#next generation fan fiction

[adarkroomandawallflower]

Hey there! I love your writing so far! I was wondering if you would write a little something about Data and his partner choosing pet names for each other? I think it could be cute :)

Hello, I'm so glad you're enjoying my writing!

This is such a cute idea, and thank you so much for bestowing the honor upon me to write this lovely request!

I had a lot of different ideas for this, and couldn't settle on just one, so I decided to write this in the style of those "5+1" fics. I tried to choose older/more outlandish terms of endearment, in order to avoid potentially discarding a name that someone would actually want to be referred to by. Hopefully, I was successful in this endeavor (but my sincere apologies if not)!

The final nicknames I chose were based on Data's characterization, and what names I think would be most appropriate and fitting for him and his vocabulary. I'm not sure if anyone else will agree with these choices, but I hope they're still enjoyable.

Anyways, without further ado, here's the final piece! I'm so sorry for the wait, but I really hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it 😊

5 Times Data and His Partner Tried Out Pet Names (and the 1 Time They Stuck):

Although Data didn't quite understand the necessity for having a pet name for his partner, he did understand the appeal. It was another form of affection that couples demonstrated with one another; something special shared between both parties.

Frankly, Data hadn't even considered having a designated term of endearment for you. At least, not until Geordi and himself had discussed the subject after witnessing a couple in Ten Forward one evening using their chosen pet names.

"Why did Lieutenant Smith refer to his spouse as an overly saccharine pastry comprised of honey?" Data asked, bewildered at the exchange he just observed between the aforementioned crewmembers.

Geordi chuckled, "He didn't mean it literally, Data. He meant it as a pet name."

Data still looked at his friend quizzically, "'Pet name'?"

"Yeah, a term of endearment."

Finally, he understood, "Ahh."

"Don't you and your partner have pet names for one another?"

Data shook his head, "No, we do not."

Geordi raised his eyebrows above his VISOR, "Really?"

"Indeed...I did not realize this was a necessary aspect to couplehood."

"Well, it's not exactly 'necessary', but it is a fairly common thing between couples."

"Hm, I see..."

Later that night, while Data was running an internal diagnostic, analyzing the information he had collected during his Away Mission earlier that day, and reviewing the remainder of the day's events, he considered the conversation he had with Geordi. Should he have a pet name for you? If so, which one should he choose?

After some internal analysis, Data decided that yes, he did want to designate a term of endearment for you. He figured the best way to go about choosing a name would be to use a trial-and-error method of research:

First, he would conduct personal research about pet names. He would pay special attention to their connotations and popularity. Next, he'd construct a behavioral profile for you that he would then use to determine which pet names you would most likely appreciate. He would then test the chosen names by using them to refer to you. Additionally, he'd observe your reactions to each name, and internally record his observations. Finally, he'd compile all his collected data and analyze them to determine which term of endearment you appeared to enjoy the most.

The endeavor would prove to be more difficult than he anticipated.

1. Honeybun or Honeybunch

Since Lieutenant Smith and his spouse had initiated this experiment, Data felt it was only appropriate to test out their preferred pet name first. He tested it out a few days after he witnessed their interaction, one night while the two of you were snuggled up on his couch with Spot.

Data was sitting near one end of the couch, his body oriented straight ahead and away from you. You sat at the other end of the couch, facing Data. Your legs were stretched out across his lap, and one of his hands was draped along the arm of the couch. His other hand was affectionately rubbing your knee. Spot was curled up in your lap, purring loudly as you intermittently stroked her back while you spoke.

You were currently summarizing your day's events for Data, and he listened intently. His gaze was soft and adoring, and he was meticulously making internal notes about the way you gestured certain aspects for emphasis, how your chest shook when you laughed, and the way your lips curved upwards just a little higher when you returned his eye contact. Absentmindedly, he marveled at how beautiful humans and their behaviors were, and he wondered if he could ever come close to emanating that beauty himself.

After you completed your tale, you relaxed back into your corner of the couch, ready to answer the anticipated onslaught of questions from him. Once his queries were satisfactorily answered, it grew silent between the two of you, but comfortably so.

At this point, you were relaxed, and starting to succumb to the call of sleep. As your eyes started to droop, Data spoke softly, "Shall we 'hit the hay', Honeybun?"

Your eyes shot open. Now, you were wide awake, "What?"

"Your respiratory and heart rates have decreased by 3.7% in the last 4 minutes and 51 seconds, and you have been closing your eyes for intervals longer than necessary for blinking. You are demonstrating the initial stages of human sleep," he looked at you sweetly, "I believe it would be best if we went to bed now...Honeybun. You are welcome to spend the night in Spot and I's quarters."

You stared at him curiously for a moment, before you laughed, "Okay, honeybunch; let's go to bed."

His eyebrows shot up in surprise at your unexpected reciprocation of the pet name.

You carefully picked up Spot from your lap before slowly getting up. You and Spot made your way to Data's bedroom, but said android was still on the couch, processing your previous interaction.

Based on your expression and reactions, Data deduced that you did not particularly enjoy that nickname. However, did he enjoy being called a 'honeybunch'?

"You coming, honeybunch?" you called from his bedroom.

Again, Data reviewed the name, considering his perceptions towards it, before he grimaced slightly.

2. Snookums

The next time he tested a term of endearment on you was over a week later, during a double date between the two of you and the O'Briens in Ten Forward.

You and Data had arrived first, and were chatting idly as you waited for your friends to join you. Once Keiko and Miles arrived, you all greeted each other, and caught up briefly before Data got up to get everyone some drinks.

"I'll just have a plain ol' Irish ale," Miles said.

"Some tea would be lovely," Keiko added.

Data turned to you, "And what would you like, Snookums?"

Miles chortled softly, and Keiko lightly kicked him under the table, but she was holding back a smile herself.

Data, who was too focused on you and your reaction, thankfully didn't notice the O'Brien's' interaction. He studied you carefully, patiently awaiting your response.

You blinked, still processing the nickname, "Uhh just some water, please."

He nodded once, "I shall return in a moment with our beverages."

Miles watched Data walk away, waiting until he was out of earshot. Once satisfied with the distance between the three of you & Data, Miles then turned to you with a smirk, "'Snookums'?"

You raised your eyebrows and shrugged, "I have no clue where that came from...last week, he called me 'Honeybun'."

Again, Miles snorted.

"Miles!" Keiko scolded, "Don't be rude!"

He held up his hands in mock surrender, "I'm not! They're just...interesting choices for nicknames."

"I suspect he's up to something," you theorized, "This is probably related to some personal research he's conducting, or something. In any case, I'm sure it's just a phase," you hadn't been too concerned about this seemingly random development in his behavior, but you were curious as to its purpose. It was still a fairly recent alteration, so you figured you'd let him have his fun a bit more before you confronted him about it.

"Maybe he's trying to be more romantic," Keiko offered, "in his own way."

You pondered the thought, as you watched Data gather your drinks. He certainly was romantic, in his own way. You both had lunch together almost every day, something that he had insisted on. After he discovered the ancient invention of "Post-It Notes", he made it a habit to leave you handwritten notes with them throughout your office. Their contents varied, from jokes pertaining to your area of expertise to quotes from his favorite works of literature that reminded him of you. He even enjoyed reading some of his favorite novels and plays to you. These actions may not have been the kind of whirlwind, passionate gestures that most people equated to romance, but you knew they were his way of showing his fondness for you, and you loved them (and him) dearly.

You continued to watch him as he carefully placed everyone's requested drinks on a small tray that Guinan provided. You noticed how he was slightly more careful when placing your drink on the tray, and how he placed it in front of the others. You knew his actions were deliberate and calculated, but it still brought a soft smile to your lips.

"Maybe," you finally conceded.

"And maybe you should take some notes, Miles," Keiko teased her husband.

Miles sighed, "Oh, Hell..."

3. Sweet Cheeks

"Thank you for bringing me lunch, Data," you told him, sitting down in the chair he had pulled out for you. When you had contacted him earlier to let him know that you were going to work late and wouldn't have time to grab lunch with him, he decided to bring lunch to you, in your office. Data had also taken the time to replicate some flowers in a vase and cleared your desk of all clutter, so you could have a proper table setting for your meal.

"You are welcome," he said, as he gently pushed your chair back in.

Your shared meal was relaxed and calm, but the atmosphere changed when Data suddenly dropped his latest pet name for you into the conversation, "I believe your proposed solution to your current work predicament is acceptable, and will prove to be successful, Sweet Cheeks."

You then did what Data recognized from 20th century humor to be a classic 'spit take'. He was surprised, yet somewhat delighted by this, as he had never witnessed someone perform a spit take before. He considered inquiring about it, but decided against it.

You stared at him in astonishment, blushing wildly as you coughed, "I beg your pardon??"

Your reaction was quite unexpected, and Data scrunched his eyebrows in soft confusion as he attempted to ascertain the somewhat scandalized tone of your voice, "Did I say something wrong?"

Before speaking, you cleared your throat, and waited for the shock to subside, "No, Data, you didn't say anything wrong, per say...It's just that 'Sweet Cheeks' is a very old and sometimes offensive term, depending on the context, used to describe someone with a nice ass."

Data looked at you with surprise, and perhaps embarrassment. How had he missed that pertinent fact during his research? "I see...I apologize for offending you; that certainly was not my intent," he considered this new development briefly, before tilting his head softly and returning his gaze to you, "Based on this information, that term would also be inaccurate in describing yourself because you do not have a donkey."

You couldn't help but laugh softly, "Sorry, not that kind of ass, Data. I meant it refers to someone who has an attractive butt."

Realization dawned on him, "Ahh," he raised an eyebrow, "Although it would be accurate to describe your posterior as 'attractive', I would not wish to use an offensive term to convey that fact."

"Data!" you said, astonished and blushing once again.

Data was hopelessly confused anew, "Have I offended you again?"

"No, no, it's just..." you sighed, still flustered. "Nevermind..." you carefully stood up, "I have to get back to work, so I'll catch you later," you tidied up the remnants of your lunch, pressed a quick peck to his lips, and somewhat hurriedly left your office.

4. Dumpling

"Alright, Lieutenant," Dr. Crusher said as she completed healing the large gash that ran along your forearm, "I think that just about does it. Can you wiggle your wrist for me, like this?" you watched as she moved her wrist, and you replicated her movements. Although you were able to repeat her actions, you felt a small pinch somewhere in your wrist, causing you to wince.

Dr. Crusher noticed this, and gently took your wrist in her hand, "Let me take another look," she scanned your wrist with another handheld medical scanner, "Ahh, it looks like the fracture I repaired earlier is applying excess pressure on your radial nerve," she smiled reassuringly, "It's just a pinched nerve, but I'll need to go get a different tool to repair it," she gently released your wrist, "I'll be right back."

As you waited patiently for her to return, the doors to Sick Bay opened. You looked up and saw Data making his way over to you.

Having not seen him all day, you were elated that he was here, "Data!"

He smiled faintly at your enthusiasm for his arrival, somewhat perplexed at how your mood always seemed to improve almost immediately upon the sight of him, or mention of his name. His smile widened just slightly when he reached his hand out to you, and you eagerly took his hand in yours.

