Chapter 5

Medical supplies and relief had to be delivered to Ilsit V, but the threat of an attack from the Breen was anticipated. This planet had been admitted to the Federation two years ago, but as it was bordering on Breen space, they had been none too happy to lose the easy access to nilsonite beta. In the briefing, Data explained nilsonite beta was a major active component in the cooling systems of the Breen. It was used on their ships, their suits and by the planetside population.

Haley informed the captain that her people had been briefed on the volatile situation in the sector, and were equipped with phaser rifles to combat the Breen.

"Good, I want a full team to beam down ahead of the medical team and a second to follow."

"Aye, sir. I recommend two additional teams to man shuttle craft in case of aerial attack. Being so close to the Romulan Empire, the Breen have been known to have liberated ships equipped with cloaks. The last intelligence reports indicate the majority of these ships are comparable in size to our shuttles. No matter what the size, our sensors should detect any ship once it enters the atmosphere of the planet," Haley informed him, handing the captain a copy of the report.

"Agreed. Good call, Commander. Have your teams ready by...when will we reach orbit, Mr. Data?" Picard asked, turning to the android.

"1104 hours, Captain," Data responded.

"Have them ready by 1120, launch the shuttles before the beam down," the captain ordered.

The briefing concluded shortly after shield strength and weapons systems readiness had been discussed. Haley felt as though she had been in the spotlight for the whole meeting, so she was relieved when it was finally over. Her mind was racing with the list of items she had to accomplish by 1120 as she headed for tactical.

Haley called a briefing for the security personnel at 1000 hours. She would hand out individual assignments at that time and she also wanted to make sure everyone knew exactly what they were supposed to do. Her people were already busy carrying out Haley's earlier orders regarding modifications to some weapons systems and to the shuttle craft.

The briefing lasted a little more than twenty minutes as Haley handed out the assignments. She would lead the first team of six that beamed down and Lieutenant Gerard would lead the second team. She assigned personnel to man the shuttles and answered the questions posed of her. She ordered the eight person shuttle teams to be in place at 1100 hours and ready to go when ordered. The away teams were to meet in transporter room three by 1100 hours as well. Haley returned to the bridge for final preparations before giving a final update on the mission, which the captain approved.

At 1120 hours, the shuttles were launched and quickly in place. Two minutes later, Haley's team beamed to the surface. They had just begun to survey their surroundings when they came under fire from the Breen.

As they rushed for cover to return fire, Haley tapped her comm badge "Foster to Enterprise. We've come under attack from a small contingent of Breen. I'll advise when the situation is neutralized or if we need reinforcements. Foster out."

Haley saw that Ensign Tuvel had been severely wounded by disruptor fire and was unable to make it to cover. She took three well-aimed shots at the Breen who was trying to finish off Tuvel and then ordered Ensign Fitzgerald to cover her. She dashed out to Tuvel, grabbed him and pulled him to cover, receiving a disruptor hit to her left arm in the process. After quickly neutralizing the Breen attackers, her team determined it was now safe for the medical team to beam down.

Haley hit her comm badge "Foster to Enterprise."

"Go ahead, Commander," Picard's voice responded.

"The situation has been neutralized, Captain. Ensign Tuvel has been seriously wounded by disruptor fire and needs to be transported immediately to sickbay."

Within seconds of Haley's words, Ensign Tuvel was beamed back to the Enterprise.

"Captain, we have surveyed the area and determined it is now safe for the medical team to beam down."

Moments later the medical team appeared, followed immediately by Lieutenant Gerard's team. The two security squads escorted the medical team to a secured medical facility, keeping a close eye on their surroundings. Once they reached their destination and determined it was safe to leave the team and supplies, they quickly headed back to the transport coordinates.

"Foster to transporter room three, beam up Lieutenant Gerard's team."

Haley's team beamed up less than a minute later. A medical team had been standing by to help anyone who had been wounded in the attack. It was not until Dr. Crusher told Nurse Ogawa to help Haley to sickbay that she realized she had been hit. Two other members of her team had received minor disruptor burns but were otherwise unscathed. The entire mission was completed before 1330 hours.

