Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc
(After It Therefore Because of It)

Stardate 47220.78
(Sunday, 22 March 2370, 2:03 PM ship's time)
C.S.S. Shima'ran

"How is your headache?" Healer T'Jan asked as we settled in for a late lunch on the commercial starship ferrying us from Earth to Starbase Twelve, where we would be meeting the Enterprise. The Shima-ran, named for one of the seas on my home planet, was a civilian luxury liner registered on the planet where I was born. As I was the partner of a Starfleet officer, and the Vulcan psychiatrist held the rank of Lt. Commander, we'd been given VIP status.

That meant a smaller, less crowded, dining room, and grander staterooms. It didn't mean a direct path though. We would make stops at Luna Colony, Mars, and a couple of minor planets I couldn't recall the names of. It also didn't mean that I could travel in isolation. My therapy over the past month, along with the use of a blocking medication called Perceptex, had given me basic control of the latent telepathy that had begun breaking through three months before, but that wasn't enough control for situations where I was surrounded by strangers.

"Mushy," I said. "I'm not hearing thoughts, but I can feel the presence of all the other people."

"I would suggest that after we have our meal, you retire to your stateroom, and engage the telepathic dampener, then indulge in one of the baths you love so well."

"A bath, and then a nap," I agreed. "I'm trying, " I added, feeling as though I'd disappointed the older woman.

"I am aware," she said, but then she continued in a warmer tone, "Zoe, you've put in an intense month of work with me, and all things considered, you're doing well. As I have reminded you more than once, you must not push yourself too hard, too soon. It is alright to admit that you are tired, or that you require solitude."

"I suppose you've informed Data of that as well?" My tone was more than a little snarky.

"With your consent," she reminded me. "Are you attempting to pick a fight with me? Perhaps this is another pattern we should work to end."

Another pattern. Well, she's not wrong, I thought. "Perhaps," I admitted grudgingly. "I'm sorry."

"There is no need to apologize. I think you are using a defensive tone to deflect from the truth of how you are feeling. I've noticed this behavior from you before. What is it you fear, Zoe?"

In public, I couldn't yell at her or walk away, and anyway, I was hungry. "What if I'm not ready to be without you?" An emergency with a family member was recalling T'Jan to Vulcan. We would part ways at the starbase.

"You will have the support of your partner, Counselor Troi, and the entire Enterprise medical staff. I would prefer to accompany you, but I believe you will cope adequately." She paused to let that sink in (it was her way) then added, "You are welcome to contact me via subspace should you require additional support."

I had hoped the healer would offer that option but hadn't been counting on it. "Thank you," I said. "I'll try not to abuse the privilege."

"It would not be abuse, Zoe," she said, softening her delivery somewhat. "Now, shall we order? There is an eggplant dish on the menu here that I have grown fond of."

"I think I'll have the spaghetti pomodoro," I said, feeling a bit lighter. "Sometimes there's bacon in it. Don't look."

She didn't laugh, but the corners of her mouth quirked upwards.

(=A=)

Stardate 47249.12
(Wednesday, 1 April 2070 22:18 hours, ship's time)
U.S.S. Enterprise

No matter how many times I see it, I can't imagine the sight of the Enterprise will ever not be awe-inspiring. From the observation lounge on the starbase she was massive – all silver-white and lit up like Christmas. I wondered if my reaction was a result of her reputation, or because she represented home to me. Probably it was both.

Due to the hour, the fact the ship's arrival had been delayed, and the reality that clearing a starship for docking and vetting her crew for station access takes time, I didn't get to walk across the umbilical and marvel at how I was surrounded by space. Instead, I transported over.

There was a small group ahead of me in the transport lounge, from a race I didn't recognize. They had a security detail escorting them, but I noticed that they were wearing the uniforms of the Ambassadorial Guard, not normal Starfleet security. I also noticed that the new-to-me aliens wore vocoders - devices that allowed nonverbal people to speak - which was unusual for apparent humanoids. But maybe they were more - or other - than they looked.

And speaking of looking, a member of the group, a child, caught me watching. I smiled at her and offered a slight wave, but she didn't respond, though I saw her tug at one of the adult's sleeves and copy my gesture as if asking what it meant. She turned back to me and lifted her hand, but then their detail ushered her forward, toward the transport chamber. I felt a whisp of… something… curiosity, maybe? - brush across my mind, and a tinge of something like sadness, but the sensation was gone too quickly for me to figure it out.

It left me with a headache, but not a bad one.

When I finally materialized on the transporter pad aboard the Enterprise, Data was waiting for me with a bouquet of spring flowers - irises, tulips, and daffodils. "Dearest," he greeted, "welcome aboard and welcome back."

The heaviness of sadness flowed into my mind again, but this time it felt almost familiar. I knew I wasn't supposed to, but I cast out, searching for the source. "Leave me alone!" the anguish-filled words echoed in my brain, and I wasn't prepared for it. My head went all staticky, and I felt like the room was spinning.

Build your wall. I heard it in T'Jan's voice, but it wasn't really her reaching out from wherever she was (her shuttle to Vulcan had departed hours before) just a memory of her all-too-frequent reminder. I closed my eyes for a moment and focused on the image of my sandcastle fortress. My head cleared, and I was more myself again.

"I'm glad to be back," I said. "I've missed you." I reached up to press my lips against Data's in a chaste kiss. "The flowers are lovely."

He didn't ask if I was alright, but I knew his tiniest expressions, and I was sure he'd be mother-henning me for the rest of the evening, if not longer. I met his eyes, and he nodded once, then reached for the handle of my flight bag (the rest of my luggage, including my cello, would likely be waiting in our quarters by the time we got there. His free hand met mine, and our fingers twined. "Let us go home," he suggested, and I was happy to comply.

(=A=)

Stardate 47250.35
(Thursday, 2 April 2070 09:04 hours, ship's time)
U.S.S. Enterprise

"Are you going to tell me what is wrong, or must I guess?" Data asked, noticing - likely among other things - that I'd tasted my morning coffee then pushed it away with a grimace. "As the coffee came from the replicator and is the same recipe you have enjoyed every morning that I have served it to you, I do not believe that is the source of your discomfort."

"Am I that obvious?"

He scanned my face before answering in his typical level tone, "Anyone else would likely assume that you are slightly overtired, but I did not detect you waking in the night, and while I am unaware of the cause of your distress, I am certain you are experiencing it."

We'd had tea and a light snack before heading to bed the previous night, but I hadn't taken the time to unpack. I had taken one of the analgesics that the replicator could provide before turning in, and the headache and mind-static had receded, but now, awake, I was feeling the pressure of too many minds, and I couldn't manage to build my mental well.