After a few moments, his expression became serious, "Commander Riker informed me of the injuries you sustained during the Away Mission," he frowned slightly, "I apologize for not arriving sooner, but the Exobiology team required my assistance in analyzing the samples you and the remaining members of the Away Team collected."

"No apology necessary; I understand."

He performed a quick visual inspection of you, before his eyes met yours again. It only lasted a second, but you could have sworn you saw something akin to concern swimming in his golden irises, "Are you alright...Dumpling?"

You took a moment to absorb the new nickname before replying, "Yes, I think so...Dr. Crusher healed all of my cuts, and repaired my broken wrist. She still has to alleviate a pinched nerve, but other than that and a few scars, she says I'll be just fine."

"I am...relieved to hear that," he squeezed your hand gently, "When Commander Riker explained to the Captain and myself that you had directly thrown yourself in front of an incoming boulder, in order to displace Ensign Diaz out of its path, my mind was..." he paused pensively, as he searched for the most appropriate term, "...uncomfortably preoccupied with the prospects of how extensive and detrimental your injuries could be," his thumb rubbed the back of your hand affectionately, and his eyes appeared almost sad. "The possibility that you sustained serious injuries, or could have lost your life was rather...distracting to me, and made it difficult to complete the sample analysis."

You brought your intertwined hands up to your lips, and pressed a kiss to the back of his hand, "I'm sorry for worrying you," he looked as if he was going to remind you that he was incapable of worrying in any fashion, but he didn't vocalize the correction, "I didn't intend to land directly in that boulder's path. I was only trying to push Ensign Diaz out of the way, but I miscalculated the boulder's velocity."

His expression became neutral, "Regardless, your actions were admirable, and I am pleased that your injuries were minimal," suddenly, he gave you a pointed look. "However, as your partner, I must sternly remind you not to knowingly put yourself in unnecessary danger again," his expression softened slightly, "Dumpling."

A soft laugh interrupted your moment, and you both turned towards the sound, "Well, don't you worry, Data," Dr. Crusher had returned, a new tool in hand, "In a few moments, your Dumpling will be as good as new," you blushed at her use of the moniker, and Data took mental note of this.

Dr. Crusher held the tool against your wrist. It tingled slightly, but otherwise you felt nothing. After a few minutes, she turned it off and removed it from your skin, "Alright, move your wrist for me again?" you repeated the same motions she had shown you before. This time, there was no pain at all. She smiled, "Better?"

"Much better; thank you."

"You're welcome. I suggest you don't put too much strain on that wrist for a couple of weeks," she began to put away her tools and instruments, "If you notice any more pain, please come back to see me."

You nodded, "Thank you, I will," Data helped you carefully hop down from the Bio-Bed, "Do you want to grab some dinner now, Data?" you asked, "I have a sudden, inexplicable craving for dumplings."

Dr. Crusher held back a laugh.

5. Love Bug

"So, Reg will take care of Spot, Keiko will water and watch over our plants, Beverly and Geordi will keep tabs on our ongoing research experiments..." you reviewed the checklist on your PADD for the umpteenth time, "Okay, I think that's it...am I forgetting anything?"

"Negative, Love Bug. It appears you have everything 'under control'."

You peered up from the PADD to look at him, an eyebrow raised questioningly, "'Love Bug'?"

Data nodded, "That is what I said."

You sighed, but smiled softly, "Okay, Data; what's going on?"

"To what are you referring to?"

"In the past month, you've been calling me various nicknames. What's all this about? Are you conducting some kind of research?"

He looked at you, accessing your reaction for any kind of anger or discomfort. When he saw nothing but confusion and curiosity in your eyes, he sighed softly, "It had been brought to my attention that couples tend to utilize terms of endearment for each other," he blinked, "I did not wish to neglect one of my expected duties as a partner, nor did I wish to make you feel as though you were 'missing out' on an aspect of couplehood, simply due to my ignorance."

You softened immediately at his admission, "Oh, Data," he looked away briefly and somewhat sheepishly, "Being in a relationship with you doesn't make me 'miss out' on anything. In fact, I've gained much more from being in this relationship with you than I would from being in a relationship with anyone else."

His eyes locked with yours, and they were noticeably brighter than before, "Truly?"

You placed your PADD down on a nearby table, and took both of his hands in yours, "Truly," you repeated, before pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. When you pulled away, you flashed him a reassuring smile, "Everyone else are the ones who are missing out."

The corners of his lips curled just faintly upwards, "Thank you for alleviating my vexations in that regard," he raised his eyebrow in thought for a moment, before he looked back at you with an inquisitive expression, "Based on your reactions to each of the names I chose, I gathered that you did not particularly enjoy any of my selections. Is that an accurate conclusion?"

"I mean, they weren't necessarily bad choices, they were just...a bit dated, and neither of our styles. But yes, you're correct that I didn't particularly like them."

"Hmm," he bowed his head down slightly to better meet your eyes, "Do you have a preferred term of endearment you would like for me to use?"

You pursed your lips in consideration, "Well, I do have specific names that I do like...but I don't think I'd want you to use those, either."

He tilted his head softly, his eyebrows scrunched in slight confusion, "What do you mean?"

"Well, I think that pet names chosen between partners should be somewhat unique, in the sense that they should relate to something only the participants of that relationship are aware of, like an inside joke of some kind," you paused, "I think those names should also match both partners, not just the recipient of the name. I don't think my current preferences fit you because they aren't necessarily terms you're likely to use."

He took a few moments to analyze this new information, before he nodded, "Yes, I believe I understand. In essence, you would like for me to choose a term of endearment for you that is both unique and relatable to you, but also representative of my vernacular?"

You smiled and squeezed his hands, "Exactly, yes."

"Hmm," he blinked, "I shall take this into consideration, and 'return to the drawing board'."

You laughed softly, "Sounds good," you leaned in, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, "Thank you for being such a sweet and considerate partner."

"You are welcome."

"What about you?"

His look of confusion returned, "What about me?"

"Is there any particular name you'd like for me to use for you?"

He thought about it briefly before raising his eyebrows, "Truthfully, I had not considered requesting a term of endearment for me, from you...Although I do not have a preference for any particular term at this time, I believe I would like for you to bestow one upon me."

You nodded, "Okay. I guess I'll have to go back to the drawing board, too...but for now, let's go enjoy our Shore Leave, Love Bug."

+1. "Dearest" and "Sunshine"

As Data's eyes flickered between his canvas and you, he could tell that you were getting restless. You had remained in your current position for the last 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 13 seconds, relatively unmoving. You had not complained once about your discomfort, but he could tell from your slight fidgeting that the required stillness was getting to you.

He reviewed the state of his canvas one more time, adding a couple more strokes of paint, before gently setting his brush down on his easel, "Would you like to take a break?"

You immediately sighed with relief, "Yes, please," you began to move, but stopped, "if it's not too much of an inconvenience for you?"

"Not at all. In fact, you have been an excellent muse thus far; much better than Spot. You are more than deserving of a break," he set down his paint palette, and tilted his head as he reviewed his progress. He was able to get a good portion of your silhouette and distinctive features outlined onto his canvas. He would only need your assistance for another session or two before he could complete the painting on his own.

"Can I see it?" you asked excitedly as you made your way over to him.

"Please," he said, and stepped aside to allow you viewing space.

You looked it over, and smiled widely, "Wow, this looks amazing already, Data! You're definitely going to get the highest marks from your art teacher for this," the two of you continued to admire the beginnings of his painting in comfortable silence for a moment, before you broke it, "Can I ask you something?"

Data turned to look at you, "Of course."

"Why did you decide to paint me for this assignment?"

"In my art course, we recently discussed the Aestheticism art movement. The core belief of this movement was 'art for art's sake'. In other words, it prioritized the aesthetic value of art, rather than the common belief at the time of the movement's introduction that art must serve a particular, didactic purpose," he paused, and inhaled sharply before continuing, "For this assignment, my instructor desired for myself and my classmates to create a work of art, in the tradition of the Aestheticism movement."

You absorbed all the information he just provided, attempting to determine how it related to you. After realizing you still didn't understand the connection, you asked, "That's all really interesting, Data, but what does it have to do with me?"

He eagerly continued, "After careful consideration, I realized that you embody Aestheticism. Although you can and do appreciate the hidden meanings of not only art, but many aspects of life itself, you also recognize the importance of creativity with no inherent purpose," he looked at you softly, "During one of our thoughtful, evening conversations we shared in the initial stages of our relationship, when I had explained to you my confusion as to my purpose of being, you responded that perhaps my father had no true purpose in creating me. Perhaps the only reason he created me was because he wanted to produce something beautiful, simply because he could. Perhaps he merely wished to add something of aesthetic value to the universe. Perhaps he was an artist, just as much as he was the forefront of cybernetics."

He inhaled sharply again, still looking at you, "I have found myself revisiting that conversation consistently and frequently, as frequently as the rate at which you are a part of my thought processes. This lesson, in particular, had triggered my memory banks to replay this memory 3.27 times more than usual. Thus, I deduced that you would be the most appropriate topic for this assignment."

You blinked, staring at him in complete bewilderment. You certainly weren't expecting that answer! Your brain felt like it was malfunctioning, uncertain how to process all this information.

As your brain melted inside your skull, you felt him gently take your hand, "Additionally, this assignment has also made me realize how...dear you are to me. You are always willing and eager to assist me in my hobbies, activities, assignments, and other endeavors. You have never expressed agitation nor annoyance with me, and always allow me to 'babble' to any length or degree. You have always encouraged myself and my passions, even when they potentially served an inconvenience to you."

He squeezed your hand gently, "The term 'dearest' refers to someone who is: loved and cherished, greatly valued, precious," he exhaled softly, "Although I am incapable of love, I am capable of cherishment, and seeing the value in others and objects. I certainly cherish you, and see how invaluable you are to many individuals, including myself," he looked at you with pure determination, and maybe a hint of pride, "Therefore, I believe the most fitting term of endearment for you is 'Dearest'."

At this point, you were short-circuiting, and your brain was absolute mush. Data was always eloquent with his wording, but this was definitely one of the most eloquent things he had said to you. It made his earlier statement of being incapable of love seem completely impossible. No one could speak in such a way about anyone or anything, if they weren't capable of love in some capacity or degree.

He watched you cautiously and patiently, his eyes moving slightly from side to side as he awaited your response. Your brain was still unable to form coherent thoughts, and no words escaped your lips. As his words sunk in and settled as warmth in your chest, all you could do was beam at him as you threw your arms around his neck, and pressed your lips to his in a deep kiss. He was frozen for just a moment, evidently surprised by your reaction, but gently moved his hands to hold your waist and returned your kiss.

After a couple of minutes of eager kissing, he pulled away, "Based on your reaction, I assume that you find this an acceptable term of endearment for yourself?"

You laughed softly, "Yes, Data, I do. It's perfect."

His lips curled upwards into a faint but bright smile, "I am glad you think so, Dearest."

You played with the ends of his hair that tickled his collar, still beaming at him, "You know, this just confirms my theory that 'Sunshine' would be the most fitting pet name for you."

