"I..." Avon had to pause a moment to ensure his voice sounded normal; for some reason his throat had tightened. For an instant, he wanted desperately to be able to tell Blake about their plans, to say see - I didn't hate you after all, you fool.. The sense of mingled loss, guilt, and frustration was almost a physical blow.

Then Data caressed his hand, and the feeling mercifully faded. It was both wonderful and a little unnerving how easily Data could make him forget the past. "I think that would be a very good idea," he said.