Enemies Foreign and Domestic – Part II

Stardate 46373.34

(Saturday, 17 May 2369, 06:30 hours, ship's time)

U.S.S. Enterprise

It was the comm-signal that woke me, and even though I knew the call was for Data, I couldn't help sitting up in bed. I didn't typically eavesdrop on his communications, but since he was in the bed with me, it wasn't exactly hard to hear.

"Data here," my partner said, after tapping the comm-badge that was resting on his nightstand.

The voice that came over the tiny speaker was that of Captain Jellico – I'd heard it in several other comm-calls over the previous few days – and as usual, he got right to business. "Data, I need you in the main conference room for a debriefing with Dr. Crusher and Lt. Worf."

I couldn't help the audible gasp I let out. If only two members of the away team were reporting to be debriefed, it meant that the third member, Captain Picard, was either injured or missing. Ignoring my reaction, my partner responded to his commanding officer, "I will be there, sir."

If the man on the other end of the comm-link had heard my non-verbal noise, he didn't let on. He said only, "We'll be meeting in twenty minutes. Jellico out."

"I am afraid we will have to forego our weekend plans," Data told me, his tone apologetic. Unspoken was his estimate of the likelihood that he'd be returning to quarters any time soon – a number hovering close to zero percent. "I will contact you when I know more."

I fought to keep annoyance out of my own voice, to keep things light, and be supportive. "It's fine, love, really. As much as I was looking forward to tackling the duets for cello and oboe today, it's been a long week and the opportunity to lounge around in bed dozing and reading is hardly terrible."

He leaned sideways to kiss me, and then left the bed to get ready for duty. I indulged myself by ogling his nude form as he moved from bedroom to bathroom and back, but once he was in his uniform my mood shifted slightly, and I asked the question, after all. "Data… I know you can't give me details – especially details you don't yet know – but… Captain Jellico's phrasing… Captain Picard didn't return with the others, did he?"

"While I agree that your interpretation is plausible," he responded, "I am unable to confirm anything at this time." He hesitated, and I lifted my chin to better meet his eyes. "I will tell you what I can, when I can," he promised. "Zoe, please do not let worry keep you from rest. At this point you have only conjecture, and I am aware that your imagination is… vivid."

"I promise to try," I said. "Go be awesome."

That earned me a slight uplifting of his eyebrows and an infinitesimal shake of his head, as I knew it would. Then he was gone, and I was too wired to go right back to sleep, but too tired to really do anything else. Most of my friends would be lingering in bed at least til ten – school wasn't yet over, and there were only a few weekends left of senior year, but my own routine didn't mesh with theirs anymore, and hadn't for months.

I set an alarm for zero-eight-thirty, and snuggled back into the bed, pulling Data's pillow into my arms. I caught the faint scent of his pomade – he'd accepted the sort of spicy-aquatic variation I'd snuck into our medicine cabinet without comment – and I smiled into the cotton as I closed my eyes. A moment later, Spot returned to the bed, curling up against the small of my back, rather than going after my hair, and a moment after that, I was asleep.

Ten-Forward was unusually busy for a Saturday morning. Unusually busy, and oddly quiet. Every table was full, but instead of the usual buzz of conversation, one that often included conversations exchanged between tables, everyone seemed to be whispering.

I made my way to the bar, intending to grab one of the few open stools, but Guinan caught me before I could. "There's a better place for you to sit," she said. "Come with me."

Arguing with Guinan is about as productive as trying to out-logic Data, so I followed where she led, pausing when she stopped abruptly at a table already occupied by a dark-haired woman. "Deborah, have you met Zoe? She's a student intern in protocol and the partner of – "

"…Lt. Commander Data," Deb finished the sentence. "Admiral Nechayev introduced us several days ago." She glanced up at the El Aurian woman, then turned her attention to me. "Zoe, I've been remiss. I should have reached out to you. I haven't even ordered yet – join me?" She glanced around, then added softly, "If you don't want to wait an hour, I'm pretty much your only option."

"If you're sure…?" I began, but the truth was, I liked Deborah Jellico, and I knew the reason she had a table to herself was that no one else would approach. I cut off my own waffling and took the seat opposite her. "Actually, I'd love to join you. Thank you, Guinan, I'm really glad you brought me over here."

"I'll be back in a moment, unless you're ready to order?" the Hostess said, but she and I shared a private look. I knew she'd brought me to Deb's table to make a point to the crew.

"A salmon and spinach omelet with goat cheese, and a side of rosemary potatoes," I requested, since I knew the menu pretty much by heart. "And a double cappuccino, please."

Deb ordered an omelet as well – tomato, mushroom, and sausage – and duplicated my coffee request. Once we were alone, she asked, "The lounge isn't typically this subdued, is it?"

"Not usually, no," I confirmed. Pitching my voice low, I continued, "Look, I know you probably don't know anything, and can't tell me if you did, but… I know Lt. Worf and Dr. Crusher returned this morning. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing Captain Picard didn't come back with them."

"Data didn't tell you?"

"Data didn't know… he was called to the conference room at zero-six-thirty, and we talked a bit while he was getting dressed, but… I'm a civilian, I'm technically a student, and I try really hard not to ask about ship's business."

The older woman seemed surprised by that. "Why, Zoe? It's true you don't have clearance, but most officers speak to their spouses about things that the rest of the crew would never be told. Part of our role is to give our partners an outlet, a safe place to release the things that can't be shared otherwise."

"I don't doubt that, Deb, really, but Data and I aren't married. We've talked about it as a future goal, but I'm eighteen, I'm heading to Yale in a few months, and he's an android. He doesn't have that need to vent that we organics have. I mean, some of the junior officers tease me – they call me Mrs. Data – but, except for medical powers of attorney and declared next-of-kin, there's really nothing legal between us."

"Did either of you consult your SOAR representative when you moved in together?"

"I don't even know what SOAR really is."

Deb seemed surprised by my statement. "You've never had to transfer stations with your mother?"

I shook my head. "Until she was aboard the Enterprise, I lived on Centaurus with my father, except when he dumped me with my grandmother."

"And when you came to the ship, you didn't meet with a SOAR representative, or a volunteer who helped you transition?"

Another headshake. "No. I met with Ms. Phelps, who's the director of the high school, and then later, I spoke to Data directly about joining his tutorial in advanced mathematics, but… no."

Deb gave the kind of nod that people do when information is falling into place inside their heads. Pausing when a server brought our meal – Guinan, I noticed, was behind the bar chatting with a stressed-looking Commander Riker – she continued the conversation as soon as we were alone once more. "SOAR is the Starfleet Office of Assistance and Resources. It's a volunteer organization made up of officers' spouses and partners, as well as a few officers themselves, mostly those who are single parents or who have trailing families."