The injured members of the team arrived in sickbay, triage saw them all assessed quickly. Haley stood to the side as her injuries were less severe so she was near the door when Commander Riker came in to check on the situation.

"Haley? I was wondering where you were until we got the call you had been hit," Will said, coming to stand before her.

"I was tersely informed that my report could wait until I had two whole arms again." Haley shrugged slightly, but grimaced when she discovered that movement hurt. Will leaned in to have a closer look at the damage. "It's just a flesh wound," she assured him with a grin. He shook his head and grinned before taking her verbal report.

"Good, I'd better get back to the bridge and inform Data you were hurt. He was assisting in Engineering, but should be back by now. I'll send him down. I know how much closer you two have gotten recently," Will commented with one of his wicked grins.

"What do you mean by that? I don't deny things are changing between Data and I, but how do you know?" Haley knew Data had not had the time to go bragging about bedding her already, not that he would.

Will chuckled. "The captain and I just happened to run into a certain android as he made his way back to his quarters this morning. Interestingly, he was wearing his naval uniform from two days ago. A very rumpled uniform, I might add." Still chuckling, Will made his way to the doctor for her report.

"Oh my God - the captain," Haley whispered in dread.

Data did indeed arrive only moments after Will departed. He rushed straight to Haley's side as soon as he spotted her.

"Why have you not been treated?" he asked, noting her wound was still raw and dirty.

"The shuttle teams arrived a few minutes ago. There were several who are far worse off than me. The shuttles got into a shooting match with a few Breen ships, but the worst damage was caused by friendly fire." Haley could see that last remark alarmed Data.

"From the planet? Why?"

"It seems the Ilsit decided to help by using their land based weapons, but they experienced sensor failure and had trouble telling us from the Breen. Or at least that's their official explanation. Lieutenant Chatgree thinks they got a little trigger happy and were just shooting at every ship they could see," Haley sighed, but Data just looked upset.

"How were you injured?" he asked. She told him the details, downplaying her actions, but Data had already learned the art of reading between the lines some time ago.

"I'm fine, Data. Really."

Just then, the nurse came over to take Haley to an exam bed. Data followed along.

"It's minor, really," she assured him again. "Tell him it's minor," Haley begged the nurse.

"It's minor, Commander," the nurse agreed.

"See," Haley said with a smile.

"Very well. Then I will leave you, as I have an appointment with the counselor in eleven minutes," Data told her absently.

"Deanna?" Haley blurted louder than intended. Pulling Data closer so she could whisper in his ear, she asked, "Why are you going to see her? Are you having second thoughts about us already, Data? Is it something I-"

Data cut her off with a shake of his head. "I did not make the appointment, so I have no knowledge of the reason she is requesting my presence." He gave her a gentle smile to reassure her.

"Will you tell me what it's about, if you can? My gut tells me it will be about us."

Data nodded his agreement. "So does mine."

It did not take long for Haley's injury to be treated. She was advised she might have some pain for a couple of days but it would feel like annoying discomfort more than anything else. Haley left sickbay for her office. She had a debriefing session with the shuttle team leaders and then needed to prepare a report for the captain.

Meanwhile, Data had made his way down the corridor from sickbay to Counselor Troi's office. He was still puzzled, yet curious, as to what the counselor was going to say to him. Data rang the door chimes.

"Come in," a voice responded. Data proceeded in and sat on the couch Deanna had motioned him to.

"Good afternoon, Counselor. I am unsure of the reason you have asked me here. Is there something I can help you with?" Data asked.

"No, Data," Troi smiled. "I was able to sense the change in your relationship with Haley a few days ago and Will told me about running into you this morning."

"Ah," Data responded. "If you are concerned about Haley, I can assure you, Counselor, I have no intention of ever hurting her again."

"Data," Deanna interrupted. "I wanted to let you know how happy I am for you. Haley is a wonderful women and cares for you deeply."

"I agree, Counselor, and I care for her a great deal as well," Data assured her.

"I know, Data. I also know you're experiencing a number of emotions you have never felt before. I want you to know that if you ever need to talk about what you're feeling that I'm here for you - not just as a counselor but as your friend as well."

"Thank you, Counselor," Data started to rise, hesitated for a moment, then sat down again. "Do you have time now?"