Also, that voice, that vaguely familiar mental voice crying out to be left alone would not go away.

And the coffee had tasted wrong.

"I'm having problems shielding this morning, is all. Usually coffee helps, but sometimes when I'm like this I don't taste things the way I normally do."

"How can I help?"

"For now, would you mind getting the telepathic dampener from my flight bag? That will give me some relief and I'll be able to explain."

Data left the couch where I'd moved soon after getting up, acceding to Spot's demand for cuddle time, and brought back the device. Placing it on the table, he activated it, and my head cleared almost instantly.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"Healer T'Jan led me to believe that you had become adept enough at shielding that you would not experience these episodes," he said. "Was she incorrect?"

"Under normal circumstances, no. But last night, in the transport lounge… there was this group of people from a race I didn't recognize - they were wearing vocoders…" I explained what I had observed and what I had experienced.

"A delegation of the Cairn have joined the ship for transport to the Federation Council. They will not be free to leave their quarters until they have cleared medical quarantine, but the dossier mentioned that there is at least one child traveling with them, and they are telepaths. In fact, they have relied on telepathy for so long that they no longer have developed vocal cords."

"So, no speech whatsoever?" I asked.

"That is correct."

"Does that mean no music, or just no singing?"

"I do not know," Data replied, as if the question had not yet occurred to him. "Perhaps we will learn that while they are here."

"You might," I said. "I'm pretty sure T'Jan wants me to limit my exposure to pure telepaths until I'm more experienced."

"We will confer with her after you have checked in with the counselor. Do you wish to have her come here, where the dampener can remain in use?"

"Only if she doesn't mind."

"I am certain she will not."

Data was right about the Counselor not objecting to a house call, and she showed up about an hour later, after I'd had time to shower and dress.

"Zoe," she greeted me warmly, "it's good to have you back." She looked toward the dampener, and her smiling face turned into one of concern. "Data mentioned you were having problems shielding. Can you tell me what you're feeling?"

"First at Starbase 12 and then again - or maybe still? - this morning, I felt sadness. Well first there was curiosity, that was on the station, and then sadness, and then someone practically screaming to be left alone. Except, in my head, it sounded… familiar… somehow. And since then, I've just been feeling like I can't find my focus. I try to build the mental walls T'Jan taught me to do, but they're just not there. Data could tell something was wrong and I finally caved and turned on the dampener."

"Did turning it on help?"

I nodded. "Like magic. Except it's not."

She smiled, "No, but I understand the sentiment. Have you been using it frequently."

"I did at first, and over the time in San Francisco I didn't need to as much. I used it one or two nights on the Shima'ran, but then I adjusted, and I was okay… until this morning."

"But you didn't have trouble sleeping last night?"

"I was pretty tired," I said. "I barely even ate. Just had some fruit and cheese and tea and fell into bed."

Data, who was still present, added, "Zoe remained asleep throughout the night, Counselor."

Deanna reached for my hands, and I allowed the contact. "When new telepaths are very tired or their emotions are heightened, they are more sensitive and more likely to be overwhelmed. If you'll let me, I think I can help you find the focus to rebuild your shields, but we'll have to disengage the telepathic dampener. Is that alright? Will you trust me to help you?"

The woman already holding my hands held my gaze as well. She had been my counselor and my friend for long enough that I knew she was sincere. "I trust you," I said.

"Alright then. Data, do you mind deactivating the dampener?"

"I do not." He reached over and did so, then went to sit behind his console, out of the way, but still there for support if I needed him. I made a mental note to thank him later.

A few seconds later the static returned but at the same time, I felt the Counselor's mental presence meeting mine, wrapping her mental protection around me. I don't know why it surprised me, but she felt like cool water, soothing and gentle. "I'm not a true telepath," she explained aloud. "Only an empath, but the process of building mental shields is similar, and T'Jan sent your file so I'd know which techniques you were using. What's your usual focus?"

"A sandcastle," I said, and cautiously reached out to share the mental image with her.

"A perfect choice for a mermaid," she teased lightly. "Instead of focusing on the castle wall, focus on the ocean beyond it. Hear the waves against the shore and feel the damp sand against your skin. Can you feel it?"

"Yes," I said, remembering the first day at Davenport Beach with T'Jan. "It's chilly, and foggy, and the water is more grey than blue. The sand is cool, but my feet are bare anyway."

"Good, Zoe. Now, can you feel yourself forming one of the bricks in your sandcastle? Can you remember the feeling of creating the wall."

Slowly, I felt my own mental wall rising behind Deanna's, until I had almost closed the connection between us. "I don't want to shove you out," I told her, before the circle of sand was complete. "How do I…?"

"Save that for another time, I'll leave." And I felt the telepathic part of her retreat, felt the gap in my wall close, and felt the static of other minds finally recede." I let out a long breath. "Thank you. I'm sorry I had to bother you."

"Enough of that," Deanna admonished gently. "You're my friend as well as my patient at the moment. How do you feel?"

"Tired," I said. "How long were we doing that?"

"About half an hour," the counselor replied

"It felt like longer."

"I'm sure it did. It's typical to be unaware of time when you're working with telepathy."

"I remember T'Jan telling me that at least once," I said, offering a sheepish grin. "She used to make me leave anything that could tell time in a drawer during our sessions." I waited a beat. "What happens now?"

"First, you rest. Shielding is still a conscious effort for you - you're doing very well, Zoe, so don't feel as though you've failed your teacher. It takes time, and you've been through a lot."

"Trauma leading to telepathic breakthrough. I know. The first week or two, I was convinced I was going to end up locked in a psych ward."

"That will not happen." Data, who had been silent until then, put force behind his statement.

"Listen to him," Deanna smiled. "You don't need to be locked up, you just need more practice and a little help. As we all do, from time to time." She glanced at my fiancé as she said the last part.

I sensed something pointed in her comment, but it wasn't the time to ask. "So, what, daily sessions with you?"

"No, not yet. You and Data have been separated for several weeks, and you need some time to settle in. I want you to take the next few days to just relax. Read trashy novels, take long baths, play some music if you like."

"Am I confined to quarters?"

She thought for a moment. "No, you're not. But make sure you listen to your body. If you feel things getting - "

"- staticky?" I interrupted.

She smiled at my term. "Yes. If you feel things becoming staticky, then come here and use the telepathic dampener."

"I'm afraid it will become a crutch," I said.

"And that very fear will prevent it from becoming so. I'll check in with you on Monday, alright?"

