The Experiment (Data x reader)

Amused

You had never been on the bridge of the Enterprise before. Having gotten close with both Wesley and Deanna, you'd heard stories, but you'd never been called there in your life. The great majority of your time was spent in the education section of the Enterprise, and considering that your quarters were directly attached to your office, you rarely had to venture far. Some days, when you were severely swamped with work, the only travelling you'd have to do was across the hall to your classroom in order to teach a lesson. Therefore, when your communicator came to life as you sat grading in your office, you were sufficiently startled.

"Lieutenant Commander Data to y/n," said the familiar voice.

You had known Data was going to contact you, but you'd thought that he might simply visit you in your office. You wondered if he was going to have you meet him somewhere. Flustered as you were, you couldn't remember the exact protocol for answering communicator messages, since you so rarely received them, and simply replied "Yes, Data?"

"Miss y/l/n, there are only five minutes remaining in my shift, and I desire to demonstrate my gratitude for your willingness to assist me in my experiment. Captain Picard has given me permission to summon you to the bridge so that you may have a chance to observe our various duties and tasks, and so we might travel to my quarters together for our interview afterwards. Would you find it enjoyable to visit the bridge?"

You swallowed, lost for words. Of course, you'd always wanted to see the bridge, and you'd always been curious about what exactly happened in there, but at the same time, you didn't want to mess anything up. It was, however, very kind of Data to offer this opportunity, and 'gratitude' was no doubt a human trait he was attempting to emulate. There was something strangely endearing about it, and you smiled. "I would be honored, Lieutenant Commander. Y/l/n out." You stood, straightening your uniform hastily, and rushed to the turbolift.

You attempted to steady your breathing as the turbolift brought you closer and closer to your destination. On one of his assignments, Wesley had written about his first experience as an ensign on the bridge, and you tried in vain to remember exactly what he'd said about it. Oddly enough, all you could remember was the grade he'd received, an 85%. Although Wesley was one of your favorite students, you had to admit that his forte was solidly in physics and chemistry, not so much in writing.

The turbolift came to a sudden stop, and the doors opened automatically. You stepped out, dazed, into a room full of bright lights and urgent conversations. Instead of announcing your presence, you took a moment to observe.

"Captain," said Worf, in a deep, urgent voice. "Recommend increasing security measures once we reach Jerido."

"Negative," Picard responded sharply. "Mr. Worf, Jerido is a mining colony and poses no threat to our security. You seem to have an affinity for overreacting to these situations."

"Sir," Data interrupted. "There have been occasional bouts of discontent among the miners that have resulted in injuries and deaths. Recommend increasing security."

Picard sighed, straightening up and crossing one leg over the other in a distinctly authoritative manner. "Very well, Mr. Data, I will heed to your advice."

Even from the back, you could tell that Worf was perturbed. You took a few more steps into the room before the disagreement could escalate, waiting for your presence to be acknowledged. Fortunately, Data turned in his chair and noticed you.

"Captain, Miss y/l/n has arrived."

"Ah, yes." Captain Picard stood and strode over to you, giving you a firm handshake. You'd been on a few diplomatic missions with him, but you'd noticed how he would stiffen up whenever he was forced to interact with a child. He was similarly uncomfortable around you, perhaps because he associated you with the children that you taught. Still, he'd always been polite, and you supposed that, ultimately, that was all that mattered.