"Trailing… families?"

"When someone gets assigned to a ship or starbase and their family doesn't travel with them but arrives later." I nodded. It made sense. "SOAR provides resources – how to transfer school records, how to enroll students in shipboard schools, how to change your paperwork when your status changes – "

" – like the medical powers of attorney Data and I did?" I asked, cutting her off. I tacked on a sheepish, "Sorry."

But Deb smiled. "It's fine, Zoe. Yes, like the paperwork you and Data did. He probably also registered your relationship as a domestic partnership to give you access to a greater number of ship's services."

I recalled a months-old conversation with Data about changes to the replicator menus, and how I wouldn't have had access to make requests when I was Mom's dependent. "We went over a lot of paperwork," I agreed. "I just didn't know it had anything to do with SOAR."

"Well, Data may not have gone through their office."

"He is head of ship's operations," I clarified. "In any case, I'm realizing now that I have interacted with SOAR. There's a monthly teen brunch where we're encouraged to mix with some of the more visible members of the crew and learn about what they do off-duty."

"Sounds like a SOAR event," Deb agreed grinning. Then she sobered. "In times of war, SOAR provides comfort and support both to families and to officers who may be disconnected from their families for months on end, and when command is transferred abruptly – as it just was here – SOAR also works with the Counselor's office to ensure a smooth transition."

"So, they handle morale?"

"In a sense, but it goes beyond that. Zoe, as the dependent of an officer, you should have been under SOAR's wing the second you moved to the Enterprise. As the partner of another officer – and a line officer at that – you should have, at the very least, been invited to attend a meeting and get to know the on-board chapter."

"I'm guessing as the spouse of a captain, you're accustomed to leading such a chapter?"

"It's not strictly required," she was quick to assure, "but, yes, I've chosen to be involved. Of course, every chapter is different."

"Captain Picard doesn't have a partner – or if he does, he keeps it incredibly discrete." I used present tense when speaking of him because I didn't know for sure that he hadn't returned, and until I was told otherwise, I'd resolved to believe that even if he wasn't on the ship, he was still alive. "I mean, people speculate, but…"

"I understand," Deb said. "I'm fortunate that my job allows me to travel with Edward and our son." She paused, using the time to eat some of her omelet and sip from her cup. When she spoke again, it was in a lighter tone, as she explained, "I'm a writer. I've published a series of children's books. Maybe you've heard of Sasha the Sehlat?"

"I bought one of the plush sehlats from that book for my baby brother!" I exclaimed. "And the book, though he's too young to do more than chew on the corners. Gia – that's my stepmother – says he loves the rhythm of the language, though."

Nodding, Deb confirmed, "Most young children respond to the rhymes and the alliteration." She favored me with a knowing smile, "Many adults do, as well."

From there, our conversation became much more social, covering books, music, fashion, and even media. Finally, our plates and cups (which latter had been refilled at least twice) were empty and we ended our morning, but not before a couple of people had approached our table seeking reassurance. One had been one of the younger officers I'd met through Ray, and I'd assured him that funky shift changes were normal when command changed. (I'd asked Lasso about it when it had happened) the other was someone I didn't know, but who recognized me as 'the one some of the science guys call 'Mrs. Data.'

She was an ensign on her first tour – not much older than I was – and she really just wanted to know if Captain Jellico could be trusted. "Starfleet doesn't let people they don't trust command starships," I told her, keeping my tone gentle. Then I deferred to Deb. "This is Captain Jellico's wife. I'm sure she could reassure you better than I can."

I watched as Deb jumped in to do just that, asking the nervous woman where she was from and if she was enjoying her post on the Enterprise. I didn't take notes, of course, but watching her interact taught me a lot about how to be more confident in similar situations where I had to be supportive without having any real information.

(=A=)

Stardate 46374.30

(Saturday, 17 May 2369, 14:52 hours, ship's time)

"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Dana asked. She, Josh, and I were all in her family's quarters, staring out the window at the Cardassian ship hovering off to starboard. Of course, we weren't really seeing what was directly outside – space is black, and starships aren't small, and unless they're docking, they typically stay a couple hundred kilometers apart – but a representation of what we'd be seeing if all those things weren't the case.

"Cardassians off the starboard bow, you mean?" Josh asked. "Yeah, we're seeing it."

"They're more amidships than forward," I observed, and then I added, "I've been spending way too much time with Data, haven't I?"

"Is there too much time when you're totally in love?" Dana teased.

"Alright, then, I've been letting him rub off on me – "

"Rub off?" Josh arched an eyebrow at me. "Dirty."

Laughing, I shook my head. "I give up," I said. "You win." But my laughter dissipated almost instantly. "Data's been on duty almost constantly since Captain Jellico took over," I share. "And this morning in Ten-Forward… we're not at war, but everyone seems tense and on edge, and I'm not sure how to handle it."

"Dad threatened to confine me to quarters," Dana admitted. "Ethan's on an engineering rotation, and they've got some big project, so I've barely seen him, and when he's off-duty he's exhausted, but he says it's better if I'm there."

"Captain Jellico was one of the authors of the original treaty between the Federation and the Cardassians," I point out. I don't tell them that I know about the project in Engineering; nor do I confess that I'd asked Data about going to war. "I have to believe that he knows what he's doing."

"But there's a Cardi delegation on the ship, isn't there?" Josh asked.

"There's a Cardassian delegation on the ship, yes." I knew my correction made me sound prissy, but it had always bothered me when people used terms like that. "Sorry," I add, more as a concession to our friendship than anything else. "I work in Protocol."

But Josh wasn't offended. He just shrugged and turned back to the window.

We all hung out for a bit longer, but eventually Josh left to find his girlfriend Nedra, who worked in the ship's pre-school, and Dana had a comm from Ethan, and I went back home, where I picked up Data's guitar and strummed it idly, more for something to do than because I was actually playing anything real. I couldn't, really – I still hadn't had my first lesson.

I was still strumming when my partner came into our quarters, but I stopped as soon as he spoke my name.

"You're home," I observed. "Are you staying?"

"Only briefly. Captain Jellico has requested that both of us join him in the ready room at eighteen-hundred hours. I came to escort you."

I glanced down at the jeans and pullover I'd been wearing most of the day, and launched my barrage of questions with, "Do I have time to change? I can't meet the captain wearing this. Why does he want to see both of us? Is he sending you on an away mission? What should I wear?"

"It is only one quarter past seventeen-hundred," Data informed me. "If I knew the answers to your questions, I would answer them while you changed. As I do not, I will leave you to – "

I interrupted him with a kiss.