"Sure."

"And if you are tired, like now, it's alright to nap."

"I'll try to remember that."

"I will ensure that you do," Data put in, teasing me just a little. "Counselor, thank you for your time"

"It's no trouble, Data. I'll see you on Monday as well, alright?"

"Of course," he said, and escorted her to the door.

I waited until the door had swooshed shut behind the counselor, to ask. "That sounded like a standing appointment and not an invitation to watch me sit on a couch being still while I build mental sandcastles for an hour. What did I miss?"

Data came to the couch and took his usual spot, the one Deanna had usurped during her visit. "I did not want to worry you while you were traveling," he hedged. "Nor do I wish to exacerbate your current distress."

"I'll be more distressed knowing you're keeping from me," I countered. "Does this have anything to do with why you didn't have to comm the bridge and tell them you would be late? Or are you on night watch this week?"

"I am off duty today," he answered. Super android evasion tactics at work.

"We agreed when I was touring with Idyllwild that unless there was a dire emergency, we wouldn't change schedules if one of us would normally be working. This morning was difficult, but hardly enough of an emergency that would require you to miss a shift; it's not like you weren't able to meet me when I arrived."

"It is complicated," Data stated. "Are you able to drink coffee now, or would you like some tea while I explain?"

I picked up my now-cold coffee and sniffed it. No revulsion, and the scent left me wanting to taste it. "I'll get it," I said. "You talk." I left the couch to send my original coffee through the recycler and retrieve a fresh mug from the replicator. Then I moved back to my original place, with the mug cradled in both hands. "Well?"

Data did not sigh unless he was affecting the behavior, but in this instance, he likely would have if he could. Which just a touch of reluctance in his tone, he said, "While you were in transit, I stabbed the counselor."

"You what?"

"It was the result of several disturbing… I believe you would call them 'nightmares.'"

"Nightmares?" I asked. "You?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

"Data!"

"They occurred when my dream program was inactive," he said, "when I was awake and on duty."

My annoyance fled immediately. "Oh, love…" I didn't have any other words, though after toying with my empty mug, I asked, "Will you tell me what they were about?"

"I had visions of Lieutenant Worf eating a cake that is made from Counselor Troi," he said, in the same matter-of-fact tone he always used. "And I also had visions of miners with pick-axes disassembling me."

"You dreamed about being taken apart?!" I couldn't keep the alarm out of my voice. "But that's my nightmare." I took a moment to find words. "Not the miners and pick-axes just the part where you're separated into bits and bobs. I'm sorry you're dreaming that; if your visions were anything like mine, 'disturbing' is putting it mildly." I took a beat. "Is there anything I can do?"

"With help from Geordi and the captain, I discovered the origin of the dreams. A nearly-undetectable alien lifeform had invaded the ship, and my nightmares provided the key to learning of its existence and devising a method of extermination."

"Extermination? You killed them?"

"No. We merely returned them to where they belong. But it was during one of my nightmares that I stabbed the counselor." I opened my mouth to ask why he'd done it, but he held up a hand. "Please allow me to continue." I nodded, and he explained. "One of the aliens had attached itself to her. In my waking vision, I perceived it as a mouth on her shoulder. The injury I caused her was my attempt to excise it."

"Oh, Data…"

"The counselor has forgiven me, but I was advised to remain off-duty for the next several days, as well as attending weekly sessions with her."

"So, you're off duty…why? To reflect? To recover? As a disciplinary measure?"

"It is… a bit of all three." He sounded almost embarrassed when he said it.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I could have - "

"There is nothing you could have done," Data said, cutting me off. "I withheld this from you while you were in transit because I did not want to cause you emotional turmoil, and based on your state of mind this morning, I was correct to do so. Geordi, Doctor Crusher, and Counselor Troi all believe I have been restored to my typical 'self.' However, if you wish to relocate to guest quar - "

I cut him off. "No."

"I do not wish you to feel unsa-"

"No," I said again, "you said things were resolved and I believe you. I trust you not to hurt me. I'm finally home after thinking I wouldn't get to see you for months; and one of the reasons I'm home is because T'Jan thinks it's better for my mental health. I'm not going anywhere. I love you." I paused for a few seconds then repeated, "I love you."

"I love you also," he said then added, "I am devoted to you."

My favorite eight words in the universe. But I had to ask, "So, you're not actually confined to quarters, are you? Just restricted from duty?"

"That is correct."

"Then, when I'm done with my coffee would you like to go for a walk in the arboretum with me? It's not the same without Keiko, but it's still pleasant."

"Counselor Troi recommended that you nap first." He regarded me for a beat, then added. "I am sorry I cannot be of more help to you."

"Data, you help just by being here for me." I set my mug down - it was empty - and moved closer to him. "But if you want to try something less passive, cuddling is good."

He put his arm around my shoulder and said, "I am well versed in cuddling."

I turned my head so I could meet his lips with mine. We kissed briefly, and then I rested my head against his shoulder, letting my hand come to rest on this thigh. Cozied up to him on our couch, I felt myself begin to relax for the first time since he'd left me on Earth three months before.

"I've missed this," I said.

"As have I."

"I'm guessing we probably shouldn't have sex until after I've had my prescribed nap."

"As much as I would enjoy renewing that aspect of our relationship, dearest, I think you should rest first. The counselor did say that maintaining mental shields would be more challenging for you if you were tired, stressed, or experiencing other heightened emotions."

"Tonight then?" I asked. "With the dampener active so I don't accidentally broadcast what we're doing."

"It is a date," Data said.

"Would it be totally pathetic if I asked you to sing me to sleep?"

"It would not. Do you wish to relocate to our bed first?"

"It feels weird to be going back to bed at eleven-thirty in the morning, when I'm not actually sick."

"You are not ill," Data reminded me, "but as we have established, you are still healing." He helped me to my feet as he rose to his own. "Come."

We returned to our bedroom together, and I peeled off everything except my underwear, and the old uniform tee - long since purloined from my partner - that I'd been wearing over my sweatpants. As I settled myself under the covers, Data perched on the side of our bed, and sang a soft lullaby to me.

Just before I drifted off, I told him, "Someday, you'll sing that to our children."

I heard his soft reply. "As you wish."

(=A=)

Stardate 47254.1
3 April 2360, 17:55 hours, ship's time
U.S.S Enterprise

By Friday afternoon I was feeling antsy. On Earth, even at the most intense part of my work with T'Jan, I'd been able to take my stepfather's dog, Bogart, for a run, and burn off steam. On the Enterprise, with people tracking what I did, I didn't have that option. I'd been restricted to the only the lightest of exercise until the end of the weekend. It had been bad enough the couple of times I'd been injured, but now, with no physical ailments, I was ready to explode.

