Data studied his pad from a small table in the corner of Nook's, one of three competing social hubs on Alpha Spacedock. The room provided an atmosphere reminiscent of Ten-Forward and a partially obscured view of Earth. It wasn't as popular as Beta Six, or as distinguished as the Officer's Lounge, but it felt oddly familiar. Sitting there, the Lt. Commander carefully reviewed the latest engine schematics while simultaneously observing his waitress, Zoe, attend two Vulcan patrons. She was a capable bartender and an excellent server, but her talents seemed to go unnoticed by the officers and workers that visited. To them, she was just another employee.

Data maintained a hidden watch over Zoe, breaking from his study only to offer the young woman a polite nod when she approached.

"Well, Commander, what's it going to be tonight?"

"I will have a glass of apple juice," he replied.

A look of amusement passed in the woman's eyes.

"Very nice. Will that be on the rocks?"

The android's brows furrowed briefly.

"Ah, yes – rocks. You are referring to ice," he answered. "No, thank you. I will take it straight."

Most of the people that visited Nook's wanted a real drink, usually a human beverage given the port, but Data always insisted on juice. Since he didn't require substance or socialization, she often wondered why. Surely his quarters offered the same amenities and a better view! After all, it was Data – Star Fleet's crowning jewel. Just the thought of him being stationed on Alpha for the duration of Enterprise-E's construction, probably tickled Commander Lombardi pink.

Zoe faked a smile, "Alrighty ... one naked apple juice coming up!" she said, turning away.

Data's face settled around the word naked for several moments. He discerned her meaning without much effort. It was the usage that escaped him. Organics were always saying odd things; things that didn't quite fit the moment or pairing descriptions that didn't quite belong. He had learned to overlook it, but every so often one would catch him off guard.

"How's it going, Data!" LaForge said, interrupting the android's train of thought.

Geordi was accompanied by Commander Riker. Together, they joined his table.

"Any luck on those new warp nacelles?" he asked.

"Good evening, Geordi. Hello, Commander," Data said. "I have not completed my analysis, but if the preliminary reports prove true, the new design should increase warp conversion."

"So, the Enterprise-E will be faster? I'm sure Captain Picard will be pleased to hear that!" Riker grinned.

Data hesitated.

"No, sir. The new design will not exceed the maximum velocity, but it should improve our ability to warp," he clarified. "The result will be an improved response time, approximately 3.9 seconds to be exact, and reduce engine strain."

Riker's smile became less noticeable. Captain Picard was planning a visit in a few days to check on the progress of the new Enterprise. He had hoped he would have something significant to report. So far, the most interesting development concerned the new holographic emitters. The station was months away from installing all the bells and whistles like warp drive and quantum torpedoes.

"I see," he nodded.

Geordi hurried to reclaim the Commander's enthusiasm.

"But there's plenty to be excited about Commander," he said, goading his friend with an eye-nudge. "This would mean fewer maintenance stops, extended periods at high velocity, and if the new design holds up during tests, it will decrease the odds of a warp core breach by eleven percent!"

Commander Riker's eyes brightened once again, prompting Data to join in.

"Yes. Very exciting stuff," he agreed, offering Geordi a wink when the Commander turned to flag the server.

Right about then, Zoe approached with Data's beverage.

"Gentlemen, may I get you anything?" she asked, looking between his tablemates.

"Yes. I'll have a Himalayan," Riker replied. "Shaved ice. No garnish."

"Nothing for me," Geordi answered.

Zoe nodded and walked away. Data's eyes followed the waitress to the bar as Geordi continued to highlight Enterprise-E's new features. Of course, Data's unusual interest in the woman hadn't escaped the Commander's attention. Both men noticed Data seemed distracted and searched the room for the source. Hearing that the conversation chatter had dwindled, Data looked back to find his friends smiling. The android responded with a facial apology and immediately reached for his pad. This surprised his friends even more.

"Pretty girl," Riker said.

Feigning disinterest, Data replied, "Who might that be?"

His smile grew.

"Our waitress," he answered.

The android shrugged, not realizing that he had yet to master the art of appearing casual.

"Yes. The other patrons seem quite fond of her," he agreed, scrolling down his device.

"Ugh-huh," said his friends.