"Zoe, it is not an optimal time for – "

I kissed him again and smiled against his lips when his hands went to my waist to pull me closer against him. I ended the kiss when I had to breathe, though. "Don't worry, love, I'm not trying to seduce you. I just needed a few minutes of concentrated us-time."

"I understand," he said. He claimed my lips for one more kiss, then pushed me slightly away. "I believe any of your nicer outfits – trousers would be acceptable – will do. Captain Jellico did not specify formal dress."

"Gotcha." I flipped through several of the items in our closet, eventually choosing black pencil-leg pants, a crisp white blouse, and a Mediterranean blue sweater-vest that I pulled on over the blouse. It was the outfit I'd worn for my Yale interview and it made me feel both confident and capable of handling anything. I slid my feet into black heels and stepped into the bathroom to run a brush through my hair and touch up my make-up. "Well?" I asked.

Data took the time to study my outfit before responding. "You are always aesthetically pleasing to me, Zoe. I am certain this outfit will be appropriate."

"I'm glad one of us is," I muttered, but when he opened his mouth to pursue the topic further, I waved him away. "I'm just nervous," I said. "It's been a weird day. Everything feels all discombobulated… and the Cardassian ship off to starboard isn't helping."

"My day has also been colored by tension and unease," Data said. "Unfortunately, there is little I can tell you that will assure you that we will be o-kay."

He moved toward the door, which opened, but I pulled him back, and let it slide closed again before I asked, "Can you confirm one thing? Was I right about Captain Picard not returning with the others?"

"I -" I wasn't sure if he was going to claim he couldn't tell me, or not, but something seemed to shift behind his eyes, and he said, "You were correct. The captain is being held at a shielded facility in Cardassian space."

"And they're sending you to get him out?" It was a valid assumption.

"Captain Jellico is not mounting a rescue mission at this time," Data told me.

I had no good response to that, so I just looped my arm through his as we moved through the door together.

(=A=)

Stardate 46374.67

(Saturday, 17 May 2369, 18:07 hours, ship's time)

Data and I arrived for our meeting with Captain Jellico two minutes ahead of schedule, but he was in the middle of a vid-chat with some Gul – I didn't catch the name, only the title – and gestured for us to take seats. Captain Picard's couch remained in the room, but except for that and the desk itself, the space retained nothing of its former occupant.

Where Picard had kept a fish tank, Jellico had a solid wall covered with a child's artwork. Where Picard had a volume of Shakespeare, Jellico had a holographic display, though it was currently inactive. Gone, also, were the various objects d'art that had made the room seem so much more than just an office. I shivered slightly, realizing how very permanent Jellico's tenure on the Enterprise was intended to be.

Deborah Jellico entered the room a few minutes after us, and ensured that we were offered drinks, but we both declined, and before she could offer a second time, or even make quiet small-talk, her husband finished his call and came to join us, sitting in one of the club chairs that also remained in the room, and urging us, "Don't get up. There'll be time for formality in a few minutes. Ms. Harris, it's a pleasure to meet you – may I call you Zoe?"

"I'd prefer it, sir, and it's good to meet you also."

"My wife says the two of you have already met?"

Deb corrected him, "I think you could safely say that Zoe and I are becoming friends."

"Definitely," I confirmed, as the older woman and I exchanged smiles.

"Very well," he answered. His words were curt, but there was nothing cold about the man, and his open expression hinted at a person who was probably quite gregarious when not on duty. "Earlier this evening, I was forced to remove Commander Riker from duty. Normally, I would simply make Mr. Data my acting first officer and have a formal promotion ceremony at the end of the quarter, but with all the changes this crew has seen, I recognize that a show of stability is important for morale."

He glanced at Deb, then, and I had the distinct impression it was she who had actually done the 'recognizing.' When I followed his gaze, the other woman gave a slight nod in my direction, silently confirming my theory. I resolved to ask her about it at another time.

Data spoke up, then. "Sir, I am confused. Serving as acting first officer does not require a change in rank."

"No, it doesn't, Data. But I've read your record, and that plus what I've seen since working with you has impressed me. To highlight, you've been serving at second officer here for six years, and you were second officer of the Trieste before you transferred to the Enterprise. As well,and it was you who commanded the Sutherland and discovered the Romulan convoy in the battle against the Duras sisters. I don't know why you haven't applied for promotion, and I don't have time to find out. You're overdue for one, and I'm going to correct that. Please rise."

As if the order from Jellico had flipped a switch in his brain, Data responded, "Aye, sir," and rose smoothly to his feet.

Deb caught my eye and we both stood up as well.

"Zoe, have you ever been to a formal promotion ceremony?" Jellico's query was professional, but not unkind.

Shaking my head, I answered, "No, sir. When my mother was promoted to Lt. Commander, she didn't even tell me."

"I assume you were resentful about being a 'fleet brat at the time." There was a touch of humor in the question.

"Yes, sir."

"But no longer." It wasn't a question, and I didn't respond. He continued, "Historically, a naval officer's wife or mother would be the one to attach new rank epaulets to his shoulder tabs, but we don't wear epaulets in Starfleet, so instead, you'll remove his existing pips, and replace them with new ones."

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask why they didn't just swap out the one pip that changed – in this case from open to full – but I chose to hold that question to ask Data, later. I simply answered, "Yes, sir," and moved to do as I was asked.

It was a surprisingly intimate act, removing the pips from Data's collar. My fingers brushed his skin, and I blushed when my breath caught. But once the gold discs had been removed, the plain black of the fabric reminded me of waking up after he'd stuck Lore's data-solid in his head over a year before. I could feel the beginning of a flashback, and I think he sensed it, because he moved his hand slightly to touch my hip, then let it drop. I took a measured breath, met his eyes, and found comfort and stability in that steadfast yellow gaze – enough to finish my task.

Deborah Jellico held out her hand to accept Data's old pips, answering my unvoiced question at the same time. "We always exchange all the pips so the finishes match. It wouldn't do to have one shiny new pip next to two that are somewhat worn."

I smiled my thanks for her explanation, and turned back to Captain Jellico, who held out a tray with three full pips. "Data," he intoned. "With the authority given to me as commanding officer of this vessel, and with the approval of Starfleet Command, I hereby promote you to the rank of Commander, with all the rights and duties so assigned."

He waited for me to affix the new rank insignia on my partner's collar and then step back, before he executed a crisp salute, which Data matched.

"Congratulations, Commander," Jellico said.

"Thank you, sir."