Fortunately, Data was extremely patient with me, and we took at least four walks in the arboretum in the day and a half since my impromptu house call from Deanna.

Also fortunately, there was a formal event that evening, and after some beseeching, Troi had agreed that I could attend with my fiancé, who was required to be there.

"If you feel your mental shields getting wobbly," my Betazoid friend had cautioned via comm-channel, "tell Data at once and he will ensure that you get home safely."

I promised to do so, making sure he was a witness to the conversation. Then I went into our bedroom to do something fun: select an outfit for the evening. The occasion was official, but not formal. Still, I wanted to look nice, and finally settled on basic black with matching shoes.

Ten-Forward was abuzz with conversation when we arrived, all the senior officers milling around talking with each other and the Cain - the very aliens I'd observed while I was waiting at Starbase Twelve.

Geordi saw us enter and beckoned us to join him, even before we'd had a chance to find drinks. As if sensing that someone familiar would make me feel less anxious about being around so many people, Data put his hand on my back, and directed us toward our friend.

The formal gesture made me smile. "I've missed this, too," I whispered to my dashing escort. "Being out with you."

"I am glad that you chose to attend. I am afraid there is no dancing scheduled during this event. It is strictly a 'meet and greet' reception."

"Since when do we need a special occasion to dance?" I asked softly. "I ruined our date last night by falling asleep. Maybe we could try again tomorrow?"

"You ruined nothing," Data assured gently. Then he raised his voice and said, "Geordi," in his typical way of greeting his friend, who was standing with the blonde child I'd seen a few days earlier.

The engineer favored us with his friendliest grin. "Data. How are you holding up? And Zoe… it's good to see you here. Have you met Hedril? Her father is the leader of the Cairn delegation."

"Greetings, Hedril." Data introduced himself. "I am Data, and this is my fiancée, Zoe."

The little girl smiled at us, then asked, "What is 'fiancée?'"

Geordi, Data, and I exchanged glances, but it was Data who answered. "It is a term for people who have promised to marry."

The child - Hedril - seemed to understand, and turned back to Geordi, asking about his visual aid.

"It's called a VISOR," he explained. "It enables me to see."

The little girl touched her through. "Like my vocal enhancer. It helps me make sounds."

I felt a sort of tickle of familiarity in my head and turned to see Ambassador Lwaxana Troi bustling toward us. She wasn't wearing one the elaborate wigs she favored, and her dress was toned down. Well, toned down for her. The rich chocolate color with the tastefully jeweled collar would have been extremely dressy on anyone else. We'd only really met once. I wondered if she'd remember me.

"Commander Data, Commander LaForge," she greeted the two officers. "Oh, and Zoe Harris. Yes, of course I remember you, dear. I see that you and Data have settled down nicely. You really shouldn't be around this many people so soon after a breakthrough, especially people like the Cairn. Their telepathy is much different than anything you've encountered, and they won't understand that you are still learning mental boundaries. But I see you've met my star pupil." She gestured to the girl. "Hedril's picked up spoken language much faster than the others."

Diplomatic as ever, Data observed, "It is often the case that children learn languages more easily than adults."

"Yes, that's true. Deanna was quite good at languages when she was little. Where is Deanna?"

"We arrived only a few moments ago," Data answered.

At the same time, Geordi said, "Well, she must be around here somewhere."

The Betazoid ambassador seemed to grow pale for a moment, but she only nodded, then touched the Cairn child on the shoulder. "Hedril, darling…"

The older woman seemed to sway on her feet but recovered quickly. I didn't mean to broadcast my concern for her, but I must have, because she fixed her dark eyes on mine, even though she was still talking to our young guest, and I 'heard' her voice in my head telling me she was fine. Or maybe she was telling herself, because she seemed agitated when the little girl responded to her.

"What?"

"Go find your father, dear. I want to talk to him."

Hedril moved away, likely to do as she was asked, and I caught Data's eye and then glanced at the ambassador, trying to convey that something was not right. He, of course, was incapable of any kind of telepathy, but he knew how to read my face. Quietly, he asked, "Mrs. Troi?"

But it was me she responded to, both mentally and aloud. "Yes, yes, just a little tired. This constant telepathy with the Cairn. I'm fine, really." And then she noticed Will Riker standing with Lt. Worf in another part of the room and managed to give the impression of gathering her skirts to move away, even though her hands never touched the shiny fabric.

I could hear her asking Worf if he intended to mingle, but I didn't discern his answer because suddenly, I knew where the sadness had come from because I heard that mental sobbing again. It was Ambassador Troi.

"Data… " I touched my fiancé's arm and then began sotto voce, "I know where - " But I gasped as a stab of telepathic static threatened to overwhelm me, then resolved into the ambassador's mental voice, but harsher.

- Your shields need much more work, my dear. Leave me alone! -

And then everything was blank.

I woke up in sick bay, which was dimly lit and unusually quiet. "Data?" I called out. "Dr. Crusher."

"Commander Data will return in a moment," a low-pitched female voice said. The lights came up slightly and I recognized the speaker. "Dr. Crusher asked me to see to your care for now."

"Dr. Selar," I acknowledged the Vulcan medic. I'd had a couple of appointments with her when I'd still been a high school student, but not enough to really know her. "What happened?"

"What do you recall?"

"Static. And then someone was in my mind, angry at me - no - frustrated - frustrated and sad, and then nothing. And now I'm here. Did I faint?"

"Not exactly. New telepaths such as yourself can be overwhelmed when mental contact involves heightened emotions. From the notes in your file, you are not yet able to shield without conscious effort."

I nodded slightly, and instantly wished I hadn't. "Ow!"

"Headache?" Dr. Selar wasn't rude, just direct.

"I feel like someone hit me in the head with a bar of gold-pressed latinum."

She gave me a look that I remembered as her expression of amusement. "I had forgotten from our last encounter how descriptive you are. If I assist you, do you think you can sit up?"

I started to nod, then stopped myself. "Yes, I think so. Where is Data?" He wasn't on duty, I knew, and would never have left me alone if it hadn't been urgent.

"I am right here," my fiancé's voice answered from the shadows beyond the bio-bed. "I am relieved to see you awake." He moved to stand opposite Dr. Selar, and they both helped me to sit up.

I was a little woozy but managed to steady myself. "Thank you. How long was I out?"

