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I expect my private tutor sessions with Commander Data to be different from learning in a classroom. I am not wrong. After several weeks, I am growing accustomed to his teaching style. It is vastly different. Intriguing. Exciting.

Could Q have offered me more?

While Data covers some of the same basics as Mrs. Dewberry, he also has a new and interesting activity for me every week. So far, he has been teaching me how to play the violin, act out one of his favorite Sherlock Holmes adventures, and how to paint. Painting is my favorite activity, and I beg him to let me create a new picture each week. I give the pictures away as gifts. My parents now have three; Data has two; and Captain Riker and Mrs. Dewberry each have one. I wonder who I should give the next painting to.

Even as I am settling into my little school and developing a friendship with the android, I still think about Q all the time and wonder how my life would have been if I'd followed his guidance instead. I know Q will return one day. He did not strike me as someone who gives up. He will try to convince me again to go with him to the Continuum.

And that scares me.

And it thrills me. Because I want to see what the Continuum has to offer. Does it contain the challenges I need to be happy?

*****

One day, Data comes to pick me up for our morning session a bit early. I am still eating breakfast, so he sits down beside me and across from Eric. He has never arrived before I am ready, and I am puzzled by this sudden change.

"Why are you here already?" I ask. Suddenly, I fear he has come to tell me he must cancel today's session. Back when we first began, he warned me that an emergency would arise from time to time and take him away from his obligations to me. After all, his first duty is still to his captain and the ship. "There isn't an emergency, is there?"

"There are no anomalies or emergencies otherwise requiring my attention. "

I giggle. I love listening to Data spouting out such long words. I try to pick up the meaning of as many as possible. 'Anomaly' is a word I've heard enough times over the past several weeks. It is anything not considered normal. I suppose I'm an anomaly, but Data seems to enjoy the challenge of stimulating my mind.

"Today, I am free to do as I please until 1100 hours when I must report for bridge duty. I arrived early, so we may discuss your course of study."

"Want some?" Eric asks, holding his spoon out toward Data.

I scowl at the distraction, but Data politely turns toward my brother and smiling, shakes his head. Eric smiles back, revealing partially-chewed food. He is wearing the rest. I am so embarrassed by my brother!

"I don't think Eric will ever require your mentoring," I say.

"Why do you say that?" Data asks.

"Well, Q chose me." I dropped a photon torpedo on that one!

Mother is only meters away and has heard me. "What is that supposed to mean?" she demands.

I lower my head. What exactly did I mean? That I think I'm better, because Q chose me? Or do I think my training is lacking, because I accepted Data as my mentor instead of Q? I don't believe that, but how do I convince them and prevent Data from walking out on our arrangement? If he does, I will certainly deserve it right now.

"I'm waiting for an answer, young lady!"

"I'm sorry," I say feebly, near tears. "It's just that Q chose to make me smart and I don't think he plans to do the same thing with Eric. He only needs me."

"You're jealous," Mommy says, and I know she is sensing this from me. I look at her and then at Eric. I hadn't realized that I feel this way. Why do I find it so easy to sense feelings in others, and befuddle my own? Am I worried that Eric will one day have a place in our little school? I am in trouble again, and I didn't even see it coming. Why am I always the one getting into trouble?

Mommy walks over to us and sits across from Commander Data. "These feelings are normal, Shannara," she says to my surprise. "It's important to remember, though, to *never* act on them. Your brother is too young to understand what is happening here, but you on the other hand, owe an apology to Commander Data, not me." She stands back up and reaches for my brother. "Now I'm going to take Eric and clean him up so you and Data can talk privately.. . .rationally," she warns.

I watch Mommy and Eric disappear into the bathroom before speaking. "Do you still want to be my teacher?" I ask Data, afraid my little tantrum has ruined my credibility. For someone supposedly so smart, I have stupid impulses.

I sense a little fear in Data, too. Has he come to cherish our arrangement as much as I have? Will he overlook my outburst to satisfy his own needs? "I will gladly remain your teacher, Shannara," he replies, "but I do hope there will be no further outbursts."