He tilted his head, analyzing the moniker, "Intriguing. What is your connotation of this nickname, as it pertains to me?"

"Well, ever since I met you, you've brought so much light and sunshine into my life. You're a very bright, and warm person, both literally and figuratively, that you are an embodiment of the sun and its sunshine. I realized I've come to think you of as my personal ray of sunshine," you wished you could convey your thoughts and ideas as refined as the manner in which he just did, but the state of your mind was still too slushy to do so.

At your admission and unexpectedly sentimental token, his expression softened. You could tell he was analyzing and processing your sentiments with a fine-toothed comb, no doubt for further review later.

He was quiet for a long time, or at least, a long time for an android, and you began to shuffle nervously, "Do you find the name acceptable?"

Again, he was quiet as he mulled over your query. Finally, his eyes met yours, "Yes, I believe I do. I never considered the similarities between myself and the sun, but I can understand how you came to those conclusions," he blinked, "Yes," he repeated, "I do 'like' it, Dearest."

Your lips brushed against his once again, "Glad to hear it, Sunshine."

[danshive]

ST:TNG musings: Hollow Pursuits

I wonder how Barclay's story in Hollow Pursuits would have gone if he'd simply used original characters in the Holodeck. Geordie: "This is my kind of scene, actually." Troi: "I'm going to focus on the positive sides of all this." Riker: "Officially, as first officer, I am nettled by all the time he spends in here. As William T Riker, on the other hand, hello, original character ladies..."

Troi: "William."

Riker: "I know, but look at them, Deanna!"

Troi: "Yes, I know, they're very attractive, and we will both ask Barclay for copies of this program later, but we have a job to do right now!"

Geordie: "Well, if you two are asking for copies..."

[zurakuraworks]

/New Spring, New Leaf/

I made an alternate design idea for adult Team 7's appearance, mostly their hairstyles though. And anyone who followed my previous Naruto post, would notice that I ended up using the 2nd option for my alternate adult Naruto design idea (despite the poll result wanting otherwise). Also yes, I made Naruto wear his Sage cloak as his Hokage cloak for this alternate design.

Date finished: 26/07/2024, 28/07/2024, & 29/07/2024

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[stranded-ziggy]

Deanna Troi || Star Trek: The Next Generation

Finally, I have some Star Trek fan art here.

[arconinternet]

The Stephen Ratliff Misting Archive (Website, ~2003/various years)

You can read this collection of MST3K-style parodies of the Star Trek fanfiction of Stephen Ratliff here. Any missing text files can probably found by control+F-ing an early keyword from the title at this huge collection of MiSTings (e.g. A Royal Mess Part 1 is present in the huge archive at royal_mess.SS.txt).

"Jay! Look away from the camera!"

[oneforallartist]

The End. 🖖🏻✨

I have just finished my Star Trek + Tangled Au fan fiction call Let Down Your Hair. 3 complete chapters with 15,000+ words 🪐💫

Please read it, I worked on it for weeks and even my biology teacher told me during class to stop writing Star Trek fan fiction (Thats actually true btw) so pls read it

[spacedadsupport]

Jean-Luc Picard @SpaceDadSupport What if the reason you're afraid to let your works be seen is because deep down part of you knows that when everybody is joyfully astonished by your talents, you'll have to acknowledge them yourself? 3:14 PM · Feb 26, 2024

[idol--hands]

💫 artist: Shade-of-Stars 🛸 link: https://www.deviantart.com/shade-of-stars/art/Inner-Lights-837174486

[creative-caramel-coffee]

Dr Crushers Padd

Pairings: Deanna Troi & Beverly Crusher & Reader

Words: 2.2K

Summary: You get your period and nothing short of chaos ensues.

TW: blood, period, not sleeping, mentions of drowning, mentions of assault, cramps,

Role PLATONIC NURSE R

A/n kinda crackfic? Idk.

Wake up stained sheets making late to shift as Change bed. No credits for new sheets already recycled. Sleeping on towel so not sleep well. Tried on mission.

It was simply supposed to be a regular away mission. Nothing more, but it would never be that easy for you. Never.

The streak of bad luck started about two days ago. When you woke up on your period. Or more like… in it. You bled on the sheets during the night and so you had gotten up and put them in the recycler only to find that you didn’t have enough credits to replicate new ones.

Because you had only just transferred on board your credits from your last posting hadn’t transferred yet. So, you had been sleeping on a goddamned towel for the past few nights.

Better still because of your issue with the sheets, you managed to show up late to your first shift in sickbay. Not a good impression and you certainly weren’t going to tell your boss you had bled on the sheets. She was a woman and she had made it to shift on time. Heck Dr Beverly crusher was the CMO, and her file said she had never been late to shift. Not once.

Luckily, she let you off the hook and she seemed really nice. She had taken to you in the short time you had been there. She said you reminded her of Wesley. Whoever that was. Oh yes … her son.

Then yesterday she had told you she wanted you on the away mission. You majored in paediatrics, but your minor was xenobiology. Making you one of the more qualified med staff for the mission. It was simple really. A new planet was found orbiting twin binary stars, and its unusual orbit had some impact on the life on the planet. Radiation from the binary stars had made scans near impossible, so you and Dr crusher were to scope the plant life. Deanna Troi, ships Counsellor was also going incase of any more intelligent life being present. Also, Worf, data and Riker.

The trip had started off simple enough. You and doctor crusher had been charting and sampling the plant life in small bio containers to take back to the ship when the cramps started.

Normally, working in sickbay you could find something to dull the pain. Usually, some generic over the counter pain medicine that not even the CMO needed to sign off on administering. However, you were on an unknown planet with no pain medicine and no easy way to slip away to change your pad which probably needed it by now. And better yet you didn’t bring any pads with you.

You cursed softly and Deanna shot you a confused look sensing your distress. She turned to walk away from where she had been talking to riker by some large trees and began walking to where you and the good doctor were sampling some berries on a small shrub.

Seeing her approach, you stood to address the doctor. “I think i can hear a creek nearby which would indicate more plant life, most likely aquatic. Can i go have a look?” You said.

“Sure. Stay close though in case of trouble. I don’t want to have to pull you out of a creek.�� She said with a smile, and you laughed.

“Don’t worry doc I’m an excellent swimmer.” You winked and disappeared into the bush.

The creek wasn’t hard to find. There were some odd plants around the edges which swayed with the current. Taking a scan with your tricorder it showed some interesting levels of saline content. The creek was obviously salt in nature.

You uprooted one of the small plants and gently placed it into a container. Where its leaves had touched the water, they had turned from red to a deep purple. That would have some interesting implications. Just as you scooped up a small vial of water your stomach cramped again, and you quickly put a cap on the vial and lent against a tree with your knees at your chest.

The cramps began to lessen as you tried to relax, footsteps came from nearby. Too tired from your awful sleep last night to turn and look you waited for them to come into view.

“Y/n?” A voice called. And you sighed. Deanna.

“Im here.” You said and the footsteps came closer until Counsellor Troi was stood above you.

“I can sense something wrong.” She said with an oddly motherly look. “What are you doing on the ground?” She asked.

“Moping.” You responded and she laughed softly.

“May I join you?”

“I don’t own the ground.” You said with a half-smile.

“Very well then.” She sat next to you, legs folded and back pressed against a tree opposite you. “Whats the matter Y/n. You seem … off.” She said with a kind smile. You sighed and opened your mouth to talk before shutting it and biting your lip.

“I sense a lot of conflicting feelings in you Y/n.” Troi said softly.

“There you are!” Came another voice and you jumped in surprise. “I didn’t mean to scare you Y/n.” Dr crusher said placing a hand on your shoulder. “Nice spot you found.”

“You're not mad I’m not working?” You said meekly and she frowned.

“No. I think we could all use a break. You especially, you look exhausted. Are you feeling alright?” She said as she sat so the three off you were in an odd triangle.

“Im good.” You said with a weak smile and Troi shot you a look. The smile fell.

“And a poor liar.” Dr Crusher responded, “I don’t need to empathic to know that.” She said and looked you up and down. “You haven’t been sleeping.” She said knowingly. You looked away and rested your chin on your knee.

“There’s more isn’t there.” The doctor added and you sighed.

“It’s dumb.” You huffed.

“I assure you whatever it is isn’t dumb Y/n your emotions are very real.” Troi said.

This time you didn’t respond simply looked at the water flowing by lazily in the creek. The sunlight came in rays through the dense tree branches overhead and the foliage was a beautiful deep green with oddly placed red and purple plants.

Before you knew it you had zoned out watching the water, a combination of your tiredness and ADHD. You heard the two of them talking softly and simply listened to the ambience.

After a moment you heard the familiar beeping of a tricorder. Turning you glared at the doctor who was scanning you.

“Im fine.” You huffed gently directing her hand holding the scanner away.

“You zoned out.” Deanna said.

“Im just tired. Thats all.” You muttered.

“And why, pray tell, are you so tired Y/n?” Beverly asked.

“A combination of things.” You replied vaguely and Beverly raised a brow and the scanner again, pointedly.

“Fine… fine.” You huffed.

“The truth this time.” Deanna added, “I’ll know.”

The doctor nodded and sat back on her heels, so she wasn’t hovering as much as before. You rubbed a hand over your face and let out another sigh, this time of defeat.

“I haven’t been sleeping really well and … you know …. Women things.” You said looking away.

“Ah…” Beverly said and looked you up and down. “Do you have everything you need?”

“No.” You muttered.

“No?!” They both exclaimed.

“What are you using?” Beverly asked.

“Right now?” You asked resting you head on the tree. And she nodded.

“Right now.” She agreed.

“Nothing. Let’s just say I’m grateful the lower half of the uniform is black.” You said closing your eyes.

“You know i could have given you a pad, right?” The doctor said and placed down her med kit, opening it up and pulling out a small white package. You groaned.

“Cramps?” Deanna asked and you nodded and before you knew it there was a hypospray being pressed into the side of your neck and the pain melted away.

“Thanks.” You said rubbing your neck.

“That’s perfectly alright Y/n.” The doctor responded. “Now you said you hadn’t been sleeping well.” She said and looked at you with her best motherly look she used on Wesley to get him to clean his room.

You sighed and relaxed into the tree.

“I bled on my sheets my first night here and like an idiot I forgot to check if i had credits before recycling them. There must have been some issues transferring my credits from my last posting.” You explained and Deanna and Beverly frowned at each other.

“Y/n what are you sleeping on?” Deanna asked and you looked away, avoiding eye contact.

“A towel.” You mumbled after a short pause.

“A towel?!” Beverly exclaimed. “Wait a minute … you said the first night. Is this why you were late to your first shift?” The doctor asked and you had to give her credit, she was quick. You looked at her and simply tapped your nose. She sighed.

“Y/n i can replicate you some sheets myself. If you need something just ask. I’ll see what i can do about getting you your credits.” Beverly sighed.

“Thank you.” You whispered.

“Now, go change.” She said and pressed the white package into your hand, folding your fingers over it.

“We’ll keep the boys away for you.” Deanna winked and you gave a half laugh.

“Thanks.” You said and walked a bit off past some trees and out of sight. Once you had successfully changed your pad out you grinned to yourself and placed the old one on a rock. Deciding to have some fun you pulled out your phaser and pointed it at it. Altering the setting and disintegrating it. You grinned to yourself and walked back.