"Nine hours, seventeen minutes," Data responded, leaving off the seconds. "It is currently zero-three-twelve hours. I am sorry I was not here when you woke. Maques - Hedril's father - saw you collapse and was concerned for you. Was it the Cairn's telepathy that caused you distress?"

"No, I don't think so?"

"Are you certain?" Dr. Selar asked.

"Yes… the voice in my mind was familiar. I think it was…" But the name that went with the voice was no longer in my head. "I can't remember," I said, sounding as puzzled as I felt. And then my head throbbed again. "Ow!"

"Zoe?" Data and the doctor spoke at once.

"I'm okay. I was trying to remember whose voice it was and then there was a flash of pain." I took a moment then asked, "Could I have some water, please?"

"Of course," said Selar. "Commander, would you mind?"

"Not at all."

I watched as my partner moved out of the light and back into the shadowed part of the room. "De. Selar," I said, "this isn't a normal headache, is it?"

The Vulcan woman shook her head. "I suspect it is a psychic block, either something you did instinctively to protect yourself, or something that was done to you."

"You can't tell?"

"If I touched your mind, I might be able to tell, but doing so is likely to exacerbate the pain, and could cause irreparable damage."

"What do you recommend, then, Doctor?" Data asked before I could. He handed me a glass of water and I sipped from it.

"For today, return to your quarters and rest. The notes from Healer T'Jan say that you were provided with a telepathic dampener. I suggest that you activate it as soon as you can and stay within range for at least 24 hours."

"So, I'm basically confined to quarters?" I asked.

"It is the wisest course of action. Using your telepathy right now will strain you." She looked at the readings on the bio-bed. "How do you feel now?"

"A little tired," I admitted. "And a lot hungry. I didn't have a chance to eat anything at the reception last night. And there were crab puffs, too." Neither she nor Data cracked a smile, but then, I hadn't expected them to.

"There is no reason to keep you here, then. Go home, eat something, and try to sleep. If you cannot sleep, at least rest."

"Are you going to remind me to stay hydrated also?" I asked.

"It would seem you do not require that reminder," the doctor answered. "Call me if you feel worse and come back here after the weekend."

"Should I ask for you?"

"It would be wiser."

"Data?" I looked to him. "Do you have any more questions?"

"Not at this time. Thank you, Doctor. I will ensure that Zoe follows your instructions."

She nodded at him, and moved away, allowing Data to help me down from the bed. He kept his arm around me as we headed to the turbo-lift that would carry us toward home.

(=A=)

Stardate 47256.28
(Saturday, 4 April 2370, 13:04 hours, ship's time)
U.S.S. Enterprise

"I slept through date night, and now I've slept through half the weekend," I grumbled as I settled myself onto our couch with a mug of peppermint tea. "Why did you let me sleep so long?" Data had taken the Vulcan doctor's instructions very seriously. We'd arrived home a little after four in the morning, he'd replicated a bowl of clam chowder and toast for me, and then he'd tucked me into bed as soon as I finished it, where I fell asleep almost immediately.

"Doctor Selar advised you to rest," he answered, unaffected by my mood, and not even looking away from his monitor. "You were obviously exhausted. I chose to let you sleep for as long as your body required. I suspect you are still tired, and simply do not wish to admit it."

"I hate it when you're right," I said, still grumbling. "I am tired," I clarified, "but I'm not sleepy. If I were alone, I'd wrap myself in a blanket and watch sappy romantic comedies on the entertainment system all afternoon. It is only afternoon, isn't it?"

"It is," Data confirmed. "And this is your home; you are welcome to watch whatever you wish, as you know."

"Yeah, but I'm not alone, I'm here with you… I can't have a proper grumpy day when I'm with you."

"Why not?"

"I don't know, it just feels wrong. Like I shouldn't waste time being self-indulgent when we could be doing something together. Even though I know I'm basically supposed to be having a sick day," I said. "And even when it's obvious that you're working." I was quiet for a moment, then I asked. "Are you working on anything interesting?"

"I am cataloguing therapeutic techniques for adults who have experienced latent telepathic breakthrough."

Any other day, I would have found my partner's behavior incredibly sweet - after, all, he was putting his planet-sized brain to work trying to make me feel better. But I was cranky, and out of sorts, and couldn't help the feeling that we never had enough time together. And then there was the black space in my head where that mental voice had been. I knew that voice. I tried to probe that space and got a case of mental whiplash so bad that I screamed.

"Zoe, are you alright?" Data had left his console and moved to my side.

"No," I said. "I'm not alright. There's a black hole inside my head, and I'm tired and cranky, and coming home was supposed to help, but it's not! It's just making everything worse. And you… you're treating me like a problem to solve instead of just being my boyfriend."

My statement was unfair, born of pain and frustration and we both knew it. I hadn't meant to pick a fight with Data, I was just crawling inside my own skin, even with the telepathic dampener open.

"What do you wish me to do?" His voice was muted. Careful.

I deflated. "I honestly don't know." I took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Could you ignore the fact that I just yelled at you and just hold me? Because I feel like I'm breaking apart from the inside out."

Strong arms came around me as Data lifted me onto his lap. I rested my head against his shoulder. "I do not," he said into my hair, "believe you are a 'problem' that I must solve. I do know that you are struggling, and it was my hope that I could find something we could do together to help you focus your mental acuity and form stronger shields."

"Together? But you're not a telepath."

"That is true. However, I was looking for physical techniques."

"Like breathing exercises? Because I've done tons of them, and they really don't help that much."

"I have read that certain martial arts - tai chi chuan, for example - are recommended, or perhaps yoga."

"Yoga?"

"Both practices involve full body movement and are known to relieve stress."

"You think I'm stressed?"

"No. I know that you are experiencing stress."

I lifted my head. "Well, there's another way to relieve that." I was only half-serious. I didn't have the energy for sex.

"Dearest, you know that I enjoy our sexual intimacy as much as I do, however, that only relieves your stress in the moment. Yoga or tai chi have more prolonged effects. As well, they qualify as the 'light' activity Counselor Troi recommended."

"Do you have a preference?"

"Yoga requires a degree of flexibility that I am uncertain I can reproduce."

"I think you're underestimating yourself. But I'm game for tai chi if you want to try it. When can we start?"

He opened his mouth to suggest a time (I assumed) but was interrupted by the chirp of his comm-badge. He responded with an elegant tap of his middle finger (he always used that finger; I had no idea why) and was subsequently called back to duty for a staff meeting.

"I am sorry, Zoe. I must go."

