Metamorphosis - Jean Lorrah [51]
“You told us they appeared to be able to change the laws of nature,” Geordi mentioned, “at least as we 141 know them, Data. Remember, only four centuries ago the best human scientists thought they had absolute mathematical proof that faster-than-light travel would violate the laws of nature. Look how far we’ve come since then.
These Elysian gods might not be any more advanced over us than we are over twentieth-century scientists.”
Dr. Pulaski nodded. “They gave you a brand-new, perfect body, Data, perhaps by cloning, perhaps by some technique we haven’t yet dreamed of.
You have no scars, not even calluses.” She shook her head. “I can’t imagine doing it. We certainly don’t have the technology. We could produce a clone, yes-but to transfer consciousness?
My God, we’re still trying to figure out what consciousness is!”
Through all this, Captain Picard had kept his mind on the main issue: the safety of his ship and crew. “You are satisfied, then, that this is Data?
He could not be held captive somewhere, and his memories duplicated rather than transferred into this body?”
“Captain, I do not think so,” Troi said.
“Memories alone do not make personality-the personality that Data feared losing if Commander Maddox had been allowed to experiment with him. I think it is obvious to all of us that the person we have been talking with here for several hours is indeed our Data.”
“Of course he is,” Geordi said.
“I agree,” Riker added.
“So do I,” Worf seconded.
“That’s what my instincts tell me as well,” Picard added. “Doctor, are there any other tests?”
“We could do a brain scan,” she suggested, “although a negative result would be inconclusive.”
“Try it,” instructed Picard.
So Data was subjected to yet another test-but the captain’s instincts were sound. “Look at this!”
Pulaski said excitedly.
She had the graphs on two screens, side by side: a scan of Data done when they were using him as a model to activate Lore, and the results of the present scan. At first glance they appeared incompatible, but the doctor explained, “The electromagnetic activity of a positronic brain and an organic brain are completely different, but when we remove everything but the line that represents conscious thought patterns-was The wildly different red, yellow, pink, purple, and green lines disappeared from both graphs, leaving only jagged blue lines. Although they were not identical, the similarity was obvious.
“You won’t get perfect correspondence in thought patterns,” Pulaski forestalled the objection, “not even from the same person at different times. No one thinks exactly the same thing in exactly the same way except in a trance or dream state. But the overall pattern, the way this person thinks, is not the way a human does. He is still attempting to access and process information like an android. Captain, I don’t think there can be any further doubt.”
“Well, Mr. Data,” said Picard, “you have been through a shock, and I’m sorry we added to it by doubting you.”
“I understand, sir,” Data said.
“Doctor,” the captain asked, “is he fit for duty?” “He’s in perfect physical health,” she replied. “Data, I want you to report back here in forty-eight hours for another brain scan. We mustn’t miss this 143 opportunity to study the process of your adapting to a human body. And if before then you feel the slightest discomfort, I want you in here on the double.”
“Yes, Doctor,” he replied. “Captain, shall I report for duty?” Troi intervened.