"I'm afraid there's no time for celebration, but I have one more order of business before we get back to running the ship. You and Zoe currently have quarters on deck eight, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"I prefer my exec to be closer to the bridge. There's an available suite on deck two, I'm authorizing the quartermaster to reassign you there. It's a bulkhead suite, larger than your current quarters. Confirm with the quartermaster when it's ready and have them transfer your belongings. You should be moved by end of day tomorrow. Get it done."

"Aye, sir." Data could be as curt as Jellico at times.

I saw Deb touch her husband's arm and caught the two sharing a look. "Good then. Commander Data, meet me back on the bridge in two hours. Zoe, thank you for joining us. I hope to get to know you better. You're dismissed."

He shook my hand briefly as he was talking and then Data and I left, but behind us, I heard him tell Deb, "Let's go have dinner. I promised Franklin another chapter tonight." I smiled softly appreciating the knowledge that the by-the-book commanding officer was also a family man.

I was silent on the way back home, and when we entered our quarters I went immediately to the couch and collapsed onto it.

"Dearest, are you alright?" Data came to sit with me.

"I'm not entirely certain. Did that just happen? Did I really just pin new pips on your collar?"

"It really happened," he said.

"And we're moving?"

"That is what Captain Jellico ordered, yes. Do you object?"

"I don't know. When he says 'larger,' what does that mean, exactly?"

"We can go look, if you wish."

"Right, like you don't have access to the floor plan." I hadn't intended to pick a fight with him.

"I can access the ship's schematics and show you the space if that is your preference, however, I believe you would benefit more from looking at the space." He peered at me, assessing my status. "Perhaps we should have dinner first."

Hunger did tend to bring out my snarky side. "Dinner sounds good. Falafel and tabbouleh salad?"

"I will replicate it."

I joined him at the table a few minutes later and observed, "Captain Jellico is very different from Captain Picard, but he doesn't seem as evil as the murmurings from the crew implied."

"His command style is more military and less diplomatic than Captain Picard's," Data confirmed. "If the crew believes him to be evil it is likely a reaction to the change in duty shifts, the demands Captain Jellico has made, and the fact that Captain Picard was replaced at all."

"Yeah, I figured as much. I had brunch with Deb this morning."

"Deb?"

"Mrs. Jellico? Deborah? She prefers to be called Deb." I waited for him to acknowledge that, then continued. "She seemed surprised that no one had approached me about getting involved with SOAR, given the nature of our relationship." I was watching his face very carefully as I spoke. "You've said that you'd never require me to take on any role I didn't feel comfortable with. Did you tell the head of the chapter here not to contact me?"

If you knew what to look for – and I did – even Data had 'tells.' His eyes flickered slightly, and his expression smoothed into something completely impassive. "I did not wish you to feel pressure."

"I checked the ship's bulletin board." It wasn't a physical board, of course, but a community announcement archive on the computer system. "The next SOAR meeting is Monday night. I think… I think I'd like to check it out, but I'm not sure how to present myself. Do I go as Zoe Harris, student, or do I go as Commander Data's partner?"

"You speak as though those are different people," he pointed out.

"Sometimes I feel like I am two different people," I said, making my tone a bit wry. "I've stopped thinking of boyfriend-you and officer-you as separate entities though, so there's that."

"I had noticed that you seemed more comfortable discussing ship's business recently."

"Deanna suggested I might ask you to tell me more, and let you determine what I shouldn't hear, rather than not asking at all. Deb mentioned that officers' partners are unofficially exempt from some clearance restrictions, at least in private, but…"

"I will always tell you what I can," he reminded me. "Again, I believed it was wiser to let you determine the level of information you wish to have." He paused, and added, "If your concern is that we have no legal standing as a couple, you may dismiss it. We are registered domestic partners. For Starfleet's purposes, there is little difference."

"If I weren't heading off to Yale in a few months, I'd be concerned. Right now? I guess I just need some guidance in finding balance. If I were older or if we were already married – and yes, I know that it wouldn't make us any more or less committed to each other than we already are; it's a legal and social construct - I'd have no problem getting involved with SOAR, and working up to the kind of leadership role that Deborah Jellico has, but her work is something she can do from anywhere – she writes children's books – and she also has a child. I really am just a student, though, which means I can go check out a meeting, but I can't commit to anything. It's just another way I feel all betwixt and between, and I'm sorry, this should be a happy dinner, Mr. Just-Got-Promoted, and all I'm doing is whining."

"You are not whining, Zoe, merely voicing valid concerns."

"And you are being too kind." I set down my silverware and finished the last of my glass of water. "I'm ready to look at our new quarters now."

"I will be ready in a moment." Data disappeared into our bedroom while I recycled the used dishes and tableware. When he reappeared, he was still sporting the three brand new pips on his collar, but his uniform jacket was command red.

I couldn't help staring. He'd worn red shirts before. I'd chosen one of the ones he wore most frequently, in fact, but I'd never seen him in any uniform but ops gold. "Data?"

"Should Commander Riker be reinstated as first officer, I will retain my promotion, but revert to my former uniform."

"But you didn't wear red when you were captain of the Sutherland."

"As we discussed when we spoke of that experience, it was a temporary assignment, and my rank did not change, only my position. Captain Jellico prefers a more formal atmosphere on the bridge, and has requested that I wear red."

"Why don't you, all the time? You're third in command – second, now – how does being head of Operations trump that?"

"It is simply an idiosyncrasy of Starfleet Uniform Code," he explained. "Shall we?" He gestured toward the door.

As usual, my boyfriend had been right: seeing our new quarters was vastly preferable to looking at a floor plan. Our existing space had a living/dining room and a bedroom directly 'behind' it, with an attached bathroom, and it was on an interior bulkhead – no window. This new space had a larger live/work space, but it also had small corridor leading to the bathroom, which, in turn had doors leading to each of the bedrooms. As Captain Jellico had said, it was on an exterior bulkhead, so the living area and the bigger bedroom had windows. "This is for us?" I asked.

"It is what Captain Jellico believes we should have."

I walked through the space, picturing the furniture we already owned, and imagining different possibilities. "If we made the interior bedroom into a den," I said, "you'd be able to host poker night even if I was home, because I wouldn't feel trapped in the bedroom."

"The larger living area will also support a workstation for you, if you would like one," Data commented.

"Sure, now that I finally feel comfortable using yours," I teased. "I like our current quarters," I added, "but this gives us a little more breathing room. I just have one question."

"Zoe?"

"Will they move my bathtub?"

"I will insist upon it."

I moved to the living room window and stared through my reflection at the cold blackness of space. The person I saw staring back at me looked so much older than eighteen, and yet, there was an air of confidence that I hadn't noticed in myself before. "Data, could you come here?"