Both women turned to look at you. The doctor frowned. “What did you do with it?” She asked and you grinned and tapped your finger on your phaser. Her jaw dropped open.

“You didn’t” Deanna laughed. “That’s genius.”

“An old trick my last commander taught me on one of my first assignments.” You said and sat down in your spot again.

“So, are you feeling better?” The doctor asked and pulled out her tricorder as a threat again. You smiled.

“Much.”

“Shes telling the truth.” Deanna said with a nod.

“What was in that hypo?” You asked with a grin.

“Caffeine laced pain killer.” The doc grinned and Deanna shot her an unimpressed look.

“My girl.” You said with a smile and shot her finger guns making her laugh.

“You’re both incorrigible.” Deanna said shaking her head. “Doctors.” She sighed sounding defeated. “Fixing everyone but themselves.”

“Correct.” You said and stood, offering a hand to the doc. “Shall we continue my good sir.” You smiled and Beverly smiled back. “Of course, my dear.” And you hauled her to her feet before turning to Deanna and offering her a hand. She smiled softly and took it.

Once the three of you were upright, you gestured for them to follow you.

“Watch this.” You said and dipped your finger into the water before using your other hand to hold one of the plants leaves from earlier steady. With your wet finger you drew a small love heart on the plants leaf. With a fake gasp you turned to the doc. “Why thats anatomically impossible!” You gushed in a mock tone, “It has a heart.” You said feigning shock.

Deanna hid a smile with her hand and Beverly gave you an unimpressed look. “Im never giving you caffeine again.” She said and you braced your hands on your knees and stood, brushing off your pants and grinning.

“Well, we should probably head back before we find out if data can have a conniption or not. But we could always stay … in the name of science of course doc.” You said and she rolled her eyes.

“Data will be fine.” Beverly said and pulled you behind her back up the small bank and past the bushes from earlier.

“Ready to go ladies?” Riker asked once he saw you.

“Yes.” You deadpanned and he laughed.

“Tough crowd.” He said and you lightly slapped his arm. “Assault of a senior officer. I should throw you in the brig.” He said with a smile, and you rolled your eye.

“Yeah right, senior indeed old man.” You said with an air of sarcasm, “And I should have had you court marshalled back in the academy when you decided to take sixteen young betazed women…” You began, mocking him. Before you could finish, he clapped a hand over your mouth with a smile.

“Well thats enough of that.” He said matter of factly, and Beverly smiled an amused smile at Deanna who smiled back.

“I can always get the story later.” Beverly said and riker went to respond but yelped.

“Ew Y/n. Don’t lick my hand thats gross.” He whined, wiping it on his pants.

“Please, i once watched you drink someone else’s coffee before an exam.” You said rolling your eyes.

“Ew will … really?” Deanna asked and you grinned.

“That was tame compared to some of the stuff he did.” You said with a shit-eating grin.

“Riker to enterprise.” Riker interrupted tapping his combadge and you laughed deeply at his obvious distress.

“Enterprise here, ready to beam up sir?” O’brian asked and Riker gave the affirmative.

“Saved by the bell.” You mouthed with a grin as the small team beamed up.

[kimberlychapman]

Right, after months of illness and medical appointments, I am going to attempt to get back into SpaceDad Stories Book Four by starting at the beginning because it's all become disjointed in my mind.

Sugar free hot chocolate at the ready in a Star Trek mug, here I go, wish me luck.

[image: photo of my hand holding a mug with the Enterprise D on it in front of a background-blurred screen showing the start of SpaceDad Stories Book Four in a Libreoffice document.]

[all-the-things-2020]

Year of Fandom Crossovers: July

Title: “Not All Heroes Wear Capes”

Pedro Character: Marcus Moreno

Fandom Crossover: Star Trek TNG

Warnings: description of panic attack, loss of a loved one

Word Count: ~6800

Summary: Lt. Marcus Moreno is posted to the Enterprise after a stint at Starfleet headquarters. His daughter Missy is eager to go but is he ready to return to space after losing his wife?

@yearofcreation2023

All Starbases smelled the same, of filtered air and the faint tang of electronics, freshly cleaned carpet and stale coffee. Marcus had grown used to the natural scents of his home in San Francisco: the slight tang of salt from the ocean, the resin of pine and redwood trees in the sun, the spicy-sweet smell of chaparral. It smelled of life and comfort; the Starbase smelled of bureaucracy.

“Check it out, Dad,” his daughter Missy said, dragging him toward a viewport. “You can see all the ships docking from here.” She peered out the transparent aluminum window, her breath fogging up the surface. “Which one is ours?”

“The Enterprise,” he said. “That one. Over there.” He pointed out a sleek Galaxy class cruiser docked on the far right side. 

“She’s one of the best ships in the fleet, Grandma said.”

Marcus nodded. The Enterprise was considered by many the flagship of Starfleet. People had turned down promotions, ships of their own command, to serve on her, to serve with Captain Jean-Luc Picard. It was a great honor — and a testament to his mother’s ability to pull strings — to be posted aboard her. Or so Marcus kept telling himself. 

“Why do we have to wait until 1900 hours?,” Missy lamented. “I want to see our quarters. This Starbase is boring.”

“The ship is undergoing maintenance,” Marcus explained. “No one can go aboard until it’s completed. Some sort of deep cleaning subparticle sweep or something.” He hadn’t really paid attention when he’d skimmed his orders that morning. “Look, why don’t we go back to our room and relax until it’s time to go?”

Missy shook her head, but stopped short of actually rolling her eyes. “I want to watch the ships,” she said. “They’re like big boats gliding into port.” 

He suppressed a chuckle. “That’s why they’re called ships, kiddo,” he said gently. This time Missy did roll her eyes, but she soon turned back to the viewport, entranced by the cosmic ballet outside.

Marcus sat on a bench nearby. The collar of his new uniform was tight and he resisted the urge to fiddle with it. He’d grown used to civilian clothes while working as a Starfleet liaison and had favored loose fitting necklines. Anything too tight reminded him of … he forced the thought away. No time for that, he chided himself. This is a fresh start. He fingered the lieutenant’s pips on his collar. Despite all the talk about new beginnings, this felt like a denial of the past five years. It felt like a betrayal.

************************************************

“Welcome aboard, Lieutenant Moreno!” Commander William Riker was too chipper for Marcus’ taste. He wondered what rumors had arrived on the Enterprise before him. “And you must be Melissa.”

“Missy, sir,” she said, all eyes as she took in the sleek lines of the starship corridor. 

“I stand corrected,” Riker said with a smile. “I’ve asked Counselor Troi to show you to your quarters, and get you settled in.” He nodded toward a dark-eyed woman dressed in civilian clothes who nevertheless had the poise and posture of a Starfleet officer.

“Please follow me,” Troi said. Her voice was slightly accented, something Marcus couldn’t quite place. Oh, right, he thought, half-Betazoid. His mother had sent him a dossier on all the senior officers on the ship, as well as the dozen or so crew members he was most likely to be working with. 

Missy had a thousand questions, which Troi answered good-naturedly. Marcus half listened, focused on keeping his breathing even and regular. The counselor was an empath and he didn’t want her to sense anything other than the usual anticipatory stress of beginning a new assignment. 

“These are your quarters. Missy, you’ll start school in the morning. That’s on deck 14. Do you know how to use the turbo lifts?” After an enthusiastic nod from the girl, Troi turned to Marcus. “And you, Lieutenant? Do you have any questions or concerns for me before I go?” 

“No, thank you, Counselor,” he said. 

Her eyes tightened a bit but she merely nodded and smiled. “Then I’ll see you both around the ship. Welcome to the Enterprise family.”

As the door slid shut behind her, Marcus let himself relax a bit. Missy ran around, checking out every inch of their new living space. Marcus sank into the closest chair. First hurdle cleared.

***********************************

“So, Counselor, what can you tell me about our new lieutenant?” Captain Jean-Luc Picard sipped at his cup of tea. Deanna enjoyed the emotions that emanated from the captain when he was indulging in a cup of Earl Gray. Cozy, she thought. It was not an emotion many would associate with the ever-so-proper Picard, but she knew he liked his little comforts as much as anyone.

“He is very guarded,” she said. “He didn’t speak much, but I know he was very aware of my empathic abilities. He was careful to regulate his breathing. This could have been a self-coping technique, which means he is healthily aware of his own emotions and seeking to control them in a novel situation, or could simply mean he is wary of me and trying to hide his anxiety.”

Picard nodded. “I hope bringing him on board won’t be too much extra work for you.”

“Don’t worry about that, Captain,” she said. “It’s my job to help everyone on board the Enterprise feel safe and supported. Most of our crew only need a little nudge now and then. It’s the interesting cases, like Reg Barclay or Lieutenant Moreno, that keep me on my toes.”

“Admiral Moreno personally requested this posting because of your reputation as a counselor,” Picard said carefully. “She is quite concerned about her son.”

“Understandably,” Deanna replied. “I reviewed his record and he was on the fast track to command. Three days from being tapped for a promotion to Lt. Commander.” She sighed. She didn’t always need to be near someone to feel their pain. “He suffered a profound loss, and it revealed an underlying emotional issue. I know the Admiral would have preferred he continued up the ladder, but as a healer, I have to hope that this will be better for him in the long run than shoving his feelings under the rug, so to speak.”

“I agree,” Picard said. “I have the utmost trust in your abilities, Counselor, and your judgment. We will take it slowly with Lieutenant Moreno. I’ve already spoken to Geordi and he’ll report any possible issues to you, as will Miss Moreno’s teacher. I hate to hover over a crew member like this, but I promised the admiral we will keep a close eye on him.”

“With any luck, it will be temporary, sir. I’ll work with Geordi and we’ll do our utmost to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

“Thank you, Counselor. Dismissed.”

Just before the doors closed behind her, Deanna felt a wave of doubt from the captain. She shook it off. Marcus Moreno was a good man who has simply lost his way for a bit. She was confident she could help him find it again.

****************************************************

The chief engineer greeted Marcus when he arrived on duty the next morning. “Hey, there, Marcus, I’m Lt. Commander LaForge, but pretty much everyone calls me Geordi. I like my team to feel comfortable and relaxed, but I expect everyone to do their best at all times.”

“Thank you, Commander,” Marcus said. LaForge tilted his head, his silver visor catching a reflection of the ceiling lights. “I mean, Geordi.”

LaForge smiled and clapped his hand on Marcus’ shoulder. “There you go. You’ll fit in nicely. Let me introduce you to the folks you’ll be working with to start.”

Ensign Nurik gave Marcus a polite nod and returned to her work, as befitted a Vulcan. Lt. Jamison, however, wanted to chat.

“So, any relation to Admiral Miranda Moreno?”

“She’s my mother,” Marcus said. “Are we starting with the first battery of circuits?”  He gestured toward the open panel in front of them. 

“Um, no, we’re already on the third one,” Jamison said. “Must be a real change being on a starship after being on Earth for so long. I only get back once in a blue moon and wow … you just forget what it’s like being on the planet you evolved for, right?”