"I promise." I lower my eyes. "I'm sorry." I am delighted to have a second chance. Yet right now I feel like I have the IQ of a Cardassian vole. What did Q see in me anyway? And why is Data so willing to stand by me? "Data do you really like me?" Slowly, I raise my gaze to meet his eyes.

"Yes. You are a very inquisitive child and that is a characteristic we share."

"Then you forgive me?"

"Of course, I forgive you. That is what friends are supposed to do. I hope you understand that forgiveness and consideration work both ways. We are imperfect beings and we can only learn from the mistakes we make." He pauses to let this message sink in with me. "Now we must broach the subject of how we will proceed with your education. Thus far, I have taught you a wide variety of arts and some basic math and English skills. I feel you are now ready to move on to more advanced math and the sciences."

"Does that mean I can't paint anymore pictures?"

"No, it does not. Everyone needs some leisure activities and we will allot time for play every week. However, if I am to appropriately mentor you, I must challenge you in all academic areas. While I was on duty during the Beta shift, I created a subprogram to organize your future studies. When you successfully complete every assignment I have planned for you, you will be awarded with a tour of engineering."

"Really! But I thought children weren't allowed in engineering."

"Normally, they are not. However, I have spoken with both Captain Riker and Commander La Forge, and they have agreed to make a special exception in your case. It will be a great learning experience for you."

"If it's such a great learning experience, then why aren't other children given a tour?"

"That is a good question. It is counter productive to have a large number of children roaming around engineering. It would also be potentially dangerous."

I silently vow to prove my worthiness to Data.

****

For the next couple of weeks, Data begins teaching me about technologies. I learn how to operate a tricorder and Data lets me use it to test several samples. He tells me I cannot fall behind on English, and so I must write up a paragraph on each item I scan. He teaches me how to use the computer and grants me low-level clearance. He says that the entire ship's computer system operates on multiple levels of clearance, so only those in command can access the top secret files. I wonder if the computer knows anything about Q. Would it allow me to access that information? How would I go about asking the computer to grant me higher clearance?

"We're going to have dinner in Ten-Forward today, kids, " Mommy tells Eric and I one day. We very rarely eat outside of our quarters, but Father is on an important mission on the planet below and I sense how frightened Mommy is for him. "Alexander will be joining us."

"Yay!" I exclaim, clapping my hands.

"Change into something clean, Shannara."

I dash into my room. Even though Alexander has been on the Enterprise for a few months now, I don't see very much of him. Mommy says it's because he is much older and becoming more interested in grown up activities. I am glad, at least, for the chance to venture outside our quarters. I've been stuck here for the past two days and have not had school. Commander Data gave me a couple of items to analyze and write up reports while he's planetside. I wonder what he and Father are doing down there and wish I could join them. It's top secret,.high-level clearance. Only important commanders are allowed to know the details.

So here I am stuck on a starship going nowhere. Maybe Q was right. I am going nowhere without him. For all Data has taught me, I am still confined to this ship. If I were with Q, there would be no secrets. There would be no metal walls holding me prisoner.

But there would also be no Mommy, no Daddy. I think I would even miss Eric.

We arrive in Ten-Forward ahead of Alexander and Mommy ushers the waiter to provide a child seat for Eric. He returns with the seat and a basket full of breads and crackers. After taking our drink orders, the waiter departs again.

As we wait for our drinks, I glance around the room, spotting Tammy with her parents. I wish I were invisible! Sliding down in my chair, I try to avoid detection. But I am too late! I sense Tammy's animal-like fear as she looks in my direction. She probably doesn't realize I am equally afraid. And humiliated.

"I'm hungry!" Eric insists loudly.

"Sit up straight, Shannara," Mommy orders. "You should show proper manners when you are in public."

I almost protest, but when I look at Mommy, I can tell she has not noticed the Reeves. Maybe if I pretend everything is okay, everything will be. Watch what you wish for, I chide myself. I don't want anymore disappearing acts! And I certainly don't want to spend anymore time alone in my room.

My attention is quickly diverted away from Tammy when Alexander enters the room. My eyes widen; my mouth falls open. I love my big brother, true, and I enjoy the time I spend with him. But I don't get goggle-eyed just over a dinner with him. No. I am stunned by the girl on Alexander's arm. Who is she? More importantly, why do I sense mother growing tense over her arrival?