He joined me at the window, but instead of standing next to me, he slipped his arms around me from behind, clasping his hands just beneath my breasts. It was a little weird seeing him in red – my head still expected gold – but I smiled at his reflection, and he nuzzled my hair. "May I assume that you approve of our new home?"

"I do, very much so," I confirmed. I turned in his arms. "Congratulations, Commander," I said, and kissed him. "Officer-hot is even hotter with you wearing red," I added, whispering the words against his mouth.

Unsurprisingly, Data's response was a non-verbal, "Hmm."

(=A=)

Stardate 46376.49

(Sunday, 18 May 2369, 10:02 hours, ship's time)

Captain Jellico had given us until the end of Sunday to relocate to our new quarters, but he'd underestimated android speed and resourcefulness. Data had returned to our quarters at twenty-three hours, and by zero-one-hundred, all our belongings had been packed and ready for transport. It helped, I suppose, that he was a bit of a neat-freak, and I'd been slowly adopting his habits.

At zero-eight hundred, a team from Maintenance had come to move the pieces of furniture that weren't standard issue – including my bathtub and Data's computer – and install them in our new space, and by zero-nine-thirty, our belongings had been moved as well. We still had to unpack, of course, but I had the day to do a lot of that and didn't mind in the slightest.

I hadn't told my friends about the promotion or the move, and I wasn't expecting company, so I was surprised when the door chime sounded just half an hour after my partner returned to duty. "Come in," I called.

The door swooshed open to reveal Counselor Troi, wearing a standard duty uniform in Science blue, which was also the color for medical personnel. "Good morning, Zoe; am I interrupting anything?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Only unpacking, and Data's so good at organizing, there's very little to do." I hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Is there something wrong?"

But the counselor shook her head and maintained her smile. "Not at all. I just came to see your new space and see how you were doing."

My stomach growled, and I blushed. In all the hustle and bustle of the morning, I hadn't eaten. "Hungry," I answered honestly. "Do you have time for a coffee or hot chocolate while I eat something? I skipped breakfast this morning."

"Hot chocolate would be lovely," she said.

I replicated two of the slightly sweet drinks, as well as a half order of French toast with a side of bacon and gestured for Troi to join me at the table. "Aside from hungry," I told her, "I think I'm okay. I wish Data's promotion had happened differently, and I'm sorry for whatever happened between Will and Captain Jellico…" I trailed off. Deanna would fill in the blanks, or not.

"Let's just say their personalities don't mesh well," she answered diplomatically. "Will has restricted himself to quarters, in order not to confuse the crew, but I'm sure after he and Captain Jellico have both cooled off things will improve."

"I hope so," I said. "There's enough tension with Cardassians aboard, and their ships hovering off to starboard, and people still settling into new schedules. In a lot of ways, I'm the least affected, and I'm still feeling it."

"Well, even if you're not affected directly, you were close to Captain Picard, and you've probably become used to Data's typical schedule."

"Fair point," I agreed. I set my fork down. "Deanna? Is it wrong that I'm terrified?"

"Terrified?"

"I'm an eighteen-year-old student and I'm dating the first officer of Starfleet's flagship. Okay, it's likely Data's only acting first officer, but still… I was visible enough before. People ask me about things because they think I have information, but I don't know any more than anyone else, and I feel so stupid and inadequate and young when I have to admit there's nothing I can say. What if I make a mistake? What if I embarrass him? I had a total meltdown when we got back from Ligos VIII last month."

To her credit, Troi didn't immediately counter that Data couldn't actually experience embarrassment. Instead she set her cup aside and folded her hands on the table. "What if you're worrying over nothing? As you know, Data is greatly respected by the crew. From what I've heard, you are well-liked. You don't need to act any differently just because Data's been promoted. Just be as gracious and poised as you always are in public and hold your 'meltdowns' until you're at home. If you can't, or you need help, come see me."

"It's going to add a new element to the SOAR meeting tomorrow."

Dark eyebrows lifted over equally dark eyes. "You're attending a SOAR meeting?"

I nodded. "Cress Parish was late to quartet rehearsal the other week because she was doing something for SOAR and Deb – Deborah Jellico? – was surprised that I wasn't involved somehow already, either as a volunteer or as someone who needed resources. Data asked them not to contact me because he didn't want me to feel pressured to join, but he neglected to suggest that I contact them. I don't think he realized I didn't know what SOAR was."

"And now that you do…?"

I shrugged. "I'm checking out a meeting. I can't commit to doing anything because I'm leaving for Earth in three months, but I can at least see what they do for myself."

Deanna smiled. "I think that's an excellent idea."

"Still terrified though."

"Has that stopped you before?"

I managed a chuckle. "Practically never. I was terrified the first time I spoke to Data, too." I was silent a moment, remembering that first encounter in Ten-Forward at one of the teen brunches I'd mentioned to Deb. "It was when I asked to be admitted to his math tutorial. I was convinced he'd see how ordinary I was – not to mention math-impaired – and dismiss me out of hand."

"Obviously, he didn't."

I shook my head, smiling at the memory. "No. He immediately insisted I use his name instead of his title, and then offered to help if I didn't understand the assignments I'd missed."

"That sounds like him," Troi said.

"I'm proud of him, you know," I said. "I still wish his promotion had happened differently, as I said, but I'm incredibly proud of him. They had me pin his new pips on."

Dark eyebrows lifted over equally dark eyes. "That's an old-school ceremony. I didn't know captains still did that."

I shrugged. "Apparently, this one does." I pushed my plate away. "I'm glad you stopped by, Deanna."

Another smile lit her features as she got up to leave. "So am I." She took a beat, looking around what she could see of my new home. "These rooms suit you, Zoe. You and Data. Be happy here."

I favored her with a smile to match her own. "I'm pretty sure we will be."

(=A=)

Stardate 46380.26

(Monday, 19 May 2369, 19:07 hours, ship's time)

"… and so, before we get started with our official agenda, I have a newcomer – no, sorry, two newcomers – who would like to introduce themselves." The person running the meeting was Steve O'Roarke, a civilian entomologist and the husband of Lt. Siobhan O'Roarke whom I'd initially met on Ligos VIII. He seems like a nice guy, but Deborah Jellico's presence was clearly flustering him. He kept glancing at her as if to make sure she approved of what he was saying.

Deb rose from her chair, right next to mine at the head of the large conference table and addressed the group. "Good evening, everyone. I'm Deborah Jellico. I know you're all still adjusting to the shift changes and personnel allocations that my husband assigned, and those of you who are in the 'fleet are probably trying to learn his command style, but I promise you, I'm not here to take over your chapter. Every SOAR group is different, and I just wanted to let you know that I'd love to be involved in whatever capacity I can be, without disrupting your rhythm."

