do not believe it is standard procedure for a cadet to access the whereabouts of any crew member."

Geordi shrugs, "Maybe this is different. Sometimes it changes depending on the circumstance." He sips from his beer. He says to Wes, "I see what ya mean."

"Guys," Wes says. "Let's just forget it and play some cards."

"Here, here," Geordi responds, slamming down his empty bottle. "But first stop the room from spinning."

Data quickly scans the room. "We appear to be stationary. Perhaps your visor is malfunctioning."

Wes laughs, "Yeah, Geordi, it's your visor!"