Data made a show of reviewing his notes while Geordi and Riker looked on. He wasn't embarrassed, merely unprepared. He was still new to the various sensations that his emotion chip now offered and was in no hurry to divulge anything just yet. This was an unprecedented move on the android's part, given that he had always been so open in the past. Of course, he still relied heavily on his friends, especially Geordi, for insight and support but maybe it was time to strike out on his own. For a little while anyway.

"What's her name?" he heard Geordi ask.

"Name?"

"The waitress...? What's her name?"

"Zoe," said Data. "She is one of three servers that work here. Their names are Roe-Han, Oliver, and a Ferengi named, Gatka. I took the liberty of acquainting myself with the staff in view of our extended stay here."

Since it was clear that Data wasn't in a sharing mood, Geordi decided to throw him a life-line.

"Should we discuss the security lockouts?" he asked Riker, changing the subject. "The lead on the project, Lt. Belle, believes we should code each priority based on rank. What do you think?"

Riker didn't answer right away. He was far too engrossed in Data's sudden uneasiness. His playful grin only became more playful with every passing second. When Zoe returned, Data set down his pad and looked up. Although the glance he shot her was fleeting and conspicuously deadpan, it was enough to tip the woman off. Something was afoot!

"Here you go," said Zoe, glancing between the amused men. "Will that be all?"

Data became noticeably stiff. Not that he wasn't usually stiff. He always sat perfectly erect, but this time he seemed more rigid than straight-laced.

"Why thank you, Zoe," Riker told her with a generous smile. "That will be all for now."

The use of her name and overly kind response only confused the waitress more.

Data made it a point not to observe Zoe walk away, which served to strengthen his shipmate's suspicion. The android was hiding something. They had never known him to be attracted to anyone, but his peculiar response was a sign that something had changed. Now, that he had emotions anything was possible!

"Maybe we should go over the security protocols," said Geordi, giving his friend another out.

"Zoe … that's a pretty name," Riker said, directing the conversation back. "A short, but sweet name. A pretty name for a pretty girl. Personally, I've always liked pixie blondes…"

Geordi broke with a snorty laugh, disguising it quickly with a cough when the Commander cut him a side-glance. Riker was notoriously drawn to females of every creed, make, and design. It hardly mattered that she was blonde.

"Data, you've been spending a lot of time in Nook's lately. In fact, now that I think about it, you're usually in here 3-4 times a week. Any particular reason?"

Data placed his pad gently on the table and leaned forward. It was time to put an end to the Commander's soft-mannered interrogation before it went any further.

"Yes, sir. I have noticed many crewmembers here; Worf, Barclay, even Captain Picard during his last visit. It is a popular place to study, unwind, and socialize since it offers a pleasant view and a quiet setting," he told him.

"Well, that's true but the Officer's Lounge offers a much better view, wouldn't you say?"

Smiling, Geordi shot the Commander a 'drop it' look. It was obvious that Data didn't want to talk about it, whatever 'it' was. Why force him?

"The Officer's Lounge is rather limited. Only certain persons are permitted entrance. Nook's is open to anyone – anytime," the android replied. "I find the diversity here much more enriching."

"Quite right, Data," said Geordi. "I like it here too. It's airy and comfortable – not unlike Ten-Forward actually."

Riker finally conceded.

"Yes, I suppose it does have that feel. We should all spend a little more time here. Besides, it would do us good to rub elbows with the locals."

"Ha!" a voice scoffed from behind.

All three men looked over and found their server, Zoe, clearing a nearby table.

"Don't you mean the other class?"

Riker's smile dissolved.

"Not at all, Miss. I only meant …"

Zoe finished gathering the empty glasses and met Riker's eyes evenly.

"I agree, Commander," she said, interrupting the handsome officer mid-sentence. "The Officer's Lounge offers a far better view. We – the locals that is, must contend with this one. But you shouldn't limit yourself on that account. I hear the bartender, Alfred, offers a wide selection of vintage whiskey. You can't get that here."

Riker became noticeably red, while at the same time taken back by the server's daring. He meant no offense, but had he known that she was eavesdropping he might've rephrased. Maybe it was an accident and she was innocent of any wrongdoing but his remarks were aimed at Data, not her and certainly not the establishment!

"Apologies ...," he squirmed, unable to think of a defense. "I'm sure it does, but I understand that Nook's offers a mean drink of its own – a Zinger, I believe it's called. Whiskey, even vintage whiskey, doesn't appeal to me that much."