Her tone was warm and affable, and she was comfortable in front of this group of about seven strangers the way I was when I was on stage, and I was suddenly glad that we'd chosen to attend a meeting of the SOAR leadership, and not one for the general population.

"I have a confession to make," she added. "I'm always a little nervous on my first visit to one of these meetings, so I brought a friend with me. Some of you likely know her already. Zoe?"

I'd known going into this that hiding in the back and just observing would be unlikely, but I hadn't been entirely prepared to be the focus of everyone's attention. Still, I rose to my feet and tried to follow my friend's example.

"Hi," I said. "I'm Zoe Harris. I'm afraid I'm used to being on stage, so forgive me if I'm not as poised without a script." As I'd hoped there would be, there was polite laughter. "You're probably thinking, 'wow, she looks young,' and you're not wrong; I'm an intern in Protocol at the moment, but I'll be leaving for Earth in a couple of months to start classes at Yale University."

I paused, which gave Steve the opportunity to ask, "Aren't you also Mrs. Data?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and forced a soft chuckle instead. "Some people refer to me that way, but Data and I aren't actually married yet." I don't know why I added the last word. Maybe I needed to feel more legitimate. "Anyway, Deborah suggested I should come and see what SOAR does, but I'm afraid I can't commit to anything long-term."

"We're glad you're here," answered a woman who looked like she was a little younger than my mother. "Commander Data said you were really helpful with my boys when my husband and I were on sabbatical two years ago." I must have looked clueless, because she clarified, "I'm Teresa Potts."

Comprehension flooded through me. "Jake and Willie's mother. It's nice to finally meet you. How are the boys?"

Her smile broadened somewhat. "They're well. Jake will be starting his last year of middle school in the next school year, and Willie will be in sixth grade."

"I'm sorry my friends and I stopped hanging out with them," I said, sincerely. It had been during the aftermath of the boys' adventure on Ogus II that I'd had my first encounter with Lore. "Please tell them I said hi."

"I'll do that," Teresa said.

Steve brought the meeting back to order. "Alright then, Ms. Jellico – "

"Deborah – " Deb corrected. "Or Deb."

"- Deborah, then. And – " he looked at me. "Do you prefer Ms. Harris or Zoe?"

"Zoe, always," I answered."

"Right. Well, welcome Deborah and Zoe. In our last meeting we began discussing a ceremony for our graduating high school students, but I want to wait on that and check in on our current situation. I know my daughter's been having nightmares since seeing Cardassian ships out the window…"

The meeting went on for an hour, as the nine of us discussed the likelihood that we were at war (both Deb and I were able to assure the group that we were not), how to mitigate the civilian crew's fear, and transitional celebrations for the kids moving into the equivalent of middle and high school, as well as the graduation for the high school – my graduation, I realized with a jolt. I'd been out of normal classes for the better part of a year, even if I'd only finally taken the equivalency test a month before. I'd never asked if I'd be allowed to graduate with my classmates, and suddenly, I wasn't sure whether I even wanted to.

Finally, Steve thanked us for coming, and reminded everyone to share key information with the general SOAR groups

"Well," I said to Deborah Jellico as we made our way to the 'lefts. "That was interesting. I only felt like a twelve-year-old for a third of it."

"You were fine, really," she said, her voice full of warmth and encouragement. "And you'll get more comfortable as you continue to attend. You should also go to one of the bigger meetings. Get a feel for them."

"I'll take that under advisement," I agreed.

Data was already home when I arrived in our quarters, but he wasn't alone. Captain Jellico was also there. I hesitated in the doorway, but my boyfriend left his chair and came around his console to greet me with a chaste kiss. "Hello, dearest."

"Hello," I answered, and then turning to our guest, I added, "Good evening, sir. I just left your wife. If you're discussing ship's business, I can disappear." In truth, what I really wanted was dinner – I hadn't eaten before the meeting and had been too self-conscious to help myself to coffee and cookies.

"No need, Zoe," Jellico said, affably enough. "I was just picking Data's brain about the best choice of pilot for tomorrow's mission."

"Mission?"

"We have plans to deliver a little gift to the Cardassian fleet," the captain explained to me. Turning back to my partner, he said, "You're firm in that recommendation, Data?"

"Absolutely, sir. Commander Riker is an exemplary pilot, and, unlike myself, possesses the human intuition necessary for a flight through the nebula."

Jellico nodded. "Very well. Geordi said the same thing, so I'll speak to Will. Thank you, Data. Enjoy some downtime; I'll see you on the bridge at oh-six hundred hours."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

"Goodnight, Zoe."

"Goodnight, Captain."

Jellico left, and I collapsed into a chair at our dining table. "He's an odd mix of formal and informal, isn't he? First names right and left, but strict about uniforms and ranks."

"Every commanding officer has his or her own leadership style," Data pointed out. "I believe you are reacting to the casual discussion of a mission – albeit in vague terms – in your presence."

"Well, yes."

"As we discussed on Saturday evening, part of your reaction is because you do not typically ask about ship's business."

"About that…" I began. "Wait, do you mind if I order dinner and eat while we talk? I'm starving."

"If you would care to relocate to the couch, I will bring you a meal."

There were times when eating on the couch was fine – when we were having video night, for example – but conversations were easier at the table. "Tempting, but here's good. I'll take you up on your offer of serving me, though. Teriyaki salmon bento box?"

Data went to the replicator, ordered and retrieved my dinner, and brought it back to the table with a pot of green tea and two cups. Sitting across from me, he asked, "Will you continue with what you were going to say?"

I separated the chopsticks that had come with my bento box and used them to give my cup of miso soup a stir. "I think you know that when my mother first brought me to the Enterprise, I didn't want to be here. And I know that you're among the many who used to comment about my apparent lack of any real understanding of what she did. How I pretended not to care. She didn't even tell me when she was promoted to Lieutenant Commander."

I paused long enough to finish the soup and start on the salmon while my partner confirmed. "I recall all of this. Please go on?"

"What I don't think I've ever told you, is that part of my feigned disinterest was because, to me – to child-me - Starfleet was the thing that kept taking my mother away from me. Pretending not to be interested was a bizarre form of self-defense."

"But you are no longer a child," he pointed out.

"No, I'm not. And I'm no longer here as someone's daughter. I mean, I'm still sort of a student, but we both know that if I wasn't your girlfriend, I wouldn't still be here."

