Chapter 2
Staring at the back of Data's head the next day was even worse than staring at the ceiling of her bedroom. Haley's dreams last night were even more disturbing than the previous evening's. This time Data was kissing the blond from the holodeck, but she was real now. She was teaching Data a thing or two about kissing that could only be taught by intimate instruction.
Haley's duties in security kept her mind off of the odd and disturbing dream, but any time she looked over to see Data moving about, sitting or coming back to the bridge, the thoughts returned. She was again fighting with this memory when Data came over and addressed her. The surprised squeak she made startled three other people on the bridge, including Data.
"I did not intend to startle you, Lieutenant Foster. I apologize," Data said, regretfully.
Haley caught her breath and waved away his apology. "My fault, I'm sorry. What can I do for you, Commander?" she asked formally, since it was still twenty minutes before their shift ended.
Data's expression turned to one of excited anticipation. "Ambassador Varana and her aides have requested a tour of the Enterprise which the captain has asked me to conduct," Data explained.
"I take it you're happy about that fact?" Haley asked with amusement.
"I am. One of the ambassador's aides is an intriguing young woman by the name of Sharroon Mekteel. I am hoping I can put into practice some of what you have taught me thus far on her." Data seemed to be waiting for something. It took Haley several moments to realize it was her approval he awaited.
"You really think you're ready for this, Data? It's only been a few days."
Data smiled with conviction. "I have great confidence in the competence of your teaching. I do have one request. If she will agree, I intend to ask Ms Mekteel to accompany me to the lounge after the tour has concluded. Will you be there at 1900 hours to observe, in case I encounter difficulty?" The android gave her his most endearing hopeful expression.
Haley was certain the color had completely drained from her face upon hearing Data's request, however, if it had, Data had not noticed. He stood anxiously awaiting Haley's response.
"I'll do my best to be there, Data." Haley forced a smile to her lips but she was anything but happy about his request.
"Thank you, Haley," Data was even more excited now. He wanted to show Haley how much he had learned from her. He hoped Haley would be proud of any success he had that evening.
"You're welcome, Data," she replied still forcing the smile. "Oh and, Data, good luck." The words were hard for Haley to say and did their best to get stuck in her mouth.
Data smiled and nodded his head before returning to his ops station. Haley was staring at her tactical panel, trying to concentrate on her duties when she was again startled but by another voice this time.
"Are you okay, Lieutenant?" Troi asked concerned.
"I'm fine, Counselor, just fine." Haley was once again forcing a smile to her lips.
"You're sure? You seem quite tense and I sense you are feeling a great deal of anxiety," the counselor continued.
"I'm okay, really. I'm a little anxious to make sure everything goes well during the ambassador's time on the Enterprise. She is the first dignitary to be on board since I became Chief of Security." Haley was trying her hardest to sound convincing.
"Well, if you need to talk, you know where my office is," Counselor Troi smiled reassuringly before returning to her seat on the bridge.
She didn't believe a word of that, Haley chastised herself. Why do we have to have an empath for a ship's counselor?
After her shift, Haley went to her quarters for a shower, but once she got out, she felt even worse than when she got in. Her head was pounding, so after dressing in casual clothes, she headed for sickbay. Dr. Selar was just running the medical tricorder over Haley when Data entered the room, leading the ambassador's party. It took Haley all of three seconds to pick out the woman Data had his eye on.
She was fair haired, and small boned to the point where she could easily be described as fragile looking. She was very pretty, but just shy of beautiful. If it had not been for the fact she was the only woman, other than the ambassador, in the party, the fact Data kept directing his comments to her, more often than not, would have been the dead give away.
It was a practice kiss. Just practice and he's not even my type. He's just my friend, Haley told herself firmly. As she squeezed her eyes shut, she could hear the tricorder in the doctor's hand register a dramatic increase in her blood pressure.
"You may do well to consider attempting meditation, Lieutenant," Selar advised in her placid tone.
"Are you unwell, Haley?" Data asked, suddenly at her side.
"Just a little headache, Commander. Nothing to worry about." Haley wondered why she had addressed him so formally as soon as the words had left her mouth.
"As you are unwell, I will not invite Sharroon to the lounge later since you will be unable to observe. I would not feel comfortable in attempting this if you are not present." Data spoke with obvious disappointment in his voice.