“I can start on the fourth battery if you want,” Marcus said. “It’s inside the Jeffries tube, right?” He grabbed a tool case and headed for the tube before Jamison could reply. He wasn’t here to share his life story; he was here to do maintenance and make sure the ship was safe and ready to respond to whatever the captain might ask of her. 

“Yeah,” Jamison’s voice was already muffled by the wall of the tube. “Go ahead and get started in there.”

Marcus opened a panel and began carefully testing the array of circuits he had exposed. It was grunt work, tedious and routine, but it needed to be done carefully and properly, so he focused on it. It was cramped in the tube, but he was alone, with a task before him, so he was satisfied.

A few minutes in, he heard someone at the tube entrance. Please don’t be Jamison.

“I will only disturb you for a moment,” Nurik said softly. “I have completed the second battery and will commence on the sixth one. It will be more efficient, and comfortable for both of us, if we hopscotch.”

Marcus smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard a Vulcan use that term before,” he said, scooting over to give her room to pass by him.

“I have picked up several human colloquialisms working with Lt. Commander LaForge,” Nurik said simply. “They are often more efficient when communicating with humans, in my experience.” She paused behind him. “I believe you find Lt. Jamison as intrusive as I do. He is a fine engineer but he needs to work on his people skills, as Mr. LaForge would say.”

“You don’t call him Geordi?”

Nurik raised an eyebrow. “Humans are altogether too familiar with each other. I understand that it creates a sense of camaraderie, but I cannot bring myself to address him by anything but his title.”

“So I should call you Ensign Nurik at all times?”

“While we are on duty, of course,” she said, settling in front of the sixth battery. “Off duty, if our paths cross, you may address me as Nurik. It is logical that we will become friends.” 

She opened the panel and went to work. Marcus did the same. It was quiet in the tube, but it was a companionable silence. He liked it.

*******************************************

Missy did most of the talking at dinner. It was good to see her so enthusiastic about her new classmates, her teacher, and being on board a starship. “Dad, there’s a holodeck! And we get to use it for physical fitness once a week! Like, we can go rock climbing or play Parrises Squares …”

Marcus cut her off. “Wait, they let you play Parrises Squares in school?” Holodecks had safety features that should prevent any injuries, but even so, it seemed dangerous.

“Well, a sort of modified version,” she admitted. “So we can learn the basics. I promise it’s safe.”

He wanted to say no, to charge down to the schoolroom and tell the teacher that Missy could not participate in anything so risky, but he saw in her eyes that she wanted desperately to fit in. She was a social creature, like her mother, like his mother. He might be content with a quiet evening after a day of meaningful work, Missy wanted friends. She wanted to belong.

“I suppose your teacher wouldn’t allow anything too dangerous,” he said. “But be careful.”

“I’m always careful, Dad.” He gave her a Look. “Well, most of the time.” She ducked her head, probably remembering a few of her more recent escapades. She was a good kid, just a little too eager to jump in if she saw an opportunity to be helpful or to distinguish herself from the pack. Like her mother. The thought made his heart clench and he left the rest of his dinner untouched. 

****************************************************

“So far, so good, Captain,” LaForge said, leaning forward in his chair. “Moreno seems to be fitting in well with his team, especially Ensign Nurik. Jamison gets on his nerves a bit, but he has that effect on everybody. I’m trying to sand off his rough edges, but it’s an uphill battle.”

Troi nodded. “I know Marcus is holding back a bit in our sessions, but I’m not sensing anything troubling from him. He’s still settling in. His daughter is thriving, according to her teacher, and I have definitely felt less anxiety from him when discussing her.”

Picard leaned back. “Would you say that he’s ready to be put into the rotation for away teams, Geordi?”

“Not just yet,” LaForge said. “I’d like to see how he does in the new training simulations Data and I have been working on. Sort of a controlled environment to see how he responds under pressure.”

“Agreed,” Picard said. “I do appreciate everything both of you are doing to ensure that Lieutenant Moreno is successful here. It’s not just because of his mother, I assure you. I’ve looked at his record, and he has the makings of a fine officer, a good leader, but he needs our help to get there.”

“We’ll do our best, sir,” LaForge said.

“I feel it in him as well, Captain,” Troi said. “He’s just afraid to step out of the safe place he’s built for himself. Once he can do that, his potential will blossom again.”

LaForge chuckled. “Sorry, Deanna, but the idea of Marcus Moreno as a flower just doesn’t quite jibe with the man I’ve been working with.”

****************************************************

Marcus was lying on his back in a Jeffries tube, replacing some junction boxes. It was boring work, but he’d volunteered for the job. It was nice to get off by himself now and then, without the constant need to come up with small talk to pacify Jamison. The man wasn’t really nosy, he just liked to talk — constantly. If you ran out of things to say, he’d start asking questions, which could quickly get too personal for Marcus’ liking. So, he kept abreast of the latest political and scientific news, as well as the sports standings. Jamison was a rabid springball fan and had been on the Velocity team at the Academy.

His comm badge pinged. “LaForge to Lieutenant Moreno.”

“Moreno here.”

“Marcus, remember that simulation you and Nurik did a few days ago? The one with the melted fuses?”

“Of course.” It had been a tricky problem, where a false move could result in the complete loss of the system involved, but also requiring speed to complete repairs before the temperature of the system reached critical.

“Well, we have a similar situation down on Talus IV. We’re on route and should arrive in about thirty minutes. I need you and Nurik on the away team. Report to Transporter 

Room Three.”

“Aye, sir.” So, this was it. His first away mission. He’d been on board the Enterprise for almost two months now and save for a few minor hiccups here and there, things had been going smoothly. He swallowed around the lump in his throat. Time to face his first real hurdle.

He finished up the box he was working on and packed up his tools. He fumbled a little with the latch and stopped to look at his trembling hands. None of that. What would Mom think? He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. 

By the time he reached the transporter room, Marcus’s whole body was shaking. He told himself it was just excitement, anticipation of taking part in his first away team for the Enterprise, but he was lying. Nurik greeted him with a nod, her face calm and focused as always. Marcus bit his lip, struggling to swallow as the lump in his throat grew larger. The muscles in his neck weren’t responding. He couldn’t swallow; he couldn’t breathe.

LaForge was briefing the team, but Marcus couldn’t hear him. His throat was rigid. He was choking, just like —-

“I’m sorry, sir, I — I can’t —.” He ran from the room, stumbling into the corridor, his hand clutching at his throat. If he just massaged the muscles a little, maybe then he could swallow, maybe then he could breathe.

“Marcus, what the hell?” LaForge was standing over him as Marcus bent double in the corridor. His vision was growing fuzzy around the edges.

“I — I can’t — I’m sorry, Geordi — I — I can’t — breathe.” His lungs hitched as he tried to pull in oxygen.

“LaForge to Counselor Troi. Transporter Room Three corridor, now.”

**************************************************************

Captain Jean-Luc Picard leaned back in his chair, his hands steepled in front of him. “Have a seat, Mr. Moreno.” He simply looked at Marcus for a moment. “I could have you brought up on charges of insubordination.”

“Yes, sir,” Marcus replied. “I know, sir.” He stared at the floor, unable to meet the captain’s eyes. He was ashamed of himself.

“However, it appears to me that your actions were not deliberate, that there was no malicious intent behind your refusal to join the away team,” Picard said. “And I do not believe in punishing someone for something they have no control over.” He leaned forward, his voice softening. “I know what it’s like to be haunted by a memory, Mr. Moreno. And I have no doubt you will be able to come to terms with it, given enough time and assistance.”

“But I don’t want to,” Marcus admitted. “I was perfectly happy in San Francisco.” He looked up, met Picard’s gaze. “Rejoining Starfleet was my mother’s idea, not mine.”

Picard nodded. “I gathered as much from her messages to me,” he said. “And while I do believe you have the right to choose your own path in life, I think your mother had the right idea, getting you to face your bete noir now before you became too entrenched, too set in your ways.”

Marcus closed his eyes. “I only did this because of Missy,” he said. “She … she was bored on Earth. She’s like her mother, sir. She wants the stars.”

“And you are a good father, and you are giving her the opportunity to try out her dreams,” Picard said. “I know this is hard for you, Mr. Moreno, but Counselor Troi and Commander LaForge and I are here to help you. I see the makings of a fine officer in you. Otherwise, I would gladly send you back to San Francisco. But I owe it to Starfleet — and to you — to assist you in becoming that officer.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You will return to your post in Engineering and continue your sessions with Counselor Troi. This incident will be noted in your record, but there will be no repercussions, no formal action taken. Dismissed.”

“Thank you, sir.” Marcus left the Ready Room, feeling the gaze of several bridge officers on him as he walked quickly to the turbo lift. He knew the rumors had already spread throughout the ship. Moreno had a breakdown. Moreno refused to beam down. Moreno was a coward. Moreno was unreliable. As the turbo lift doors slid shut, he rubbed his hand across his face. He wondered how much Missy had heard, and how much of it she believed.

********************************************************

She was sitting on the couch, reading on her padd when he came home. “Hey, Dad,” she said quietly.

“Hey. How was your day?”

She shrugged. “Okay.” She laid down the padd. “Counselor Troi came to see me. She told me about what happened. She said … you might not want to talk about it and that was okay.”

He sat beside her. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Only if you want to. I don’t need to know.”

“Yeah, you do,” he said. “Look, I just wasn’t ready for an away mission. I thought I was but my body knew otherwise.”

“Did you get scared?”

He took a deep breath. “Not exactly. It’s … hard to explain. You know how most animals have a flight or fight instinct, right? But when your body can’t decide, sometimes you freeze instead.”

“Is it … because of Mom?”

Marcus closed his eyes. “Yes,” he admitted. His hand crept toward his throat and he had to concentrate hard to stop it. 

“It’s okay,” Missy said, taking his hand. “We don’t have to talk about it anymore. I’m just glad you’re okay now.”

“You are the most amazing girl in the galaxy,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “So much like your mother.”

“But I’m like you, too,” she said, her voice small. “I get — frozen sometimes.”

“We all do,” Marcus said. “I just have a harder time getting unfrozen than most people.” 

“Grandma said you were so quiet when we first went back to Earth. I guess you were kind of frozen, huh? But you thawed out.” She poked him in the ribs.

“Yeah, I did,” he said, poking her back. “Now, what do you want for dinner? And don’t say hot dogs again.”

*********************************************************

“I’m fine, Mom,” Marcus said. His mothers’s image on the screen was slightly distorted, probably due to the nebula the Enterprise was currently studying. It was playing havoc with the sensors and most of Engineering had been working overtime to track down all the little anomalies. “Just had a long shift yesterday.”

“Well, don’t let them overwork you, mijo. If you have to name-drop me, do it.”

“I wouldn’t do that, and you know it. We’re all due extra shore leave because of it, so no one is complaining.” Except Jamison, but his complaints were more just a matter of speaking his frustrations with the situation out loud instead of keeping them inside like everyone else. 

“And how’s Missy? She sent me a message a few days ago about a report she’s doing for school, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to her.”

“She’s doing really well. Has friends and started a Kadis-kot club. You were right; she needed this.”