"That is all true, but – "

I cut him off. "Let me finish, please?" He made his 'encouraging' face, and I resumed my explanation. "With you, it's different. I'm not here because someone decided my life for me; I'm here because I chose to be. And understanding what you do, and what's really happening on the ship – that's part of being with you. We've started that already. You've said you'll always tell me what you can, but I still don't ask very often, and the thing is, all the changes that have happened in the past week or so – Captain Jellico being here, you being promoted, me checking out SOAR…" I stopped, having lost the thread of what I wanted to say.

"You have reached the point where you need more information than you typically ask for," he said quietly. "I have been expecting this."

"You have?" It was a valid question. Human emotional development wasn't exactly Data's forte.

"Yes, Zoe. As you know, I have also sought advice about our relationship from time to time. When you explained your discomfort with certain aspects of Starfleet life, I was advised to let you choose the level of involvement you wished to have."

"You said you'd never require me to play more of a role than I want to."

"That is correct."

"You accepted it when I said I needed 'more time in rank.'"

"That is also correct."

"Line officers' partners are typically pretty involved in shipboard life. Until the Jellicos came, you were the only member of the command staff in a long-term relationship."

"We have discussed this, Zoe. I explained that I did not want to push you into anything you were not ready for."

"Yeah, well. I'm eighteen and I'm in a committed relationship with the first officer of the flagship – "

"- acting first officer – "

" – so, I think, maybe some judicious pushing might be in order."

"Only if you are certain."

I finished the last of my salmon and set my chopsticks down. "I'm certain I love you," I told him. "I'm certain I want to support you, personally and in your career. And this isn't about your promotion… I'd talked with Deb before that happened. Anyway, if… if supporting you means me getting more involved - volunteering with SOAR on a limited basis, I mean - and knowing more - a lot more – about what you deal with every day, then, I'm ready now. Or at least, I'm ready to start, if that's okay with you."

"It is more than o – " He stopped himself before completing the word 'okay,' clearly changing tacks. "I am glad that you have chosen this path, dearest, but if you had not, I would be no less committed to you, or to us as a couple."

I smiled and reached across the table to insinuate my hand between his, which were steepled, his elbows resting on the table. "I know."

"Then, I believe our next step would be for you to change into lounging attire so that we can relocate to the couch with our tea, and I can explain tomorrow's mission to you."

"The thing with the shuttle and the nebula and Will?"

"Yes."

"Okay."

(=A=)

Stardate 46389.88

(Friday, 23 May 2369, 07:23 hours, ship's time)

"Coffee," I demanded. "Need coffee." I made it a plea.

"It is on your nightstand. Zoe, may I remind you again that, while you were invited, you are not required to attend the ceremony? You are still suffering from not sleeping well earlier in the week, and I would rather you rest for the party."

My partner had a point. After dinner on Monday night, he'd given me the salient details of the mission Commander Riker had been picked to undertake: laying mines on the underbelly of every Cardassian ship hiding in a nearby nebula.

While I'd been grateful and relieved that Data would not be on the shuttle, just knowing about something with that much danger had filled my dreams with explosions and other disasters. Fortunately, Will and Geordi – for the engineer had gone with Riker - had been successful.

Tuesday night – early Wednesday morning, really – Data had come home in the wee hours. Captain Picard had returned from the Cardassian outpost, but needed medical attention, he'd informed me. I'd asked him to relay my regards, and he'd agreed. As well, he'd told me, Captain Jellico would retain command until the end of the week.

But that had been two days before, and now

"Coffee first, response later." Data was right, of course. I wasn't crew, so it really wasn't mandatory for me to be present when Captain Jellico officially returned command of the Enterprise to Captain Picard, but I'd set myself on a new path the several days before, and as such, being there mattered to me.

Sitting up in bed, I reached for the mug of steaming coffee, took a sip, and smiled softly. My amazing boyfriend had not only anticipated my need but had gotten the amount of cream exactly right. Not that I expected any less, but still…

"Is it acceptable?" he asked, as he did every time he brought me coffee in bed.

"Well, it's not a cinnamon spice latte from Red Sands, but then again, they don't offer bedside delivery by a dashing Starfleet officer." I made a point of looking him over. "I don't see why you couldn't keep the red uniform."

Data's promotion to full commander was immutable, but his position as second officer would end once Captain Picard was in charge of the Enterprise once more. It wasn't, my partner had explained, a comment on his performance in the role, merely that Will Riker had technically only been suspended, not transferred.

"My official position as head of ship's operations has not changed, Zoe; therefore, it is appropriate for me to resume wearing gold."

"I know, I know," I grumbled. "It's just that you look so handsome in red. It really sets off your eyes."

"I will wear red on our next three date nights, if that will please you."

"Do that," I said, nearly purring. "Though you won't be keeping it on for long."

"I surmised as much." He stopped in front of the full-length mirror attached to the inner bulkhead wall, about to attach his pips to his new (old) uniform.

"Wait!" I set my mug down and got out of bed, crossing the room to insert myself between Data and the mirror.

"Zoe?"

"May I… would you let me pin them on?"

Our eyes met, and something – some unspoken understanding – passed between us. Silently, Data turned his hand, offering his pips to me. One by one, I took the three solid gold circles and affixed them to their proper place on his collar.

"How much time do I have?" I asked.

"Twenty-six minutes, twelve seconds."

"I'll be ready in twenty."

I hadn't attended the ceremony where Captain Jellico took command of the ship I called home, because I'd been on the Cairo having lunch with Admiral Nechayev and the captain's wife. The ceremony reversing that change in command was a quieter one in deference to Captain Picard's time away and took place on the bridge. Counselor Troi was present, and she caught my eye and flashed a smile as Data and I walked in.

While Data went to take his post at ops, I stood near the doors with Deb, and we exchanged a few quiet pleasantries while we waited. "It's been lovely getting to know you, Zoe," the older woman said. "You will keep in touch?"

"I'd like that," I said. "You've opened my eyes to a while new perspective on Starfleet life. I'm not sure I can express how much it's helped."

"Just make sure you explore all your options," she said. "Speaking of which, Edward asked me to extend an invitation to you and Data to join us for dinner on the Cairo before we leave tomorrow night."

I wasn't sure how that qualified as a 'speaking of which,' but I could tell it wasn't the type of invitation you can refuse. "I'll have to make sure Data isn't on duty, but if he's free we'll be there."

"Twenty-hundred hours."

"I'll comm you in the morning to confirm."

Captain Picard entered the bridge from the ready room then, with Commander Riker at his heels, and Jellico, who had been in the center seat, waiting, rose to greet him. "Captain on the bridge," he said to the entire company. More quietly, he addressed Picard, "Welcome home, Jean-Luc."