"No, Data, I'll be there. I'm in good hands with Dr. Selar. I'll be fine." Haley was now becoming an expert in forcing a smile to her lips.
"If you are certain-" Data started.
"I'm certain," Haley interrupted.
Data grinned at Haley before rejoining the group to continue the tour. As soon as they had left sickbay, Haley let out an audible sigh. Dr. Selar looked at Haley, raising her right eyebrow in that questioning way that Vulcans had.
"Lieutenant, you appear tired. Have you experienced any changes in your sleep patterns lately? Any sleep disturbances?" Dr. Selar asked.
"I've tossed and turned a lot the past couple of nights and had some unsettling dreams but I'm sure it will pass. I'm just under a little stress at the moment," Haley responded.
Dr. Selar went to a drawer, returning with a hypo spray, which she administered to Haley.
"This will help you relax and you should have a good night's sleep tonight, however, if your sleep disturbances continue I recommend that you speak to Counselor Troi. I'm sure she can help you find ways to alleviate the stress you are feeling," Dr. Selar advised.
"Thank you, Doctor. I feel better already," Haley said with another forced smile on her face.
Haley returned to her quarters to wait. Time seemed to be moving backwards and she thought it would never reach 1900. Finally, it was time to go to the lounge. Haley rose slowly from her couch letting out another loud sigh.
"Data is my friend. I offered to help him. I am his friend and I must be there for him," she repeated to herself over and over as she rode the turbolift and walked to the lounge.
Upon arriving, Haley found the table where she and Data had sat during their lesson was available. She sat, ordered a synthale and waited.
She did not have to wait long. Data entered the lounge with the petite young woman at his side. The rosy pink in Sharroon's cheeks told Haley that whatever Data had been trying so far was working. The couple took a seat in Haley's unobstructed view and ordered a drink.
Sharroon's body language clearly conveyed her ease with Data's company. The android also seemed quite happy to be here with his pretty tablemate. They had just been served their drinks when Data moved his chair closer to Sharroon's.
Haley was stunned when she heard a groan of annoyance and realized it had come from her own mouth. Be quiet, Data can hear you! she scolded herself.
The two engaged in lively conversation for almost an hour with no end is sight before Haley became distracted by a certain First Officer sitting down at her table.
"Looks like your lessons are working, Haley," Will proclaimed, pulling his chair out to sit down. He nodded over to Data and his date, but Haley decided this gave her an excuse to finally look away.
"He's a quick study, that one," she agreed. "So what are you doing tonight, Will?" she asked, directing the topic away from the goings on at the other table.
"Not a thing. I have the night watch later, so I'm just relaxing until it's time. How about you?"
Haley and Will chatted for a while until he interrupted her by nudging her and nodding back in Data's direction.
"Look, he's going in for the kill," Will observed.
Haley looked over just in time to see Data lean slowly in to press a gentle kiss to Sharroon's cheek. When he finally sat back, Will and Haley could see the flushed, but flattered, expression on the woman's face, and Haley could feel her stomach lurch.
"I guess you have a right to make your claims, Haley. This is the most impressive display of flirting I have ever seen from Data. You should have bet latinum on this deal. You would've made a killing," Will said with a chuckle.
"I sure would have," Haley tried to laugh. Ironic since I feel like I want to die.
Will stayed for another hour before he rose and told Haley he had to go.
"Already?" Haley questioned. "You still have a few hours before the night shift starts. Can't you stay longer?" Damn, Haley you sound like you're begging.
"Sorry, Haley, but duty calls. I have some reports to go over before the shift starts." Will shrugged. "See you tomorrow though. I'm looking forward to finding out how the rest of Data's evening goes."
And with that, Will turned and headed for the door of the lounge, leaving Haley, once again, alone. She now had no choice but to resume her observation of Data, as he used the lessons she had taught him on this woman. By 2130, Haley started to wish she had ordered the real stuff instead of the synthahol she had been drinking. Finally a half hour later, Data rose from his table and walked over to the bar to get refills for himself and Sharroon. Haley walked quickly and stood next to Data.
"Data, I have to go now. I'm feeling a little tired. You don't need me. You're doing great." Haley stammered.
"I understand," he said smiling at her. "Thank you for coming this evening, Haley, and for everything." Data picked up the drinks and began to turn back in the direction of the table where Sharroon was sitting. "Haley, I have asked Sharroon to have dinner with me tomorrow at 1830 hours. May I come to your quarters after our shift? I need your assistance to prepare for my date." The look on Data's face as he glanced back at Haley made it impossible for her to refuse.
