DESCLAIMER: ANYTHING YOU RECOGNIZE IS NOT MINE. IT BELONGS TO GENE RODDENBERRY.
Fire and Ice
Her eyes were the first thing that he noticed. Like fire and ice melting together. Completely contrasting to her fiery red curls. She was pale skinned, but not

unhealthy.

Data had often wondered what humans meant when they said that you could see a person's soul by looking in their eyes. Now that he'd had his emotion chip

for a little over a year, he understood that. Especially when he say Selia's eyes. He'd been told by his good friend, Geordi, that she was a hard shell to crack.

That's why when she boarded the ship that afternoon, from Earth, Data couldn't help but have his breath taken away.

After a tiring week of diplomatic missions on Earth, the crew of the Enterprise was ready for a shore leave. But unfortunately, one could not be scheduled for

quite some time. Because of this, the crew was slightly on edge. The Captain had promised a Shore Leave as soon as they reached Sector 114, in a month's

time, which had given everyone a little bit of relief, and something to look forward to.

Back in the Transporter Room, at the moment when this story begins, the Senior crew stood straight and in line according to rank. to greet the Ambassador of

Vulcan, Spock, accompanied his young charge. Selia had spent several years on Vulcan, being cared for by Vulcan's finest doctors, and under the watchful eye

of the ambassador. He stepped down off the transporter, and held out his hand for young Selia. The woman stepped daintily off the platform, her white

pinstriped suit stiff and barely moving.

"Miss Labrecque. Welcome to the Enterprise. I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard. This is my crew." The sharp features of the captain were soft as he gazed at her.

"Please, Captain, call me Samantha. Now that I've returned to Earth, I would prefer to be addressed by my given name." she said politely. She was introduced

to each member of the crew, including Data.

"Mr. Data, would you show Miss Samantha to her quarters? I'm sure she wants to unpack, and settle in." Said the Captain.

"Yes, sir." Data said. He led the young girl and Spock to the Turbo lift. Data was polite, and kind as he walked with the young woman to her quarters.

"Is this your first time on a starship?" Data asked, as they walked down the corridor. Sam smiled and said,

"No, but it's been a few years. I was on one once before, although I wasn't conscious for most of the trip from Earth to Vulcan. So I don't remember anything

from it." The Vulcan and his young charge took leave of each other and Spock returned to the transporter room.

Sam's quarters had three rooms; a main living area, the bedroom, and the bathroom. Data showed her how to use the replicator, which she found interesting.

"How long were you on Vulcan?" Data asked, now very interested. Sam felt her guard dropping slightly; Data seemed genuinely interested in her, not just for

her appearance, but her mind as well.

"About eight years."

"Ah, I see. I hope you find the room to your liking." He looked around, indicating the cabin.

"Oh yes, it's perfect." Sam smiled appreciatively. noticed her suitcase was beside the desk, and opened it. She didn't unpack, but rather just stared at the

contents, wonderingly. After a moment, she looked up, noticing Data watching her. She smiled at him and went to the replicator and asked for butterbeer. The

computer couldn't replicate it. Disappointed, Sam asked for a cup of hot peach tea, which the computer could replicate.

"Would you like some, sir? We could sit and talk if you're not busy."

"I would like that. Certainly." Data took the cup of tea Sam offered him, and sat next to her on the sofa.

As he imitated her, taking a sip from the cup of tea, he noticed her lips seemed to darken slightly as she drank. He studied her features, how her face was

gracefully shaped. Her eyelashes seemed to curl just right, fanning out evenly over her eyes, under simple shaped eyebrows. Her nose was not too long, not

too short, and her lips were perfectly shaped. He had never seen someone so beautiful. She turned her gaze up and looked at him, and Data's breath caught

in his throat again at the sight of her eyes.

"I can't tell you how happy I am to be here. I've always been fascinated by the idea of living in space, and studying about it. It's incredible."

"What field are you studying, specifically?" Data asked, setting the empty cup on the coffee table.

"Medical. And a little bit of engineering, mostly for recreational purposes. Kind of interesting." Sam said.

"Dr. Crusher is looking forward to having you as a student, I have heard." Data said, hoping to ease any nervousness she may have. She smiled.

"I can't wait. I've always wanted to work as a medical officer, in space."

"May I ask you something?" Data asked, before he could stop himself. He suddenly couldn't look her in the eye.

Sam frowned, asking,

"What is it, Mr. Data?"

"The Captain has planned a formal dinner to welcome you on board. As well as give you a chance to meet the rest of the crew. Would you...agree to allowing

me to escort you to it?"

"Sure, I'd like that very much." Sam felt her stomach jolt, not aware that the android in front of her was feeling similar sensations.

"What time is it? Should I start getting ready now?"

"It is scheduled for tomorrow evening. I shall meet you here, if that is agreeable to you." Data said.

"Of course, that will be perfect."

Samantha decided to go and visit her friend, Guinan in Ten Forward. Data returned to the bridge to finish off his reports. She made her way to the bar, where

her friend worked.

"Ah, there you are! I'd heard you were coming on board. How've you been?" Guinan greeted Samantha warmly. Sam smiled, sitting down at the bar.

"I've been well. How about you, Guinan? It's been far too long."

"Well, not much has changed, I've been on the Enterprise for a few years now. How old are you now? Did you finish your studies on Vulcan?"

"I'm twenty now. And yes. It was incredible there, but I'm glad to be among a new group of people. It's quite refreshing."

"Have you made any plans yet, met anyone?" Guinan asked, offering a glass of mineral water. She knew the young girl preferred that over anything else.

"Well, Mr. Data asked to escort me to the formal dinner tomorrow evening. I'm a bit nervous about that."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. Data's probably the nicest, sweetest guy on this ship. Do you have a dress to wear?" Guinan asked.

"No. I guess I haven't thought of that. Oh, man, why didn't I think of that?!"

"Hi there." Sam turned to see Counselor Troi standing next to her. Sam greeted her with a warm hello.

"I couldn't help but sense your sudden frustration, is everything okay?" the Betazoid asked.

"Samantha has a date with our Mr. Data tomorrow night. And she doesn't have anything to wear." Guinan grinned mischievously. Deanna almost giggled.

"Oh, how wonderful! I can help you find something. In fact, I think I may have just the thing. Come with me."

The Counselor stole the nervous girl and practically dragged her to her cabin. A few hours later, Sam had a gown.