“So did you. Captain Picard forwards all the reports he gets from Lt. Commander LaForge and Counselor Troi.”

Marcus’ jaw worked as he held back a smart remark. “I wish you’d stop monitoring me like that, Mom. It feels like I’m back in school, trying to get a good report card. It’s bad enough knowing they’re talking to the captain about me.”

“Fine, I’ll tell him to stop sending updates. Forgive me for being concerned about my only son’s welfare.”

Marcus sighed. “I know you’re concerned, Mom, but please … let me do this at my own pace. In my own time.”

She leaned closer to the camera. “If you can’t participate in an away team by the end of your first year of service, Starfleet can recall you. In fact, I’ll make a point of it. You can’t waste time, Marcus. The Enterprise needs a crew member she can rely on. Missy needs a father she can rely on.”

“That’s not fair! I haven’t done one thing to jeopardize Missy.”

“Then why did she message me in tears after that panic attack you had a while back? Why did I have to reassure my granddaughter that everything was going to be alright, that her father isn’t crazy?”

Marcus stood up. “I talked with her. She’s come to a couple of sessions with the counselor. She understands, Mom, which is more than I can say for you at the moment. End communication.” He punched the interface with more force than was strictly necessary, but it felt good. No one could soothe him like his mother, but at the same time, no one could push his buttons faster. 

************************************

“You seem agitated,” Troi said, leaning back in her chair.

“I had a conversation with my mother earlier today,” Marcus said.

Troi laughed. “Say no more. I am very familiar with the stress of conversing with one’s mother. Mine may not be a Starfleet admiral, but she has her own very strong sense of importance. And parents often have a hard time seeing their children as independent entities.”

Marcus shifted in his chair. He could never quite get comfortable in it, which probably had more to do with his reluctance to be in therapy than any ergonomic aspect of the chair’s design. “She said something that made me mad,” he admitted.

“And what was that?” Troi’s voice was calm and neutral, as always. She was an excellent counselor, and he would have opened up more to her if he hadn’t known that her reports were landing on his mother’s desk.

“I’m not sure if I should confide in you. After all, she told me Captain Picard forwards all your reports to her.”

“I don’t reveal anything personal in my reports,” Troi said evenly. “Just my impressions of your emotional state. Counselor-patient privilege is very important to me.”

Marcus bit his lip. He’d been doing that less often but his mother’s words had brought the habit back. “She said … if I can’t go on an away team by the time I’ve completed my first year on the ship, she’ll have me recalled.”

Troi nodded. “And why did that make you mad? I would have thought you would welcome the opportunity to return to Earth.”

“Because Missy is so happy here,” he said. “She had friends back in San Francisco, of course, and she did well in school, but ….” He took a deep steadying breath. “I get up in the morning and she’s sitting on the couch in our living room, staring out the window at the stars. She keeps a log of every system the Enterprise visits and researches every planet, every nebula, everything we encounter. She wants to be a stellar cartographer. I can’t take her back to Earth.”

“But you’re afraid you won’t be able to stay on board the Enterprise.”

He nodded. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough to fix this, Counselor. I want to be, for my mother, and for Missy, but …”

“You have to be strong for yourself, Marcus,” Troi said. “Not for me, or the captain, or even for your family. For you. Don’t deny your true self just to please others.”

“So you think I should quit. Just give up, go back to San Francisco.”

“No, I think you should do what you want to do. Your mother and daughter will understand if you can’t remain on a starship. They won’t love you any less. I promise you they want what’s best for you. We all do. And we still believe that being an officer on this ship is the best path for you. But you are the only one who can make the final decision, and you don’t have to make it today. You have over five months left before the deadline your mother has given you. A lot can happen in that time. Look how far you’ve come already.”

“I want to try,” he said. 

Troi smiled. “Then let’s work out a plan to help you achieve your goal. I’ll request some holodeck time, so we can do some desensitization. You’ve done very well in the training simulations, according to Geordi.”

“Because I know they aren’t real,” Marcus admitted. “I appreciate the offer, Counselor, but I don’t think playacting on the holodeck is going to help me.”

***********************************

“I talked to Grandma today,” Marcus said over dinner. “She said you’d sent her a message about a school project.”

Missy nodded as she chewed a big bite of spaghetti. “Yeah,” she said when she’d swallowed. “We’re doing a project about heroes and I wanted to know if she still had any of those drawings I did when I was little, when I was obsessed with superheroes. Remember?”

Marcus nodded. He did remember. After her mother’s death, when they were still adjusting to life back on Earth, Missy had spent hours drawing and painting pictures of superheroes, men and women who used extraordinary powers to save others. Some were ancient Earth characters, like Wonder Woman and Spider-Man; others more recent creations like The Photon and Blue Bat’leth. 

“Did she have them?”

“Yeah, she’s going to send me some holoscans of them so I can pick out which one to put in my project. Ms. Karatha has been talking about how some heroes are larger than life, like story characters, and others are real people who do heroic things. We’re supposed to find an example of each kind in our cultural heritage, and also in a culture we aren’t familiar with. Kraathaa and I are collaborating; she’ll teach me about Andorian stuff and I’ll teach her about human stuff.” She pushed her spaghetti around on her plate. “We also have to write about someone we know who is a hero, but I’m kind of stuck. I haven’t been on board as long as the other kids, and a lot of them know people who did stuff on away teams or during a battle or something.”

“Well, being a hero isn’t always about saving people or winning a battle,” Marcus said. “What about Kraathaa? She was your first real friend here. She welcomed you right away.”

Missy shrugged. “But she didn’t have to overcome anything to be my friend. Being a hero means doing the right thing even though you’re scared, or you know the odds are against you.”

“You’ll think of someone,” Marcus said, his mind already wandering, latched onto her words: even though you’re scared. 

******************************************

“Count me in.”

Geordi LaForge was taken aback. Had he really heard Marcus Moreno volunteer for an away team? “Um, okay, Marcus. But are you sure?”

Moreno nodded firmly. “Yes. It’s routine work, no pressure.” He looked around the briefing table, meeting the eyes of every crew member. “I need to do this.”

Nurik spoke first. “I agree. And I will accompany you.”

“Me, too,” Jamison chimed in. “We’re a good team, you and Nurik and me. I know I talk too much, but between the three of us, we can handle anything LaForge throws at us.”

Geordi smiled. “It’s settled, then. Jamison, Nurik and Moreno will beam down to Beta Doradus V tomorrow and help the research team update their sensor arrays. Let’s get back to work, people.”

He watched as the delta shift filed out of the briefing room. Once he was alone, he pressed a button on his data screen. “LaForge to Counselor Troi. I have some interesting news for you.”

***********************************************************

Marcus hadn’t slept much, but he was up at his usual time to have breakfast with Missy before they headed off to school and Engineering. “We’re doing sculpture today for art class,” she said. “The little kids are using clay but we get to try laser sculpting. Back in the old days they used hammers and chisels, can you believe it? We saw some holograms of ancient sculptures from lots of different planets and it was amazing what they could do with primitive tools.”

“Those ‘primitive’ tools were the height of technology at the time,” Marcus reminded her. “Someday, people are going to look back on what we have and think ‘How did they ever live like that?’”

Missy shrugged. “I guess. But it’s still pretty cool what they could do back then.” She looked at the chronometer. “Oops, I have to go. See you tonight, Dad.”

He hadn’t told her about his away mission. She thought he was just going to spend the day on board the ship as usual. Maybe I should tell her, but I don’t want her to worry. He pushed his coffee away. The last thing he needed today was caffeine.

At 0900 he headed for the transporter room. Nurik and Jamison were already there, Nurik meticulously going over the toolbox she’d packed so carefully the day before. Transporter Chief O’Brien gave him a cheery “Good morning, Lieutenant,” as he walked in. 

No one acted as if this was anything out of the ordinary, but Marcus could feel the panic building inside him. He knew that O’Brien had been briefed by LaForge and Troi, possibly by the Captain himself. He knew that Nurik was watching him, looking for any minute sign of distress. And he knew that Jamison was biting his tongue, full to bursting with words but afraid to set him off. 

“Good morning,” he said. “Are we ready to go?”

Jamison smiled awkwardly. “I think so, if Nurik is done triple-checking her own work.”

“I am finished,” Nurik said. “And there is nothing inherently wrong with triple-checking one’s work. In fact, it is considered standard practice on Vulcan.” She turned to Marcus. “Are you ready to go, Lieutenant?”

Marcus took a deep breath. Even though you’re scared. “Yes.” He stepped toward the transporter platform. Every step was like moving through a strong current of water, pushing him backwards. His heart was racing, his breathing was erratic, his throat was constricting … he paused, took a deep breath and thought of Missy, gazing out the window at the stars, drawing meticulous diagrams of the places the Enterprise had visited. 

“Lt. Moreno?” O’Brien was quiet but concerned. Nurik and Jamison were already on the platform.

“Sorry,” Marcus said. He took the last few steps and centered himself on one of the circles on the platform. “Ready when you are, Chief.”

“Good luck,” O’Brien said. “Energizing.”

The transporter room dissolved around him and Marcus felt the familiar disorientation as the beam reassembled his body on the planet’s surface. There was always a moment when everything was simply wrong before the atoms snapped back into place. And then he was there, on Beta Doradus V and the research team was welcoming them, and he was following Nurik and Jamison into the depths of the facility and nothing bad happened. There were no power failures, no strange creatures appearing suddenly out of the mist, no rocks crumbling beneath their feet, no one being choked to death by tentacles that snaked out of the trees without a moment’s warning … it was all so mundane and boring that Marcus felt like laughing at himself. 

“You’re doing great,” Jamison said about three hours into the work. “I hope you don’t mind, but I looked up your service record and … I can see why you had a hard time. I mean, the last away team you went on — I can’t imagine …”

Marcus laid down his tools. “I couldn’t do anything,” he said quietly. “It happened so fast. Out of nowhere.” He shook his head to clear the thought. “We all know that things can happen fast, but to actually witness it, happening to someone you love …”

Jamison laid his hand on Marcus’ shoulder. “I hope I never find out,” he said. “And I hope it never happens to you again. To anyone.” He gave a half-hearted laugh. “We’d better get back to work or Nurik will be tattling to LaForge.”

“Yeah,” Marcus said. “And Jamison … thanks. For understanding.”

“Thanks for putting up with me, Moreno.”

********************************************************************

The research team invited them to lunch, which was served on a wide terrace overlooking the forest which surrounded the facility. 

“We like to get outside now and then,” Dr. Kemal explained. “But we’re so busy with our work, we forget unless we make it part of the schedule. So, we eat out here most of the time, unless the weather is really bad.”

Marcus took the seat offered him, under the hanging branches of a tree that provided dappled shade. One of the young research assistants, a girl barely out of university, sat beside him. He thought her name was Dina or Diana or something like that.

The conversation focused mostly on science and some mild gossip about the folks at the other research facility in the planet’s arctic zone. Marcus concentrated on his meal, which was delicious — he’d forgotten how much better fresh food was than replicated — and plentiful.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he spied something snaking down from the tree branch above. He was out of his chair in an instant, his heart racing. It was happening again. It was after the girl. He needed to save her. To his surprise, the scientists laughed.