"Of course, Data. I'll always be here to help you," she smiled. "Good night."
"Good night, Haley." Data walked over to the table, placing Sharroon's drink in front of her as he sat. Haley could hear Sharroon laughing as she walked towards the exit to the lounge.
Once she was back in her quarters, Haley changed immediately into her pajamas and climbed into bed. She quickly fell asleep, thanks to the hypo spray Dr. Selar had given her. She awoke twice during the night when the dreams returned. Fortunately, this night she was able to fall back asleep quickly, rather than tossing and turning for hours.
To Haley's relief, Data had to work in weapon's control the next morning, so she didn't get to see him and blush every time he walked by. She knew she would have if he'd been here. The dreams last night had been... Don't think about that, she commanded her subconscious.
Haley had some success in controlling her wandering thoughts, but apparently not enough, she soon discovered. Will came over to her station and gave her a sympathetic smile.
"You look like you're carrying torpedo casings under those dark eyes of yours, Haley," he told her, crossing his arms in front of him, and studying her face.
"I stayed up too late helping Data. He wanted me to be on tap in case he got into trouble with his date," she explained.
Will covered his mouth as he yawned. "I'm in need of some sleep myself. You're a good friend, Haley, but you can't let it effect your duties. However, your work has been so impressive, I covered for you with the captain. The ambassador wants to go over the final arrangements for when we reach Marsella IV. I've already got tactical covered for you. She's expecting you, so go to her quarters now and as soon as you're finished going over the details she wants addressed, you can call it a day." Will beamed with delight over the surprise he had arranged for her but, for some reason, Haley had a bad feeling about this.
In the lift on her way to the guest quarters, it hit Haley what was turning her nerves to jelly - the aide. No doubt she would be there as well for this meeting.
"I wish I knew what gods I have pissed off and what to do to appease them," she fumed to the lift, relieved she was alone here.
When Haley arrived, it seemed the torment was to begin at once. The very cheerful aide greeted Haley at the door and practically bounced her way across the room as she led Haley to where the ambassador waited. There was no doubt in Haley's mind that the date last night with Data was the woman's reason for being so blasted perky this morning.
"Good morning, Ambassador," Haley smiled. "Commander Riker informed me of your request to go over the final security arrangements."
The ambassador nodded her head in an almost regal manner. She swept her hand motioning towards the couch.
"Please sit," she instructed Haley.
Haley sat down and placed the large PADD she had been carrying under her arm on the table. The ambassador was sitting next to Haley while two of her aides stood behind the couch, observing. Haley was relieved Sharroon was not one of them as she was busy preparing various dishes for the ambassador's lunch.
Haley spent a little over an hour going through the details with the ambassador, answering any questions she or her aides posed expertly. When they finished, the ambassador rose from the couch and walked towards the dining table where Sharroon had laid out the food. She turned to Haley and smiled.
"Thank you, Lieutenant. I believe the arrangements you have made are more than satisfactory. You may go now."
"Thank you, Ambassador. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to address them for you," Haley said as she made her way to the door.
When she arrived back at her quarters, Haley sat down on the couch to think. Data had not said what he needed help with and she prayed it would only be more information on flirting. She rested her head on the back of the couch with a feeling of dread rushing through her. The many restless nights finally caught up with Haley as she soon fell asleep on the couch. She had been asleep for almost three hours when she was jarred awake by the sound of the door chime.
Data stood there with an excited grin on his face that quickly faded as soon as he saw the evidence that he had obviously just awakened Haley.
"If you wish me to return later-" he began with clear disappointment. Haley could see he was very worried she would not help him in time for his date tonight.
"It's okay, Data. I was sleeping, but I think I finally got enough. Come on in and tell me how I can help." She turned from the door and led him to the couch where she had just been sleeping. She stretched a little before sitting again.
"You are sure you do not mind?" he asked, watching her stretch.
"I'm sure. Now, I thought you were doing wonderfully with your young lady last night. What could you possibly need me for?" she asked with a warm grin. Dear Data - so thoughtful and kind. Haley found it was easier to focus on his happiness with his sweet face looking at her. He was a good man and deserved to have a good time with this woman if that was what he wanted.
