It was only a matter of minutes before I was one again seated opposite the Captain. We had left my quarters at a brisk walk – for me, anyway – while Data tapped his combadge. ''Captain, Miss Cooper has given me additional information that I feel must be discussed immediately. May I suggest an urgent meeting?''

There was only a slight pause before Captain Picard answered. ''Very well, Mr Data. Bring Miss Cooper to my Ready Room; the Senior Staff can be notified later if necessary.''

''Aye, sir.'' Data closed the channel before looking down at me. He seemed to consider saying something – reassuring? A question? – before merely nodding towards a turbolift up ahead. ''This way.''

Neither of us spoke again until we were inside the Ready Room. We walked briefly through the Bridge to enter, and many of the officers at work gave us curious glances. I desperately wanted to stop and stare with my jaw on the floor, but I knew I couldn't. Instead I scanned every corner and console as quickly as possible before facing the Ready Room door, which swished open.

''Captain.'' Data nodded respectfully while walking calmly towards the desk where Picard sat. His commanding officer had a padd in his left hand, while his right rested against his chin, the index finger laid across his lips. The characteristic pose was broken when Picard dropped his padd to the desktop and sat up straighter.

''Sit down, both of you.'' We complied.

''Now, what is this vital information?'' Picard's eyes flickered between the two of us. I turned to Data, unsure if I should answer or let him explain. Luckily, Data went first.

''Miss Cooper was providing me with details about her universe's interpretation of our own, when it occurred to her to ask what has been happening on the ship.''

The Captain looked confused. ''What's been happening? Why would that be important?''

''Using that information, Miss Cooper was able to deduce what year it is, Captain. Her knowledge of the episodes that represent our missions is extensive, and she correctly identified that we are in late 2369. The television show and subsequent feature films continue ten years into the future.''

Picard paused. He turned to look at me, his face a mask of gravity. ''You are aware of what will happen aboard the Enterprise?''

I swallowed. ''Yes sir.'' I met his level gaze, keeping my own face straight.

''And what will happen within the Federation, even the galaxy, as a whole?''

''To a certain extent, sir. Bits and pieces, some trivial, some important. There's one more season about the Enterprise, but there are… other shows. Following other people. In particular, there are seven seasons of two other series. But… I can't really tell you the names. It would give things away, and I can't do that, can I?''

Picard leant back in his chair. Silence fell as he took a deep breath in before exhaling. ''No.'' His voice was low and grave. ''I didn't want to do this until absolutely necessary'' he continued, swivelling to me again, ''but I must. When you were found in the Holodeck and told the story of how you came to be there, I recorded a summary in my log. I decided to treat it as I would any other incident, which allowed me to simply record it rather than having to inform Starfleet Command immediately. Technically, as the event indicated a potential Federation-wide security breach, I should have treated it as a major incident and sent a sub-space message.''

The Captain was looking directly at me during his explanation, but his eyes flickered to Data's at that point. I knew and he knew that Data was well aware of established protocol, and doubtlessly knew that Picard had not followed it. I wasn't sure whether to expect a detailed quote of the rules a la season one, a smooth reminder from the middle seasons or just an awesome eyebrow quirk from later on.

He stuck to canon perfectly and gave the latter, and I had to try so hard not to smirk. I didn't succeed, and had to cover up by turning it into a grimace when Picard looked at me. It may have fooled him, but my cheeks burned with the realisation that Data had almost certainly seen. I desperately wanted to turn and see his reaction, but made myself stare dead ahead. What if he's taken it the wrong way, and thought I was laughing at him?

Picard efficiently continued. ''I did not do so'' he said, ''because I knew your case would be treated as though you were a suspect. The interrogations would be thorough and severe, and they would likely ask you questions you do not have the answers to. Considering you are in a completely new environment, away from everything and everyone you have ever known, I did not feel those actions would be… appropriate.''

''Oh.'' It was an inadequate response for the thoughts swirling around my head. The new information confirmed two things for me: Starfleet Command could be very harsh and rigorous, just like any other organisation that safeguards lives, and Captain Picard has a definite compassionate side. Not only has he accepted my story and treated me like a guest rather than a prisoner, he's also tried to shield me from a potentially distressing situation.

''But that's changed now?'' I'd already guessed what he was going to say.

''Yes. Now that there are temporal aspects to the situation I have no choice but to report it. Starfleet has been tightening up its defences to possible time-related issues that may threaten the Federation.''

''So, Temporal Investigations may be banging down the door of my quarters?'' I was thinking of a Deep Space Nine episode where Captain Sisko was visited (with little choice in the matter) by two severe men in sharp grey suits. They questioned him extensively about a recent mission that involved going back to the time of the original Enterprise, specifically when the Tribbles took over the ship. They were extremely grumpy, especially when people made time jokes… though they also made them themselves. I definitely didn't want to meet them, because I would certainly rub them the wrong way.