“That’s just Simon,” Dr. Kemal said. She held out her arm and a long-limbed, long-tailed simian like creature slithered out of the tree and onto her shoulders. “One of the local creatures. They’re kind of like lemurs.” She scratched Simon’s head and the creature made a purring sound. “Simon was curious about us from the beginning, and he comes to visit most days. He’s harmless. Sorry if he startled you.”

Marcus sat back down, feeling a little foolish. It’s just a pet, he told himself. Still, he kept a wary eye on the branches while he picked at the rest of his lunch. He’d feel safer once they were back indoors and working.

*****************************************************

When they returned to the Enterprise, Counselor Troi was waiting. 

“How do you feel, Marcus?”

“Worn out,” he admitted. “I had a few … moments.”

Troi smiled softly. “That’s only to be expected. No one is ‘cured’ overnight. These things take time, but you’ve cleared the first hurdle and now it will be easier to build on that success.” She led him out of the transporter room. “I hope you don’t mind, but I let Missy know that you were on an away mission, so she wouldn’t worry if you didn’t get home on time.”

“No, no, that’s fine,” Marcus said. “I should have told her this morning, but I didn’t want her to worry about me.”

They entered a turbo lift. “Deck 8,” Troi said. “I’m off duty now, but don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything. You did excellent work today, Marcus, professionally and personally. You should be proud.” The door opened and she stepped off the lift. “Good night, Lieutenant.”

“Good night, Counselor.” The doors slid shut and the lift continued on its way to his own deck. Things hadn’t gone perfectly — he was still beating himself up over the Simon incident — but they had gone well. He’d gotten onto the transporter platform without panicking, he’d performed his duties to the best of his ability, and his team had completed their work in the time allotted. Lt. Commander LaForge would compliment them at tomorrow’s briefing. And Missy and I can stay on the ship.

He was smiling as he approached his quarters. The door slid open for him and Missy popped up from the couch. “Dad! Welcome back!” She held up a drawing that said I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT in multicolored letters surrounded by stars and comets and planets. She giggled and threw her arms around him.

“I wasn’t gone any longer than usual,” he said. “You’d think I’d been gone for a month.” He hugged her tightly, giving himself a moment to blink back the tears that were forming in his eyes before he faced her again.

“Well, yeah, but it’s a big deal,” she said. “When I got the message from Counselor Troi I was scared for a second, but then I was so proud of you.” She led him to the table. “I made your favorite for dinner: tamales! They aren’t as good as Grandma’s, of course, but they’re pretty good for replicated.” 

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Marcus said. 

After they had eaten, Missy cleared the table without being prompted and pulled out her padd to start her homework. “Hey, Dad?”

“Yeah?” He was on the couch, his feet propped on an ottoman, eyes closed. It had been a long and exhausting day.

“I think I know who I’m going to do my hero report on.”

“That’s good.” Maybe he would take a nice hot shower before bed, to relax the tight muscles in his neck and shoulders.

“Want to guess who?”

“Um, I don’t know. Captain Picard?”

She snorted. “Like six different kids picked him. No … I’m going to write about you, Dad.”

Marcus sat up. “Me? But I’m no hero.”

Missy put down her padd. “Yes, you are. You went on that away mission even though you were scared to go. That’s pretty heroic to me.” She came to sit next to him. “I know you were thinking about Mom the whole time, but you went anyway. You did the right thing.”

“That’s not the only right thing I’ve done,” Marcus said softly. “I raised you pretty well, didn’t I?”

“You sure did, Lieutenant.” 

[adarkroomandawallflower]

hey there! nice to see another active star trek blog 😃 could you do some relationship with Data hcs if that's okay? what it would be like?

Hello! Welcome to my blog, and thank you so very much for taking the time to pop this request into my inbox! I agree, it's always nice to find other active Trek blogs 😊

Yes, that's absolutely okay!! I think we all know that being in a relationship with Data would be so wonderful because it would be a very happy, healthy, and exciting one, but I think the specifics of the relationship would vary, based on one major factor: whether or not you both were stationed on the Enterprise together. Thus, I split these headcanons up to sort of compare and contrast this factor. As a result, this response got really long...😅

I hope that's okay, and I hope you enjoy!

Being in a relationship with Data if you're not stationed on the Enterprise with him:

Data is very detail-oriented and enjoys following a routine (or at least as much of a routine as he can follow when living on a galaxy class starship that runs into unpredictable problems several times a week), and I think he'd be even more detailed and routine-oriented if you were posted somewhere other than the Enterprise.

Because Data loves the older, more traditional aspects of humanity, I think he would love writing letters/messages. I like to think that every M-class planet has a post office-esque space station next to it, so people can "mail" things to each other (maybe every quarters in a starship has a little mailbox-like transporter where they can receive mail from these stations?). Whenever Data visits a new M-class planet, he would try to pick something up for you, and drop it off at the mail space station nearby.

Despite his love for handwritten letters, I don't think he'd do that very often if you weren't on the Enterprise (he'd definitely include one whenever he sends you a "package", though), but he would send you subspace messages via your PADDs fairly frequently.

He'd try to send you messages almost daily, depending on how busy he is and what nonsense the Enterprise is currently involved in.

The messages would probably be similar to his personal logs, but with a more jovial and romantic touch:

Dearest,

It has been quite a day! An accidental virus was created in Sick Bay this morning, which later became airborne, causing the entire ship to de-evolve into ancestral life-forms. The Captain and I were on an Away Mission during this time, and did not succumb to the virus (the Captain was infected upon on our return, but he did not fully succumb to the infection nor de-evolve). With the Captain's help, I was able to create a remedy for the virus, and all of the crewmembers have since returned to their normal, humanoid forms.

Meanwhile, during all that 'excitement', Spot birthed a healthy litter of kittens! She had five kittens in total: four males and one female. Strangely, one of the kittens elicits thoughts of you in my neural net. I am uncertain why this kitten seems to 'remind' me of you, but I believe that is something which you would find endearing.

Has your day been equally or comparably exciting? How is your current project progressing? Did you receive the 'package' I 'mailed' to you last week? (I shall reserve the extraneous details about said 'package' until our next correspondence, so as not to ruin the surprise, if you have not yet received it.)

I anticipate your response, and look forward to our next 'meeting'!

Your 'Sunshine',

Data

In addition to frequent subspace messages, Data would also schedule weekly video calls with you!

Those calls would be more personal and less clinical, but still professional and sweet.

Spot would also make frequent appearances in your video calls!

You always end your video calls by blowing each other a kiss (sometimes, Spot steals your kisses, and Data will teasingly scold her "Spot, that osculation was not intended to be received by you!")

Data probably has years worth of Shore Leave racked up, which comes in handy for you because he can almost always take his Shore Leave at the same time as you.

You're able to spend nearly all of your scheduled Shore Leaves together (except in the few instances where a last minute emergency happened on the Enterprise, and you weren't able to reschedule your Shore Leave to accommodate this). You usually try to visit a different planet each time, but if the two of you have a favorite or preferred planet, you would also schedule multiple Shore Leaves on that planet.

I think that Data is a very private person, in the sense that he doesn't offer personal information unless he feels it can be used as a helpful anecdote or example, or someone directly asks him about it.

Thus, I think he wouldn't mention you to his friends for a while, but when he does mention you, it would probably be seemingly random, as a somewhat relevant afterthought:

Riker: I don't know how couples stationed on different ships or stations make it work. Our current technology is great and makes it much easier to keep in touch than in previous centuries, but I just can't imagine not waking up next to the one I love every day...

Data: It can be difficult, in that sense, but my partner and I do not see it as a difficulty or challenge. In fact, in some aspects, it is more rewarding, as it makes our physical encounters more 'passionate' and meaningful.

Riker: I guess you're right, Data. It would be more pass---wait, did you say, "my partner"???

Data: Indeed, I did, Commander.

Riker: Data!! You have a partner, and didn't tell us??

Data: *soft, confused look* No one has inquired about my partner thus far, and I did not deem it a relevant aspect of my personal life to discuss, until now.

Riker: *shocked Pikachu*

Of course, once the rest of the crew finds out, they practically beg Data to meet you, which leads you to scheduling your next Shore Leave to be a trip to the Enterprise.

Data is so excited for your visit, but he'd never admit it.

He spends weeks planning everything he wants to show you, what activities he wants to do with you, and updates his quarters a bit to accommodate a second person temporarily living there.

Although he's not quite worried or anxious about the crew meeting you, he is a bit concerned that they might overwhelm you. So, he makes sure that he's the only one in the Transporter Room (aside from whoever is manning the Transporter at that time) to greet you when you beam aboard.

The first thing you see when you materialize on the Transporter Pad is his sweet, gentle smile, and his arms stretched out completely in front of him for a hug, "Welcome aboard, Dearest!"

The rest of your trip is spent doing date-like activities (i.e. holodeck adventures, trips to the Arboretum, painting and/or reading with him and Spot in their quarters, etc.). Overall, it's a very relaxing and sweetly domestic/mundane time, which both of you enjoy greatly.

He gives you a tour of the whole ship, which ends in you meeting his friends for a small celebration in Ten-Forward. The celebration is very chill, and mostly involves them telling you stories about their adventures and funny things Data has done or experienced during his time on the ship.

They also tease Data relentlessly, much to his chagrin. It's all affectionate taunts, like how he could have kept you a secret for so long, how he managed to "snatch you up", whether his romantic subroutine was "effective", etc.

While Geordi proceeds to tell the story of when Data let him "borrow" Spot, you move a hand under the table and take Data's hand softly but firmly into yours. Data blinks and turns his head to look at you in soft surprise, and when you return his gaze briefly, you flash him a warm smile.

Realizing this was likely a sign that you were feeling comfortable in the presence of his friends, and despite the jesting of his friends, you felt an enhanced desire to express romantic affection with him somewhat publicly, he softened his expression and posture, and entwined his fingers with yours as his lips curved upwards into a faint smile.

Troi, who's sitting beside you but angled in such a way that she can see slightly underneath the table, catches this and beams happily.

The evening ends with lots of warm welcomes and words of acceptance into their little Found Family. Everyone already loves you, and Data is so pleased!

After that first trip, whenever Data is unable to schedule a Shore Leave at the same time as you, you schedule yours to be on the Enterprise (much to Data's delight).

Being in a relationship with Data while being stationed on the Enterprise:

As mentioned in the previous set of headcanons, Data is very traditional and old-fashioned (in the best way!), and would enjoy older forms of romantic affection, such as handwritten letters, surprise gifts, etc.

Since you're on the same ship, now he can give you handwritten letters more frequently! They would come in the form of daily/routine notes, such as leaving a little sticky note on the replicator with a silly scientific joke on it, and formal love letters. He'd also leave you a little note on his pillow, if he had to unexpectedly leave during the night/earlier in the morning, and won't be able to join you for breakfast (more on this a little later).

As far as his penmanship goes, I think he would write in perfect, beautiful cursive, and probably use a quill and ink when writing a full letter. When writing official/formal love letters to you, he'd also probably use melted wax and a stamp to seal them (both as an additional security/privacy measure, but also because he's so delightfully extra like that). For his little notes, he'd probably just use a regular pen, but it would still be written in neat cursive.