"I wish to kiss her. But as you pointed out, my technique was insufficient for the task. Perhaps task is not the proper word here..." Data shrugged and let his voice trail off.
"No, I don't think she would be flattered to hear you refer to kissing her as a task. But you looked like you did well with the kiss on the cheek last night. Just keep going in that direction and you'll do fine," she told him, encouragingly.
Data just shook his head. "I do not believe a kiss on the cheek is the same as a kiss on the lips from what you have shown me and what I have witnessed previously. Please, Haley, I do not wish to allow this short time I have with Sharroon to slip away. I wish to conclusively determine if I am capable of inspiring feelings of love in another being. I also wish to explore my own feelings in this area." Data was almost pleading now and, once again, Haley could not refuse him.
"Okay, okay. Actually, the word explore is a good one for this area. Kissing is kind of like an exploration. In this kind of kiss, you are exploring the other person's lips with your own. If the kiss continues, it may lead to the exploration of her mouth as well," Haley explained.
"Ah, yes, what is referred to as French kissing," Data said.
"Right. Now you don't want to plunge your tongue down her throat, but this kind of kiss can be very intoxicating if you are sharing it with someone you really care about."
Data nodded. "Precisely why I wish to be able to execute this type of kiss properly. Will you help me?" he implored her.
Suddenly it came to Haley just exactly what Data wanted. "You want to practice on me again?" she asked, feeling the knot return to her stomach.
"Yes," Data said, eagerly. He was already coming to a stand. Why he seemed to think one could not kiss sitting, Haley did not know, but if he had not held out his hand to help her to her feet, Haley doubted she would have made it.
Smiling happily, Data reached to pull her into his arms. Haley could have sworn the temperature in the room jumped five degrees in that second. He closed his eyes and slowly brought his lips to hers. The heat was melting Haley's resistance and her arms crept around to climb up Data's back. He moved his lips gently over hers, seeking their softness. The fuzziness enveloped her as completely as Data's arms.
After a lifetime, he pulled back slightly. "Is there an improvement?" he inquired. All Haley could do was nod. Data grinned with pride. "Shall we proceed to the open mouth kiss?" he asked. Haley had no idea what she did that he took for consent, all she knew was that a second later his lips again were pressed to hers and she could feel his tongue lightly tracing between her lips. She parted them and greeted his tongue with her own. Trying as hard as she could, she could not stifle the moan of desire that ensued.
Data pulled back again with a disappointed look on his face.
"Was that not satisfactory?" Data asked quietly.
"It was very good. You are a very quick study," Haley replied as she quickly sat back down on the couch as she was sure she could not trust her knees to hold her up much longer.
"But you moaned. Were you not disappointed?" he asked confused.
"That was a good moan, Data. Not all moans indicate disappointment. When a person experiences something pleasurable it can cause a response like that." Haley stumbled through her explanation as best she could but the fuzziness was making it hard for her to think straight.
"Ah," Data smiled. "I hope I can elicit a similar response from Sharroon this evening. Thank you again, Haley. I must leave now to prepare for my date."
"Good luck, Data," Haley called to Data as he left. She hoped she had sounded like she really meant it.
She sat perfectly still with her head once again resting on the back of the couch as she waited for the fuzziness to pass. The fuzziness had almost cleared up when the door chime sounded again.
Please not another kissing lesson, she thought. "Come in."
Will Riker strode into Haley's quarters.
"Just what I thought. You desperately need to relax. Come with me," Will told her.
"Come? Where?" Haley asked as the commander pulled her up from the couch.
"You are going to join Deanna, Geordi and myself for a nice dinner, good conversation and relaxation," Will informed her.
"I'm not really sure-" Haley started.
"That's an order Lieutenant," Will laughed.
"Okay, okay, I'm coming. Where are we going to be eating?" Haley asked. Please, don't say the lounge. Please don't say the lounge.
"The lounge," Will smiled.
When Will and Haley walked into the lounge, Deanna could sense the woman's unease at once. The Betazoid watched the brunette scan the room and relax, but only slightly. Will led her to the table, chatting happily, oblivious to Haley's distress. Geordi had stopped talking as soon as he and Deanna had noticed Will and Haley enter, so they were both waiting to greet the pair when they reached the table.