"I guess I get to have my grumpy alone-time after all," I said, but I kissed him before I moved so he could re-arrange his uniform and head to the bridge. "Guess it's you and me, Spot," I said to the cat. "What's your pleasure? Sappy romance with a side of kilt-porn, or sappy romance with a bit of animal rescue?"

In deference to the cat, I chose the latter.

Three sappy rom-coms and a documentary about big-wave surfing that compared the sport on Earth, Akkalla, and Pacifica, Data still wasn't home, and I was tired of staring at screens. I found Spot's ball of yarn and played with her until she made it clear what she really wanted was food, and then I fed her.

I thought about feeding myself, but I wasn't hungry, just antsy. So, I did the one thing I could do alone at home without exerting any effort: I went to take a bubble bath.

Mostly submerged in hot, lavender-scented water with piles of bubbles surrounding me, I finally began to truly relax. I closed my eyes and rested my head against the bath pillow Data had replicated for me months before, just enjoying the mental and physical silence.

I missed not having telepathy. I felt like myself, then, when only my voice and my face displayed me feelings … except… maybe this telepathy wasn't as latent as I'd always believed. There had been that time when my mother had been injured on an away mission and Ambassador Troi had kept me company. What was it she'd said? I tried to remember the words, and her particular cadence. "You're broadcasting your feelings for the android at such a mental volume that I'm surprised every telepath in the sector isn't demanding that you be taught a mental block."

A mental block.

Ambassador Troi.

Memory flooded back to me, as the dark spot in my mind melted away. Ambassador Troi was the person who'd 'shouted' at me to leave her alone!

I sat straight up in the bath, sloshing water everywhere. My comm-badge was on the counter near the sink, too far to reach without getting out of the tub. I used my toe to trigger the drain, and left the tub, wrapping myself in a towel before I reached for my communicator.

"Zoe Harris to Lt. Commander Data."

- Data here, came his voice from the speaker. Are you alright? -

"I'm fine," I said. "I'm better than fine. I mean, I'm still tired but I know whose voice I heard. Telepathically."

- One moment. - There was a pause, as if he were stepping out of a room for privacy. - I am sorry I am not home yet, Zoe. Ambassador Troi collapsed in the arboretum earlier today. She is still unconscious. -

I gasped. "Oh, no! I hope it's not my fault!"

- Why would you believe you are to blame? -

"Because," I said. "It was her. Inside my mind."

- Are you certain? -

"As much as I can be without communicating with her that way, again."

- One moment -

The comm channel went silent, probably because Data was relaying my information to whomever he was with. A few minutes later, his voice returned.

- Counselor Troi wishes me to thank you for your information, and assure you that you did nothing wrong. -

"That's good to know. But what about her mother? Will she be okay?"

- I will be home shortly and will share what I can at that time. Data out. -

He disconnected and I moved to exchange my towel for a Yale t-shirt and sweatpants. I still wasn't really hungry, but I replicated a mug of hot chocolate and let the sweet beverage lift my mood a little bit.

I was curled up on the couch with a book and a second hot chocolate when Data returned. "Everything alright?" I asked.

"Ambassador Troi has engaged in something I can only describe as a 'psychic retreat.' Counsellor Troi is attempting to reach her telepathically.

"Is it because of me? Because I wasn't shielding?"

"No," Data said. "You are not to blame. The fact that Mrs. Troi reached out to you is mere coincidence."

"So, is the fact that my mental block cleared at about the same time she collapsed also coincidence?"

"Very likely. Doctor Selar will be able to tell you more when you see her on Monday morning."

I looked into his face, searching to see if he was dissembling to spare my feelings, but Data had an almost impenetrable 'poker face' when he wanted to, and as a rule, he didn't lie. "Okay," I said. "My head cleared while I was in the bath," I added. "Maybe I've just been so anxious about being home that I did it to myself, and it took relaxing in water to help me."

"That is also a possibility," Data agreed. "Perhaps you should set this concern aside for now and try to enjoy the rest of the weekend."

"I promise to try," I agreed. "But some kind of distraction would be helpful. This book isn't really holding my attention and you were right, earlier, about me needing to do something physical."

"We can begin tai chi chuan tomorrow," he said. "Tonight, please rest for me, if not for yourself."

"You're that worried about me?"

"I am concerned, yes."

"Does sex count as resting if we're slow and tender? Because I've been home for several days now, and we haven't… and I know I've been a mess, and I understand it's not a cure-all, but I miss the way we fit together. I miss you touching me. I miss touching you."

"Are you certain you are able?" Data asked.

"My head feels better, my mood is better, and the dampener is active, still, so it's not like I'll accidentally broadcast what we're doing."

He had been standing in front of me since he returned home. Now, he stepped forward and reached for my hand. "Then come," he said. "That aspect of your homecoming has been too long delayed."

I placed my hand in his and let him guide me to our bedroom, where we kissed and touched and made love slowly and thoroughly. If it wasn't the most amazing sex we'd ever had, it didn't matter. It was a reconnection we both needed.

Afterward, I lay with my head on Data's chest, listening to the thrum of his internal systems that I loved so much, and missed keenly when we were apart. "If I'd been on my normal spring break schedule, I'd be leaving tomorrow," I mused. "Instead, I'm here until T'Jan and Counselor Troi say I can go back. It's not vacation… but I don't have anything to do."

"Your duty for now is to stabilize your mental control," Data reminded me. "But once the medical staff approves it, I will endeavor to find a way you can be productive."

"Maybe Doctor Crusher would let me teach an improv class for the theater group. I could even petition for credit."

"That is one option. There are likely others. However, this is not something to solve tonight."

I laughed and kissed him again. "No, I guess it isn't. There is one thing we can solve tonight, though."

"What is that?"

"Dinner. I'm really hungry."

(=A=)

Stardate 47261.42
(Monday, 6 April 2370, 10:03 hours, ship's time)
U.S.S. Enterprise

Sick bay was oddly empty when I arrived there. Usually there were one or two patients with minor injuries from playing too hard on the holodeck or having minor mishaps on away missions. Bumps, bruises, and sprains could be healed quickly, but it wasn't atypical to keep someone in a bio-bed to enforce their rest or give them fluids. There was almost aways other routine stuff going on as well - people needing their birth control updated, crew members with scheduled physicals, and more.

"Hello," I called into the space. "Doctor Crusher?" I resisted the temptation to search for her mentally I was fairly certain I wasn't supposed to use my abilities, such as they were, until I'd been cleared medically. "Doctor Selar?"

"Selar is off duty this morning," Beverly Crusher, emerging from her office. "Sorry if I kept you waiting."

