Chapter Sixteen: Altering Course

At the end of the semester, I received a message from Cmdr. Riker informing me that a shuttle would arrive at the academy in a few hours to take me back to the Enterprise. He also mentioned that I'll likely be put on a project as a test to see how much I learned at the academy. The notion was exciting and intimidating all at once. I was also nervous about seeing Data for the first time since the incident on the Baku planet. I received notification when the shuttle arrived and I took my bag and left for the shuttle depot. There was only one shuttle waiting with the door open so I boarded. It was strange; usually the pilot would come out to escort me aboard. I wondered what lazy fool was piloting that day. As soon as I boarded, I came face to face with Data. I was thrilled to see him!

"Data! It's so good to see you!" I exclaimed as I hugged him.

He hugged and kissed me in return. For a moment, all seemed well until I remembered what had happened on the Baku planet. I slowly peeled his arms away from me and stepped back at arms distance.

"I thought one of the Lieutenants were coming for me." I replied.

"Are you disappointed?" Data asked with a slight smile.

"No. Just very surprised, that's all."

As Data piloted the craft, I told him about my studies and the activities on campus. I barely breathed since I tried to fill up every gap in the conversation in order to avoid the subject of his malfunction. Data was unusually silent, which unnerved me, so I continued the discussion.

"Commander Riker told me that there's a special project waiting for me as soon as I return to the ship. I wonder what it is."

"I believe that project can wait." Data replied. That's when I noticed we were off course — way off course!

"Data, this is not the way back to the Enterprise. We're headed in the opposite direction of where we should be going." I stated, unable to mask the fear in my voice.

"Yes, Kadalynn. I am aware of that. Your skills in navigation have improved markedly."

"Data, we're supposed to be going back to the Enterprise. Where are you taking me?" I asked, beginning to panic.

"It is a surprise. We will arrive at our destination shortly." Data answered.

In my mind, I feared he was malfunctioning again. I tried to think of possible ways to flee if that were the case, but there were no avenues of escape available. Eventually, I saw the most beautiful planet I've ever seen. It was green and blue in color and was very small. It almost reminded me of Earth, only the colors of this planet were ten times as intense. When we landed, Data took my hand and led me out the shuttle. I was frightened; I didn't know what he was doing. When I saw the environment, I stopped in my tracks to marvel at the beauty of it. We were between a beach and a jungle, but there were only enough accommodations for one couple every few miles. It became clear that Data's intent was to have us stranded on this planet. The sun was setting and the sky was a painting of various shades of pink orange yellow with purple clouds. I stood there with my mouth aghast as the sun dipped below the horizon and created an intense green flash of light. The unexpected wave of color intensified Data's golden hue for a brief moment. I noticed that he had missed the wonderful event since he'd been staring at me the whole time.

"Data! This is so beautiful!" I exclaimed silently.

"As are you." He replied softly.

Finally, I returned to my senses when I realized I was now very late for my arrival on the Enterprise.

"Data, Capt. Picard and Cmdr. Riker are going to kill us when they find out about our little pit stop. We'd better…"

"They are already aware of it. Cmdr. Riker suggested I take you someplace special so we could spend some uninterrupted time together. I decided to bring you here. I knew you would object to the excursion had I approached you about it, so I decided to surprise you. Was I successful?"

"Extremely successful." I nodded with my eyes wide with awe.

The sky was turning violet and millions of stars emerged. Data gathered my travel case and I noticed that he was carrying a small case as well. It struck me as odd since he never traveled with any items. Once we settled into our quarters, he drew me a hot bubble bath. There were candles and rose petals all around. I became very nervous, it was clear he was attempting to seduce me. We had only been intimate once and in the middle of the act I became very afraid and stopped it.

Noticing my discomfort, Data left me alone to disrobe and enjoy my bath. He checked in on me periodically by calling to me, making sure I hadn't fallen asleep. When I emerged from the tub, I realized I had nothing to change into. I dried myself off and wrapped a towel around my body.

"Data." I called nervously.

"Are you done?" he asked.

"Yes, but…"

The door hissed opened and he presented me with a beautiful blue nightgown. I took it in my shaky hands, admiring the silky fabric.

"Thanks Data, but I have pajamas in my case."

"Please, Kadalynn, this is a gift. I would be happy if you would wear it tonight."

'I bet you would!' I thought, trying not to laugh.

The gown was long and I thought the cut of it wouldn't display my curves too much, so I decided to appease him and wear his gift. When I emerged from the bathroom and saw the expression on his face, I realized I might have been wrong. Then I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and realized I was wrong! The gown displayed and accentuated every feminine curve on my body. Knowing I was in trouble, I quickly opened my case, pulled out the most unflattering pajamas I owned and turned to walk to the bathroom. Data stopped me by gently seizing my arm and I gasped.

"Kadalynn, you look beautiful." He said as he took the pajamas from my hand and tossed them aside.

He brought his face closer to mine, but all I could think about was that stupid video! Why did the professor have to show it to me?! I turned away from Data and saw that he had set up a romantic dinner.

"Wow! This looks amazing! I'm really hungry too. Let's eat. " I exclaimed before pulling away and walking to the table. I really wasn't hungry, but I just wanted to put a little distance between us.

During the meal, Data did nothing but stare at me. There was a deafening silence between us which was broken by the pounding of my heart in my ears.

"Kadalynn, I know you are attempting to avoid me. Is this about the incident on the Baku planet? I notice you have been avoiding that topic as well." Data finally said.

Finishing my last bite of food and washing it down with a sip of wine, I nervously responded.

"Yes, Data. The whole thing scared me. I felt… helpless. Now I feel… oh, I can't even say it. I'd hate to hurt you more than I already have." I sighed.