You return the favor by leaving him little notes written in binary code around your shared quarters or his work areas, which he absolutely adores. He's very pleased to have this sort of inside joke, although he finds it difficult not to discuss it with others (he knows this defeats the purpose of an inside joke, which is why he refrains from doing it, but he wants to share this amusing tidbit with someone else so badly sometimes).

One of the things I think Data would covet in a romantic relationship is spending time together in a very literal/strict sense (especially because he knows that this part of a relationship is always threatened when serving on a starship), but also keeping in mind personal space.

He does this in two ways: First, he'd have scheduled, formal dates with you, probably once or twice a month. These dates would typically include holodeck adventures and trips to the Arboretum. Second, he'd have routine, daily "dates" with you. These would include having meals together, doing your individual work separately but in your shared quarters, and having philosophical/intellectual conversations.

Because Data enjoys traditional romance, he would want to share meals together, even if he decides not to eat himself. He tries to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with you every day. Of course, this is not always possible when stationed on the flagship of the Federation, so he's a bit more lenient about missing breakfast and dinner.

However, he is very strict about lunch. In all your time stationed on the Enterprise together, you can count the number of times Data had to cancel lunch with you on one hand. All those cancelations were due to extreme circumstances (i.e. him being kidnapped for several days).

He (almost) always makes sure that you both take an official lunch break together. It's never anything fancy or formal (usually just the two of you in one of your offices or in a quiet corner in Ten-Forward, chatting about how your days have been so far), but it's very special and important to both of you.

Data also likes to end these little lunch dates with a literal "treat", like a cookie, tart, or whatever other sweet treats you enjoy, that he'll share with you.

He doesn't do this every time because "the element of surprise can make the reward even more pleasurable", but you do somewhat expect it. Regardless, it always brightens your day and makes you smile!

He insists on eating it with you, and always lets you have the last bite.

He'll also try to be extra cute every once in a while by attempting to do the classic Lady and the Tramp spaghetti moment (it doesn't work very well for desserts, but it always makes you laugh because he ends up getting some of the dessert on his face) or by feeding you a bite or two.

Lunch dates always end with a soft little peck, exchanged smiles, and gentle farewells.

You'd be very perceptive of Data's love for routine, so I think your main form of love-language for him is to incorporate a little routine into your romantic affirmations and affections with him.

One of the major ways you'd do this is by sort of scheduling your kisses. I strongly believe that cheek kisses are his favorite/preferred form of physical affection, so you'd always start your days with him by giving him a cheek kiss. You'd likely do this right after your shared breakfast/before the two of you part to start your days.

Once this becomes routine, he'd be a little cheeky (pun completely intended 😈) about it. For example, if you're running late one morning and try to leave without giving him his morning cheek kiss, he'd give you a very pointed look and extend his cheek out towards you, "Are you forgetting something, Dearest?"

If one of you isn't there in the morning due to work, don't think he's letting you get out of his promised daily cheek kiss! He'll make sure to squeeze one in during your lunch break later that day.

I think he'd also enjoy nose kisses, both a little peck to his lovely snoot and bunny kisses/nose nuzzling. I think Data considers sharing deep conversations in private together to be a very intimate activity. So, this would typically trigger his intimacy circuits, if you will, which would make him want to cuddle, bunny kiss/nose nuzzle, etc. These moments are likely when he'd be most physically affectionate with you.

In general, he considers these kinds of kisses to be more intimate and not "appropriate" as PDA, so these would be shared exclusively in your quarters.

Knowing his love for routine, right before you both go to 'sleep' each night, you'll kiss his nose softly (and just like the morning cheek kiss, you can expect him to remind you about it, if you ever forget).

Speaking of PDA, I don't think Data particularly enjoys PDA. Personally, I think he would only want to hold hands (especially on your Arboretum walks/dates), and share an occasional cheek kiss. That being said, if you'd prefer more PDA, then he would consider displaying other forms of affection with you in public (he'd still never do anything he deems to be 'too intimate', though).

Sometimes, when Data is really busy but you aren't, you'll just sit near him and his console while he works, with Spot curled up in your lap. He especially enjoys and appreciates this, although he can't explain why. Something about sensing your proximity and your relaxed vitals is very comforting and soothing for him.

I think Data's main love-language for you is sharing time/moments together. In particular, he enjoys moments where both of you are doing your own, individual work/things in each other's company. Usually, this involves Data softly tapping away at his console while you're on the couch with your PADD.

Spot also enjoys these moments, and will go back and forth between the two of you to get her desired amounts of affection.

However, he sometimes feels a little guilty about those moments because he's concerned that you're bored or that your free time could be better spent elsewhere.

You always reassure him that you're never bored and the activity is equally soothing and enjoyable for you, and that usually brings that cute little smile onto his face.

I think both you and Data would also have a bit of magpie instincts, so another one of your love-languages for each other is exchanging surprise and nuanced gifts with each other.

Data would definitely hand-make gifts for you, but those would be very meaningful and reserved for special occasions (i.e. birthdays or anniversaries). For other occasions, the gifts would be seemingly random, but actually quite personal. For example, on one Away Mission, he found a little rock that was the exact color of your eyes (and I mean exact, his positronic net calculated a 99.9999917% match). He can't explain why, but he had a strong urge to bring it back and give it to you, so he did (after intensive testing to ensure the rock didn't harbor any biological or chemical dangers, and was safe to keep aboard the quarters of a starship).

On your side, this would usually include artwork, either something you made yourself or purchased from other artists. Another common gift you'd give him is flowers/plants. I think Data absolutely adores plants, and almost nothing brings a smile to his face as easily as you surprising him with a lovely flower bouquet during his shift (note: I think Data would consider exchanging gifts in public as a form of PDA that he appreciates)!

Eventually, this leads to Keiko joking that your quarters is the Arboretum 2.0 of the ship because "your plant count comes very close!"

When he presents these kinds of gifts to you in public areas, nearby eavesdroppers would find it a bit odd, but you know what a deep and endearing sentiment it actually is, so you always appreciate it very much!

Whenever he'd get a questionable reading, he'd contact you immediately, make sure you're in a private area, and double check you're okay:

On busy days, especially ones where you don't get to see each other as often, he makes sure to check on you through the use of your Communicators. I think Data would keep tabs on you throughout the day, checking on your physical and mental well-being, this way.

Additionally, if you have a chronic illness, he'd also keep track of that (with your permission and approval). For example, if you wore some sort of device that monitors your condition/relevant vitals, he'd adjust that device so that its readings were shared instantly and constantly with his positronic net, especially in case of an emergency.

"Data to Lieutenant Y/L/N."

"Lieutenant Y/L/N here."

"Are you in a private area?"

"Not at this time."

"Are you able to relocate to a private area momentarily?"

"Yes, one moment."

"Acknowledged."

"Okay, I'm in my office now. Is everything okay?"

"That is the inquiry I have for you. I just received some questionable readings from your health monitor, and wished to 'check in'. Have your slightly elevated vitals been reduced? Are you hydrating properly and frequently? Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes, my elevated vitals have been dealt with, and are currently on the path to returning to normal. Yes, I just had some water about fifteen minutes ago. And yes, I'm feeling okay. Thank you for checking in, Sunshine. Are you doing okay?"

"I am...relieved to hear that you are alright. Please refrain from straining yourself excessively for the remainder of your shift, if possible. Yes, I am fine. Thank you for also 'checking in' on me."

"Will do, and of course. I have to get back to work now, but I'll see you at around 21:00 hours for dinner?"

"Yes, I anticipate that my shift will conclude in time to keep our shared dinner arrangement at 21:00 hours. I will contact you immediately if this changes."

"Sounds good...good luck with the rest of your shift, and I'm fond of you very much."

"Likewise, Dearest. Data out."

A/N: Okay, I think that's finally it...I really hope this response was satisfactory for you, anon! These were really nice and comforting to write 🥰 Thank you again for the request, and please feel free to add on to these ideas and/or send in more requests!

[pureimaginefic]

Character Guide Part III: Classmates & Co-Workers

Name:Toby Ashton

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Assistant to Kellie Mitchell       

Name: David Carver

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Chief of staff at Hilridge General Hospital

Boss of Vicki McAdams

Name: Bob & Marla Greene

Series: Teenage Dream Series

Former boss of Vicki McAdams

Diner owner & cook

Name: Melvin Mooney

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Boss of Bradley Littrell, Neilson Carter, and Adam McLean

Name: Marian Nichols

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Assistant of Vicki McAdams

Name: Anna Quinn

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Assistant to Christina Johnson

Name: Calista Reid

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Assistant to Sasha Miller

Name: Josephine Callaghan

Longtime friend of Lizzie McAdams

Name: Cecily Fields

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Classmate of the Jr. BSB & Natalie

Name: Heather Fox

Series: Teenage Dream Series

Former crush of Brian Littrell

Name: Jared Jenkins

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Teammate of Kyle Richardson

Classmate of the Jr. BSB & Natalie

Name: Lisa Jones

Series: Teenage Dream Series

High school enemy of Vicki McAdams

Name: Dalton Marquette

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Classmate of the Jr. BSB & Natalie

Name: Tara Olsen

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Cheerleader at Hilridge High School

Classmate of the Jr. BSB & Natalie

Name: Amy Parker

Series: Teenage Dream Series

Part of Lisa’s girl posse

Name: Thomas Porter

Former boyfriend of Lizzie McAdams

Best friend of James McAdams

Name: Gavin Porter

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Teammate of Kyle Richardson

Classmate and friend of the Jr. BSB & Natalie

Name: Owen Ross

Series: Jr. BSB Series

Teammate of Kyle Richardson

Classmate of the Jr. BSB & Natalie

Name: Erica Schaeffer

Series: Teenage Dream Series

Part of Lisa’s girl posse

[noratheelk]

Okay, it just occurred to me that other people might be interested in my Star Trek fan fiction master list. And I want to be clear, master list is probably not the right term, it’s a collection of links to ao3 fics in a google document.

I need to tell you my taste in fan fiction so you can see if you’ll enjoy the fics I’ve collected. My taste is mostly femslash because I’m gay and slash fics aren’t usually as interesting to me. I also don’t like and sexual content. So it’s almost all general audience gay fluff, we got Deanna Troi x Beverly Crusher, fem spirk, and classic spirk. We also have some Lower Decks shenanigans and miscellaneous fics. I’ll include the master list as a pdf

[fairydares]

Ill tell you what, next gen fics are HARD! How do you negotiate your genuine belief in your favorite MC's with forcing them to relinquish at least one torch to their kids/the next generation, you know? So far the answers I've come up with are:

1. Acknowledging the ways the MC's were always flawed in the first place, and

2. Upping the stakes in general (number of enemies, scope of the conflict, etc.)

I'm finding it incredibly hard to pull off. Truthfully, I don't really think even works like Korra pulled it off to my tastes so this is probably self-imposed but still.

[marienomad]

The Honorable Pumpkin (Worf Fan fiction)

Summary: At Deanna Troi's art class, Worf faces the challenge of carving an Earth Pumpkin. Can he handle such a task?