"Of course, Data. What is it you wish to discuss?"

"How do you know when you are in love?" Data asked. "I believe I am falling in love with Haley however these emotions are so new to me. How do I know when it has occurred?"

"Data, I'm afraid I can't give you any rules or guidelines regarding love. All I can tell you is you will know, your emotions will tell you. Why don't you tell me about the emotions you feel when you're with Haley or thinking about her."

Data thought about this for a moment, considering what emotion to speak of first. He decided to begin with the worry he had felt after finding out she had been injured in the Breen attack.

"I have, of course, been concerned for the well-being of my friends prior to this occurrence. There have even been times when Haley has been hurt in the past but it is different now. I find I now do not just think of the effect her injuries will have on her, but how they will effect me."

"You worry it will keep her from you?" Deanna asked.

"Yes, but this is a most selfish reaction."

"And normal. You and Haley have finally passed through the barriers that kept you apart and have come together. I believe the timing of her injury has a lot to do with that feeling, Data. You're not yet secure in your relationship with her, so anything coming between you is frightening," the counselor told him, giving him a gentle smile.

"You were aware of the pain I had been causing her. She was coming to you for counseling in this matter?" Data had already reasoned Haley would have, but he wanted to let the counselor know he was aware of what he had done. While he had settled this matter with Haley, Data found he still had unresolved feelings here. Standing, he began to pace with frustration. "I wish someone would have told me what she had been sacrificing in order to give me those lessons."

Deanna remained seated and calm, watching Data pace. "The only ones who knew were Dr. Selar and I. I think Will may have suspected recently, but he wasn't sure. I only knew because I felt something from her one evening. Dr. Selar pried it out of her when she was having trouble sleeping."

This last comment caused Data to stop and point at the counselor as though he was going to say something, but he changed his mind and went back to his pacing.

"Are you with her now because of your guilt, Data?" The counselor asked, knowing the answer.

"No," Data almost shouted, pivoting on his heels to face her. "I discovered I was disconcerted if I witnessed another male coming in physical contact with Haley."

"You were jealous," she stated flatly.

"I...yes, I was jealous." Data admitted, feeling ashamed.

"How about now? If Geordi were to touch Haley today, would you be jealous?"

"No," Data answered after a moment's consideration. "I trust in my friendship with Geordi. He would not betray me and I believe Haley speaks the truth when she tells me she loves me. It is not in her character to betray me either."

"I would agree. So you realized you were jealous, was that the only feeling you had for Haley?" Troi asked, trying to get them on track.

"No. I have been friends with Haley for two years, three months and...in that time, we have grown closer yet I did not see how close we could become. We have many things in common, similar hobbies, and an understanding between us. I have recently come to realize we have common values, dreams and needs. I realized how connected Haley made me feel. I knew she would not belittle me for my inability. She wanted to help me, because she cared for me, she wanted me to be happy. I now know how much she scarified to achieve that goal." Data moved to pace again.

"Are you happy, Data?"

Data looked back in to the dark eyes that followed him. "Yes. But how do I know if it is love?"

Deanna stood up and touched Data on the arm. "Give it time, Data. You have the time. Enjoy it. The falling in itself can be so wonderful. Don't be in a rush to bypass the process." She gave his hand a squeeze. "Let yourself fall, and take her with you."

"Thank you, Counselor. I believe I understand what you are saying." Data's pacing had ended near the door to the counselor's office. He nodded to Troi and then exited.

The computer informed Data that Haley was in the captain's ready room so he decided to head for his quarters to wait until she was free. He ordered the computer to inform him when Haley left the ready room. It seemed Spot had forgiven Data as well, as the tabby was rubbing up against Data's leg affectionately. Data pulled out some wool to play with Spot while he waited.

Haley sat in one of the chairs opposite the captain in the ready room. Will was sitting in the chair to Haley's left. Both were reading copies of her report of the day's events. When he was finished reading, Picard placed the PADD on his desk and turned to Haley.

"Well done, Commander. If we hadn't received help from the Ilsit, the operation would have been near flawless. How is Ensign Tuvel?" Picard asked.

"Dr. Crusher says he will make a complete recovery and should be ready to return to duty in a few days," Haley advised.