As Will handed Haley into a chair, the woman glanced up at the door to the lounge and frowned almost imperceptibly. Something was very wrong here but, without more time and information, Deanna had no idea what it was. Will had told her how Haley was having trouble relaxing and also how she was helping Data in the art of dating, but she could see no connection to the woman's heightened state of agitation.
"Hi everyone. Thanks for letting me crash your party," Haley said, looking from Geordi to Deanna. She smiled, but Deanna could clear see and feel there was no joy behind it.
"Nonsense, Haley. We're delighted you could join us, aren't we, gentlemen," Deanna said graciously. She smiled with genuine warmth at Haley. Both men were quick to add their agreement. As the diners settled in, Deanna observed Haley, with concern. The security chief seemed to relax a little for a while but, soon after Geordi noted Data's arrival with his date, the tension level in Haley was on the rise again. She grew quiet, rarely looking up and had to be addressed at least twice before she would respond to a question directed at her. This did not escape even the men's attention.
"Lieutenant Foster, do you hear me?" Will repeated for the third time.
Haley practically jumped. "What? Commander, I'm sorry, what did you say?" she stammered.
"I asked you if you're all right?" he replied.
Haley looked around the table and then over towards one of the other tables. Pulling her gaze back to Will, with a deep frown, she rose to her feet while shaking her head. "No, I'm not. I'm very sorry everyone, but I simply can't be here right now. Good night." Placing her napkin on the table next to her barely touched plate, Haley rushed from the room.
Deanna exchanged meaningful looks with both of the shocked men. "Let me," she told them and moved to follow Haley.
Except for other Betazoids, Deanna could only sense the emotions of those around her. Will was an exception to this rule, but there had been a few times when Deanna had been able to hear something from others in times of heightened emotionalism. Such an incident had just occurred. As Haley had announced to her table companions that she could not remain, Deanna had very clearly overhead the thought she had not said.
~ Not with Data here. ~
Deanna saw Haley enter the turbolift but was unable to reach it before the doors closed. She only had to wait a few moments before the lift returned. When she disembarked on deck three, she could see Haley leaning against a wall, staring at the door to her quarters. As Deanna approached Haley, the emotions she had sensed from the lieutenant in the lounge had intensified even more.
"Haley," Deanna spoke softly but her presence still caused Haley to jump. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
"No need to apologize, Deanna. It's me. I've not been feeling myself lately," Haley spoke slowly.
"Haley, would you like to talk?" Deanna asked. Haley nodded her head affirmatively. "In your quarters-"
"No!" Haley interrupted rather forcefully. "No," she repeated almost whispering. "I don't want to go in there right now."
"Let's go to my quarters. We can talk there."
Haley found Deanna's voice to be quite comforting and it only took a gentle touch to her shoulder to get Haley moving down the corridor. When they reached her quarters, Deanna invited Haley to sit on the couch. Haley had been to Deanna's quarters a number of times since she had come aboard the Enterprise but it had always been for poker night, not to discuss personal problems. Deanna had her quarters decorated in such a way that you could not help but feel at ease. Haley was so deep in thought she didn't notice Deanna order two cups of tea from the replicator and then add a little something extra from a bottle she kept in a cabinet by her desk.
"Try this," Deanna smiled as she handed a cup to Haley. Haley smiled and took a small sip.
"What's in this?" Haley asked, surprised at the kick from the tea.
"It's a special blend of tea with a little Betazoid whiskey added. It will help you relax." Deanna advised as she sat next to Haley on the couch. "Now let's talk. I can sense that you're suffering from an enormous amount of turmoil and I know it has something to do with Data."
At the mention of the android's name, Haley paled. Deanna could feel a number of emotions emanating from her. Fear, shame, self-loathing and sorrow were among them. Deanna took a sip of her tea, encouraging Haley to follow suit.
"You can tell me anything, Haley, and it will never go any further. I promise you."
"I'm a fool. I shot off my mouth about being able to help Data flirt and kiss and want to think about sex more and it came back to bite me on the butt," Haley admitted, lowering her head and covering it with her hands.
"How? What do you mean?" Deanna could not believe Data had intentionally done something to make Haley feel this way.
"Data wanted to know more about kissing. He wanted me to show him how to kiss. I tried everything I could think of to show him without showing him. In the end, he was almost pleading with me to let him kiss me. I gave in." Haley was radiating regret as she spoke.