The French man seemed a little fragile to me – I was ready to bet we wouldn't be boxing any time soon – but he replied crisply. "Thank you."

"Just the way you left it," Jellico continued, "maybe a little better." Again, he changed his focus: "Computer, transfer all command codes to Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Voice authorization Jellico alpha three one."

- Transfer complete. U.S.S. Enterprise now under command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

I couldn't tell whether or not Captain Picard responded to that by clicking his heels together, but his posture straightened into Attention, and he faced Edward Jellico, eye to eye. "I relieve you sir."

"I stand relieved," the other captain responded. He added a general comment, "It's been an honor serving with you." The only people who truly acknowledged him, though only with nods and looks, were Data and Troi.

Deb invited me to walk out with them, but I heard Captain Picard turn the bridge over to Commander Riker as the doors wooshed closed behind us.

(=A=)

Stardate 46397.67

(Monday, 26 May 2369, 03:38 hours, ship's time)

"I think that's the last of it," I said, stuffing one last stack of crumb-and-frosting covered dessert plates into the replicator's recycling slot. "I had no idea thirty people could make this much of a mess."

"I have seen worse," Data admitted. "When I served on the Trieste there was a large party to celebrate the original armistice with the Cardassians. It took three-point-six-five days for the mess hall to be 'back to normal' after that."

"Brings a whole new dimension to the concept of 'mess hall,'" I quipped.

"Indubitably," he responded. "In this case, however, I believe the 'mess' was worth it. Keiko and the Chief understand their importance to their friends here on the Enterprise and will be carrying our well-wishes with them to Deep Space Nine."

"I'll miss them," I said. "I'll miss the Jellicos as well, though I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority on that. I hope their son likes the book I brought him."

"Franklin seemed interested in it when he opened it at dinner," Data assured. "I have observed your interactions with children on several occasions, and you typically relate well to them. I have no doubt your selection of A Wrinkle in Time was acceptable."

"It's really old, but I love the story. I remember Gran giving it to me during a snowstorm one winter when I was at the farm. The power wasn't working correctly, so we built a fire in the wood stove, and brought all the pillows and blankets to the living room, lit every candle we could find, and spent the evening reading bits of our books aloud to each other. It was one of the rare times Mom was home, so I guess it was near my birthday."

"It would seem your family turned an unpleasant circumstance into an enjoyable evening."

"I guess so," I said. "Human memory is weird, Data. On one level, I remember all the coziness of reading by firelight, but at the same time, I remember my parents being really snippy with each other, and Zane and Gran trying to protect me from whatever they were fighting about." I took another look around our rooms, and then went to settle onto the couch. "Your memory doesn't work that way," I stated.

"No," Data confirmed. "It does not. I recall events exactly as they happened, with no variation. However – " He came to join me, bringing to mugs of fragrant mint tea that I hadn't heard him replicate, and handed one to me "- I also retain the 'flavor' of each moment, what you would consider an emotional component."

"So positive memories 'taste' better?"

"And have more 'depth' of flavor, yes."

"Interesting."

"You are not the only person on the ship who will retain a favorable memory of Captain Jellico and his family," he said, connecting our present conversation to our earlier one. "His challenges to the crew – "

"- the shift changes and performance modifications? - "

Data gave a brief lift of his eyebrows. "Indeed," he said, then continued the thought I'd interrupted, "Those challenges gave me the opportunity to excel, and working with him gave me insight into my own command style."

"Are you going to take his offer?" We'd spent Saturday evening socializing with the Jellicos on the Cairo, getting a tour, and then sharing a meal. Captain Jellico told us that his current executive officer would be starting her maternity leave shortly, and he'd asked Data to consider taking over her position while she was inactive.

"I am uncertain. It would be a valuable experience for me to work with a different crew. Most officers of my rank and tenure seek such opportunities wherever possible."

"But…" I wrapped both of my hands around my mug of tea and waited for his response.

"I am content in my current position here on the Enterprise. I do not believe I have exhausted the learning opportunities here. As well, the Cairo does not include civilians among her complement. It might not be possible for you to 'come home' during your breaks from school."

"It would be a good career move though, wouldn't it? I mean, it's not usual for the senior officers of a starship to remain fixed forever, is it? What's going on here on the Enterprise with all of you having been together for the better part of a decade is pretty rare, isn't it?"

"That is true."

"I don't want to hold you back," I blurted, causing him to look at me sharply. "If you're truly happy here, Data, then stay, but if the only reason you're hesitating is because of me, that's not fair to you." I meant what I'd said, but in the back of my mind was the other truth: it was going to be hard enough to maintain a relationship once I started college, with the Enterprise to come back to whenever the breaks were long enough.

"This is not a decision we must make tonight," Data said. I could tell he wanted to change the subject, and I chose to let him. "We were speaking of memory," he deftly turned the conversation back to lighter subjects. "I possess an extremely positive memory of an evening roughly one year ago."

I tried to think of what was significant about the date and couldn't. "Do tell?"

"There was a party that night as well," he explained. "One that you attended, but I did not. While we did have a minor error in communication, the resolution was most satisfactory: you agreed to move in with me."

I stared at him for a long moment, and then I laughed softly. "Wow," I said. "It's been quite a year."

"It has been eventful," he agreed.

I set my mug down and moved to straddle Data's lap, taking his mug and setting it behind me on our coffee table as I did so. "I seem to recall you offering me forever," I said. "I love you; you know."

His answer was completely serious. "I will love you eternally," he promised, and kissed me.

Warmth and laughter and music – the song I'd been singing in the shower days before – welled up inside me, and I couldn't help it. I sang the chorus against his mouth, punctuating it with kisses.

"I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you."

Notes: If you watch the two-part episode "Chain of Command" very carefully, three things stand out. One is that Jellico is not brought in as a temporary commander. In-universe, it's expected that he'll be keeping the Enterprise. The second is that Data does not just start wearing a red shirt when Riker is relieved of duty; his pips change from those of his canon rank, Lt. Commander, to those of a full commander. In the show, he reverts to his formal rank, but in a real military organization, this would never happen. He'd retain the rank promotion even after reverting to his original position – head of ops. In the CrushVerse, I have corrected this – Data does return to wearing mustard (gold), but he keeps the rank of full commander going forward. And finally, there is only one Stardate given for the entire double episode, which clearly spans several days – if not a couple of weeks. I've expanded the time as far as I felt I could without sending the whole schedule spinning. Dialogue between Picard and Jellico is taken from "Chain of Command, Part II." "How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You)" was written by the Motown songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, and first recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1964. (Revised 27 September 2019)