19Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek TNG or any of it's characters.
"Did you hear? His daughter died." I heard two of the ensigns talking. "The Commander did everything he could and she still died. Her funeral is tomorrow. I don't think he even feels sad."
"Of course he does. He may be an android, but he's still a father." I interjected.
"How do you know and who are you?" one of the ensigns asked.
"I'm Ensing Emma Young and I know because I've been in his shoes."
They turned away and I finished my work in engineering. Before heading back to my room, I thought it best to ask if there was anything else that needed done. Usually there was.
"Commander La Forge, is there anything else you need done?" I asked as I walked up to him.
"There are lots of things that still need done, Ensign…?"
"Young, Emma Young, Sir."
"Ensign Young, you put in more hours than almost anyone down here. Do you ever sleep?"
"Of course I do, Sir. I just don't have much else to do away from here."
"Ensign, I want you to go relax for bit. Maybe go to the holodeck for a while."
"Yes Sir. Would you let Commander Data know that I understand what he's going through? He may not feel sad, but he's a father and there will always be a sense of loss. I'll be at the funeral tomorrow."
"I didn't know you knew about Lal."
"I may be a ghost around here, but I still hear and see things, Sir."
With that I turned on my heels and went to holodeck 4 to relive some of my favorite moments in history.
Geordi walked with Data to Lal's funeral.
"Data, I am so sorry about Lal. I wish there was something more that could've been done for her."
"It is alright Geordie. She is not really gone. As I had stated on the bridge yesterday, her memories are now a part of my own."
"That is true, Data. I just wish it weren't this way. Before I forget, one of the ensings, oh what was her name? Young. Ensign Emma Young, from engineering, wanted me to pass on her condolences and wanted to let you know she understands what you're going through."
Data did his lightning fast eye flutter thing that meant he was searching for something.
"Ensign Young, age 25, works under you in engineering, and has been aboard for 2 years. Geordi, how can she understand what I am 'going through'? She is not an android."
"You'll just have to ask her about that one, Data."
Data gave a small nod as they entered the room where Lal's casket was ready to be sent off to the moon they currently were orbiting. Data did not want her body going to the Daystrom Institute, but he could not understand why. Many people were there and Data was pleased to know that so many supported him even though he could not feel sad about his daughter's deactivation. He saw that Emma was one of the last to arrive before the Captain began the eulogy.
As soon as everyone was seated, the Captain began. "Friends and colleagues of Commander Data, thank you for coming today. We are all here to show our friend we support him and sympathize with his sense of loss. Even though Lal was only with us for a short time, those of us who had the privilege to meet her will not forget her. Today we send her to the stars knowing that she will be greatly missed. Commander Data, is there anything you would like to say?"
"No, thank you, Captain." he said softly.
The Captain gave the order to the one controlling the casket's exit. Data watched for a moment and then his eyes strayed back to Emma, who was showing more signs of distress than anyone. She turned and left the hall.
Emma left the hall before she broke down and headed to holodeck 4. "Computer, run Emma Young Program 1, set to private. Vocal request before entrance." The computer complied and she walked in.
After the ceremony was over, the Captain gave Data the rest of the day off. Remembering what his friend had told him, Data went to Emma's room and pressed the door alarm. The door didn't open so he tried again. Still nothing.
"Computer, what is the location of Ensign Emma Young?"
"Ensign Emma Young is currently on holodeck four." the computer told him.
"Ah."
I was still crying when the computer alerted me to a guest.
"Computer, end program." I stated. I wonder who would be looking for me. Maybe Commander LaForge needs more help in engineering? I thought.
The last person I ever expected to see walked through the doors.
"Commander Data, is there something I can do for you?"
"Yes. Ensign Young, you had told Commander LaForge that you 'understand what I am going through.' I wish to know how this is possible when you are not an android."
"Commander, before I tell you, would you become my friend first? My story is a very personal one and you may find that we are more alike than you think."
"Ensign, do you not have friends?"
"Not really, Commander, I have people I am acquainted with and that's it."
"Then I will endeavor to be your friend. Please call me, Data."
I similed and reached out to shake his hand, "I'm Emma. It's good to meet you Data."
"Likewise, Emma would you accompany me to 10 Forward?" he said as he shook my hand gingerly. I never knew that his skin could be so soft.
"I would be glad to, Data."
He held his arm up for me to hold and even though I thought it was a little silly, I accepted his kind offer. As we entered 10 Forward, we walked up to the bar where Guinan was chatting with someone. She ended her conversation and turned to us.
"Data, may I offer you my condolences?"
"Thank you, Guinan, they are appreciated."
"Who is your friend, Data?"
"Guinan, this is Ensign Emma Young, she is an acquaintance, but we are working towards a new friendship."
"That's wonderful, Data. Emma, Data is one of the most loyal people I've met, he will be a good friend for you."
"Thank you, Guinan." Data and I said simultaneously. He looked at me and I looked at my shoes and laughed a little.
"What would you two like to drink?" Guinan asked us.
"Guinan, do you have any jasmin tea?"
"I do. That sounds perfect for the conversation you two are about to have. Data, would you like anything?"
"I will have the same."
"Alright, I suggest you two go sit at the table near the window. I suspect you'll need the scenery. I'll be right over with your drinks"
Data led me over to the table Guinan suggested.
"How does Guinan know the things she does?" I asked him once we were seated.
"I have come to find that she just has a way of knowing and that her words are trustworthy."
"I see. Data?"
"Yes?"
"Is this your way of getting to know me?"
"Yes, Why? Have I done something to upset you?"
"No, Data, it's nice. Thank you."
Guinan brought our drinks and I sipped at mine but Data didn't really touch his. Being an android, I assumed that he didn't really eat or drink, but knew that when humans eat or drink in front of others who don't have anything, it makes them feel awkward. Our conversation turned toward work and he gave me a few tips on how to improve my projects. We talked about our memories of different missions the Enterprise had been on in the past. It was late by the time our conversation fizzled out and I was getting sleepy.
Data walked me back to my room in the same way we walked to 10 Forward, arm in arm. "Thank you, Data. Having someone to talk with is a nice change for me. I hope you will not forget me."
"Emma, I can not forget and I still have not received the answer to my original question."
"In time, Data. I will tell you in time. Good night."
"Sleep well."
I walked through the door and got ready for bed. For the first time in four years, I did sleep well.