"I just got here. Where is everyone?"

"It'll fill up in here later today, but for now, all non-essential staff have been given extra time to rest. I think you know about Ambassador Troi?"

"I know she collapsed, and I know she had some kind of psychic reaction, and that Deanna had to be with her…" I hedged.

"It was a long day, Zoe, emotionally taxing for everyone. Anyone with any kind of psychic ability felt the effects. I'm surprised you didn't."

"I did, actually, before the ambassador collapsed. She sort of stabbed though my shields before I could block. I'm pretty sure she didn't really mean to cause harm, though."

"No, she would never…"

"Anyway, Doctor Selar sent me home to rest and told me to activate my telepathic dampener, so I've been playing hermit all weekend. Well, we've been playing hermit. Data was off-duty until this morning."

"Have you deactivated the dampener?"

"Yes, before bed last night."

"And were there any issues?"

"No," I said. "But since Data is absolutely, irrevocably psi null, I wasn't in close proximity with anyone who I might overhear… or who could overhear."

"How have you been physically?" she asked guiding me toward a bed. "Hop up."

"Mostly okay," I answered honestly, hoisting myself onto the bed. "I get tired more quickly than I used to. Healer T'Jan said that's normal, until shielding becomes basically autonomic. And I get sore if I don't move around enough."

"You were dropped from a balcony less than three months ago," the doctor reminded me. "Lie down; let's take a look."

I did as she asked and waited as the bio-bed scanner was activated and did its thing. "Well?" I asked when the soft humming had stopped.

"You have a little bit of inflammation, but it's consistent with normal muscle strain. Try a gentle stretching warmup before you do any dance or exercise and remember to rest when you need to. I'm sure T'Jan has said this, and Selar and Deanna will remind you, too, but learning to control your mental abilities is taxing to your whole body."

"So, once I'm better at shielding, everything will feel better?"

"To a point. Overusing muscles or not warming up correctly will still affect you, as it would anyone. But you're young and otherwise healthy, so I wouldn't worry too much. You can sit up now." I sat up, and she patted my shoulder. "We're done here, Zoe. Deanna is spending the morning with her mother. She'll contact you for an appointment."

"Okay," I said, sitting up. "Anything else?"

"Stay hydrated," she said, as I expected.

"Thank you," I slid off the bed, and gave her a quick impulsive hug. "I'm glad to be home."

Her returning squeeze was all the answer I needed.

Rather than contacting me for an appointment, Deanna invited me over for coffee. "I hope you don't mind blurring the lines between friend and therapist," she half-teased, "I'm still very tired from everything that happened with my mother, but I didn't want any more time to pass without checking in. Cappuccino, latte, or mocha?"

"Mocha, please," I said. "Chocolate is medicinal. Coffee is practically a necessity."

She laughed softly, and turned to the replicator, returning to her sitting area with a pair of mochas, one of which she gave to me. "So, how are you doing?"

"Do you mean just the telepathic breakthrough, or residual trauma, anxiety over missing a semester of university, feeling useless, and all that?"

"All of that," she confirmed. But she favored me with a gentle smile over the rim of her coffee cup. "It's a lot, I know. Why don't we take it one thing at a time. Let's start with the trauma."

"I blocked out a lot," I said. "I guess facing everything is healthy, but it's exhausting. I haven't had a flashback since I started working with T'Jan, though, and I'm not having many nightmares anymore."

"That's good," she said. "Being out of school, as you know, is temporary. But I thought your dean was working with you and would hold your place?"

"Bright Star and Whiskers have been amazing," I said. I just... I had a timeline in my head, and I'm worried taking longer to finish school will delay my entire life. I can't take acting work if I have to spend the summer making up the semester, and while Data and I haven't set a wedding date yet, I'm worried he'll want to push things further out."

"Is there a rush? I seem to remember a young woman once telling me that her grandmother recommended not marrying before the age of thirty."

I responded with a rueful chuckle, "Well, she also pointed out to Data that women in my family have a habit of marrying young, despite her advice. And, I don't know, engagements feel like some sort of weird limbo and maybe it's his android nature rubbing off on me, but I prefer things to be defined."

"Have you spoken to Data about this?"

"Not yet, no."

"You should. It's possible just setting a date will relieve some of your worries."

"He said we'd discuss finding something useful for me to do while I'm home, once I have a medical okay. I'm not used to being idle; I don't know how to handle it."

"How are your energy levels?"

"I get tired easier than I used to." I told her, "I'm not entirely comfortable in large groups of people. T'Jan insisted that we take our meals in one of the dining rooms on the trip out here, and by the time I finished dinner every night, I was ready for a bath and bed… sometimes just bed."

"Your energy levels will normalize as you get better at shielding without making conscious effort, " she assured.

"Beverly said the same thing, but…"

"…but it means more hearing it from another telepath?"

"Yeah… It does. It shouldn't, but it does."

"Healer T'Jan was pleased with your progress. She said most latent telepaths who breakthrough as adults don't have half your control."

I smiled. "Really? She said that?"

"She did," Deanna said. "She also mentioned that you don't always use the dampener when you should."

"I… I feel like if I use it, I'm failing."

"It's not failing, Zoe, to use a tool the way it's intended. Not using it can put undue stress on your still-new mental shields. If you're resisting the dampener, that may be part of why you're fatigued." She studied my face, no doubt catching the faint squinting of my eyes. Or maybe Data had tipped her off. "One moment." She rose from her chair and retrieved a telepathic dampener just like mine. After she switched it on, she asked, "And how do you feel now."

"Like something that was pressing in on me has been removed," I admitted. "Was it that obvious?"

"Data thought you looked more tired than is usual for you after traveling, and I could feel the pressure in your head," she shared. "The dampener affects me as well, even though my abilities are more empathic than telepathic. For me, having it on is akin to the feeling you get when a noise you don't consciously hear has been silenced."

"Like the lack of energy hum when there's a power outage, planetside?"

"Very much so." She laughed. "To be honest, it's a bit unsettling."

"I can see that," I said. "You can turn it off," I added. "Just having a brief break is usually enough." She reached to turn it back on, but I remembered something sensitive I'd been meaning to ask. "Wait."

"Zoe?"

"I… I don't want to risk broadcasting when I ask this. T'Jan said I'm more likely to lose control in 'situations with heightened emotions,' and I was wondering if that includes sex. I mean, Data can't broadcast, but what if I accidently lose outgoing shields when we're…" I used his word. "… intimate? Doctor Selar told me to keep it on for at least twenty-four hours, so it wasn't an issue over the weekend, but…"

I half-expected her to blush, or act like I was asking a stupid question, but she didn't. "I'd recommend continuing to activate the dampener before the two of you have sex," she answered frankly. "At least on the ship, and at least for a while."