''You are aware of the Temporal Investigations section?'' Data sounded surprised. ''They have not yet… visited… the Enterprise.''

''And they won't'' I reassured him, then clapped by hands over my mouth. ''Oops, spoiler alert. Sorry.''

''Spoiler alert'' Data said, his eyes flickering back and forth. He didn't say accessing, and his search took less time than it would have done earlier in his life. ''A late 20th and early 21st century term used as a warning when a detail of the plot development of a feature film, book or television show is about to be revealed.'' He looked at me and said in a slightly teasing tone, ''it appears your warning was a 'bit late'''.

I burst out laughing, tipping my head back and closing my eyes. My hand reached out to touch his arm like I'd do with any friend that made a funny joke, and I only realised what I'd done when my fingers brushed his uniform sleeve. I gasped and sat up, retracting my arm as if the fabric was made of burning coals. Both men were staring at me.

''I'm really sorry, D… sir.'' I was too mortified to call him Data. ''It's kind of automatic.''

''I do not understand why my attempt at humour was so comical.'' Picard looked equally confused, but also amused.

''Weelll...'' I said, blushing, ''on the show, you're one of the favourite characters. People love you. They like you for who and what you are, but also really enjoy watching you change, grow and evolve through the years. That was just the perfect example of you at this point in time, and the consistency made me laugh.''

Data spent a while – for him, anyway – analysing that latest information. I looked at his mouth surreptitiously, and was gratified to see a little lift at the corners. I had never got bored of seeing that on screen. Would that be the case now?

The Captain cleared his throat. ''I'm sure you will have many discussions, but now is not the time. I am not sure what action Starfleet will take, but there is a distinct possibility I will be asked to bring you to Earth to be questioned when our latest mission is complete.''

I bit my lip. I desperately wanted to ask ''What mission? Where are we going?'' but knew it probably wasn't allowed. I wasn't an officer, and in some ways, I wasn't even a civilian.

Picard didn't miss it. ''Miss Cooper'' he said in a warmer tone, ''I would love to ask you. But you know I can't.''

''Can I at least know what planet we're going to? I won't tell you anything, and I'll be in my quarters most of the time anyway.''

He considered. ''Do I have your word?''

''Yes. Girl Guides honour and all that.''

Picard looked puzzled, and Data opened his mouth. ''The Guiding movement was…''

''Later, Data.'' The android's mouth shut with a snap. Well, not really.

''Very well. We are heading to Nervala IV.'' His eyes scrutinised my face for a reaction. It was obvious he really wanted to know.

''Nervala, Nervala…'' I muttered. ''I definitely know the name, but I can't remember for the life of me what episode it was. Could you tell me why we're going there?''

His strict look was his only answer.

''Okay, no clues. I get it.'' I even mimed zipping my lips, before my brain caught up and decided it was way too cheeky. Remember that you don't really know any of them. You're not friends.

I think I got the look reserved for insolent Ensigns. Luckily, he let it slide.

''Now, Commander Data and I should return to our duties. Commander, you gave Miss Cooper her restriction rules?''

''Yes sir.''

''Thank you.'' He turned to me. ''Now, how would you like to spend your time?''

''Sir? I just assumed I should hang around in my quarters or Ten-Forward?''

''You may do so. However, if you become bored, there are doubtlessly other things you could do that are more constructive. Helping Guinan behind the bar, for example. Assisting in the Arboretum or the classrooms.''

I grinned. ''Do I have an entertainment system in my quarters?''

''Yes.''

''Then I won't get bored for weeks. I'm an expert at doing nothing, and I've got 300 years' worth of books and films… though television died out around the 2040's, didn't it?''

''Indeed.'' This came from Data, with a look of admiration. ''As far as I am aware, the only crewmember who has stated that fact is myself.''

''Yes, it was. When you found all those people in cryogenic stasis and one of them thought the replicator was a television.'' I smiled at the memory, because it was very likely something that I would have said... if I hadn't watched Trek.

Raised eyebrows. ''That is correct. Do you have an advanced memory?''

I huffed. ''No way. My memory is awful usually. It's the non-useful stuff – like Star Trek facts – that I remember. If I'm revising for an exam, on the other hand…''

I trailed off when the Captain pulled an incredulous face. ''Ah, yeah, you don't know either. I may as well tell everyone at once, mightn't I?'' While Guinan and Data had looked amused (very subtly for the latter), Picard looked affronted.

''Is that really the name? We are not on some casual stroll through the cosmos! This is life and death and exploration!''

''It's iconic'' I muttered. I knew there was no point trying to convince him it was a good name.