Zoe regarded the Commander's rebuttal with skepticism. He probably didn't mean it, but at least he was polite enough to try. Data looked on, positively struck by the direction the conversation had taken. He desperately hoped they hadn't offended her.

"May I have another beverage, Zoe?" he asked, changing the subject as he gulped down the contents of his small glass.

Zoe exhaled.

"Sure. Another juice – hold the rocks?" she teased.

"Yes, please," he replied, still oblivious to the 'joke'.

Zoe retreated to the bar, leaving the men a bit struck.

"Interesting woman," said Riker, still red-faced as he reached for Data's pad.

The trio quickly steered back to the meeting topic and remained on topic, but the desire to apologize to Zoe weighed on Data's positronic brain. He didn't want to risk another misunderstanding and resisted doing so whenever she returned to check on them. It seemed likely that Commander Riker had hurt the young server's feelings, which bothered him immensely. He wanted her to know that he meant no offense. Data had grown quite fond of their brief exchanges. Perhaps, fonder than he should've been given their absent relationship.

"I will speak with her," he thought, easing his troubled pathways.

Data waited in the corridor outside of Nook's that night. He hoped he might catch Zoe on her way out so he could apologize for the confusion. He knew it wasn't necessary, but for some reason he felt compelled. He patiently stood near the entrance observing officers, couples, and a few tipsy patrons exit the establishment. They each met the android with a curious look as they made their way to their respective lifts. It must've seemed odd to see him lingering there, but Data remained steadfast. Zoe was his focus.

After a lengthy wait, the doors whooshed open and Zoe stepped out. Her shift had ended and she was now wearing civilian clothes, mostly retro in respect to style but quite flattering. Not that Data cared anything for fashion. He only wanted to speak to her privately.

"Zoe," he called out from behind.

The petite woman spun around and looked up.

"Commander," she said surprisingly.

"Please allow me to apologize," he began. "I noticed that you seemed upset earlier. Riker meant no offense. I also hope you did not construe his remarks as unilateral."

Zoe bit her lip and looked around. She was a bit hesitant, possibly disconcerted over the fact that he was waiting for her in the corridor. As for Commander Riker, she wasn't upset. She just chalked him up to being a typical officer. Officers, especially high-ranking ones, could be a little insensitive when it came to little dives, little people, and their little lives. He probably thought he sounded open-minded when he suggested that they 'rub elbows' with the locals, but that was just the sort of thing a Star Fleet veteran would say.

"It's okay, Commander. I wasn't offended. Not really. I'm used to it," she told him. "We're all used to it."

Data's thoughtful countenance morphed into a puzzled expression.

"I am unsure what you mean. Used to what?" he asked.

Zoe scoffed. She wouldn't expect an officer, particularly a machine to understand the pitfalls of a non-Star Fleet existence. After numerous gigs in various bars, mostly officer hubs, she found that most of Star Fleet's finest were pretty full of themselves. They acted as if they knew everything and expected to be treated that way. It was a sure bet that Riker was put off by her outspokenness. The only surprise, if any, was that he didn't report her to the manager.

"Nothing. I didn't mean anything," Zoe said, turning towards the turbo lift suggestively. "Listen, I should go. It's late and I'm tired. Thank you for thinking of me and well, you know... for waiting here, but don't worry. I'm fine - really."

Data opened his mouth to speak, but the shorthaired blonde turned and hurried off before he could ask anything more.

"Goodnight," she waved, disappearing into the first available lift.

Data gently waved goodbye as the doors closed. After much thought, his apology took every bit of thirty seconds. He had hoped for a slightly longer conversation, one that might end with him escorting her to her quarters, but it appeared that she had plans.

"Another time," he thought, offering himself a little pep-talk.

Data turned from the lifts and proceeded towards the end of the corridor. His quarters were located three levels up in the resident's section reserved for officers, but he wasn't going to the resident section. He wanted to run a few simulations first. The new engine would require many tweaks before it was ready to be installed.

As he walked, Data quietly pondered Zoe's meaning. What was she supposedly 'used too'?

It wasn't long before the android's thoughts turned towards the sound of his footsteps and the meshing sound of his uniform. It was an odd thing to notice, even for him, but their diminishing sound snared his attention. Curious, he eased around. His yellow eyes immediately fell on a disturbing sight. The corridor behind him was pitch black. All the minuscule sounds, some too faint for humans to hear, had also vanished. It was as if he was peering into a spatial void. Everything was enveloped in complete darkness and the blackness was expanding in his direction.