"I don't believe it!" Mother mutters under her breath.

Eric begins to advertise his hunger a little louder. Without looking away from Alexander and his companion, Mommy reaches for a cracker and hands it to Eric.

"We wanted to tell you sooner," Alexander says apologetically as he and the girl approach us.

She is a pretty black Terran girl about the same age as Alexander. Wishing I were as beautiful as her, I try to convince myself that beauty comes from within, not from without. She smiles sweetly, but I sense a nagging doubt within her. She expects to be met with disapproval. I don't understand why she fears I will not like her. Moreover, why am I sensing that Mommy does not like her?

"Sit down," Mommy says as calmly as she can manage.

Alexander and his date comply, with him sitting next to Mommy and the girl next to me. I glance back and forth from them. I feel sorry for Alexander. Yet at the same time, I'm glad to have the attention off me.

"We didn't plan for anything to happen," Alexander further explains. "I wasn't even aware Rosa was still on board the Enterprise until after I returned."

"Do you realize how difficult it is to resume a relationship after a long separation?"

Silence. Long silence. I try to sort out the mixture of emotions surrounding me. . .Mother glaring; Alexander fidgeting; Rosa outwardly calm, yet inside an asteroid storm of emotions. Tammy is staring phasers at me.

"That's exactly why I tried to ignore him at first," Rosa finally says, glancing at my older brother before ducking her eyes back toward the table. She is afraid of Mother. Well, maybe not afraid exactly. I don't understand this emotion I am picking up from her! "We both tried to ignore each other actually, but--"

"I understand how close you were once." Why is Mommy near tears? "What happened back then should have torn us all apart. Worf and I--" She turns toward Alexander. "Your Father and I, thankfully, pulled through the tragedy."

"What tragedy?" I ask softly. Glancing quickly at Tammy, I wonder if this mysterious tragedy could be any worse than what I did to her.

Mommy turns to me and pats my hand. I sense her reluctance to tell me. "Don't be frightened, Shannara. Everything is okay." She looks back toward Alexander and says sternly, "Relationships do not work after long separations."

They don't! Suddenly, I miss Father more than ever before. "Mommy, how long has Daddy been on the planet?"

All heads turn toward me, even Eric's as he tries to offer me one of his crackers. I shake me head at him, but his slobbery cracker makes its way to my lips anyway. I slap at the cracker, sending it sliding across the table. Expecting that I am now in trouble, I utter a sincere, "I'm sorry."

Mommy hardly acknowledges my outburst, unable to tear herself away from Rosa. "I like you as a person, Rosa."

"But?" the girl questions.

"I simply think you're making a mistake. Don't make me spell this out for you."

The waiter approaches us and Mommy waves him away. "I've lost my appetite. You can stay if you want, but I'll replicate something for the kids in my quarters." She quickly snatches up Eric, and expecting me to follow, says, "Come on, Shannara," and hastily walks toward the exit.

I glance back at them, wishing I had the ability to send my apologies telepathically to non- Betazoids. I don't know how I caused this trouble, and don't know how to undo it.

And Tammy continues to stare phasers at me as Mother escorts me out of Ten-Forward.

***

As she replicates our meals, I ask Mommy question after question. Why doesn't she like Rosa? Why is she so angry? Why did Alexander bring Rosa to dinner? Is Rosa Alexander's girlfriend?

But Mommy barely acknowledges that I am speaking to her. She is almost dazed by whatever has passed between her and this Rosa. She wanders aimlessly around our quarters, straightening up every little crease or ruffle as if she is expecting a house inspection from a superior officer.

After we finish our meal, she places the dishes back into the replicator and prepares Eric for bed. I busy myself by drawing on my data padd, deciding I should stay out of Mommy's way while she is so upset. When she steps out of my brother's room, she instructs the computer to dim the lights by fifty percent.

"Are you mad at me, Mommy?"

Finally, she collapses on the sofa, and covering her face in her hands, begins to sob. I sit on the corner cushion right next to her and place my hand gently on her arm. "No, sweetheart, I'm not mad at you." She pauses, and I feel her almost sighing internally. "There was a time when we thought you were going to leave us."