"I'm glad to hear that. Frankly, Commander, I was expecting much worse casualties considering the volatility in this sector. To have completed this mission with no crew fatalities is an outstanding testament to your handling of this mission."

Haley smiled to herself. She had always had the utmost respect and admiration for Captain Picard. He was not what would be considered overly generous with his praise but you always knew whether he was pleased or not with how you performed your duties. When the praise did come, it meant so much more to the person on the receiving end.

"Well then, if there is nothing more, Commander, you're dismissed." Picard stated.

"Captain, if you don't mind, there is one area of the report I would like to comment on," Will stated matter-of-factually.

"Go ahead, Number One." Picard responded.

"In her report, Commander Foster makes little mention of her actions on the surface regarding Ensign Tuvel, sir." Riker continued, "I spoke with members of her team and they gave me a more complete version of the event. When Ensign Tuvel was hit, Commander Foster neutralized two of the Breen before ordering Ensign Fitzgerald to cover her. She placed her own life in jeopardy to bring Ensign Tuvel to safety, receiving a disruptor wound to her arm in the process."

"Commander, is this an accurate description of the events?" Picard questioned.

"Captain, I did not believe my actions to be extraordinary. I only did what-" Haley explained.

"Commander, is this an accurate description of the events?" Picard interrupted.

"Yes, sir," Haley responded.

"You're dismissed, Commander," Picard stated. "Number One, I believe we have further business to discuss."

Haley left the ready room to return to her quarters. She had been a little uncomfortable with Will telling the captain about her actions.

I only did what anyone else would have done, she thought to herself as she entered the turbolift. It would not be until much later that she would learn of the commendation recorded in her personnel file regarding the mission. "Deck three," she ordered. Haley wanted to see Data. She was curious about his meeting with Deanna but more to the point – she really wanted to see Data.

Data was on the couch, enticing Spot with some string by the time Haley was free. When she entered, Data seemed to forget all about his pet, which actually pleased Spot. It was well past nap time, but her toy had been so in need of attention, Spot could not leave. With this new toy's introduction, Spot's toy was distracted just long enough for her to make good her escape to the bedroom.

"Greetings," Data said, coming to a stand.

"And solicitations," Haley added, moving further into the room.

"How is your arm?" Data asked, walking a few feet closer to Haley.

"Much better. The doc said it may be tender for a few days, but I'm fine otherwise. How was your meeting with Deanna?" Haley inched closer to Data.

"It went very well. She only wished to offer her congratulations on finally seeing the light." Data blushed slightly, but shrugged it away in favor of progressing closer to Haley. Reaching his goal, he entwined his fingers with hers, quietly staring into her eyes.

Haley also remained perfectly silent and still, content to just be here with Data. They stood like this for a full three minutes before Haley could not stand it anymore. She practically launched herself into Data's arms. Their kiss was not less passionate than any other they had shared, though perhaps just a bit more.

"May I see your arm?" Data asked, knowing she would have to remove her jacket and loosen her shirt to do so.

"Sure, it's just a little red now," Haley told him as she reached to open the closure. Data helped her to reveal her shoulder and arm to him. There was a mark, but it was already fading. He made a note to avoid grabbing her there. But just this much of her skin caused Data to want more. Caressing the part of her shoulder not injured, Data moved to complete the task of removing her shirt.

Spot was very upset when moments later, the two beings noisily raced into the bedroom and rudely displaced her from the center of the bed. Prancing lazily from the room, Spot found one of the articles of clothing that had been left in a trail leading to the bedroom, and curled up on it to sleep.

Data was still processing so many new sensations. He was amazed how each time he kissed Haley the emotional response he felt increased in intensity. The lovers were kneeling on the bed wrapped in each other's arms as their lips were locked in a fiery bond of passion. When they finally broke their kiss, Data gently caressed Haley's right shoulder, pushing the strap of her bra down. He then carefully pushed down the other strap, gently caressing her arms.

"I have found in my research a human tradition for caring for injuries. I believe it is called kissing it better." Data smiled and then kissed the mark on Haley's arm softly. He then reclaimed her lips as he slid his hands to the clasp of Haley's bra, liberating her breasts.