Backing away, Data tapped his com badge.

"Data to Operations!" he said.

"Operations here. Go ahead, sir," a voice replied.

"There is a disturbance on Level-9. Advise!"

The voice on the other end became faint.

"Sir … please describe —" was all Data heard before the sound faded.

"This is Lt. Commander Data – do you read me?" noting that his own voice was losing ground.

The android's eyes flickered. His emotion chip was flooding his positronic brain with signals advising him to flee, but his reasoning and moral subroutines feared for the safety of the people on the other side, possibly inside the blackness. Where had they gone? Were they still alive? What was this thing etching towards him? His superior vision detected nothing beyond the edge of the void's reach.

An eerie pull prompted him to look back. Slowly, he turned around to find that the opposite end of the corridor was now engulfed in the crawling darkness. Only the small space between, which was growing smaller by the second, existed.

"Operations! Security!" he said, tapping his com badge repeatedly. "Transporter room! Emergency beam out!"

Data surrendered to his emotion chip and recoiled, shutting his eyes momentarily as the blackness closed in on his position. Suddenly, there was nothing. No sound. No movement. No heat. No cold. Not even the feel of artificial gravity. For an instant, there was absolutely nothing.

"Sir," a voice said, drawing Data from the silence.

The android reopened his eyes to find two young Ensigns standing a few feet away. They appeared baffled his disorientation. Could artificial lifeforms become confused?

Bewildered and a bit unsettled, Data looked between the young men. He quickly observed that the corridor had been restored. Everything was operating normally; the lights, panels, the computer's inner workings, and the entrance to Nook's were all present.

"Commander, sir – are you alright?" the Ensign asked with growing concern.

Data opened and closed his mouth a few times.

"I am fine, Ensign," he finally replied. "What has happened?"

The young men exchanged a glance. As far as they knew, nothing. They exited Nook's to find Data crouched down in the corridor with his eyes tightly shut.

"Nothing …" he answered. "We left Nook's and found you out here – alone and … well, kind of frozen."

The android studied the duo with a raised brow before examining his surroundings more thoroughly. He wasn't subject to hallucinations. Something happened.

"Commander Data, sir. This is sub-Chief Yules from Operations," a voice said over the com link. "Is everything alright?"

The android surveyed himself.

"Yes, I believe so, "said Data, outwardly perplexed. "Everything appears normal."

"We received a distress call from you – then you stopped transmitting. You indicated some sort of disturbance on Level-9. Please verify."

"I …" he paused, looking around one last time. "Whatever I saw is now gone, but I just experienced a strange anomaly. Ensigns …"

"Potts and Tal-Mae," the men offered.

"... Potts and Tal-Mae are with me, but they witnessed nothing unusual. Chief, have you detected any anomalies in this section in the past five minutes?"

Yules replied, "No, sir. Everything reads normal on my end. I checked the moment you called, but there was nothing unusual going on at the time."

"Very well. You may cancel the security teams in route," said the android, assuming the appropriate personnel had been dispatched.

Both Ensigns looked at each other. Neither said anything. They didn't want to make things worse. Eugene probably didn't send anyone. There was a reason why the sub-Chief worked nights and hadn't made full Chief after three years! Of course, nothing ever happened on the station. Nothing that warranted the best of the best anyway.

"Um, sir … I didn't send anyone. I didn't know what was going on. I tried to reach you instead," he answered.

Data frowned. He was unwilling to openly question the sub-Chief's lack of action.

"Thank you, gentlemen," he told the young men before walking away. "I am headed to Diagnostics. Please have Commander La Forge meet me there."

"Sir, the resident manifest shows that he has retired for the evening. Should I wake him?"

Data paused. He wasn't annoyed per se, but his instructions were clear. Were they aboard the Enterprise, the appropriate answer would've been – yes, sir. Still, it was rather late and he had no desire to disturb Geordi if there was nothing he could do. Perhaps, he should wait until morning.

"Delay that request. I will conduct the necessary scans myself. However, I would like you to send a message to La Forge's quarters asking him to meet me there in the morning. Be sure to copy Commanders Lombardi and Riker as well," he told him, resuming his course.

"And Chief…"

"Yes, Commander?"

"Please remember to follow Protocol 87 on reporting," he pointedly added. "Instructions on the appropriate procedure may be found in the database. Lt. Commander Data out."