I nodded. "Okay."

"Anything else?"

"I feel like all the work I've done with T'Jan fell apart last night, and then Doctor Selar said I should ask for her over the weekend and not Beverly, and I wasn't sure if that was permanent or what."

"Selar has more experience with telepathic breakthrough than Beverly does, but that doesn't replace the rapport you and Beverly already have. If you're having something you know is related to your mental abilities, seek out me or Selar; for anything else, Beverly is fine."

"Okay," I said.

She switched the device off and I felt the presence of all the minds on the ship, but it wasn't pressing as hard as before. The few minutes' break had helped.

"You didn't undo everything; you are adapting to a new condition and learning new skills. Selar said recovered your shields fairly quickly."

"Did I? She made me feel like I'd lost them completely."

"She didn't want you taxing yourself. But blocking your memory of my mother's assault on your mind was actually a reaction from your mental shields. You essentially locked her out so well you blocked your own access to her."

"Selar said she couldn't be sure of that unless she touched my mind."

"I can touch your mind if you let me, and want confirmation, but the fact that you did remember points to it being self-induced."

"I trust you." I said. "If you're well enough to try, but you just said you were an empath."

"That's true, but we've communicated that way before."

"So, your brain recognizes mine?"

"Something like that," she agreed lightly. "Close your eyes." I did as I was asked, and a moment later I felt something like an orange-blossom breeze move through my mind. I recognized the feeling but hadn't identified as Deanna before then. I felt a wave of not-quite-maternal affection, and then the presence withdrew. "Alright?" the counselor asked.

I opened my eyes. "Orange blossoms. My mind interprets you as orange blossoms."

Troi laughed. "That's delightful… and I can confirm that your mental block was your own doing."

"So, now what? Am I still restricted to quarters and light activities?"

"I think you can move about as you please, though try to limit your time among crowds until you feel more comfortable. T'Jan gave me a list of exercises she's had you practicing," Deanna said. "She didn't think you needed daily guidance, but I would like to meet with you once a week, you don't object."

I shook my head. "Meeting with you is never objectionable," I said. "Am I supposed to go back to calling you 'Counselor?'"

"Aren't we beyond that?" Her smile broadened. "Zoe, our meetings don't have to be clinical. I just want to ensure that you're being monitored, and that you have someone to answer specific questions. We could even do them over lunch if you like."

"I'd like that," I said.

"I would, too," she said, smiling. "So, lunch on Friday? Thirteen hundred hours?"

"I'll meet you at your office."

"Alright then."

We'd both finished our coffee drinks, but I wasn't quite ready to leave yet. "If it's not too nosy," I asked. "Is your mother alright? She was very kind to me the last time my mother was injured, and I feel a little bit invested in whatever happened."

"She's fine, now, if tired," Deanna shared. "My mother is a powerful telepath, as I'm sure you've heard, and she managed to self-induce a block so strong it's taken almost my entire life for it to degrade."

"Wow. Whatever happened must have been awful."

"It was," she said. "I had an older sister who died in an accident when I was a baby. Mother had never mentioned her."

"Wow," I said again. "I guess that explains why she dotes on you so much, though."

"It does," the counselor said. "I should go check on her. Call me or one of the medical staff if you need anything."

"I will," I said. "I promise. But… would you send your mother my regards."

"She'll be glad to hear from you."

We left her quarters together, me to return home, she to check on her mother. I was still a bit fatigued, but my mood was vastly improved.

(=A=)

Stardate 47267.65
(Saturday, 8 April 2370, 16:40 hours, ship's time)
U.S.S. Enterprise

Two days later, I was having tea with Deanna and her mother, a small farewell gathering before she left the ship. She was still telepathically diminished, which made things easier for me, because I didn't have to shield as much. But she was also looking more colorful and cheerful than she had at the reception several days before.

"My Little One tells me that you and Mr. Data are engaged," she said, after a profuse apology for scaring me, and an invitation to visit her on Betazed once I had more experience with my abilities. "Show me the ring, child. He did follow human customs and give you a ring, didn't he?"

"He did," I said, and held out my left hand to show off my diamond. It was an old-fashioned Tiffany setting with a gold band made from a tube clamp that had once resided in his left arm. It was simple, and unfussy, and a little bit retro, and I loved it. "He took me to the officer's club on the Academy grounds for dinner and dancing over my Thanksgiving break, and proposed on one knee in front of a window with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge."

"Oh, that's lovely. And don't let anyone tell you that you're too young, Zoe. Android or not, that man adores you, and you're perfect for each other. Have you picked a date yet?"

"We haven't, but we've decided the venue will likely be on Earth. My father lives on Centaurus, but Mom is on Earth, and it's the easiest place for the most people to travel to."

"A wise choice. Women should always have their mothers at their weddings if they can. I expect an invitation, you know."

"Mother," Deanna broke in, her tone a warning. "Zoe and Data will decide their guest list on their own."

"Oh, of course you will," Lwaxana said. "I was just caught up in the moment. But do contact me if you need any help or advice."

There was nothing I could do but promise her.

"You see, Little One," the ambassador said, turning to her daughter. "This one isn't even twenty and she's found a match destined to last for all time. You'd think you'd manage to at least have a serious boyfriend by now."

"Mother…"

The conversation went on in that vein for another half an hour, at which point I excused myself to go feed Spot. "Animals are very aware of their schedules," explained, "and that cat has lethal claws." True, she'd never used them on me, but that really wasn't anything the ambassador needed to know.

Both Trois rose to escort me to the door, and there was a flurried exchange of brief hugs.

At home, a full hour before Spot's typical dinner time, I found a note from Data that he'd be off duty by 20:00 and a bouquet of sunflowers and irises, my favorite combination of flowers. I smiled into the blossoms. It had taken an entire week and a couple of minor catastrophes, but I finally felt like I was home.

Notes: First: I'm back! It's been a tumultuous year with a move to Florida, staying with my mom for three months while we looked for a new house, setting up said new house, and some health issues for both the dogs and the humans. Oh, and dealing with leftover trauma from so much death and loss between 2018 and 2022.

Enough of that. This chapter starts a little before and ends a little after "Dark Page" in season seven. Lwaxana comforts Zoe in Crush II: Ostinato, chapter 11, "Disconnection." It refers to the previous episode, "Phantasms," which I addressed in the one shot A King of Infinite Space.