This series has been given a rating of PG-13 (US) and 12A (UK)
Chapter 10
Throughout his night watch, Cmdr Data kept one corner of his mind reserved for Dreamfinder. He wanted her to be happy, as he did all his human friends, and if no longer loving him meant her happiness, then so be it.
Throughout the night, Dreamfinder slept fitfully, trying to figure out exactly what to say to Data. True, he’d broken her heart by initially rejecting her, but she was willing to forgive that now. She slept with the cat’s eye ring on her finger, the jewel turned inwards towards her palm so that she clutched it in her hand the whole night.
Morning came, all too soon for Dreamfinder, because she still didn’t know what to say to Data. But she woke up earlier than she usually did, full of nervous anticipation. The kits could sense their mother’s nervousness and it keyed them up too, so that they were unusually hyperactive, bouncing off the walls and driving each other crazy.
“Stop driving me crazy! Stop it right now or so help me, I will cuff the both of you.” Dreamfinder hissed at them, immediately regretting her outburst of anger. But it quieted the kits, at least momentarily.
“I have to go talk to somebody, but I’ll be back in time for us to disembark at Sivao, alright? Please try not to kill each other while I’m gone.” she told them, giving them each a lick on the forehead. “Computer, where is Commander Data right now?” she asked the empty air.
“Lt. Cmdr. Data is in his quarters,” the computer responded in a flat monotone, and Dream gave herself a little shake. This was it.
Data sat in his desk chair, blankly staring at the screen. He’d read this memo three times and not comprehended a single word. He shook his head… this wasn’t like him, to be so distracted. Maybe he ought to have Geordi run a diagnostic on him, see if that could sort out the problem, he thought…when suddenly the door chimed.
“Come in.” he said, a note of curiosity in his voice… he wasn’t expecting anyone.
Dream stepped noiselessly through the door, her head down, ears drooping, tail tucked slightly between her legs. Her entire posture was one of submission and Data got up, immediately interested.
“Dreamfinder… what are you doing here? Should you not be preparing to return to your homeworld? We will be there in just a few hours,” he said, taking her hands in his. She looked up at him, her ears perking just a little bit. That’s when he noticed she was wearing the ring he had created just for her. His circuitry fluttered just a little bit. Maybe this meant something good… or at least he hoped it did.
“That’s what I’ve come about, Data. I wanted to apologize because… I was wrong. If you’re not ready to marry, then I shouldn’t pressure you to do so. I… just want to be with you, but I can’t do that if we’re not married. There is no place on a starship for a mere girlfriend who isn’t a crewmember as well. And they have no need of my skills as a diplomat, so I wouldn’t be permitted to stay on board… at least not for long. The only way I can stay is if we are married, since I know families are permitted on board. I just… Data… I love you. I’ve always loved you and I always will. I know that you can’t… love me back. At least not in the usual way. But I want to know if you… care enough to keep me around,” she said, her voice trembling with an excess of nervous emotion. Her whole body was shaking and Data pulled her close, his arms around her, his chin resting on the top of her head.
“Sssh… it will be alright,” he said, stroking her which he knew would soothe and calm her. Her body stopped shaking and she looked up at him, her eyes shining with hopeful tears.
“So… what does this mean, Data? Does this mean that… you… want me?” she asked, her whiskers quivering. Data nodded and then kissed her, wanting to feel her lips on his. He put all of himself into the kiss and she closed her eyes, wrapping her tail around his waist as she pressed herself into him. His hands ran up and down her back, luxuriating in the feel of her soft fur beneath his hands. He had to stop himself, though… or maybe not. With one swoop, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed. Spot was lounging in the exact center of it.
“Please move, Spot,” he ordered and the cat, protesting with a growling meow, hopped off grumbling as he walked out of the room, swishing his tail. Data laid her on the bed and stripped off his uniform.
“Oh Data…” Dreamfinder breathed and knew that even if he chose not to marry her, she would at least have this, forever.