"There is no need to explain. I understand that you are frightened that I may lose control again." He replied somberly, "You are afraid that I may injure you."

I said nothing in response, but a single tear streaming down my cheek was enough to confirm his suspicion.

"That is why I have brought you here Kadalynn. I knew if you would return to the Enterprise, you would avoid me at all costs. That would have jeopardized our relationship. I could not allow that to happen. Therefore, I knew I had to get you alone so we could discuss what happened on the planet and move forward. Bringing you here has also presented me with the opportunity to thoroughly express my love for you, without any distractions." Data explained.

We most of the evening discussing what happened on the planet. Data and I both expressed our feelings about the events. He mentioned that when Geordi removed his memory engrams, it also removed memories of me. Although Data couldn't remember what part of his memory was missing, he said he felt overwhelmingly incomplete and lonely without them — and me. Eventually, those memories were restored and it drove him to arrange our trip on the secluded planet.

Data led me outside the back portion of the quarters and into a small courtyard. There were several trees with only a few leaves on the branches. From each branch, hung hundreds of tiny candles and crystals, which sparkled in the moonlight. 'Moonlight Serenade' played softly in the background. Data asked me to dance. We held each other closely as we glided smoothly across the floor. The ground felt cool against my bare feet and I prayed Data wouldn't step on my toes, but he was a skillful dancer. We laughed as he surprised me with a few turns and dips. During one dip, he kissed me passionately. As we danced through several musical selections, the dance moves became increasingly sensual. We no longer laughed since the mood became seriously feverish. We kissed and caressed one another, all the while still gyrating to the seductive pulse of the music. The air no longer felt cool as tingling heat radiated from my body. My breathing quickened, as did my heartbeat.

Data went to our quarters but told me to remain outside. After a few agonizing minutes, he finally returned with blankets and several pillows. He neatly arranged them on the ground, forming a fluffy bed. Data returned his attention to me and kissed me anew, gently removing my gown. He gently cupped my breasts before kissing them tenderly and teasing me with his tongue while I ran my fingers though his lush locks. He took his time kissing his way up to my mouth, lingering at my collarbone and the magic spot on my neck. After I helped him out of his uniform, he gently lowered me to the makeshift bed he'd just made for us. However, I surprised him by rolling him onto his back and gently nibbling his ear before trailing very slow, gentle kisses from his neck all the way down to his belly button. I met his gaze with my own. He broke the gaze as he closed his eyes and gasped slightly when I played in his belly button with my tongue. It delighted me to see that he was enjoying himself. As I continued further, he startled me by grasping my hair. A slight moan escaped his mouth before he flipped me onto my back. As payback for what I'd done to him, he kissed me passionately while caressing me intimately. I repeatedly gasped, moaned and panted with fervent need and desire. He positioned himself above me and I suddenly tensed.

"Kadalynn, you will need to relax so I will not injure you." He whispered as he kissed my neck.

After a few deep breaths, I complied and he immediately seized his opportunity to merge with me. He was so gentle and in tune to my needs. It was so clear that he loved me as much as I loved him, if not more — if that's even possible. The repeated peaks of passion he had brought me to made me feel like I was on a rollercoaster. Suddenly, Data shifted our position slightly and I felt the same scary sensation I felt the first time we made love. It wasn't pain, it was something else. Frightened, I tried to stop it.

"Data, I'm scared. Please…"

"Shh. Do not be afraid. It will be alright. Please, trust me." He said as he took my hand, interlacing his fingers in my own as he continued his movements. It was clear that he knew what was happening to me even though I didn't.

Tears streamed from my eyes and my body quivered intensely as the sensation grew stronger and stronger. It was not pain, but the most intense pleasure I've ever felt in my life. It was all I could do to cry out his name while squeezing his hand and holding on to him, as if for dear life. Almost immediately afterwards, I felt the swells of Data's pleasure deep inside me. Completely drained of energy, I sank back against the pillows, staring up into the candles and crystals that dangled above us. As Data held me in his arms, I laid on his chest after kissing it a few times.

"Data, I love you." I said, tears of joy still streaming from my eyes.

"I love you, Kadalynn."

I didn't realize I had fallen asleep until he woke me.

"Kadalynn. Honey. Wake up. I must show you something." He said gently.

I moaned softly, still wanting to sleep. I noticed the deep violet sky was becoming brighter and realized I had been asleep for some time. Data was crouched beside me, still unclothed. I remember thinking that his physique was so perfect and statuesque. He gave me the coordinating robe to the nightgown he'd given me and helped me put it on as I stood up. He put on a simple grey cotton robe.

"This is really pretty, Data. But couldn't this wait until later?" I asked, referring to the robe as I yawned.

Data chortled before turning my attention to the shimmering crystals.

"Remarkable, are they not?" he asked.

"Yes, they're beautiful." I said with a smile.

"Some people might even compare them to stars. I would love to catch a star for you, but unfortunately, that is not possible." Data said as he reached upwards and pulled one of the crystals from its string. As he lowered it, I realized it was a ring. "I guess this will have to suffice."

Data knelt on one knee and took my hand. I immediately began to shake as he placed the gorgeous sparkling ring on my finger.

"Oh my gosh!" I whispered.

"Kadalynn, will you honor me by becoming my wife? Will you marry me?" he asked. The sincerity in his voice brought even more tears to my eyes as I hugged him.

"Yes! I'll marry you! Data, I love you so much!"

"I love you, Kadalynn. You are my star."

At that moment the sun rose, illuminating all the crystals above us ten-fold. Multi-colored prisms danced around us as we kissed. We spent three wonderful days on the beautiful planet before we left for the Enterprise, where I would spend the rest of my break from the academy.