To Boldly Go

Posted originally on the Ad Astra :: Star Trek Fanfiction Archive at http://www.adastrafanfic.com/works/639.

Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Fandom:

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Relationship:

Data & Guinan

Character:

Data, Guinan

Additional Tags:

Humor

Language:

English

Stats:

Published: 2023-07-08 Words: 316 Chapters: 1/1

To Boldly Go

by baktag (verhalen)

Summary

"I'm here to listen, if you want to talk."

Data nodded. That sounded logical. "I have seen some of the crewmembers attempt... dating."

Data asks Guinan for some advice.

Notes

Also on AO3.

"Penny for your thoughts."

Once Guinan was seated at Data's table, Data decided he needed to correct his friend. "A penny is an archaic form of currency once used in the United States. Earth stopped using currency in the late 22nd century with the New World Economy -"

Guinan waved a hand dismissively. "Yes, Data, I know. It's a figure of speech." She gestured to him. "You're staring out the window at the stars, looking like you have a lot on your mind. I'm here to listen, if you want to talk."

Data nodded. That sounded logical. "I have seen some of the crewmembers attempt... dating. Like my friend Geordi. I find it intriguing. I too would like to pursue companionship. It would be intellectually stimulating."

Guinan's lips quirked with the hint of a smile. "I think that would be good personal growth for you, Data, yes."

"I have analyzed the contents of many works of romantic fiction and cinematic films from the 20th and 21st centuries of Earth where romance is the main theme and I still find myself... baffled. Fiction is quite different from reality and it might be better if I received advice from someone who has extensive experience with relationships. I thought about asking Commander Riker but I am not sure I wish to have liaisons on every planet we visit. That would take up a lot of time and neural processing resources."

Guinan bit back a guffaw. "Well, you're overcomplicating it, Data. Really, there's not much to it. If you find someone you like, you start with paying them a compliment." Guinan leaned back in her chair and grinned. "Why don't you practice on me?"

"Practice?"

"Pretend that you're approaching me for a date. Tell me something nice about myself."

Data considered, and then it came to him. "Your face displays fairly mathematically regular features."

Guinan's mouth opened slightly, then she facepalmed.

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Table of Contents

Preface

To Boldly Go

Afterword