"You seem to be much more comfortable undressing me now, Data," Haley teased as her bra hit the floor.

"Data, I heard what happened this morning with the captain. Are you okay?" she whispered with more than a touch of concern in her voice. They were laying in each other's arms.

"Other than being slightly embarrassed, I am fine. How did you hear of...Commander Riker told you of it, did he not?" Data questioned. Haley nodded.

"When Will came to see me in sickbay, it was brought up during our conversation." Haley stroked Data's cheek as she continued. "You didn't get into any trouble because of it, did you?"

"No. I believe Captain Picard will make no mention of the incident although, it would be best if the situation was not repeated." Data paused for a moment before starting to laugh.

"What are you laughing about?" Haley asked, confused.

"As I look back, I can see the humor in the situation. The look on their faces when they saw me was rather priceless," Data laughed.

"I'm sure Will has having a great deal of difficulty controlling himself," Haley commented.

"His attempts to suppress his laughter caused him to appear as though he were in pain," Data told her. The image of that as well as hearing Data's laughter soon had Haley laughing too. Spot looked up from her resting place, having been awoken by the vociferous pair. She dashed off to the couch, hoping to find some peace and quiet in another room so she could continue her nap.

Feeling aglow with their latest joining, Haley and Data dressed and headed to the lounge for dinner. They remained for over an hour and were joined by Geordi, Reg Barclay, and Alyssa Ogawa at different points in their evening. It was a fun evening, but the couple both seemed to have other activities on their minds once Haley had eaten.

"I hope you will excuse us, but there is a matter Commander Foster must attend to at this time. Please remain and enjoy your evening. Good night," Data told the table at 2130 hours. Taking Haley's hand, Data rushed her to the door followed by the nearest lift. Their clothing once again dotted the floor in a trail leading to Data's bed.

The next morning, Haley was hurrying from Data's quarters, brushing the cat hair off her very wrinkled uniform. When the door closed behind her, she nearly died when she saw the captain and Dr. Crusher walking towards her. The three walked in uncomfortable silence; the captain and doctor to the turbolift and Haley to her quarters.

Haley showered and changed quickly once she was safely in her quarters. The captain - I can't believe the captain was in the corridor! Haley thought as she shook her head. Mental note to self, next time ask the computer for the captain's location before leaving. Haley could not help but grin at that idea.

Haley and Data arrived on the bridge with the rest of their shift at 0600 hours. It was an uneventful day which, on other occasions, Haley may have referred to as dull. However, after the events on Ilsit, uneventful was nice.

At the conclusion of their shift, Data and Haley made their way slowly to Data's quarters. Data was going to feed Spot and then they were going to meet Geordi in the ship's lounge for dinner. Data had been feeling a little guilty about the lack of time he had been spending with Geordi lately. The previous evening had been the first off duty time Data had spent with his best friend since he and Haley had become a couple. He thought he should be feeling guiltier however his desire to spend as much time with Haley as possible was more overpowering.

As they entered Data's quarters, he pulled Haley into his arms, kissing her with great passion.

"If you do that again, Data, we won't make our dinner with Geordi," Haley grinned.

They held each other for a moment longer before Spot's rubbing Data's leg reminded him of why they had come to his quarters. He kissed Haley gently on the lips before moving to the replicator and ordering Spot's dinner.

"You won't believe what happened this morning when I was going back to my quarters," Haley commented. Data put down the dish of feline supplement #28 for Spot before turning back to Haley.

"What happened?" Data questioned with a hint of concern in his voice.

"I came out of your quarters and who should be walking by but Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher," Haley sighed.

Data was dumbstruck.

Dinner with Geordi was fun but ended sooner than expected when the chief engineer was called to Engineering. Data and Haley made their way to Haley's quarters for some alone time. Haley could not help but giggle when Data undressed and then carefully hung up his uniform in her closet before joining her in bed where they spent the rest of the evening making love.

The next morning as Data headed back to his quarters, once again, when he turned the corner, there stood Captain Picard. The captain eyed Data up and down and commented as they passed each other.

"Mr. Data, about your uniform," Picard started before smiling slightly. "Much better."

"Thank you, sir," Data replied, slightly embarrassed again.