"Why would I leave you? Did you really think I would go anywhere with Q?" *Nowhere* a voice inside my head echos. I feel my throat tightening, and I swallow hard. I don't understand why Mommy won't tell me what has her so frazzled! And what does my almost leaving have to do with Alexander and Rosa?

"No, Shannara." Mommy grasps my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine. "When you were about Eric's age, you became very sick, and if it weren't for a very dear friend of mine--"

"I got better, Mommy. I'm here. I'm fine."

She reaches out and hugs me fiercely. I imagine that she is gripping me tightly out of fear. I wonder about Father, away on his mission. Will he return? When will he return? Relationships can't work after a long separation, Mommy says. What would happen to me if Mommy and Daddy were no longer together?

"I am so grateful for that every day." After a long moment, she pulls away from me. "I think it's about your bedtime."

"But I'm not tired."

"Get into your pajamas and I'll come to say goodnight to you in a minute."

"Can we page Father first?"

Mother offers a resigned sigh. "I tell you what, while you're getting into your pajamas, I'll see if I can't contact your Father."

I smile broadly. If Mommy and Daddy are at least talking to each other, then I can hope. Can't I?

As I hastily change out of my day clothes, I listen intently for the sounds of my parents talking. "How much longer?" I hear Mother asking in a trembling tone. What exactly is Father telling her? That he will be gone for a long time yet? I can't bare the thought of it!

I step back out and sit on Mother's lap, so I can peer closely at Father on the small screen. "Hello Father," I greet him. "We all miss you."

"And I miss you as well," he replies with a frown. "You must be a big girl for your Mother and accept that my duties will sometimes take me away from you."

"Yes, but for how long?"

"I do not know."

I sense that Father is trying to hide his annoyance with my nagging questions. I can't help it if I have to know. We have to remain a family! "Mommy says that I was sick when I was Eric's age and she really doesn't like this girl we met in Ten-Forward today. Is there a connection? Her name is Rosa." Father's nostrils flair and his eyes grow a shade darker. Why did I have to tell him this? "Why are you both mad at this girl?"

"Shannara," Mother says, pulling me away from her chest, "say goodnight to your Father now." Her voice sounds hollow. She is afraid father will answer my question, and she'd rather shield me rom the truth than burden me with it. "You can talk to him again in a day or two. Right now, he and I need to have a serious conversation."

A day or two? Will that stretch into several days of commlink communication? Will I ever hug Father or sit on his lap again?

"Goodnight, Father," I offer reluctantly.

"Pleasant dreams, Shannara," he replies with a nod.

I slip off Mother's lap and as I reach my door to go to bed, I hear her say "I love you, too, Darling."

But relationships cannot survive long separations. . . .

I have to bring Father back home. Waiting until I'm sure Mother is asleep, I slip back into my clothes. Quietly, I sneak past her room and out of our quarters. Data has taught me much about how the ship runs and how it is laid out. So with confidence, I embark on my own mission.

Stepping inside the nearest turbolift, I say, "Computer, take me to the transporter room."

Please specify transporter room one through six.

"Number one, then." As the door opens up to the transporter room, a moment later, I notice an officer standing duty. "Close turbolift door," I say barely above a whisper.

What was I thinking? How can I use the transporter without him seeing me? If only Q were here. . .He'd probably click his fingers and send me instantly down to the planet.

Think, think, Shannara, I command myself.

Please specify current instructions, the computer drones.

"Computer, monitor all transporter rooms. Tell me if any of them are unmanned."

Officer in Transporter Room Five is distracted by Ensign Galligher.

What does Father call that? I ask myself, thinking. . . . Insubordination. I've heard him grumbling about it enough times. I smile. Right now, I call it pure luck.

"Computer take me to Transporter Room Five."

Once inside the transporter room, I ask the computer for the away team's coordinates. I set my own coordinates for a short distance from them. Commander Data should be very proud of me. I have listened to his lessons well. After programming a slight delay, I step onto the transporter pad, and in the next moment, I beam down to the planet.

"My, my resourceful, aren't we?" I turn around to see my professed guardian angel sitting on a large rock and I smile despite the annoyance I feel. Q is wearing a red Starfleet uniform, with four pips on his collar. "Just had to come down to rescue Daddy, did we?"