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TEASER: Unaccompanied - A Suite for Actress and Android

Dear Readers:

Thank you for reading Crush II: Ostinato.

I appreciate every single one of you, whether you left reviews, followed along silently, or were just a drop-in reader.

If you haven't read all the side stories (many of which are from Data's POV) please check my profile for the chronological list.

To find out how Data and Zoe handle her summer with the Idyllwild Theatre Troupe, please read

UNACCOMPANIED

(A Suite for Actress and Android)

Please note: UNACCOMPANIED is rated M for mature themes and situations.

TEASER:

My grandparents hadn't even been gone for an hour when the comm-system chimed the alert for an incoming call. I told the computer to route it through the entertainment system, expecting that the caller would be Annette or Wes – the two friends I already had on Earth.

I was never happier to be wrong. The gold-leaf features of the man I loved came into view on my screen, and I sat, cross-legged on my couch so he could see me. "You're early," I accused, teasing him. He generally tried to time his calls to coincide with my approximate bedtime.

"I apologize for the change in schedule. However, I believe you will find the reason acceptable. Captain Picard will be giving the commencement address at the Academy's graduation ceremony next Sunday. The Enterprise will be docking at Earth Station McKinley on Wednesday evening."

"I thought McKinley was only used for refits and repairs?"

"There are other reasons for docking there," he said, "which I am unable to divulge at this time. In any case, Captain Picard has given me seventy-two hours of leave, commencing on Thursday at twenty-hundred hours, local time."

"San Francisco local?" I confirmed.

"That is correct."

"You're coming here?" I tried hard not to bounce on the couch in excitement. "You're coming here to spend the weekend with me?"

"If you are amenable," he said. "You did mention, when we spoke last night, that you were looking forward to 'a weekend of solitude to get settled in.'"

"That never applies to you," I said. I hesitated for the briefest of moments – a breath, really – and added, "To be honest, all day I've been thinking that my bed is too big for just me."

The flicker in his eyes told me he knew what I meant. "Perhaps we can determine whether that perception is accurate," he answered. "I will contact you before I beam down," he added. He seemed about to sign off but then he tacked on one more thing, "If it will not be too late, do not eat dinner. I would like to take you out."

I grinned at his image on my screen. "It won't be too late," I said. "See you soon."

"See you soon," he echoed. "Data out."

UNACCOMPANIED

(A Suite for Actress and Android)

… has already begun (as of 29 February 2016), and will be roughly six chapters long.

After that, look for Crush III: Sostenuto, which will begin in a few weeks.

Thank you again. Happy Reading.

- MissMelysse