"He kissed you? What happened then?" Deanna prodded her.
"He...well, it was not the greatest kiss, but the way he touched me..." Absently, Haley's hand went to the cheek were Data had first caressed her.
"Was this today?" Deanna asked.
"No, but today was worse," Haley almost groaned, remembering. "This time the kiss was good too."
"He kissed you again today?" Deanna asked. "Why?"
"After the first kiss, I had told him there was more to it than just pressing lips. Today, he wanted to practice for his date with Sharroon," Haley recounted.
"You weren't able to say no to his request?"
"Deanna, if you could have seen him, the look on his face. He was so happy their first date had been a success, so excited about their dinner tonight. He was worried he would disappoint Sharroon and he had this pleading expression on his face. I couldn't...I couldn't say no," Haley sighed.
"And Data has no idea your feelings for him are changing," Deanna stated more than asked.
"Exactly. He's so happy to have a new area of his life open up for him." Haley sighed again. "He keeps thanking me and telling me what a wonderful friend I have been for helping him and it's killing me inside."
"I understand you haven't been sleeping well lately?" Deanna mentioned.
"Yes. I keep having these dreams..." Haley paused for a moment. "And then I wake up and toss and turn for hours before I fall back to sleep. Last night wasn't as bad, Dr. Selar gave me something to help but the dreams..."
"Tell me about the dreams, Haley," Deanna encouraged.
"They're always the same but different. I'm watching Data enjoying himself with another woman but it's a different woman each time. I don't know what to do." She put her head in her hands again, but forced herself not to cry.
"Maybe the truth would be a good start," Deanna suggested.
Haley jumped to her feet in astonishment. "I can't do that. What do I say? That his kiss turned me on? What's he gonna do? Drop his new girlfriend and take up with me? This is not a dream, Deanna. He's not gonna do that, and I'm not gonna tell him. He can be himself, flirt and kiss a woman. Anything else that he needs in this area will be verbal coaching, I'm sure. This will blow over, Deanna." Haley began to pace. "I'll forget about his kiss and all will come out fine. I'm sure of it." She gave the Betazoid a smile that was more convincing than any she had given in days.
Deanna got to her feet as well, coming over to gently take Haley's arm. "If you find that you're wrong, you know where my office is. I'll even talk to Data for you, if you would prefer."
"No!" Haley exclaimed, alarmed. She proceeded calmer. "I'll handle it, Deanna. I assure you. I'll be fine in a few days. I guarantee it."
The ambassador and her aides were beamed down to the planet the following day. While crew members from the Enterprise would be going back and forth from the ship to Marsella IV, the ambassador would be staying. This meant Data and Sharroon would have a little more difficulty in seeing each other, but it also meant they would most likely not be back in the lounge for dinner.
Bad news for Data, but good news for Haley, who was just not sure she could stand seeing them together after the little parting scene they had given her and the other two aides in the transporter room. Data had been mostly professional, but Sharroon had tears running down her face by the time she finally let go of him and stepped on the transporter pad.
It was all Haley could do not to strangle the woman. The final days of this mission, Haley either saw Sharroon or Data, but not the two together. Her sleep had improved immensely by the time they left orbit.
It had been a little over a week since they left Marsella IV and the ambassador and her aides behind. Haley was starting to feel almost like her old self. She had not had a nightmare in a week but she was still not able to shake the feelings the kisses had created. Data had suggested a short break before resuming the lessons so he could analyze his experience with Sharroon. Haley had, of course, agreed but for different reasons.
Haley was venturing into the lounge for the first time since the evening of Data's dinner date. She had completely thrown herself into her work to avoid socializing but now she finally felt she could enjoy herself again.
"Haley, over here," a familiar voice called to her. She turned to see Will gesturing to her to join himself, Deanna and Data at a table near the back. Haley smiled and sat down with the group.
"We haven't seen much of you off the bridge?" Will commented. "Surely you can take a break from being security chief to join your friends?"
"I have been a little busy of late," Haley agreed. "And don't call me Shirley," she added with a playful grin.
Haley enjoyed spending time with her friends again, although it did feel a little different sitting with Data than it had before. She was very grateful Deanna had gotten her to confide in her as anytime Will or Data brought up the subject of Data's lessons or Sharroon, Deanna skillfully changed the subject without either realizing she had done so. Haley could not help but say a silent thank you to Deanna.