The Captain stood, so Data did immediately and I followed suit. ''Data, Commander La Forge would like you to go to Engineering. Miss Cooper, you may go.''

So much for being liked. That certainly ended on a sour note.

Data and I stepped out onto the Bridge and walked into the turbolift. As soon as the doors closed behind us, I said the first thing that came into my head.

''Oops.''

Data is in my quarters. We're sat on the grey sofa, both drinking from glasses of Fanta. He had decided to drink during our conversation to be polite, and I couldn't help but stare at his lips as they pouted around the glass rim and sipped the bubbling liquid.

We had spent the last half an hour talking about the ship, other crew members and ourselves. He seemed fascinated (for him) in everything I said, asking lots of questions about me and my life. He appeared completely at ease in my quarters. It was an ease he only displayed around Geordi, and he never had around Jenna.

''Willow'' he said, his voice smooth and warm. ''In the Captain's Ready Room, you stated that I was one of the 'favourite' characters, and that people loved me. May I ask why?''

''Because you're so awesome!'' I blurted. ''Your kindness, you compassion, your intellect, your strength, your good looks, your amazing quirks… everything.''

''Good looks?'' Data queried, surprised. ''Do you find me… attractive?''

I paused. This was it, the bottom line. Time to be honest. ''Yes, Data.'' My voice was low and breathy. ''I do.''

A few seconds passed while he processed that information. He seemed to be trying to work out how to respond. Please, please, please…

''Thank you, Willow.'' His voice was also different, with a slight waver. ''Few people have ever displayed an 'interest' in me.

''I know. I've never understood why. The only reason I could come up with is that people are just too scared to approach you, because you're so wonderful. Everyone probably feels inadequate.''

''No.'' His tone was flat. ''I am the one that is inadequate. That is why my relationship with Jenna did not last long. I was unable to be what she needed.''

''NO!'' I half shouted. ''No, that's not true. She just wasn't the right one for you. You didn't fit together because she didn't get you. But one day you will meet that right person. I'm sure of it.''

Data had been looking directly into my eyes, the golden colour making me melt. They scorched me like the sun. ''Perhaps I should approach somebody'' he mused. ''Make an attempt to try again.'' He shifted on the settee, moving a touch closer to me. ''You understand me, Willow.''

I swallowed. ''Not really. I don't actually know you.''

''But you do. The person you have seen 'on screen' is certainly identical to, if not incredibly similar to, myself. In many ways, you know me as well as the rest of the senior staff do.'' Somebody that had spent hours watching his face would know he was nervous, as far as his nerves go. ''Would you like to spend more time with me, Willow?''

I swallowed again, then bit my lip. ''I want that more than anything.''

It seemed that we moved together almost without conscious thought, though that was only really true for myself. In only seconds our legs were just inches away, and both our bodies were leant forward. Data lifted his left hand, and his long, elegant fingers tilted my chin. We both moved our heads forward, my panting lips coming closer to his own, which were parted slightly. I felt his warm breath on my cheek. In a moment, our lips would be touching…

I set up in bed, my heart pounding. After several seconds in the dark, I gasped ''Computer, lights!''

They came on at full blast, assaulting my retinas. My eyes squeezed shut. ''Ouch! Computer, lights at half lux!''

They dimmed, and I slowly opened my eyes again. It was around four-hundred hours, and I'd been dreaming about something that never happened.

And it never will! I told myself firmly as I slipped out of bed to get a glass of water. You know it won't.

My head knew it, but my heart was still stuck in the dream. My brain tried to reason with my emotions.

You know he would never be that forward. You know he would have no interest in you. You know you might not be here for long. And most importantly, you know that he's…

Stop it, stop it, stop it! I screamed at myself. ''Don't think about that, don't think about that…'' I muttered aloud. But I couldn't just banish the thought.

That was the main reason it would never happen. Even if, by some miracle, he did want to date me, I could never say yes.

Because I knew he was going to die.

And after all the pain it's already been through, my fragile heart couldn't take it.

Author's Notes: First of all, apologies for the long wait for this chapter! I can sum the reasons up in one word: exams. Luckily, I've now done quite a lot of them, so the next wait shouldn't be nearly as long. Thanks for not losing hope! Always remember that I'm NOT going to ever just abandon this story. I have every intention of finishing it, and if it turns out that I can't I'll say so on my profile. I'll also start posting updates on there so you know I am working on it if there's another long gap. Feel free to message me to ask where the hell I am to give me a kick up the backside!

Nervala IV is where the next episode takes place, if you're following which that is. Note that this isn't going to be close-canon, because I'm not following the exact dates of the episodes. There are gaps between each one that won't be here in this story, mainly because I need to keep things moving.

I know this chapter was very conversation-y, but the next one will be a bit more action-based. Thanks everyone that reviewed the last chapter.

Woody xxx